Pieces of Time

[his_angel16]

Title: Pieces of Time
Author: his_angel16
Characters: Tao-centric, Joonmyeon, Luhan, Minseok, Yixing, Kris
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Angst
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I own the plot, not the people. Any actual likeness to any given person is purely coincidental.
Summary: Tao is one of the original. From the first twelve heroes that were blessed from an extraterrestrial, he is all that remains. He watched from afar as his friends died from old age, as their lives were taken from them on the battlefield. All he can do now is watch as their descendants help shape the world he lives in today.


From the moment we are born, we start to die. Nothing can stop it from happening, it's the way life goes. Some journeys are long, a few decades down the road, but others, others are mere months, weeks even. For every life that is born, every plant that blooms, every star that shines, they all vanish as if they were never there to begin with. It is only through memories, as fickle as they are, that we remember that something was even there to begin with.
  Time means nothing to him anymore. It's just another thing that he can't overcome. He watched as time sapped the lives of his friends and as others died to give their children a future. He wonders if he could die, if he could grow old some day. Instead of trying, he merely sits within the stone walls he repaired after the palace was burned down. It's not much, but it's home. He used one of the palace's towers that remained and reinforced it. He can look down over his friend's descendant as he waits for judgment day. With the passing of time, the child he watched grew into an old man, has a grandson now.
  Looking out of his window, Tao watched as the young boy ran around in the back yard, giggling as his grandfather chased him. It wasn't before long that elderly man grew tired and the child was left to play by himself. Frowning, he left his window, moving silently down the spiral staircase of his tower. He had all he needed here, so he hadn’t been outside in almost fifty years, but he was leaving now. He cracked his door open slightly just to take a peek, but finding the child running toward the street after his ball, he panicked. Instead of stopping time like he should have, he ran forward. He managed to scoop the child up before he reached the road, his grandfather yelling after them. He watched as a car sped by, hitting the ball and bouncing it farther away.
  The old man hurried forward, cane clutched in his hand as he stumbled to get to the child. Setting the boy down, Tao took a step back. “My dear child, are you okay?” the old man asked, eyes wide.
  “I'm okay, grandpa! This nice man kept me from getting hit!” the child replied. He turned and grinned up at Tao.
  That smile, his mind whispered, long forgotten memories flooding his mind. This child will grow up to look exactly like Suho.
  “I can't thank you enough.” He looked down at his grandson. “Joonmyeon, you can't be running around like that. My body can't keep up with yours.”
  “Okay, grandpa. I won't do it again.” Joonmyeon looked down, obviously upset.
  Tao didn’t know why, but he wanted to help them. Something told him that he needed to. “Sorry if it sounds rude, but may I ask why you walk with a cane?”
  “It's my back, young one. It's not like it used to be. I fear that in a few years, I'll lose all mobility. And what am I to do? Little Joonmyeon will be left to fend for himself.” The old man sighed, looking down at his grandson.
  “His parents aren’t around anymore?” Tao stole a glance at Joonmyeon, finding that the kid was staring at him with wide eyes.
  “I'm afraid not. They passed in a car accident two years ago. Joonmyeon was only three.” Groaning as he tried to stretch, the old man winced as his bones creaked. “Joonmyeon, why don't you head on inside and start lunch, hm?”
  Once the boy was inside, Tao held out his hand. “Would you like help inside, sir?”
  “That would be great, young one. Thank you.” He paused before shaking Tao’s hand first. “Call me grandpa or Hyun Ri. Either is fine.”
  Tao nodded, helping Hyun Ri inside the house. He managed to get him to the living room, helping him sit down on the couch. “How's your back feeling?”
  “Oh, not too bad now that I’m sitting. So, what do you call yourself?” He eyed Tao, looking away quickly before he could be caught.
  “Tao. My name is Tao.” He chewed on his lip before looking back at Hyun Ri. “I grew up in China and I learned a few different ways to relieve tension in the back and shoulders. Would you like to see if it helps?”
  Hyun Ri nodded once. “Sure why not.”
  Tao waited for him to lean forward a little before he began to massage the old man's muscles. He concentrated on using his power a little, just enough to turn back the aging process of Hyun Ri's back. Once he was certain the elder wouldn't notice, he stopped. “How's that?”
  “Feels refreshing.” Hyun Ri looked over as Joonmyeon came back into the room. He placed a tray of little sandwiches and three mugs of tea on the table in front of them. He placed one mug in front of his grandfather before placing the second one in front of Tao.
  “Grandpa, do you think you can tell me a story after lunch?” Joonmyeon asked, picking up one of the sandwiches.
  “Sure, Joonmyeon. Which one would you like to hear?” Hyun Ri sipped at his tea before picking up a sandwich.
  Joonmyeon thought for a moment. “How about the one about the Great Heroes? Ancestor Suho was one of them!”
  “Okay. We'll do that one.” Hyun Ri looked over at Tao. “Would you like to hear it, too?”
