The Timekeeper’s Dilemma

In a dizzying whirl of movement, Kai darts through the intricate clockwork of the TimeKeeper’s Clock Tower, pursued relentlessly by the steady ticking of the pendulum concealed somewhere in the shadows. Lurking in the darkness, the sinister figure of Xernon, the eternal foe set on halting time's relentless march, was steadily closing in. As Kai pauses for a breath, his chest heaving from the ceaseless chase, a wave of despair washes over him, leaving him momentarily paralyzed by the seemingly hopeless situation.

As the echoes of the clock tower's ticking fill Kai's mind, a vision of its face appears unbidden. It was a constant reminder of time's relentless march forward and the immense weight of the responsibility that now rested upon his shoulders as the chosen Timekeeper. Not only did he possess the power to control time, but it was his very role that had inadvertently unleashed the ancient enemy of time, Xernon. Kai found himself on the precipice of a struggle that would span the ages and test the boundaries of his newfound abilities. With his selection as the Timekeeper, Kai was marked with the symbol of his duty - an intricate hourglass tattoo on his arm. At the moment the mark appeared, the knowledge and wisdom of generations of Timekeepers flooded his mind as if he had inherited a lifetime of experience and understanding in an instant. His selection was based on his strong connection to the flow of time, the strength of his bloodline, and his unwavering dedication to his morals.

As Kai's thoughts race through his mind, desperately trying to come up with a plan, Xernon's footsteps echo closer in the darkness. Kai knows he has to act quickly. With a flick of his wrist touching the hourglass tattoo on his arm, time suddenly slows around him, creating a distorted and hazy vision of the room.

"I won't let you stop me," Kai mutters to the darkness, his voice deep and determined. "I won't let Time end or you win."

A sinister chuckle echoes through the dimly lit area, sending chills down Kai's spine. A darkened figure steps out from the shadows, unaffected by the time distortion around him. "You cannot escape me, TimeKeeper," he sneers, his voice cold and calculated. “You will give me what I need, one way or another.”

Kai locks eyes with Xernon, the darkened shadow seeming to grow taller as he approaches the gearwork of the Clock Tower. With a firm shake of his head, Kai looks at Xernon one more time before pressing two fingers onto the hourglass tattoo on his arm. With a counterclockwise motion, he activates the time travel ability, time around Kai begins to spin backward, and the scene around him blurs and warps as he's transported back through time, escaping the looming presence of Xernon for this moment in time.

Instantly, Kai finds himself enveloped in a cacophony of hums and sounds representing different eras of time. Transported back and to a safe moment in time, for now, Kai looks around and recognizes the Clock Tower. The air is different, unfamiliar, as the Timekeeper lands in a different moment in history, having escaped their ancient enemy, if only for a moment.

Kai unsure of when or where he is, ventures outside the Clock Tower to discover that he has arrived in the city of Florence during the height of the Renaissance. The information coming to his mind from the knowledge of all TimeKeepers before him. He is specifically in the 15th century of Italy. He stands in the heart of the city, surrounded by the stunning architecture and the vibrant culture of the period. He stands witness to a grand festival filled with music, dance, and celebration. Artists and philosophers gather to discuss their latest ideas, and the air is filled with a sense of intellectual and artistic excitement.

Kai takes in the sights and sounds of the Renaissance festival around him, feeling a sense of relaxation mixed with sadness. As a Timekeeper, he is aware of his responsibility to observe and watch over the timeline without interfering. He longs to interact with the citizens of this era, but he knows that any action on his part could change history and jeopardize his role. With a heavy heart, he stands as a ghost, unable to participate in the celebration around him, yet still appreciating the beauty of the moment.

As Kai makes his way through the festival, he recognizes numerous scholarly figures, both familiar and unknown to him. His knowledge as the Timekeeper grants him an intimate understanding of the significance of this moment in history. Suddenly, a shiver runs down his spine, and he turns to see a fellow Timekeeper staring in his direction from a distance. Their gaze is intense and focused, creating a sense of unease in Kai.

Sensing the need to return to the safety of the Clock Tower, Kai turns to leave the festivities, only to find Xernon at the entrance, his colossal shadow enveloping the doors. As he cranes his neck, Xernon's face is almost giraffe-like in its height, scanning the celebration with a sinister gaze. Kai is trapped, caught between the menacing presence of his enemy and the lively celebration of the Renaissance.

