The Standoff

"Karyn. I know you don't want to do this. I *know* you." "You know the old me. Which I wish I could forget. But I can't and that disgusts me. But, don't worry Jon. You'll be my friend again soon enough." "Not *that* way." Jon wasn't sure how long he could stall her. There were too many other people around. If he tried to dodge again, someone else may get hit instead. He couldn't let that happen. But he also didn't want to become a Goth like Karyn had. Part of him thought that he could talk her down, but that part was small. He had already seen the person she had become and he didn't see any of his old friend left in that new person. It was hopeless. Unless he got that device. Or the stone, which he still assumed that Karyn had. Except, if she *did* have it, why wouldn't they be using it instead of the device. Maybe Karyn *didn't* have it. He was relieved at that idea, but it didn't help the situation any. He still didn't have the stone. "Believe me, Jon. You'll make a great Goth."