  Tao sipped at his tea. “How much of it do you know?” he asked over the rim of his mug.
  “I know quite a bit of it. This very place was built on the same land the palace once stood. Our ancestors were given powers, unique gifts, from a magical being long ago. That same power courses through our veins.”
  Tao nodded, taking another sip of tea. “Did you know that one of them left behind a journal of those events? Or that it still exists?”
  “Yes, but how did you know that? It isn't common knowledge.”
  “History fascinates me. The war from that era especially.” He looked at Joonmyeon, smiling slightly. “Joonmyeon, did you know that if we don't know our history, it's bound to repeat itself?”
  Joonmyeon's eyes lit up. “Really? What if we know our history and it still repeats? Like, the same magical being from a long time ago came back when my grandpa was a teenager! They tried to kill it, but they didn’t have the power of healing or time on their side. Grandpa said that those two powers would have helped them win.”
  Tao frowned, looking at Hyun Ri. “I thought it left? Why did it return?”
  Hyun Ri shrugged. “My parents told me it was due to us all not being together. It wanted to take us out in groups. It knew that once the twelve chosen stood together again, as friends, then it would have no chance in defeating us. It nearly killed my friend, nearly ended that bloodline.”
  “Which power was theirs?” Part of him wanted the answer while the other part wanted to shy away from it, ignore it. One of his friends' descendants was nearly killed. Perhaps it was time for him to come out of hiding. Maybe he should tell these two who he really was. That he, Huang Zitao, was the original hero of time.
  “It was my dearest friend. He controlled the power of frost. His grandson controls it now, but he doesn't know of it.” Hyun Ri coughed then, covering his mouth before looking at Joonmyeon. “Could you get me some water, child?”
  Joonmyeon nodded, picking up his grandfather's mug. He dumped the remainder of the tea into his own mug before tipping the glass upright. Swirling his hand around, he formed a ball of water, letting it fall into the mug before he handed it back to Hyun Ri. “Here, grandpa.”
  Tao watched as Hyun Ri drank the cool water slowly, fascinated by Joonmyeon's ability. “He can already control his power?” He stared at the child, Joonmyeon cautiously blinking back at him.
  Hyun Ri chuckled. “Yes, Joonmyeon can control it already. I was ten before my power even surfaced. His showed up right after his parents passed.”
  “He's been able to use it since he was three?” Tao looked from Joonmyeon to Hyun Ri, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. “I should go.” He stood up, bowing at them before heading for the door.
  “Wait!” Joonmyeon shouted, running after him. He managed to catch up to him on the porch, clinging to Tao’s leg. “You can't leave like this! I promise that we aren’t monsters! I swear! This is the first time we've ever had company and grandpa hasn't been feeling well lately. I think he might die soon.”
  Hearing a sniffle, Tao looked down. Tears were pooling in Joonmyeon's eyes as he stared up at him. Kneeling before the child, Tao ran his fingers through his brown hair. “I know that you aren’t monsters, Joonmyeon.”
  “Then why are you running away from us?” Joonmyeon sniffled again, reaching up to rub at his eyes.
  “I'll come back. I don't know when, but I promise you, I will return.” He tried to stand up, but the boy lunged at him, arms circling around his neck.
  “You can't leave yet. You have to help grandpa!” Joonmyeon pulled back a little, face serious as he spoke. “You're like me, aren’t you? That's why you didn’t run away when you heard the story. Most people think it's stupid, but those who are involved know it's true. You're one of us, right?”
  Looking away, Tao bit his lip. I've been caught by a five year old. What are the odds of that? And not just any five year old. Suho's descendant. He's pretty sharp for being so young.
  “You're right, kid.” Tao sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I'm like you. I control time.”
  Joonmyeon's eyes widened. “Wow! That's cool!” He grinned as he tugged on Tao’s hand. “Can you help grandpa?”
  “I've already turned time back a little for him. He won't need to use a cane to walk anymore.” He couldn't help but smile as this boy. He seemed so light, so carefree. It was contagious.
  “But grandpa needs help with something else. He's really sick, but he won't go to the doctor. He's afraid they would keep him and then I’d be all alone.” Joonmyeon frowned. “But if you can turn time back just a little bit, he might not have to go for a few years.”
  “I'll return tonight. But you can't tell anyone, not even him, that I control time. You have to keep it a secret, Joonmyeon.” Tao could see the question in his eyes, sighing before he continued. “The original hero of time betrayed the others. He's a traitor. I can't-” He felt the words die in his throat. Speaking it aloud, he felt the guilt of all the years wash over him. “I can't have anyone know that I control time. It's not a gift in my case. It's a curse.”
  “Can't you go back in time and stop your ancestor from betraying everyone?”
  “If it were that simple, I’d have done so a long time ago.” Tao ruffled Joonmyeon's hair, smiling slightly. “Go back inside. I'll return after I’m certain you and your grandfather are asleep.” He watched Joonmyeon nod before turning and running back inside. He sighed as he turned and ran away. He slammed his door closed behind him, climbing the stairs to watch out of his window. He could see Joonmyeon entering the yard, looking around as if searching for him.
