Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It's been an early hour in the morning when the pungent smell of ink filled the class room. And the calligraphy lesson has begun. 

"Calligraphy requires patience. Patience is the key to..." Interrupted by giggles behind, Kronos turned around to his sons. What's going on here? 

Blushing, Krux tried so hard not to burst out laughing at his brother. With a wide grin, Acronix kept whispering, and making funny faces while doing nothing but distracting both of them. As always... 

Oh, Time Lord, how many times he had to repeat the same thing over and over again? Would his words ever reach this boy? 

"Acronix!"

Shook by his name, he nearly fell off the bench. "Uh...yeah?" 

"Acronix, could you finally direct your attention to me? The caligraphy is about patience and accuracy — not foolishness. Grab your brush and start writing!" Kronos commanded by raising his tone. 

The long silence finally hung upon them. A content smile came across his face as he took a look at Krux's work. Oh, how impressive his progress was! Those distinguished strokes done so gracefully made Kronos proud of Krux, of his older son. 

However, when it came to Acronix... Trembling, a brush in his left hand tried to draw a simple line. And such an unusual grip has genuinely surprised his father. 

"Acronix, what have I told you about your right hand?" Kronos asked, glancing at his scribbles. 

"To use my right hand while writing."

"Yes, so why do you keep writing with your left hand? Write with your right, correct one." 

"But I can't write with my right hand!" His voice trembled as he shouted. 

"Yes, you can! You should put more effort. See — Krux can do it, so can you!"

"But—!"

"Keep trying, son. Put more effort!" 

Holding his tears back, Acronix tightened his grip. His heavy sigh embraced the weight of his struggles better than thousands of written words. Was it even worth trying?

He was doing his best, he was putting more effort — yet all of his miserable attempts always ended up the same way.

Why Krux could do it so easily but not Acronix? Oh, why it seemed that hard for him? Even now he was incapable to focus and write anything... What was wrong with him? 

Running down his cheeks, tears clouded all around. Acronix sobbed, quietly, hiding his face behind his long hair. 

Krux blinked at him in confusion. Oh, poor brother... If only was there any chance to make him laugh and grin again. Wasn't it?

Flickering his gaze between Acronix and father, Krux patted his twin, gently. "Don't cry, brother..." He whispered. "You can do it! You must focus. Just focus and write with passion!"

However, those words brought Acronix no smile, nor happiness. Instead, he started crying into deep despair. 

With a frown, Kronos shot him a dissaproval look. Oh, Time Lord... Every single lesson it's been all the same — after months and years, barely anything has changed. His poorly written, jumping up and down nonsense seemed nothing against his brother's — beautifully, perfectly drawn characters. In the name of Time... What this word was supposed to be? Oh, those silly little drawings of him and Krux in the corner. Such a childish behavior... 

"Acronix, you should stop that nonsense and focus!"

"I am focused, father... I" He sharply waved his arm and, gasping, knocked the small inkpot over his red robe. 

Krux's eyes widened in horror. "Acronix, no!"

"What have you done this—?" Kronos didn't finish what he was meant to. Trembling, his hands went to his head — speechless, he stared at his son with frustration. 

Acronix's sleeves, soaked in ink, immediately turned into a dark grey-ish colour. While he tried to stop a black flow streaming down the desk, and covering every inch of it. With the terror froze in his innocent eyes. 

"Acronix!" He shouted in rage. 

"I - I didn't mean to—!" 

"Today's lesson is over for you, Acronix." He cut him off, dryly. "Oh, Lord! How can you be that clumsy all the time?!"

"It was an accident—!"

"Enough! I'm tired of your excuses... Get out of here! Krux, you did a great job today. You can take a break as well, son." Kronos added, his expression softened. "Get out, Acronix!"

Under his father's scowl, Acronix slowly got up and, wiping his tears, left the class room.

"Oh, what a cursed child!" Kronos finally muttered to himself. In complete solitude, there was no one but him shaken by the fear and anger of his. With a heavy heart, he blew out a sigh — unable to accept that his greatest failure might be his own child. 

"Oh, dear!" A young lady exclaimed, interrupting. "What happened here, Kronos?"