Just as Kai is preparing to make a move, Xernon's eyes fall on him, and the towering figure advances quickly, his shadow slicing through the crowd and objects without leaving a trace. Kai makes a quick decision to run, darting through the celebrating people and items in an attempt to outmaneuver Xernon. The chase is on, and Kai's only focus is to reach the sanctuary of the Clock Tower. 

As Kai sprints away from Xernon, the ancient enemy's voice booms through the air, filled with a mix of determination and fear.

“You cannot prevent the inevitable, Timekeeper,” Xernon hisses. “Time is a destructive force, an unstoppable entity that will consume everything in its path. Your efforts to preserve it only prolong the suffering. The world will soon be engulfed in darkness, just as it was meant to be.”

Kai manages to slip past Xernon, reaching the entrance of the Clock Tower. As he turns to face his enemy, he responds with a firm voice.

“You're mistaken, Xernon,” Kai states, his eyes fixed on the menacing figure. “Time isn't a destructive force or a malevolent entity. It just is. And I will do everything in my power to protect it from your attempts to control and manipulate it. Your cause is futile, Xernon. I was warned about you by the previous Timekeeper, and I promise you, you will never succeed.”

Kai's words ignite a surge of anger in Xernon, who hisses in fury and advances toward the Clock Tower. Kai, quick to act, slams the doors shut with a loud thud, then moves his fingers together in a clockwise motion, activating his time-travel ability once more. The surroundings start to blur and warp around him as he vanishes with the Clock Tower, leaving the present moment in time behind. Xernon is left growling in frustration as Kai escapes into another point in history.

Kai steps out of the Clock Tower, expecting a new pleasant moment in time. Instead, he finds himself in a grim scene—a battlefield ravaged by warfare, bodies sprawled on the ground, and buildings reduced to rubble. The air is thick with the stench of decay and sorrow, as the sounds of soldiers in the distance fight to the death.

Instantly, Kai's knowledge as a Timekeeper identifies the current setting—the city of Stalingrad (now known as Volgograd) in Russia, during the midst of the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. The air is thick with tension and despair as gunfire echoes in the distance. Kai realizes that he has arrived at a pivotal and tragic moment in history.

Kai stands on the threshold of the Clock Tower, his heart heavy with the knowledge of the lives being lost and torn apart in this horrific battle. Tears begin to stream down his face as he hears the cries of pain from the soldiers in the distance. The sounds of bombs dropping and artillery fire fill the air, and Kai can't help but feel a profound sadness for the suffering that surrounds him.

As Kai stands there, tears streaming down his face, a chilling whisper brushes against his ears, "Time is but a shadow, a poison that seeps into every aspect of life, slowly eroding it until there's nothing left but decay and death. Just like this moment in time, suffering that could have been avoided, dear Timekeeper." Kai shivers as he recognizes the voice.

Kai whirls around to find Xernon standing behind him, a sinister smirk on his face. Kai tries to distance himself, but strong shadow hands, the size of a gorilla’s palms, reach out and grab him, holding him firmly in place on the threshold of the Clock Tower. 

Xernon sneers triumphantly, "You see, Timekeeper? Time's decay is inevitable. Look around you."

As Kai struggles against the shadows' grip, he takes in the surroundings. The destruction around them serves as a stark reminder of the devastation that can come from Xernon's dark perspective on time's nature.

Kai defiantly shakes his head, trying to break free from Xernon's grasp by struggling in the shadows' hold. Just as he reaches for the timekeeper tattoo on his arm, he pauses, realizing that shifting through time will not break the enemy's grip. He feels a pang of helplessness as he considers his next move.

Xernon materializes another pair of hands, forcing Kai to face forward on the destruction of the city. His voice takes on a somber tone, reflecting his understanding of time's impact on suffering. "Look before you. Witness the carnage of war, the exterior conflict of Time. If you look within, at the war that rages inside of us all. We are all bound by the passage of time, bound to suffer in an endless void." He shakes off the contemplative mood with a harsh glare and a growl.