  I'm sorry, Joonmyeon, he thought, staring down at the defeated look on the kid's face. But we can't be around each other. If you knew that I’m Huang Zitao, you'd hate me. And I don't want my friend's family to hate me. He watched quietly from his window as Joonmyeon gave up on looking for him, turning to play alone as his grandfather rested inside. Near dark, Joonmyeon went back inside, shoulders slumped in defeat.
  Tao waited until a little after midnight before he left his tower. He crept through the night, heading into their house. He immediately found Hyun Ri's bedroom and walked over to him. He held his hands out in front of him, deciding that turning time back ten years would do. If he died then, Joonmyeon would be fifteen and able to look after himself. Watching as a few of Hyun Ri's wrinkles disappeared, Tao lowered his hands.
  “I'm sorry for betraying Suho. I didn’t mean for it to happen,” he whispered, voice soft. He turned around, stopping dead as Joonmyeon stood there. “J-Joonmyeon.”
  “Have you healed grandpa?” he asked. If he had heard Tao’s small confession, he didn’t show any signs of knowing. At Tao’s nod, Joonmyeon nodded once. “Okay. I suppose you want to leave now.” He looked down, sadness overcoming him.
  “I can stay for a few more minutes.” He didn’t want to leave this child alone. He walked forward, holding his hand out to him. He frowned when Joonmyeon merely stared at him. “You don't want me to walk you back to your room?”
  Joonmyeon put both of his arms up. “Carry me.”
  Tao chuckled, scooping the child up into his arms. “You remind me of a very old friend of mine.” He entered Joonmyeon's room on the second floor, finding the door had bee painted blue. The walls were a brighter blue as well as his bedding. “You really like blue this much?”
  “It represents me the best. Blue is for water.” Joonmyeon yawned, snuggling down against Tao. “Will you stay until I fall asleep?”
  “Sure.” Tao sat down on Joonmyeon's bed, rocking him slightly. He wasn't sure how long he had sat there, rocking the kid in his arms, but he knew once the snores filled the room, he was free to go. He carefully placed Joonmyeon down on his bed, pulling the blankets up over him. “You remind me so much of Suho. You are like him in many ways.” He got up to leave, looking back over his shoulder. “Sleep tight, Joonmyeon.” He slipped off his bracelet, setting it down on the desk by the door.
  He disappeared from the house, returning to his tower. He remained locked within the walls for many days, losing count of the sunrises and sunsets. He refused to glance outside until he heard a car pull up. Peering outside, he noticed two boys climb out of the car with an elderly man. He knew at once that they were different, like him. He felt compelled to go to them, to introduce himself. But after all the time that had passed, he couldn't reveal himself to Joonmyeon. He never aged. Looking a little closer, he estimated that ten years had passed. Joonmyeon looked a lot more like Suho than Tao would ever have guessed.
  He remained in the window until the boys went inside, the elderly man staying out front with Hyun Ri. He silently hurried down his stairs, curious about the two new comers. I'll just take a peek and then I'll leave. I won't get close to any of them. For all Joonmyeon knows, I’ve disappeared from this world.
  Slipping into the back window, he followed behind them silently, as if he were nothing more than a shadow. He waited as Joonmyeon showed the two of them their rooms, frowning as he heard their names. Luhan and Minseok. They controlled telepathy and frost. He would have to be careful with the telepathic one around. He shrank back gains the wall, watching as they left one room and headed toward him. Slipping back into the shadows, he waited as they passed. He followed them down to the kitchen, finding them staring at a painting of Hyun Ri when he was younger.
  Deciding everything was fine, he turned to leave, slipping out of the house as quietly as he had entered it. He faded into the shadows, going back up to his window. He watched the building for a few hours, worrying about what was happening within those walls. He didn’t hesitate to leave his tower again, finding that he was drawn to the three of them. He stopped outside one of the windows, finding it was open enough for him to slip inside. They had been practicing in this room. A sculpture of twisted ice remained in the room, everything nearly frozen solid. Hearing voices, he quickly left the room, ducking into another one just before they passed it. He held his breath, hearing that Minseok was going to practice while Luhan napped and Joonmyeon searched the secret chamber in the library.
  Tao knew it was still there, but he didn’t want to admit it. It held records of his betrayal, of his leaving the group with four others. They should have been branded and executed, but Suho wouldn't let them. Suho still had faith in them, that their blood would remain strong as the years passed. Funny since Tao watched him die on the battlefield. He watched as the monster they swore their loyalties to killed him. But it wasn't before Suho's blood continued. His son had been born a few days prior to his death. Thus, it led to Joonmyeon. He crept to the same room the ice had been in, watching through the door as Minseok practiced. He was dazzled by the sparkling ice twisting its way through the air, the way it carved through itself, making a new path.
