A/n:Once the semester is over I will go back to edit these. I hope you enjoy it!

On the shores of the Bangtan sea lies the town of Malicious.  While they bare no ill will, the country they reside in might as well call themselves hell. Saphira has slowly been baiting for a war with its neighboring countries, more importantly with a little southern island kingdom known as Kael, where the Wu’s rule.

But malicious could give two shots about any of that, because the gods have blessed them. They have blessed one of their children with the power of the gods!

Jongdae the commander of lighting! Or at least that's how grand the people of Malicious make him seem. Really he's not sure if they should praise him he's set more things on fire than he can remember.  “It's a gift! A gift from the gods, you must embrace it!” They would tell him and really he did embrace it, if the scar running down his back said anything.  But as Jongdae looked up at the nearby mountains where the time boy resided he couldn't help but wonder if the other had his own scar. The time boy, Jongdae had heard stories of him, his power is inherited unlike Jongdae’s. He also had absolute control of his power being able to stop time at will. Jongdae had never seen him, but he knew he was there.

“ Pop pop!” Jongdae yelled into his shack he called a home. ” Can I go visit the time boy?” He didn't turn away from the mountain as he asked his question.  His father came out and placed a hand on his head. Jongdae smiled as he looked up at his father.

“I'll speak to the elders about it. “ he said with a smile.

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To say Zitao was nervous was an understatement,  he was down right afraid. It's not like he wasn't curious about what Jongdae could do or who he was, it was the possibility that Jongdae would not like him. He only knew what the monks had told him and they assured him he was nice. But Zitao couldn't push off this fear of his. ‘What if he doesn't like me? What if he thinks I'm weird? I don't want him to hate me?’ played over and over in his head, he just couldn't shake the thoughts. When told his mentor about it all he said was not to worry. “Jongdae is like you?  How could he not like you?”

As the day for Jongdae’s visit approached Zitao took care of his surroundings. He cleaned his room, the entire entry way and guest salon of the temple, and even took extra etiquette lessons to ensure he wasn't rude. It was like a bride meeting her betrothed, except Zitao was freaking out over nothing.

“Jongdae’s here.” his mentor said with a smile and Zitao is pretty sure his heart just exploded.

“I'll be there.” he said eyes blown wide. His mentor giggled and turned to inform their guests. Taking in a couple of deep breathes Zitao tightened his hands on his purple robes. Grabbing the rest of his sarong he wrapped it around his bare shoulder.

“Modest.” he said staring at himself in the mirror.  " Oh god what am I doing?” he ran his hands through his jet black locks and proceeded out the door. Hearing a boisterous laughter he nervously walked towards the doorway of the salon. As he entered he looked at the three people standing around.

“Oh! Zitao you're here.” he heard his mentor say, but that was all background noise to the blinding smile that greeted him from across the room. ‘Dear lord, I believe you have left one of your angels here.’ Zitao thought as he looked at the smiling boy wide eyed.

“ Um hi! I'm Jongdae.” Jongdae said extending his hand for Zitao to shake.

‘ Oh my god he's talking to you! Do something you idiot!’ “I….Zitao. “ he pointed at himself. ‘Oh my god you are such an idiot!’

“Uh! Uh… I mean p - pleased to meet you,” Zitao bowed and shook his hand, trying to hide his embarrassment. ‘Oh god just swallow me up now.’ Zitao thought as he heard Jongdae giggled. He contemplated stopping time and turning it back, but as he looked at Jongdae’s kind smile he decided to let the time stream run.

“Alright. Why don’t we leave these two alone. Come Mr. Kim.” Zitao’s mentor smiled at Jongdae’s father, looking over at Zitao he saw the boy's pleading eyes. ‘Please don’t leave me alone with him!’ His mentor gave him a kind smile before running off with Mr. Kim. “Damn him.”

“What?” Jongdae asked tilting his head a bit.

“Uh nothing! Uh...w..why d-don’t we sit down.” Zitao saw as Jongdae quickly turned and plopped his down on a nearby cushion. He was still standing not knowing what to do with himself, and much to his dismay Jongdae noticed.

