Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of An Echo's Call.

This second chapter will be introducing our second protagonist – Rufus! I hope you're all excited to meet him, and that you'll enjoy his colourful personality. He also appears in Borrowed Time Chapter 10, for those who have been reading my other Echo Verse story – please do check it out if you haven't already.

I've thought a lot about inspired characters and I had some wonderful submissions that will definitely appear in the plot. However, I'm aware that there were a few people who may not have had the time to send in a small form. So, starting from now, if you'd like a version of yourself to be included in this story, then please let me know!

The blog is getting there…slowly. I was inputting pictures but Weebly keeps scrambling them for some reason, so bear with me! Hopefully, it'll be ready for the next chapter.

Without further ado, Chapter 2!


Another drink to burn my throat,
my escape from memory lane.
I wish I could forget it all,
but my pain is still the same.


Rufus Rabanne, Twenty-Three, Timekeeper (Rank III)


His morning hadn't been so bad after all.

Aside from the booming headache from his hangover, and the harsh coldness of the water that Blake had dropped onto his face, he was somewhat put together…or so he thought. He half hurried, half stumbled down the streets of the Capitol, taking in the interwoven marble and streaks of silver and gold across the concrete, the great bridge, Snow's Rise, rising above the water in the distance.

He squinted his green eyes from behind his sunglasses, straightening his black leather jacket as he sent a hand running through his blond hair, swept back and styled, the faint 5 o'clock shadow peeking out from his pores like a golden blanket. Aubrey would know about his nightly habits as soon as he made it in, this he knew. Yet, if he was on time, he was well aware that there was little that she could do to complain about it.

His eyes nervously flickered down to his watch.

He quickened his pace.

His stomach churned as he walked briskly along the street, a mixture of sickness and anxiety welling up within his stomach. He hated having to deal with the graduates, or anyone he didn't know all too well, mostly because he always felt like their eyes would judge him. So, instead of presenting himself, he often hid behind a more grandiose and suggestive mask. It was a defence mechanism, he knew that, and yet nobody else had seen through it.

Even Blake, his best friend, hadn't seen through such an obvious disguise, supposedly preoccupied with other things. Perhaps there was a time when he wished that Blake could see that part of him, and yet it was he who chose to step back whenever Blake reached out. It was the way he was built, this need to push others away despite wanting them to stay so close. It was a dilemma he couldn't quite describe but always found himself living in.

Rufus rounded the corner to Keeper's Way and a faint smile crossed his lips as he looked to the building before him.

Keeper's Way was an official-looking building, with tall aged pillars carved into various sculptures and patterns, depictions of ancient Greek and Roman myths, adorned with clocks and sundials, hourglasses and watches. The unknown artist's piece had wowed the Capitol with its unusual combination and had since served as the archway to one of the Capitols many art galleries. Its white marble with golden trimmings made the building a sight to behold, with curved, arched windows and ochre doors with stencilled handles. In the courtyard beyond the black and gold gates, a metallic sundial spiralled and twisted its way into the sunlight, casting the morning shadows across its foyer. The wide double doors had been kept open, various people waiting outside of the building in readiness for the gallery to open.

Keeper's Way was indeed a busy place and served as a front to the real operation that was hidden so carefully behind it. Shortly before arriving at the towering building, Rufus checked his surroundings and casually darted to the right, sliding into a thin, dark alleyway. He moved swiftly, the sounds of his footfalls echoing quietly off of the passage walls. Reaching the end, he quietly unlocked a spiked metal gate, hearing the hinges squeal as he opened it and let himself through.

As he closed the gate behind him and nimbly darted behind the gallery, he could make out the tops of the clocktower that stood above Ridgeway's just down the street. Seiko had a business of her own, a guise like the rest of them, a mask to hide behind instead of the reality of the power she held. Seiko was one of the few people that Rufus respected, simply because of the woman's grit and determination to keep the dimension safe, all through a secret operation that kept the Capitol alive without it knowing.