  Is this boy stronger than his ancestor? He could almost see his friend standing there instead, the power of frost oozing from his skin. He frowned, noticing that Minseok's movements were getting slower. Has he expelled all of his energy? This isn't good. If he's exhausted and still tried to practice, he could die. Tao chewed on his lip, wondering what he should do. He silently raised his hand, waving it before himself. It would turn time forward a little for Minseok, but it had to be done. He stopped once the first tremor went down his spine. Good. I stopped at just the right time.
  Hearing the howl rip itself from Minseok's throat, Tao knew that Luhan and Joonmyeon would arrive to check it out. He turned and fled, leaving them to find their friend and what was happening to him. It would happen now in succession from the eldest to the youngest until every one of the twelve of them had the second part to their ancestors' powers. Outside, he ran straight by his tower, not going inside of it this time. He would leave, let them cope with their new changes as he went to search for the others. He would bring them back. He would bring the traitors to Suho's bloodline and beg for forgiveness. But he was the only one that needed it. The other traitors had long since passed, leaving him the only one left. They had children to carry on their legacies, but he didn’t know where they were scattered. He would search for them even if he had to do it for the rest of his life.
  Once he was certain that no one was around and that he was completely alone, he closed his eyes. It was easy for him, shifting into his other form. Dropping to all fours, he opened his eyes, seeing everything better as the sun became obscured above the trees. He let out one loud howl before dashing off, paws hitting the ground at a rapid pace. Joonmyeon is fifteen now. And he has friends. I'll bring him some more so he won't get lonely. Thinking of him, he pushed himself harder. He didn’t want the poor child to travel through life without someone by his side. So Tao would take it upon himself to track down the other descendants of his once upon a time friends.
  Running like this, he lost all sense of time. He crossed mile after mile, going so far as to cross over the water separating this country from his own. Everything was different now, but it all held little pieces of the past, carefully protected by generations through time. Slowing down, he trotted along the darkened streets, sniffing around. Despite not knowing what the others looked like, he could sniff them out. Blood bound with magic had a scent all on its own. Turning down an alley, he found himself staring at a fifteen year old. His face resembled the Zhang that he grew up with. Stepping a little closer, he noticed that the boy looked around as if knowing he wasn't alone. Tao froze. It wasn't him that the boy sensed, but another. It wasn't a friend either. It seemed hostile without remotely trying.
  The man crept slowly down the street toward them, a flash of silver in his hand. Tao instantly knew that this wasn't going to end well if he didn’t interfere. There goes all possibilities of being discreet. The man crossed onto Zhang's side of the road, silver blade shining in the dim light. He could feel the tension rolling off of the kid in front of him, but it wasn't the right time. Not yet. He had to be a little closer. He crouched down, eyes fixed on the spot right next to the kid. As soon as the other person appeared, he launched himself into the air. He landed between them, turning his large head toward the man with the blade. His eyes widened in fear, the blade clinking to the sidewalk.
  “What the hell is a wolf doing here?” he screeched, taking a step back.
  Tao grinned, baring his teeth. He snarled before throwing his head back to let out a howl. It sent shivers down the man's spine and he fled, nearly wetting himself in the process. Turning to the kid, he found him frozen with fear. He instantly bowed, placing his stomach to the ground to show he wasn't going to harm him. He closed his eyes, changing right before the kid's eyes. If he was scared before, he was probably petrified now. Looking up while staying curled in on himself, Tao flashed him a quick smile.
  “Is your name Zhang perhaps?” he asked. He was relieved when the kid nodded. “So, you are his descendant.”
  “Y-you're a wolf? But you're a human?” Zhang asked, eyes filled with something other than fear. It appeared to be wonder, but Tao wasn't overly sure.
  “Yes. I’m human, but like those who are descendants of the original heroes.” He looked up a little more when the other paled.
  “How do you know me? How, how can you change like that? What do you want from me?” He took a step back, hitting the edge of the wall. He put his hand against it to steady himself.
  “I can explain in a little while. Do you think we can find me some clothes first?” Tao shivered, wondering how the other could go from scared to awestruck to scared again. He waited patiently, staring up at the other as he shivered again. After what seemed like forever, the kid spoke.
  “Follow me.”
  Tao very carefully followed the other, finding that his house was close by. He noticed that he lived alone, but he didn’t question it. He hurriedly pulled on the clothes the other tossed at him, finding that he was skinnier than the kid, but he didn’t complain. “What's your first name?” he asked when they were sitting in the living room.
  “It's Yixing.” The kid looked slightly uncomfortable, but he didn’t voice it.
  “Yixing. Zhang Yixing.” Tao smiled a little, bowing politely. “I'm Huang Zitao, but call me Tao.”
  “Huang Zitao? Isn't that the name of one of those heroes?” He frowned, leaning forward on his table. “Are you named after him?”
