Keeper and Protector (Joshler) ✔️

39

A visual imagining of Tyler's infiltration mission (I know that the "Jumpsuit" MV was filmed in Iceland but just mix the two locations together in your mind.)

Key correlations:

I - Nico pursuing Tyler = NATN comes to take Tyler into captivity.

II - Nico approaching Tyler, leaving the black marks on his neck, and Tyler following Nico back = Tyler gives himself up.

III - Throwing of the yellow flower petals = "I think they mean hope. We need more of that." Everyone throws petals as a way to send "hope" to Tyler for what he's about to endure.

IV - Tyler running away from Nico = Realizing the enormity of the situation, Tyler panics and runs away, but knocks himself unconscious.

VI - Josh is the last one left watching = Josh watches as Tyler is taken away and is the last person to see his Keeper alive.

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"I wish you'd live like you're made of glass."

● ● ● ● ● ●

"He's waking up."

Two figures, shrouded in the glow of candlelight, crouched over a shaking mess of bones as the owner of them finally came to after hours of unconsciousness.

A groan slipped out of his mouth, eyes scrunched in pain as he stirred around.

"Rhea, cut the ties from his hands."

Eyes opening and then drifting to the girl stooped in front of him, Tyler tried his best to focus as she started slicing away at his bound wrists with a razor blade. After a few minutes, his hands were free, though now a bit bloody.

"I'm sorry," she whispered out. "Shaky hands."

"Not as shaky as mine are." Next to her was a young man, his blue eyes piercing through the dim lighting. "Try not to move around too much, okay? X does a number on you the first couple of times that you get it."

Opening his mouth, Tyler's voice came out almost unrecognizable. "What's... what's X?"

"It's what they use to try and make us forget." Rhea slowly stood to her feet. "You want me to get him some water, Sense? There's still a little bit leftover."

"Please." He gave her a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Rhea."

After she disappeared into the darkness, her footsteps echoing against the walls, Tyler mustered up the little strength he had to look up at the man in front of him. "Did she... did she call you Sense?"

"That's my nickname. It's short for 'Sixth Sense.'" Picking up Tyler's arm, he took a look at his Time Keeper symbol. "Yours is so nice. You can't even see mines anymore," he mumbled as he traced his finger over the mark. "Must've had a really good Protector."

Tyler's mind went to Josh. "He's a beautiful person," he said softly. "I miss him so much already."

Sense's eyes narrowed. "Already? Did you know this was going to happen?"

"I..."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching. Rhea appeared again, kneeling back down next to Tyler before handing him a small container of water. "Drink up," she coaxed him. "It'll make you feel a little better."

After Tyler finished his water, Sense broke the silence. "What's your name, anyway?"

"My name's Tyler," he replied as he struggled to sit up straighter. "Keeper #12011988."