A small, blue, oblong box awaited him in the shadows of a few tall bushes, flickering slightly with an ethereal light. As Rufus approached, he pulled back his sleeve to reveal a tattoo; three small clocks intertwined, surrounded by small stars. Every Timekeeper had a mark, a rank to demonstrate their abilities and control over time and space. Most Timekeepers in their twenties barely rose above Rank Three, like Rufus, and even the best who rose to Rank Four rarely ascended to ranks higher than that. In fact, Rufus was confident that he could count the number of Timekeepers he knew above Rank Five on one hand. Even the most experienced of Timekeepers were reluctant to grow their powers beyond their own expectations, purely because of the risk.

Time and space were dangerous, and it held no mercy for those who made mistakes.

A slight rumbling sent vibrations through his feet as a large circular platform lit up to his left. This was a customary entrance into Keeper's Way, although there were a couple of other pockets around. A mere few seconds and a breath of cool air brought him down to the first level and sent him walking down a thin corridor and out into the main foyer of Keeper's Way.

A midnight purple trimmed with silvers and golds formed sculptures of every kind that stood as small landmarks across the apex of the academy. Smooth chrome floors mixed with sweet wooden benches topped with cushions greeted him. Various doors formed a hive of passageways leading to every area of the academy. The ceiling itself was a delicately constructed glass weave, fibre optic lights twinkling rapidly like glittering stars, matching the speed of his pace. A sculpture passed him; the legendary watch paired with a star brought a faint smile to Rufus' face as he walked briskly towards the auditorium, where he knew that Aubrey would be waiting very impatiently.

A passageway and the swing of a dark oak door soon brought him face to face with none other than his counterpart for today's tour.

"Rufus Rabanne," Aubrey spoke, her gaze sharp as she looked over him. "Late again."

"Actually, Aubrey, I'm on time," Rufus grinned, waving his watch in her face. "Blake did warn me about the death glares though."

A scowl that matched Blake's warning followed him; oh Blake would surely sue him after that comment since he'd dropped his best friend right in the shit, and with Aubrielle Vaccaro no less. One of the few Rank Four Timekeepers in her twenties, Aubrey was a talented conduit of time and space, and she knew it. It was her passion for Timekeeping mixed with her distaste for laziness that made her more than comfortable with cracking the whip.

"Come on, we need to be ready for the tour," Aubrey pressed. "We're showing some of the Rank One's and Two's around so we can help them understand the next stage of their learning."

After graduation, every Timekeeper worked for Keeper's Way, be it keeping the dimension safe, researching ideals regarding time and space, or helping other students in their studies. While some Timekeepers often undertook jobs to hide their identities, everyone played a part, no matter how large or small.

Rufus had duties that covered all three of the main areas, but today of all days, he was blessed with a hangover and a hot-headed ally who wouldn't hesitate to turn him into dust if she was allowed to do so.

Aubrey led the way out of the auditorium, and back into the corridor, heading towards the main foyer. Rufus stopped for a moment to check his appearance in the glass, smoothing back his blonde hair and straightening his black turtleneck and leather jacket.

"Rufus, come on!" Aubrey hissed from ahead, grabbing his hand and virtually dragging him after her.

He couldn't help but chuckle at her irritation. Aubrey took this whole thing too seriously…then again, so did most Timekeepers. Even his friend, Aleksander, a local doctor with a perchance for clumsiness, took this seriously, and he rarely saw him in Keeper's Way these days.

Aubrey continued to lead the way, albeit forcefully, and eventually, the two of them came to a stop in front of a group of younger students. Some of them looked scared, rooted to the spot with worry; others appeared in awe of the decorative space around them.

Rank Ones.

Rufus remembered when he first discovered his Timekeeping abilities, accidentally freezing time for mere seconds before he was able to find the Timekeeping Association. He refused to speak for almost a full week after his Induction, stuck somewhere between fear and confusion, processing the fact that his life had changed in the way that it had. These fresh faces were only eighteen, so world-wary and inexperienced with something supernatural like controlling time and space. They were new students, undergraduates, ready to learn and understand how their powers could shape their lives and protect their loved ones.

The Rank Twos were visibly more relaxed, and noticeably more excitable, chattering amongst themselves in whispers as Rufus and Aubrey approached. These students were more prepared, knowing their limits and the cost of power, ready to put their skills to use. Rufus knew that the Rank Twos had plenty to learn, but more so in practice than in theory, for the borders of their universe required guarding against what lingered beyond it. They had matured enough to test the waters of the real world, and know the price of sacrifice if it had to be made.