  Tao shook his head. “No, I don't have any family. My ancestors died a long time ago. I’m that Huang Zitao. The original hero of time.” He raised his hand, stopping Yixing before he could speak. “Since I have the curse of time, I can't age. I’ve been this way since the war decades ago. And I don't know how to undo it. I can't die unless my heart stops or someone shoots me in the head.”
  “You...can't die? Doesn't that get lonely?” Yixing looked up at him, frown deepening. “Then, what do I call you? If you're older than me, shouldn't I speak formally to you?”
  “You can if you wish. But once you age beyond me, it'll change. Despite my being a few hundred years old, no one ever believes me.” Tao chuckled. “So, Yixing, I have a proposition for you.”
  Yixing stilled, not even blinking for a moment. When he visibly relaxed, he cleared his throat. “What is it?”
  Sensing his nervousness, Tao held up his hands in mock surrender. “They are more like us. Well, more like you. Descendants of my dearly departed friends. They live in Korea. They're around your age, too.”
  “So? What about them?” Yixing tapped on the floor beside his leg, nerves getting the better of him. He didn’t know if he trusted Tao, didn’t know if he wanted to trust him. The man appeared before him as a wolf and then shifted into a human. Why should he believe him?
  “The thing I fought along with your ancestor, Zhang, all those years ago resurfaced. It happened about fifty years ago now. It almost ended the bloodline of the hero of frost. The one that fought it, he said that with the power of time and healing on their side, they might have won.” He motioned to the two of them. “That's where we come in.”
  “I don't think I believe you. How do I know you aren’t some rapist? Or serial killed out for some young kid's blood?” Yixing scooted back a little bit, unease overcoming him again.
  Tao sighed. “Do you honestly think I would have saved you from that man if I were going to kill you? I’d have let him kill you so I wouldn't go to prison! Please, Yixing, for your ancestor, my friend, com back with me to their little haven. The ones that control water, frost, and telepathy are already there. And I’ve put the pieces of time in motion already. If you don't want to come back with me, then fine. But you're going to need my help. I’m the only one that knows how to control the wolf side of our cursed blood.”
  Yixing paled, breathing becoming labored. “You mean, I’m going to turn into that wolf thing, too?”
  Nodding, Tao placed his hand on the table. A sigil appeared on the back of it, flashing blue. “Something the magical creature told us upon bestowing us with these powers was that there's two sides to it. The first, is having an uncanny ability for something. Mine is time, yours is healing. The second, is being able to morph into a wolf. Our senses enhance, we act more on instinct than anything. We become deadly machines.”
  “Does it have to happen?” Yixing gulped, feeling sick to his stomach.
  “Like I said, I’ve already put it into motion. It wasn't supposed to happen for about a week, but I sped up time a little for Minseok. He changed into a wolf before I left the house he's staying in. It'll happen in order of oldest to youngest. And you're fifteen, like Joonmyeon.”
  “Who are Minseok and Joonmyeon?”
  “Kim Minseok, he's cursed with the power of frost. He can conjure ice and even snow. Joonmyeon, well he's...” Tao frowned, uncertain of what he was really. “He's Suho's descendant. He controls water, but it doesn't have to be water that's in front of him. He can make it out of nothing.”
  Yixing eyes him as if he were crazy. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
  Tao sighed. “I suppose not.” He stood up, heading for the door. “Thanks, Yixing, but I have other people to track down. I need to find the powers of fire, flight, and wind.” He faced the door, taking another step toward it.
  “Wait!” Yixing stood up, hand outstretched. He quickly lowered it when Tao turned around. “Why are you looking for certain ones? Why not try to look for all of them?”
  He faced Yixing, expression sad. “Because it was those powers that once turned their backs on their friends. Your ancestor did it with them, but I...” He cleared his throat, trying to fight back the waves of guilt again. “I was a part of it, too. I’m the only one alive that can ask for their forgiveness. So, I figured the first way to d it would be to track down the powers that betrayed them. I know you, personally, didn’t do it. But your ancestor, Zhang, did. And had we been there, fifty years ago, they would have gotten rid of that monster. You wouldn't have to do this now.”
  “So, it's your fault that I’m going to turn into a wolf? It's your fault that I have to live every day with people coming to me for simple cuts and scrapes that only require a damned bandage?” Yixing clenched his hands into fists. “It's your fault for all of this?”
  “Only partially.” Tao waved him off. “Hell, you can put all of the blame on me if you wish. As the only original hero left, I deserve it.” He bowed to Yixing, smiling sadly. “I really wish you would help them end this. They can't do it without you.”
  Before Yixing could respond, Tao slipped out of his house. He hurried along the street, arms folded across his chest as the night wind blew against him. He shivered, wondering if he would be immune to the cold if he had the power of ice instead. Deciding that he would probably still be cold, he ducked into a small convenience store. He shivered, the attendant looking over at him curiously. He turned to face the window, trying to warm himself up a little before going back out. He couldn't help Joonmyeon if he was dead. He blew into his hands, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
  “Excuse me,” the attendant said. She looked to be in her late twenties to early thirties. “Do you not have a coat?”
