#future self arc

[whispersofalostfuture]

text from Artem:

:do you know where Alvi is?

:oh… I’m so sorry to say but they’re……unavailable at the moment…

:working on it!

[gothamghostwhispers]

Artem tríes to wipe away the blood on their face but all they really manage to do is smear it a bit since their nose was still bleeding. Deciding that was futile they instead move the synthesizer to the center of the cage. They take a deep breath before they begin to play Goodbye to a World by Porter Robinson.

The somber tune builds slowly into a crescendo that is met by operatic vocals from Artem. They think of their children, their boyfriend, a life they might not get to lead. They wonder if this is how their mother felt when she realized she was going to die. They channel all their fear and worry and regret and longing into those melodic tones. Just in case. Just in case they had to say goodbye

“Thank you, I'll say goodbye soon

Though its the end of the world

Don't blame yourself now”

Tears well up in their eyes, they must look a mess but they still look to the camera and smile. They know their kids will watch this if the worst happens.

“And if its true

I will surround you and give life to a world

That's our own”

Artem projects love into the words for their children. Blood tears and love blend. A charge in the air.

“Thank you, I'll say goodbye now

Though its the end of the world

Don't blame yourself

And if its true

I will surround you and give life to a world

That's our own”

As the rhythm dips miles away Benny, Pete, and Brie feel a warmth settle around them. Selene perks up.

As Artem rocks the synth they think about what would happen with the kids. This isn’t a goon related incident…. They wonder if Beau would care for them. If they would still be a family… fuck. They aren’t ready to let go! Love, blood, tears. Even if the worst happens. They aren’t ready to let go. A charge fills the air again.

“Thank you, I'll say goodbye soon

Though its the end of the world, don't blame yourself now”

The rhythm builds again and Artem uses that energy.

“And if its true

I will surround you and give life to a world”

The stain glass shattered, Artem continues to play but the charge in the air is lost.

“Oh” they project as much confusion as they can manage.

[whispersofalostfuture]

“I just don’t understand how the timeline has shifted so far so fast… we danced around each other for ages… Mike never kidnapped me and he certainly wasn’t the reason the kids ended up moving in…”

Artems stares at their younger alternate in the scrying pool.

“What changed?”