“I don’t bite.” he said with a kittenish smile. “I’m nice I swear!” he put his hands up in surrender and Zitao sighed.

“I’m just being dumb.” he sat down with a pout. Jongdae leaned on the table and tilted his head to get a better look a Zitao. He reached out and poked Zita’s bottom lip making him it in his mouth. He laughed at Zitao’s wide eyes, “I know, my beauty usually blinds everyone.” Jongdae said with a eating grin.

“Oh god you're like those people!” Zitao scoffed and made a face of disgust. “Don’t be conceited!”

“I’m not I was just joking!” Jongdae lifted his hands up in innocence and Zitao peered at him not convinced. “Let’s start again,” Jongdae said extending his hand towards Zitao.” I’m Kim Jongdae. I’m 14yrs old and I can sort of control lightning. My mom runs a store and my dad is a fisherman. What about you?” Zitao looked down at Jongdae’s hand and smiled.

“Huang Zitao, I’m 13yrs old and I can control time. I don’t who my parents are, but the monks do take good care of me.” he smiled a sweet smile at Jongdae, then winked at him.” I bet I can kick your .” Jongdae stared at him at the sudden confidence.

“No way.”

“Yes way. Man to man, no powers.” Jongdae smirked, but he didn’t miss the pure glee in Zitao’s eyes when he shook his hand.

“You’re going to view me from your back.” Instantly both boys got up and Zitao led the way to the courtyard.

“We’ll fight here!” he said all cheery eyed as he skipped to the center, his purple robes dancing behind him. Jongdae started to regret his decision. The overwhelming confidence in Zitao’s steps had his bones screaming to run. “You ready?” Zitao asked way too cheerily for Jongdae’s liking. He gulped.

“Uhh….Zitao-”

“READY SET GO!”

In the blink of an eye Jongdae was on his back looking up at smiling Zitao. Surprised by the cheery boy all Jongdae could do was smile back. “Hehehe, I think I like you!”

                                                                 @°□°@

   Their friendship ensued and continued to grow. During the next couple of months Jongdae would show up at the monks temple and Zitao would be ready. He showed him around the temple and the mountain, while Jongdae would tell him stories. Stories Zitao had never heard of with people he never heard of; Old fisherman tales about big whales and sunken gold. From the mountain tops they could see the sea and Jongdae would point out interesting parts of the village.”You should go visit sometime.” Jongdae would tell him with a smile.

“Maybe someday.” Was usually Zitao’s response. He was a bit nervous about what the people in the village would say, but when he told Jongdae that, he laughed at him. “Don’t laugh!”  Zitao whined throwing half a cookie at him.

“ Ha ha ha ha! But it's funny! “Jongdae said his boisterous laughter coming in cheerfully.  They were sitting out in one of the temple's outposts, watching the sunset. They had brought some snacks, and sandwiches, along with tea Zitao had made. It had become routine for them as spring turned to summer, The warmer days allowing them to stay out longer. “ Look if you're that worried then you can just come down to my house. I live a ways off from the town. It'll be good! “ Jongdae smiled brightly and Zitao couldn't help but smile back. “Okay.”

                                                                    @°□°@

On a particularly cloudy day, Zitao was a bright orange sun. Jongdae gave his friend a sleepy smile as he saw him standing outside of his family's shack. Covered in orange robes, with him holding one over his head, Zitao looked a lot more simple than he usually did. “ Where's all your jewels and the gold things you wear? You look so simple. “ Jongdae said rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“ And you look tired, now let me in I think it's going to rain.” Jongdae stepped aside to let Zitao pass and snickered.

“ Did you walk all the way here like that Mr. Mary?”

“ Hey! I'm trying not to get noticed!”

“Yes like no one would recognize you in those bright orange robes. Now c’mon princess we have breakfast to find.” Grabbing Zitao’s hand Jongdae led him to the back of the shack and took out two pans. “ Ever had a fish and egg sandwich? “ Zitao shook his head eyes wide. Jongdae’s kittenish smile blossomed on his face and Zitao could only gulp in horror.”You're in for a treat!”