Kai's gaze takes in the ruined buildings and the lifeless bodies scattered across the ground, the sight of the blood making him nauseous. But as he looks at the devastation, he starts to understand Xernon's point about the war and the suffering that comes with Time. Kai's own experiences with pain and loss are fresh in his mind, and he finds himself reluctantly finding a glimmer of common ground with his enemy.

Kai feels his body become more relaxed in Xernon's grip as the additional shadow hands evaporate. Sensing a moment of opportunity, Kai swiftly maneuvers himself, skillfully slipping out of Xernon's hold. Caught off guard by Kai's clever tactic and filled with anger at his escape, Xernon is momentarily stunned, giving Kai a chance to gain distance from his clutches.

Kai turns and runs into the Clock Tower, shouting over his shoulder at Xernon, "What we do with our time can be destructive, but it can also be worthwhile." Before Xernon can react, Kai touches his hourglass tattoo and makes another clockwise turn motion, readying himself for the jump to a future moment in time.

Kai having successfully traveled through time, steps out of the Clock Tower, enveloped in the familiar hum and tone of his era. As he looks around, he feels a jolt of surprise when he recognizes the building in front of him. Shock washes over him as he stands before the hospital that has inflicted so much suffering upon him.

Memories flood Kai's mind in a frenzied whirlwind, like a movie projector replaying scenes of his mother's slow decline as she battled cancer. Helpless and despairing, he had no choice but to watch and wait. Kai shakes his head vehemently, willing the memories away, but the small tug in his heart persists. With a clenched fist, he races into the hospital, hoping against hope that he is not too late.

Kai stands in the doorway of the familiar room, where his mother lies in the hospital bed, surrounded by tubes and wires. He observes silently, his form unnoticed by the nurses and other people who pass by. As his mother's head weakly turns toward the door, Kai can't bring himself to look at her. He turns his face away, the pain of seeing her suffering too much to bear.

His mother's weak voice softly calls out, "Kai...K..aa..iii." Kai spins around and rushes to her bedside, determined not to let her be alone. His hand instinctively reaches out to touch hers, but it passes through. Realizing what he needs to do, he focuses intensely, willing his body to become heavy and substantial. Slowly, his fingers wrap around hers, and he finally holds her hand, providing the physical comfort she desperately needs.

Her face manages a weak smile, recognizing Kai's presence. "My...boy...", she whispers. Kai chokes back tears, his heart aching as he responds, "I'm here, Ma. I'm here. You're not alone... I love you so much." Her hand, growing weaker with each passing moment, feebly clinches his as they cling to each other's presence.

Her eyes glaze over as tears form, and she whispers, "Kai". Suddenly, the monitors begin to blare, signaling her heart slowing and her breathing stops. Terrified, Kai reaches for his mother, but quickly realizes the nursing staff will be entering to assist. With a flash, he dematerializes himself, becoming translucent just as the staff rushes in. Despite their best efforts, they pronounce her dead within minutes of their attempts to save her.

Kai realizes with a jolt that he was there with his mother in her final moments. He had always harbored the belief that she was alone in her suffering, but now he knew the truth. A wave of comfort and relief washes over him, bringing a sense of peace to the otherwise heart-wrenching situation.

Just as Kai experiences the last wave of comfort coursing through his body, Xernon's voice breaks through from the doorway of the hospital room. "I see you changed something, Timekeeper," he says ominously. "But it won't change your fate."

Kai turns to face Xernon, his shadow form blocking the light and view of the hallway. He bravely wipes the tears from his eyes, and a sense of determination radiates from him as he speaks up, standing his ground confidently. “You're wrong, Xernon," Kai says firmly. “Nothing was changed. I had a second chance to be with my mother, and that was not destructive. Time is not only ruinous, as you believe. Yes, time can be viewed in many ways, but not all of them are destructive. It has positive aspects as well."

Xernon sneers, his shadow figure rippling like a puddle disturbed by a stone. Kai's eyes dart around the space, considering his options. He could attempt to pass through the walls or jump out through the window to make it back to the Clock Tower.

Kai swiftly turns and bolts through the walls, trying to escape Xernon's grasp. But as he runs, he hears the enemy's words echoing behind him. "Time is suffering, and nothing more," Xernon says, his voice carrying a chilling undercurrent. "We need to stop so we can stop everyone else from suffering, especially 'Ma'..."

