It felt weird, just acting like everything was normal. I actually got semi-clean after waking up at a decent time, shaved, trimmed my hair up a little bit…

White hair be damned; I'd just use the excuse of losing a dare or something like that. Same with the red eyes; color contacts were getting pretty popular among today's youth.

Naturally, I got a lot of stares at work. Both from being gone for over a week and the fact that I looked like a complete and utter circus-grade freak (and that wasn't even with the wings- I had tucked them into my undershirt). I'll have to admit, getting that sort of attention was kinda nice.

Today would be 'one,' keeping track of the countdown. The last day before everything would go to hell. Tomorrow, I had to act. No procrastination. No putting it off. Last chance to save the world- cheesy as it sounded. But… it was unfortunately true.

"Well, someone's in a good mood today…" I got those sort of statements a lot. After so many months- almost a year actually- of my seemingly perpetual gloomy demeanor, I actually looked outwardly happy and content. I mean, I kinda was, but at the same time, it was just a front.

No one, not even Sariel, had any idea of what I was about to do… in less than 24 hours, I'd go through with my plan.

I decided to talk with Val and Elena. Valerie wasn't phased by my 'alternate' appearance, but Elena nearly dropped to the floor out of shock. Last time we actually met in person was before this whole mess even began.

After making small chit-chat, I… dropped a few hints that Sariel was still here.

"A guest?" Valerie seemed… oddly confused, "You never told me anything about a guest… I thought you said you didn't have guests at your house very often."

"Nightmares? Doctor, it isn't about…. You-Know-What, is it? It's gone now, remember? We eradicated it almost a year ago."

Neither had any clue what I was talking about… they didn't forget, did they? Or… was this Sariel's doing? After the way she made Valerie leave so suddenly, I wouldn't be too shocked if she altered their memories to make them 'forget' anything I had told them about this all.

Oh well, it was better this way… I didn't want them or anyone else to be burdened by this nightmare any longer.

I wondered if Naomi's memory was altered any at all. After all, she had also spoken directly to Sariel through a phone call. Did she still remember that? Either way, I doubt she would be too bothered; after all the hells she had seen, this would have to be tame. Of course, she got dragged in when this was still in its early stages. I'm not sure how she would react now…

What was really bothering me was the fact that Sariel hadn't spoken at all today. Maybe she didn't want to when other people were around… Might as well chat with her for a little bit… Just to see what she was up to…

Finally, alone in my office, she spoke.

"What the hell has gotten into you, Markus Vaughn? You spent all day yesterday moping around in bed, then you were the one to continue counting down… All without any pain… Perhaps you're getting used to it?"

I kicked my feet up on my desk, leaning back in my office chair, "Not sure why I didn't feel anything that time around, Sari. Maybe I am getting used to it… I figured I'd kinda cut loose before this whole 'end-of-the-world' plan of yours kicks into action…"

"I'm not even going to ask what's with the god-awful nickname. But… it's something else. I know it is."

"Like I'd tell you," I snorted, leaning my head back. "You're wiser than I am- figure it out yourself."

Sariel sighed, "Despite the millenia I've been in existence, I can't read other people's minds. I can't even read what other people are feeling properly. At least give me a hint?"

"Nope. Sorry. Not how it works," I snickered.

My brow unconsciously furrowed in frustration, "Jackass."

I couldn't help but chuckle a little bit, "Hey now, where'd you learn that kinda language, kiddo?"

"Like I said, when you've been around for thousands of years, you pick up some foul language here and there."

"Oh yeah, by the way, what would today be?" I started to lead her on.

"...I'm not sure what you mean."

"Y'know, aren't you supposed to say the numbers?"

Despite sharing a 'voice' in the moment, we both spoke at the same time….

"One….!"