“ HOW CAN YOU EAT THAT!” Jongdae let out a cackle.

“ What? It's good for you!” he said with smile.

“IT TASTES LIKE DEATH!”

“ You were the one that said no mayo.” Jongdae smiled at his friend's misery. He had convinced Zitao to go into town in between the boy's complaints about the sandwich.  

“Oh my god! I can still taste it in my mouth!!” Jongdae laughed as he saw Zitao stop and attempt to hurl.

“That's not gonna get rid of the taste. C’mon I know something that will.” Walking ahead Jongdae began trudging to the shake stan he knew served the perfect thing to get rid of the fish taste.But what made him pause was the look of awe on Zitao’s face. The port was lively this morning, fisherman were setting up to go out to sea, while others were bringing in their daily catch. In the back cargo ships were being loaded and all about the people were setting up shop for the day. Some of the villagers would look at Zitao curiously but neither would bother him.

“ Jongdae! ”  Jongdae turned to the voice and instantly smiled.

“ POP POP!” Running full speed ahead Jongdae embraced his father. “ You're back!” he said his voice breaking a bit.  Zitao smiled at the image.

“ Hello sir.” he said bowing politely.  

“ Good to see you Zitao,” Jongdae’s father opened up his arms and smiled “a father isn't happy until he is hugged by both of his kids. “ Zitao’s eyes went wide and as he looked at a smiling Jongdae he went over to hug them, happiness bubbling in his chest. As they walked through the village Zitao couldn't help but smile at the warmth in his chest. Whenever he would look at Jongdae he'd see the same bright smile reflected on his friend's face. “ You having fun?” Jongdae said in a sing-song tone. Zitao smiled at him and nodded his head.” Good!”

“Make way! ”  a soldier yelled from down the road. A massive carriage was behind him adorned in gold and silk.”Jongdae, “Jongdae looked up at his dad and the stern features in his face, “take Zitao back to the temple.”

“What?”

“Now!”

Grabbing Zitao’s arms Jongdae ran towards the mountain path . “ What's going on!”

“ I don't know!”

“Jongdae!” Zitao pulled his arm and stopped running.  Both boys turned to look at each other, the same confusion reflected in their eyes.  Thunder cracked above them making Jongdae look up, expecting his element to show itself.

“ We gotta go.” he said backing up the mountain path. Zitao and Jongdae ran up the mountain path attempting to get to the temple. “ Jongdae hold on!” Zitao said out of breath.

“We don't have time Zitao! “

“Time? “ a pulse of power went through Zitao making him stumble in his steps. He put his hands on his knees to get his head together.

“Hey are you ok?” Jongdae said cautiously going towards his friend.

“I-” A crackle was heard and Zitao’s eyes glowed purple. A clock appeared underneath both Zitao and Jongdae, time speeding on it.

“Zitao!” Jongdae grabbed onto the him,”SNAP OUT OF IT!” A wave blasted out sending Jongdae back. Thunder cracked above them and it started to rain. The lightning flashed around them as if it was too scared to get close to Jongdae. ” ZITAO!” The clock spun faster under them until it stopped at twelve, a loud ding rupturing their ears. “Ah!” Both boys screamed as they covered their ears.

All around them time had stopped. The water frozen in the air, lighting that was going to strike right next them paused, only a quiet buzz could be heard.  Zitao was Kneeling on the ground, his head in the dirt as he covered his ears. As Jongdae moved closer to him he saw him shaking and sobbing. “ Zitao,” he pulled him up onto his lap and felt tears soak his pants. “ Zitao….we have to move.” Zitao looked up at him with wide teary eyes.

“ What are we running from?”

“Zitao-”

“WHAT ARE WE RUNNING FROM?!” Jongdae stared at him wide eyed. “Did you not see what I just Did!? What are we running from!? OURSELVES!?”

“Stop yelling! Whoever the hell my dad saw is who were running from!”

“But don't you see! LOOK AROUND YOU!  I LOST CONTROL!”

“ And?! Zitao you don't have to be perfect all the time!”