"Graduates, undergraduates," Aubrey spoke, her voice crisp and clear, ringing across the foyer. Her tone held a sense of order to it, and the young Timekeepers fell silent to listen to her. "For anyone new, welcome to Keeper's Way. For anyone who's been here before and graduated, consider this your official induction."

Rufus tried not to roll his eyes; the rehearsed speech had been a nice touch when he'd first witnessed it, but the more it occurred, the more he grew bored of it.

"My name is Aubrey Vaccuro, and today I'm being assisted by Rufus Rabanne. In a few moments, Rufus will take the Rank Ones on a tour, while any Rank Twos will be coming with me. Are there any questions?"

A couple of hands went up; two of which belonged to some red-haired siblings, fresh-faced and youthful. One of them, a girl, held a determination in her brown eyes, her hair falling past her shoulders; while the other twin, a boy, seemed shier, with a fringe swept to one side and bright green eyes. Despite his reserved nature, however, he seemed just as eager to get Aubrey's attention. Aubrey's critical gaze followed Rufus' line of sight and she nodded to the duo.

"You two," she spoke. "Go ahead."

"Hi," the girl spoke, a slight smile on her lips, as if she was pleased to have been chosen. "I'm Evette Azriel, and this is my brother Nico. We were wondering when we get our knives? Y'know, so we can stab the bad guys."

"Evette," Nico muttered. "No stabbing!"

Evette pursed her lips but fell silent.

"If you have any serious questions, there will be a moment at the end," Aubrey spoke, a smile plastered on her face. Rufus knew, however, that she was hating life. "Rufus and I promise to answer any major concerns once the tour is over."

Rufus held in a smirk; he could see the sea of eager faces before him and temporarily forgot his nervousness as some of their faces fell. Aubrey's way with the new kids was certainly unique…

"Right, Rank Two's, follow me," Aubrey commanded. "Rank Ones, follow Rufus."

Rufus swept his arm forwards with a smile, beckoning some of the Rank Ones to follow him as they nervously huddled together.

Here we go again. Another day, another tour.

He supposed it wasn't that bad, but would it kill to have some variety for once?

Silence met his thoughts, his world, his…everything.

Suddenly, he felt oddly out of place - as if there was something he was missing. The quiet was no longer in his head either, but also around him. He turned around, his brows knitted together as he looked behind him.

Everyone was still there, but they were frozen, suspended in time.

He could see the nervous Rank Ones, the feet of the first students stepping out to follow him, each of them unmoving, unknowing. The Rank Twos seemed cheerful, stopped in their tracks, with Aubrey leading them, as confident as ever. Rufus moved up to one of the students and waved his hand in front of their face.

Nothing.

No movement, no reaction. They were like still water on the surface of a pond, not a single ripple moving through them. They were almost statuesque, like porcelain dolls or marble sculptures, mere moments in existence. Their own timeline appeared to have stopped, while his was running on forwards.

"What the-" Rufus began, but his words met a world that was quick to change.

The fountains and sparkling stars above him faded into darkness. His heart began to race beneath his ribs, a fervent beat, a lump of panic and confusion rolled up into one.

Then, what was next?

He couldn't quite remember.


Hello to Rufus and what a personality he has to show for it, even if the poor guy is horribly hungover.

What did you think of Rufus?
What do you think of Keeper's Way and how it was described?
The ending – something strange is afoot! What do you think is going on?

Thank you for the support on the first chapter and thank you for anyone reading this one as well, it's very kind of you all to swing by!

I shall see you all again here soon enough, but I need to go and write some more Borrowed Time. I planned to write some more when I went on a trip of a lifetime to Edinburgh, where I met up with FireflyLlama, Alecxias, and Remus98, however, I was having too much fun to stop. Speaking of these wonderful friendos, please check out their stories if you haven't already! Alec has recently updated Tarot, with Remus and Holly both bringing out new stories, being An Ode and Mask of Shadows respectively. I highly recommend their writing~

I shall see you all again soon, for some more curious happenings.

Over and out!

~Mental