No, seriously, you had me. Since I knew you were contemplating both options, I read and in many cases reread each paragraph as I came to it, trying them on one character and then the other. I also didn't rule out the possibility of a third bizarre option, whatever that may be. (It briefly occurred to me that this might be Javier being used as 'bait', thinking that Adam might want a final hostage or victim, but that didn't hang together for long.)

So even though you might think I'd know what was coming, the sneak preview left me incredibly uncertain and upped the tension. What would have been a mild mystery soon enough explained was instead riveting!

The theatricity of the two glasses is perfect Sylar. My problem partly being that I know Konrad so little as to not be sure what would be normal for him.

Konrad's arc is the opposite of Sylar's. Sylar questing for power, finding it, wanting to be rid of it, learning to accept it and in doing so, finding a partner and making his connection. Konrad never quested for his powers - they found him, he wanted to be rid of them, couldn't accept it and lost himself and everyone whom he had connection with. Well, except for Adam.

I eagerly await the mystery of Adam's survival!