“ But I never lose control!” Fresh tears formed in Zitao’s eyes, “I never lose control. Ever since I learned how to use this power, never have I lost control. “ He hugged himself and let out quiet sobs. “ I've….ne-never lost….. c-control.” he kept whispering to himself like a quiet mantra. Jongdae turned his gaze from the broken boy, his heart clenching at the sight.  Crawling up towards him Jongdae embraced the broken boy “It's gonna be ok…” he really didn't know if he was telling himself that or Zitao. Zitao hugged Jongdae back unleashing a waterfall of tears on the boy's back. Jongdae didn't know what to do! How much of time did Zitao stop? " It's getting dark. …”he heard Zitao say. Looking around Jongdae did notice that indeed the light was fading.  They should still be able to see the village down below, but the longer they stayed the more dim the world became.

“ What's going on?” Jongdae whispered worry shaking his voice.

" Tao had lost control and now the world is turning dark. ” Jongdae looked up towards where the voice was coming from, eye blown wide. ‘No! No one should be able to move!”

“ Surprised Chen?”  A woman dressed in blue walked up to the two boys. Jongdae could feel Zitao freeze in his arms, he was scared too. “W - who's Chen?” Jongdae asked moving to hide Zitao behind him. A light airy chuckle flowed out of the woman and Jongdae got a good look at her. Her jet black hair blended into the teeming darkness, a stark contrast to her pale skin. She was beautiful, but something in her eyes screamed death and despair. She kept smiling at the two, “Tao, do not worry...Mama is here. I can help you gain control again.”

“ You're going to stay away from him!” Jongdae blocked her view, wrapping his arms even tighter around Zitao. Squinting his eyes he stood up infront of Zitao. “You are not his mother! You are not going to touch him! I don’t know who you are that you think you can just come here, when all time should be stopped! WHO ARE YOU!” Jongdae breathed heavy eyes unwavering on the woman. Her cold, unamused eyes peered down at him,” I thought you were going to be easy.”  Lifting her hand Jongdae saw the sparks that were charging.

“Away with you!”

“NO!” Zitao quickly jumped in front of Jongdae taking the hit. Jongdae watched as his body thrashed at the electricity running through him, jolts of it springing out of his body.

“LOOK AT WHAT YOU MADE ME DO!” The woman screamed and the clock underneath Zitao and Jongdae started to tick again.

“Zitao!” Jongdae tried to put his hands on him only to get shocked himself. Pulling at the strings of electricity Jongdae kept getting shocked as he grabbed on the power.

“ Let him be! STOP TOUCHING HIM!”Ignoring her words Jongdae kept at it. He was saving her friend for goodness sake! His fingers started to go numb at the constant electrical contact, ‘No, not yet!’ the numbness spread to his wrists making it harder for him to get at the strings of power. Zitao started to convulse more” No NO! ZITAO!” A flash of pale blue and the ground erupted as a lightning bolt hit Jongdae! Scars etching themselves across his skin like electrical waves. Threading it through his body he pointed two fingers at the intrusion. “YOU!” he growled redirecting the bolt of lightning at the woman, but the shot backfired and ran back through him.

“AHHH!!!!!”

                                                                    @°□°@

“Jongdae.”

“Jongdae!”

“JONGDAE!”

Jongdae’s eyes shot open only to close again. “T-too bright…”

“We’re almost there.”

“Huh!?” Jongdae sat up immediately,”Ahh….my head…”

“Sit back. You got hit really bad.” Jongdae opened an eye and quickly scanned over Zitao.

“You’re fine?”

“Yeah,” Zitao smiled at him “Why wouldn’t I be?” Tears welled up in Jongdae’s eyes as he pulled Zitao close.

“I-I thought y-you were goin-g  to die…” Zitao hugged Jongdae close.

“Mama made sure I was ok. We’re going home with her. We’ll be safe there.”

“Who?”The carriage they were in stopped. The door of the carriage opened, prompting both boys to get out. Jongdae came face to face with the entrance to a mass castle. “What is this place.”

“Your new home.” An icy voice spoke, making Jongdae freeze instantly. ‘Her!’

“Hello Chen,” Mama smiled deviously “Welcome home.”