  Tao shook his head, feeling a little embarrassed. “No, I didn’t think to bring one with me.”
  The woman pursed her lips. “Come with me. You're about the same build as my son. I’m sure he has an extra coat floating around here somewhere.” She ushered him through the little door behind the counter. He looked around, finding that they lived in the back of their store. How strange China had become in his absence. “Here we are.”
  He waited patiently as she shuffled through a closet, finding a coat that would fit him perfectly. She glanced at him, finding his clothes unfitting for him. Waving for him to follow, she led him upstairs. She opened her son's room, going to his dresser.
  “Mom!” her son shouted, pulling his shirt to cover his torso. He had thrown it on his bed, turning to flex into his mirror. Face red with embarrassment, he glared at her. “Can't you knock?”
  She turned to him, hands on her hips. “I will not tolerate any lip from you, Yi Fan.” She ignored him as she went back to rifling through his dresser. Pulling out a pair of jeans and a tank top, she set them aside, finding a pair of boxers, a pair of socks, and a sweatshirt. She balled them up, looking back at Tao. “Come along, dear. You can take a nice hot shower before going back in the cold.”
  Tao nodded, feeling as if she was his mother. Looking at her son, he found him staring. Bowing slightly, he turned to rush after the child's mother. “Ma'am, how old is your son?”
  “He's just turned sixteen. He must think he's superman or something, flexing in his mirror like that. I swear that one of these days he's going to start blowing kisses at himself in it.”
  Tao chuckled. “Oh, I forgot. I haven't introduced myself properly. My name is Tao.”
  “Hello, Tao dear. Call me missus Wu or even mom. I don't mind. I’ve always wanted another child, but after Yi Fan's father passed, I haven't had the heart to date again.” She showed him the door to the bathroom. “Let me know when you finish, dear. I'll get you a nice hot bowl of noodles. And perhaps some vegetables.”
  Tao waited for her to leave before shutting the door behind himself. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, he showered quickly, drying himself off before putting on the clothes she handed him. He looked at himself in the mirror, smiling a little at how well the clothes fit. “They're better than Yixing's, but he was still kind enough to lend me them. I should return them to him.” Leaving the bathroom, he found Yi Fan in the store with his mother, talking about what they should eat. He cleared his throat instead of interrupting them directly.
  “Oh, you're done so soon?” Missus Wu asked, clapping her hands together. “Why don't you and Yi Fan go into the back and have some supper while I close up shop?”
  Yi Fan rolled his eyes, turning to head back down the hallway. He stopped when Tao didn’t follow him. “Are you stupid or something? Come on,” he muttered, turning away.
  Tao ignored him, eyes locked on the two people outside of the window. They were whispering to each other, but that wasn't what caught Tao’s attention. One was the same person from earlier, the one that was going to mug Yixing. But he didn’t have a blade with him this time. He had a pistol. His friend most likely had one, too. There was no way Tao was letting Yi Fan's mother be up here alone.
  “You go ahead, Yi Fan. I think I'll stay and keep your mother company.” Tao fixed his eyes on the two of them more accurately once they entered the store. They both walked up the same aisle, making Tao roll his eyes. Was this their first robbery of something? You never came up together. You split up to keep the attendant's attention split up. If you were both in front of her then she could easily see what you were doing.
  Hearing the gun click, Yi Fan turned back around, eyes wide at seeing the two men in the middle of the aisles, guns cocked and ready to fire. He was frozen in place, but he wasn't sure it was from fear for himself. They had their weapons pointed at his mother.
  “Give us the money, old lady, and you won't get hurt,” the first guy said, grinning. He glanced over at Tao, looking at him strangely. “Hey, do I know you from somewhere?”
  Tao felt Yi Fan and his mother look at him, knowing she wasn't judging him, but Yi Fan certainly was. “Perhaps,” Tao replied, eyes narrowing at them. “But then again, I do manage to take out a lot of scum like you.”
  “Why you little...!” The man pointed the pistol at Tao. “I'll make you eat those words.”
  Smirking, Tao opened his arms, challenging him. “Go ahead and try.”
  “Tao!” Yi Fan's mother scolded him, turning her attention to him.
  That was when the first gun went off. Tao eased her aside, placing his hand on the counter before vaulting himself over it. He landed on the other side, staring up at them. The looks on their faces, it fueled him. They shot at him again, but this time, Tao didn’t really dodge it. He focused his power, the bullet slowing down enough that he caught it in his hand. He grinned at the looks on their faces. They were completely terrified of him.
  “What the hell are you?” the second man asked, eyes wide with fear.
  Tao cocked his head to the side, grin still in place as he dropped the bullet to the floor. It clanked loudly by his feet. “I'm Huang Zitao.” He heard two quiet gasps behind him as he fell into his favorite stance. Over the years, he invested in martial arts. It helped him concentrate his power, but it kept his mind and body in great shape. “And I’m your worst nightmare.” He crouched knowing the stance would remind the one man of the wolf from earlier.
