SPM: Generations

33) Countdown to Midnight

"What about DJ's dad, Mr.L? I'm PRETTY SURE he's plotting something," Onyx pointed out.

Timpani hummed in thought to think up a solution, removing her hands from my shoulders as she did. However, she didn't make it very far when her train of thought was interrupted. I turned around to see the doors to the town hall building open, revealing Kade, Luisa, Luigi, Merlon, and Nolrem all walking out.

The two mayors seemed rather reluctant to be there and also a little panicky, now that I got to look them over. To be honest, after learning about what my parents - mostly my father though - did, I didn't blame them much! I don't want them to summon that stupid Heart-thingy if it meant that HORRIBLE abomination came back! I don't even know why Count Bleck wants that thing!!!

Anyway, getting back on track, Luigi and Luisa at least seemed cheerful, so they helped brighten up the overall mood. Kade just looked like a sweaty awkward mess, so I was fighting back the natural teenager reaction to snicker right now. However, no one seemed to be happier than Timpani. She lit up almost as soon as they stepped outside.

"Merlon, hi! Oh my Grambi, it's nice to see you again!" Timpani exclaimed.

I watched her run up to the old mayor in the blue cloak and wrap him in a hug so tight I thought she would pop him! He hugged her back with a smile and a small laugh.

"It is good to see you again as well, Timpani," Merlon told her.

They let go of each other and Merlon gently took her hands, bowing his head with a somber expression.

"My cousin and I were already worried when your son was declared missing, but both towns went into a panic when they saw him!" Merlon stated.

"We were relieved when Luigi explained to us that this evil Count is not one and the same as your husband," Nolrem added.

Timpani sighed in response, averting her gaze to the floor as a frown managed to cover up her smile.

"I wish that was completely true, but I'm afraid he's still as much of Blumiere as Blumiere is of him," Timpani replied. "Separate bodies or not..."

I hummed to myself, my thoughts unintentionally wandering back to when I had caught Timpani red - or I guess maybe blue - handed with the Count.

"For better or for worse..." I mumbled under my breath.

Everyone looked my way and I flushed in embarrassment, realizing I said that out loud.

"U-uhhh, I was just remembering a... cool quote from a book I read," I sheepishly lied.

Punctuating this with an awkward smile, the adults didn't seem to believe me but my friends all more or less shrugged.

"That checks out." Origana shrugged.

"I'm sure I've read that somewhere before," Mavric replied with a thoughtful nod, although it was a tad obvious he was lying.

I laughed it off and the adults thankfully averted their attention back to the others, allowing me to take a breath. Luigi stepped up, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Well, we've come up with a bit of a plan, so hopefully this works out, heh," Luigi nervously started, fidgeting with his hands. "Merlon and Nolrem are going to take Kade, Luisa, and myself up onto the tower to perform the ceremony. I'm gonna be there to make sure nothing goes wrong and no one gets hurt."

Luigi paused his explanation when he realized that someone was snickering. Looking around, I saw that Addy was fighting back a case of the giggles now.

"S-sorry! Sorry. Yeah, I just find it a bit ironic because my mom said that you literally tried to jump on the Chaos Heart..." Addy trailed off with a wheeze.