Kai halts, with his body teetering on the threshold of the wall and window. Caught off guard and without thinking, he had reached the edge of the building. Unaware of the outcome, Kai wonders if he would suffer injury or survive the fall. Attempting to regain balance, his foot slips, and he desperately clings to the corner of the building, only to have his fingers pass right through the material.

Kai frantically racks his brain, trying to decide what to do. Should he become solid and take the risky fall or remain transparent and face the unknown outcome? This scenario feels like it has been ripped straight from a nightmare or a comic book gone wrong.

Kai positions his hands to soften his fall or halt his descent, instinctively squeezing his eyes shut. As he does so, he hits an abrupt stop, feeling as though he's suspended in midair. Curiosity and trepidation mix as he slowly opens one eye, only to realize that Xernon has a firm grip on his leg. The top of Kai’s head is now embedded in the floor, almost having fallen into the foundation of the Hospital and then into the earth underneath the building.

Kai glances up at Xernon, a mix of confusion and questioning in his eyes. "Why did you save me?" Kai asks, shaking his head in bewilderment. "And why did you refer to my mother as 'Ma'? I'm the only one who calls her that."

Xernon lifts Kai higher into the air and rotates his arm to straighten him, setting Kai on the ground. As Xernon does so, the shadow around him shifts, shrinking in size.

Kai's eyes widen as he observes Xernon's form morphing from a shadowy, indistinct shape to that of a teenager. Dressed in baggy jeans, a t-shirt, and a hoodie, he bears a resemblance to Kai in his style.

Xernon shakes his shadow-covered head, the inky darkness peeling away to expose human features beneath striking blue eyes and dark, cropped hair, both resembling Kai's own. As the shadows clear, the jaw-dropping realization hits Kai: Xernon is his literal mirror image.

Kai touches his forehead, utterly disoriented. "How is this even possible?" he asks, the question directed to his doppelganger, Xernon. "Am I you, or are you me?" 

Xernon takes a few steps closer, "Father Time, or The TimeKeeper, is only half of the equation of time. There is both good and bad in the world, so there must be a balance in time as well."

Kai expresses his confusion, "Why didn't the previous Timekeepers tell me about this?" 

Xernon responds, "Most of them didn't know or didn't want to know the truth. Thus, they stayed distant from the manifestation of the other half, just like you were trying to do earlier."

Kai takes a step back, doubt written all over his face. "How do I know this isn't some sort of trick?" he inquires. "The Timekeeper warned me not to trust you. You've declared your goal to end time, after all. That would mean to end yourself and me.”

Xernon's form morphs, the shadows enshrouding his face once more, and his figure grows taller as darkness envelops him. "Time will end," he declares. "We will save our mother from her fate. We can rewrite the past. She, and we, will never suffer again."

Kai shakes his head, his expression resolute. "We cannot change the past," he states. "Moving forward is the only option. Yes, we've lost Ma, but that hasn't made us weaker, it's strengthened us. She lives within us, and we must honor her wishes by moving forward."

Xernon glares at Kai, swiping his arm and propelling him through a wall. Kai falls to the ground, and before he can recover, Xernon grabs his leg through the wall. Xernon follows his arm into the next room, coming closer to Kai, Xernon leans his face near Kai's, his voice cold as he speaks.

"Don’t you dare say that about her!" Xernon growls, his voice laced with malice. "You’ve given up on her, but I won’t. Time is about to be changed." As he speaks, Xernon's shadow arm moves and wraps around Kai like a snake, coiling and squeezing him. Kai gradually loses consciousness due to the pressure, the last thing he sees is Xernon's menacing figure looming over him.

—

"Kai, are you listening to me?" a gentle, soothing voice says waking his unconscious mind up. Kai opens his eyes, and to his surprise, he sees his mother standing in the doorway of his childhood bedroom. His eight-year-old self is lying on the bed, engrossed in a gaming console, blissfully oblivious to her presence.

Kai attempts to move, but he feels a tautness around his legs and body. Glancing down, he notices the shadowy tendrils of Xernon coiled around him, constricting his movements. Taking in his surroundings, Kai's gaze moves to the ceiling, where he spots Xernon's face, fixated on the unfolding scene, carefully monitoring every move.