  “Wait a minute.” He stared at Tao, recognition hitting him. “You're that wolf? That...that monster that nearly mauled me?”
  “I didn’t nearly maul you. You were going to attack Zhang Yixing and I couldn't let that happen. So long as that monster lurks in this world, we have to remain alive. And if I have to bend time backward to do so, I will protect them. As the last survivor of the original twelve heroes, it is my duty to make sure they are reunited. Only then can I finally die and know peace.” He let out a howl, the tremors rolling through his body as fur erupted from him. He looked up at them through his enhanced eyes, a low growl rumbling through him. They screamed before turning to run away. Tao let them go, having done his part. He turned to face Yi Fan and his mother, sitting down to show he meant them no harm. Yi Fan looked completely horrified, but his mother, she didn’t seem as scared.
  “So, Tao, you're gifted with the magical blood, too? My father was blessed with it. He always loved flying around, pretending to be in some faraway land. Yi Fan even posses the power of flight. But this wolf thing, it's new to me.” She smiled at Tao, showing that she wasn't afraid of him. When she tried to round the corner, Yi Fan stopped her.
  “Don't, Mom. He might be faking his niceness.” Yi Fan looked at the wolf, approaching him slowly. He knelt down in front of him, staring at him. He felt weird, sitting in front of a wolf that could eat his face off without any real effort. But it was nice, in a weird way. “Are you really harmless?” Tao answered by licking all the way up Yi Fan's throat and face. He barked a laugh as Yi Fan fell back, wiping at his cheek. “Yuck! Don't do that again, mutt!”
  Tao changed back, making sure he kept himself covered up like he had the last time. “I'm not a mutt. And you'll become a wolf, too. One person has to change before you and then it's your turn. After you, Joonmyeon will change and then Yixing.” He frowned before looked at Yi Fan's mother. “May I trouble you for some more clothes?”
  She smiled. “I'll lock up the store. Yi Fan, take him upstairs and get him some more clothes.” She rounded the counter, leaving her back to them so Tao could escape with his pride in tact.
  Upstairs, Yi Fan rummaged through his dresser, finding a new change of clothes for Tao. He tossed them at him, looking away as he dressed. “So, you know exactly who I am?”
  Smoothing the shirt down, Tao shrugged. “It was more of a hunch, really. Hearing your name was what confirmed it for me. My friend, your ancestor, his name was Wu Yi Fan, too. You're named after him.”
  Yi Fan made a face, crossing his arms. “Then call me by my other name. We lived overseas for a while before Dad died. Call me Kris.”
  Tao nodded. “Kris it is then. Oh, I have something to discuss with you. There are others like us, twelve total. In order to finish what began decades ago, all twelve powers need to work together. The being that gave us these powers, they have an enemy. And that's who is trying to kill us off. It happened fifty years ago and almost succeeded. Will you help us?”
  “Of course he will!” Missus Wu exclaimed. He stood in the doorway, smile on her face. She turned to her son. “Yi Fan, this is what your grandpa was trying to tell you when you were younger. In great times of need, these powers arise. And when they do, you have to use them to help your allies, your friends. Tao is one of them.”
  “Mom, we don't even know him. How can we be friends? Or even allies?” Yi Fan frowned.
  “Because he's waited centuries to find all of you, to unite all of you. You should know, sweetheart, that our family is one of traitors. The first Wu Yi Fan turned his back on Kim Suho and the others. You have to make up for it in his place. Only then will our ancestors rest peacefully.” She reached out, patting him on the cheek. “Do this for all of us, dear. Restore the Wu name to its former glory by finishing what was started.”
  Yi Fan whined, closing his eyes. “Why do I have to do it?”
  “Because your grandpa is dead. He can't do it for us. He received his power before I was born. And when you were born, it passed to you.” She offered him a smile. “Go with him, Yi Fan. Show everyone that the Wu family isn't all bad.”
  Tao grinned, seeing the submission in Yi Fan's eyes. He turned to his mother, bowing. “I will make sure no harm comes to your son. I will return him to you unharmed as soon as I can.” The three of them went back to the store, finding someone knocking on the door. Yi Fan's mother went to tell him it was closed, but he spoke before she could.
  “Excuse me, ma'am, but have you seen anyone unfamiliar around here? His name is Tao,” the boy stated, little puffs of steam leaving his mouth.
  Tao stopped in his tracks as Yi Fan's mother ushered him inside and out of the cold. His eyes widened slightly. “Yixing?”
  Yixing looked over, cheeks flushed and wind burned. “Tao!” He smiled, relief evident on his face. “I'm so glad you haven't left yet. I’ve decided to go with you. I want to help them. If what you said was true, then they're going to need a healer on their side.” He frowned, peering over at the boy behind Tao. “Who's he?”
