Life's A Blur

Time went fast by me, quite figuratively and literally. Everything and everyone around me all became a blur as I stood there in one place. It is worth noting that this ain't my first time seeing this unfold. In fact, I have been doing this so much, that a special and secret organization called the Watchful Dozen had to intervene the last time. And did I listen? Obviously not. Do I care? Somewhat. But a part of me wanted to go back to the time where I met Carie before Jasper had to swoop up and take her for himself.

Carie has been such a dear friend of mine. So much so, that I fell head over heels for her. Tried as I must, I couldn't tell her my true feelings even if I wanted to.

Jasper, on the other hand, has been my rival after I met such a beautiful individual named Carie Phoenix. He's a charming young fellow, who's the same age as both Carie and I, but don't let his looks fool you. Jasper is cunning to the T. I can't count all the times that Jasper would come in to save the day just to get all the credit. Now, I've tried to not be the jealous type, but with someone like that stealing your dream girl, how would you have felt?

Thus why I used this Rolex of Time to not only reminisce at the time I met Carie, but did something about it as well. I know, I know... I shouldn't be messing up with time. But a slight nudge couldn't hurt, right?

Eventually, time slowed down and the blurs became more solids of the current livings within my time. It was as if nothing had changed.

I stood there momentarily looking at the Rolex, still amazed on what it can do. It's been a full month since I acquired this by one of the Time Mages, and it still astonished me how a Half-Orc like me could hold such a powerful device.

Before I could get my bearings, someone had tackled me from behind, leaving me to catch my step. I turned my head and saw Carie on my left side. She just tackled me with a back hug!? Normally we just give each other normal hugs or one of those sides. So when I found her giving me a back hug, my face was shocked that even she became puzzled.

"What's wrong, Zo-dear? Did I startle you in your deep thoughts?" Carie asked with a grand smile.

Zo-dear? That's definitely a change. Never once has he ever called me that in our past lives but I accepted it and replied to her shortly.

"Yeah, I guess you did. You know how I am. I sometimes can just stand still thinking about stuff."

"I'm sorry about that," she responded. "I know I shouldn't disturb an intelligent cutie like you, but I couldn't resist."

"No need to apologize, my dear. I don't mind it."

"Good, now what was on my mind, if you don't mind me asking?" Carie asked after she let go of me and went in front of me with an intriguing face. In most cases, she won't have time for us, considering she was needed everywhere. Everyone loved her and she always wanted to help her people first, which I always admired.

Before I could even answer, a familiar voice came forth, "Yo Zoash, Carie, how's it hanging you two?"

I turned around and sure enough, it was Jasper, my rival but somehow he looked different. His body was the same as before I turned the dial, but the mannerisms of his have somehow altered. He gives Carie a special handshake while coming to me a completely different one. A handshake that I was clearly not knowing what to do.

"What's wrong, brother?" asked Jasper with a confused expression. "You act as though you don't have any social skills."

I shook my head and quickly replied: "Sorry, I've must have zoned out."

"Typical Zoash, am I, right?" noted Jasper to Carie.

"You bet!" proclaimed Carre while giving me a kiss on the cheek. "Couldn't ask for more!"

"Well, I'll let you two lovebirds be. Are we still up for some skipping rocks later?"

Carie answered for me because I didn't have the words: "Sounds good, Jasp. And yes, we'll be there."

"Excellent. See you two around."

And just like that, Jasper left with just the two of us. Normally, he would stick around, trying to get Carie's attention, but this was a completely different Jasper than who I am used to.

"Come on, Zo-dear, let's go!" Carie says as he pulls my arm.

"Go where?" I asked dumbfoundedly.

"Don't tell me you already forgot!"

I just shrugged cause her guess was as good as mine.

"This is our anniversary when we first met. We are going to go do some couple pottery."

"Couple pottery? That sounds like fun."

"You just say that when I first suggest it, silly! Now, come on, let's get going!"

Carie proceeded to grab my hand and pull me towards where we needed to go. I could die a happy man, knowing that I have the love of my life within my grasp. She and I were always meant to be.

Suddenly, there came a shift in the wind. I looked around as I saw what transpired.

Everything and everyone around us began to fade, slowly at first but very quickly after a second glance. Carie continues to pull, oblivious to see this all happening. I tried getting her attention but no luck. She was in the moment as our world was fading before my very eyes. Soon, the atmosphere became white until it was just us two. I felt her in my grasp but soon she too faded away as though a ghost.

Now, I was left all alone in a white dimension. The same as when I first met the Watchful Dozen. I now realized what I have done. Something I should have listened to in the first place, cause now my world and the love of my life are completely gone.

With so much loss, tears filled up my eyes as I let all of the pain in. I don't remember how long I cried but soon, I was greeted with a voice that was all too familiar: "You lost, pal?"

I looked up and saw the last person I wanted to see, although he too looked different as well. Jasper Founte...