"Let me go," Kai protests, his words firm as he struggles against Xernon's shadowy grip. "We cannot change or influence the past. You do not possess that power."

Xernon's gaze flits from Kai to the scene of their younger self and Ma. Both Xernon and Kai are acutely aware that this is no simple conversation, but rather a heated exchange. In response, Xernon ripples his shadows down through his form, causing a gentle yet noticeable pressure on Kai's arm where his hourglass tattoo is. Time comes to a momentary standstill, frozen in that instant.

"What did you do?" Kai exclaims, surprise in his voice. "You shouldn't be capable of doing that. Only the Timekeeper has that power." 

Xernon rolls his eyes in response, "I can manipulate time only while I'm linked to you, but I can travel through time independently since I'm forever on your trail."

"Why are you doing this? What are you planning?" Kai cries out, anger and frustration seeping through his words. "It doesn't matter what you do at this moment; nothing will alter our history. Our mother is sick, even at this very moment."

Xernon shakes Kai forcefully in his shadowy grip, his voice laced with anger and certainty. "I know that she is sick," he growls. "However, the cancer isn't as severe at this moment in time. If we act now, we can prevent it from spreading and she will be alright." His tone falters at the end as emotions threaten to overpower him.

Kai strains against Xernon's grip, desperate to make his shadow self-understand the realities of time. Frustrated, he thinks, "How can I make him see reason? Changing this moment won't alter the outcome of our mother's fate. Timekeepers can only impact the present, not the past."

Xernon's face moves closer to the frozen figures of Ma and his younger self, studying them intently. Kai, determined to halt Xernon, quickly formulates an idea. It's a risky move, but there's a chance it can work.

"You're right," Kai concedes, nodding slowly. "We can save her, but not in this moment. We need to go back even further." Kai keeps his head lowered, hiding any trace of deception from Xernon.

Xernon moves closer to Kai, carefully scrutinizing his body language. Kai, thinking fast, makes himself cry, recalling fond memories of their mother. He speaks, his voice quivering with simulated grief, "We endured so much pain when she left us. We can spare everyone, including ourselves, from that suffering if we go back in time."

Xernon moves Kai to examine his face, having expected this reaction. Kai persists in appearing sad, tears streaming down his cheeks. "How?" he questions, seeking more information.

"I know what to do," Kai insists, his voice resolute. "Release me, and we can rectify everything. We can be with her once more. I am the Timekeeper, after all."

Xernon materializes another shadowy appendage, which encircles Kai's throat without applying pressure, but hovering closely. "Don't try to deceive me, Kai," he cautions. "I am you, after all. You're not adept at lying. I will inflict harm upon you if you are being dishonest."

Kai smirks in response to Xernon's accusation. "Why would I deceive myself about our mother? I would have to be heartless to do something like that," he retorts. "We need to go back to the Clock Tower. Where is it?"

"Fine," Xernon acquiesces, releasing his shadowy appendages from around Kai. "Follow me to the Clock Tower. My impatience grows as we waste time. I yearn to see our mother restored to her full health."

Kai takes a deep breath, relieved to be free from the shadowy appendages. He stretches his arms and legs, then follows Xernon through the wall. However, halfway through the wall, he pauses, touching his hourglass tattoo to restart the flow of time for his mother and younger self.

As Kai emerges from the other side of the wall, he catches his younger self's harsh words to his mother, "I hate you." A pang of pain resonates within him, as Kai reminds himself that he never genuinely harbored such feelings. However, for the sake of protecting his mother and everyone, Kai realizes that he must shield them from himself, including his past, present or future self.

Kai trails after Xernon, following him to the Clock Tower. As they enter, Xernon closes the door with a hint of grimness on his face. Once inside, he waits expectantly, gesturing for Kai to make the next move.

Kai swiftly touches his hourglass tattoo in a clockwise motion, propelling time forward toward the present moment from which they began their journey. He notices that Xernon is not present in the Clock Tower; rather, his shadow self is gradually catching up to him through time like before.

Kai grins to himself, knowing his plan is proceeding as intended. He hurriedly moves about the Clock Tower, picking up a jar, a small piece of paper, a piece of string, and a lid. Quickly, he scribes a note on the paper, fastens it with the string, and places it inside the jar horizontally then places the lid on. He ensures the lid is secured and then quickly stows it away in a hidden spot within the tower for later.