  Tao motioned to Yi Fan, smiling. “Yixing, meet Wu Yi Fan. He's coming with us.”
  Yixing nodded in acknowledgment. “Okay. When do we leave?”
  “You can leave as soon I as pack you something for the road.” Missus Wu locked the door again, pulling the screens down. “You can use the back door.” She led them all to the back of the store, into their living quarters. She had them sit and each drink a mug of tea while she packed each of them a backpack full of food and a thermos. She handed one to each of them, pecking them on their foreheads. “Okay, now, off you go. I expect a letter every now and then telling me how things are!”
  Tao nodded, waving to her as they all left through the back door. Yi Fan groaned as his mother still hollered after them. He silenced her by shutting the door. He pulled on it, making sure it was locked. “Why does she have to be so embarrassing?” he whined, kicking his shoe against the ground.
  “I think she's wonderful,” Yixing commented, smiling slightly. “My mom isn't around anymore. So I don't get home cooked meals or worried conversations on my well-being.” He turned toward Tao. “Where to now? Are we going to Korea?”
  “Yes,” Tao replied. He headed off in the direction of the harbor. “But we aren’t going to see Joonmyeon and the other two yet. We have to find two others before we can join them. It's going to be a challenge because all I know are their last names. One is Park and the other is Oh.” He frowned as they walked. “I wonder if being a wolf would help me find them faster.”
  “Is that how you found me? By sniffing me out?” Yixing was chewing on his lip as he waited for a response.
  “Yeah, I sniffed you out.” Tao looked over at Yi Fan. “So, you want everyone to call you Kris instead of Yi Fan, or does that just apply to me?”
  “That applies to everyone.” Yi Fan kept his eyes downcast. “Had I known I was named after a traitor, I would have changed my name. But using my English name isn't so bad, I guess.”
  “Which power do you have?” Yixing looked at Yi Fan, wonder and curiosity in his eyes.
  “I can fly.” He grinned at the awed expression he gained, laughing at the pout Yixing threw at him.
  “No fair! I can only heal things. I want to fly, too!” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Tao, why can't I fly?”
  Tao laughed. “Because you aren’t Wu Yi Fan's descendant. You're Zhang's descendant. And he healed all of us.”
  “What were they like, our ancestors?”
  Tao fell quiet as he contemplated everything. He stopped, looking over at Yi Fan and Yixing. Smiling, he adjusted the straps of his backpack. “They were really good friends of mine. And as far as the whole traitor thing goes, we didn’t do it to be cruel. We did it because we were promised that everything would end.” His smile turned sour. “We were double-crossed and we couldn't really go back to Suho. He probably wouldn't have believed us anyway.”
  “So, our ancestors were bad people?” Yi Fan asked, voice quiet.
  “No, they weren’t. If anything, I was the worst of the original twelve. I was cocky and arrogant. My power allowed me to stop everything around me so I could attack as I pleased. Losing all of my friends, it humbled me. Turning back time to an era that I wish is something I’m incapable of doing. I lost virtually everything, except this life itself. Living along, in a tower where everything had first taken place, it was my punishment. Time holds no bearing over me.”
  “You can't die?” Yi Fan frowned. He suddenly felt sorry for Tao. He couldn't do anything while he had to watch his friends die. It had to be plaguing him all the time.
  “No, I can't even do that. There are only two ways to kill me. Stop my heart, or stop my brain. And I’ve been too much of a coward to do either. Besides, without all twelve of us, the monster that attacked all those years ago might win. Only after that thing is dead can I finally die.”
  They began walking again, all lost in their own thoughts. They bought their tickets for the ship heading to Korea, each of them boarding before retreating to their rooms. Tao lie awake the majority of the night, unable to close his eyes. Whenever he did, he saw flashes of the past, of his friends dying off one by one. Speaking about it definitely made it worse. He should have kept quiet about it, but Yi Fan and Yixing deserved to know. He was just dozing off when there was a knock on his door. He sighed, sitting up and switching on the light. He told the person to enter, finding both Yixing and Yi Fan there.
  “We can't sleep,” Yixing mumbled, chewing on his nail. “Can we stay in here with you?”
  Nodding, Tao moved over in the large bed. He pat the spot next to him. “Come on and lie down. We should try to rest a little bit.” They didn’t hesitate to enter the room, Yi Fan closing the door behind them. They crawled into Tao’s bed, Yixing in the middle, before covering up.
  “Thanks,” Yi Fan whispered, closing his eyes. He was asleep within minutes, Yixing's soft snores accompanying his a moment later.
  Tao closed his eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. This reminds me of Joonmyeon, ten years ago. I rocked him to sleep. I wonder how he's faring right now. He drifted to sleep thinking of his friend, hoping he was happy with Minseok and Luhan by his side. He wanted him to wait just a little longer. He would bring the powers of wind and fire to him, begging for forgiveness. He wanted to right the wrongs he committed in the past. His only hope was that Joonmyeon had a heart like Suho's.