A deafening cry reverberates through the tower, drawing Kai's attention. "TimeKeeper!" Xernon's voice resounds off the surrounding walls. As Kai looks on, Xernon's form slowly materializes, becoming more substantial and solid.

Kai raises his hands in a defensive gesture, his expression conveying a sense of guilt. "I'm sorry. Did I leave without you? I must have forgotten," he says, trying to sound sincere. "I just got back now as well, and you're right on time. Help me find the Time Keeper's Dilemma Seal—that way, we can gain access to changing time itself."

Xernon surveys Kai, his gaze intensifying. "What does it look like?" he asks. Kai feigns ignorance and responds with a shrug. "From what I understand, it is a piece of paper carrying a potent seal, concealed within a jar that is hidden somewhere within the tower. We are forbidden to open it."

Kai takes a step forward to look, but Xernon's shadow hand reaches out menacingly toward him. "You'll regret it if you're lying," Xernon growls. "And so will our mother.

Kai defiantly brushes aside Xernon's hand, reassuring him. "I'm not lying," he insists. "Why would I? Let's look together." He takes a few steps toward one side, but Xernon swiftly pushes him away. "You check there; I'll look over here," Xernon asserts, gesturing in the opposite direction.

Kai pretends ignorance and nonchalantly shrugs, masking the smirk on his face. It takes Xernon only a few moments to find the sealed jar. Kai discreetly observes from the corner of his eye, his hidden smile growing as he witnesses Xernon's increasing frustration with his inability to open it as the seconds pass.

Xernon roars in anger, striding over to Kai and forcefully shoving the jar into his hands. "Open this blasted thing. I cannot," he growls. Kai appears nonchalant, casually popping open the jar as if it was no effort at all. This causes Xernon to roll his eyes in disbelief and annoyance. 

Xernon strains to reach into the jar and grasp the paper, but it seems firmly stuck. Kai imitates his effort, feigning a struggle to pull it free. "It's stuck," Kai confirms. "I can't seem to get it loose."

Xernon seethes, an idea forming in his mind. "Let's just smash the damn jar," he exclaims. However, before he can act, Kai swiftly intercepts him, shaking his head. "No, Xernon. Nothing within the Clock Tower can be destroyed. It remains bound to Time itself." Kai then proceeds to attempt smacking the jar's bottom, visibly making no progress.

Xernon's annoyance visibly mounts. He throws up his hands, exasperated. "Hold the jar still," he orders. "I'll go inside and loosen the seal so we can pull it out." Xernon quickly begins shrinking, transforming his shadow into a gas-like substance and entering the jar in mist form.

Kai watches intently, his grin turning sly as Xernon materializes within the jar in a smaller form. As Xernon touches the paper, Kai seizes his chance and snaps the jar lid closed, twisting it firmly. 

Xernon's furious cries are unheard from within the jar as Kai swiftly carries it over to a desk not far off in the corner of the Clock Tower. As he places the jar down, Kai continues talking casually, apparently unbothered by Xernon's muffled bellows.

"Xernon, you should understand that good always conquers evil," Kai stated firmly. "Even though we share a connection, I will always choose what's right over what's wrong. Our mother remains with us, now and forever."

"You'll remain trapped in that jar until I am no longer Timekeeper," Kai declared. "You shall never meddle in the affairs of Time. Your ability to traverse through time will cease while you are imprisoned. Trapped in the Clock Tower forever and in this period."

Xernon rages within the jar, fiercely pummeling against its glass walls in frustration. He transforms into smoke, moving restlessly around the confined space, desperately trying to find a way out. As Xernon moves to go between the paper to view the document, Kai observes silently, his thoughts drifting back to the message he sealed within the jar. "Father Time is a balance of both good and bad, light and dark," he muses. "As the Timekeeper, we hold control over our destiny. We shouldn't squander time or dwell on its negative aspects but instead embrace a more positive perspective on Time itself."

Kai gazes at the jar with a content smile, pleased to be free from Xernon's disruptions, he can finally revel in the solitude, enjoying his power over time without the influence of others.