"A lesson of Acronix's clumsiness." He replied back in a strange way. "As always, he did nothing but disappointed me. This cursed child..."

"Oh, Kronos... How many times I have to tell you?" She objected. "He is not cursed! He just needs more time to learn." 

"How can I entrust my powers to someone who 'just needs more time to learn'? That's not how it works!"

"Acronix might not be as smart as Krux. But he has a great potential."

"Potential... What kind of potential, Airis? At his young age I was fighting alongside my father and was known as the trusted warrior. The one Krux might become in the future." He said, grinning. "However, when it comes to Acronix... I see no sign of potential in a child like him. He's weak, foolish, lacking of balance. He's totally uncontrollable — the one who's supposed to control time..."

"Shame on you, Kronos! Where is your faith in him, in your son?"

"Putting my faith in someone who is incapable to prove it is unwise."

"It's unwise to say such ridiculous things about your own child!" Airis grumbled, angrily. 

Tired, her husband shrugged as his long sigh was the only response. "I won't change my mind, Airis, until I see his true achievements. Not this child's play in the garden..." 

The garden where their children have always loved playing and fooling around, and spending their free time here. 

"Hey Krux, watch out!" Acronix shouted, jumping over Krux's back. 

To his surprise, Krux threw him off himself.

"Hey..."

"I told you not to do that! You disrupted the lesson and made father angry!"

"Huh? I did not!" 

"Yes, you did!" He yelled at him, frustrated. "Is it that hard to listen to father's lessons? All you have to do is to sit still and just pay attention! It's so easy! Why can't you do it, you emptyheaded?!" 

"Hey, I am not emptyheaded!" He cried out, his voice flew in rage. "His lessons are so boring... And I can't sit still — I mean, I want to jump and move. There are lots of things to explore! It's much more fun than just paying any attention."

"I'm not surprised, why you don't know how to write yet, brother. You don't even try to! You're so foolish and lazy!" 

"Huh? I am not!"

"Yes, you are! You don't even put any effort."

"I am trying my best but it is hard for me, Mr. I-am-a-perfect-student-so-everyone-loves-me!" Crossing his arms, Acronix finished with a pouty face. Oh, it wasn't even fair!.. Why did no one understand him? Even Krux, who kept sounding like their father, refused to get it. 

Catching Acronix's attention, butterflies fluttered gracefully past him. And his eyes were brightened up by the brilliant idea. "Hey, I've got an idea—"

He squeezed his brother's arm, and giggling, rushed off somewhere as fast as he could. 

"Where...are we going?" Krux asked, confused. "Where are we heading?" 

"You'll love this place, Krux, you'll...!" 

Suddenly, Acronix stumbled, and losing his balance, fell on the ground. 

"Acronix!" 

"I'm good... I'm fine!" Laughing so hard, he tried to get up on his feet. "It's okay..."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course, I am. I'm absolutely fine! Let's keep going! Over there—" Acronix pointed out at the hill with his little finger. "—There is a river full of frogs. Come on!"

"But that's too far — we're are not allowed to go there. It's too dangerous!"

"Yes, it is! That's why we are going there!"

"Acronix, we are not going there!"

He groaned in annoyance. "Oh, come on, Krux! It'll be fun." Dimples on his cheeks appeared as he grinned. "Please, brother! Please..." 

"Father wouldn't like it, but... Fine." 

"Yes! Yeah!!!" Acronix's loud, excited voice has stunned Krux for a moment. "You'll love this place, sure!"

"Acronix..."

"Sorry!" He chuckled at him before the green bright glow coming from his fists flashed, making twins disappear. 

"...Those, who are easily distracted, distract the others, don't they, Airis? Everything distracts him as well as Acronix keeps distracting his brother. He doesn't let his brother study and pay attention." Kronos remarked in an irritating tone. "Those cursed bursts of energy! He's a walking disaster!"

"Maybe he is! But trust me, Kronos, he'll outgrow it all one day." She whispered, calmly. Her lips turned up into a happy smile. 

At least, Airis desperately believed it to be true — something Kronos would never understand — the man, who'd rather give up on his own son than accept him, watching the sparkle born in him. Even though, there might not be one... Yet she knew, her unconditional love for her child would never be doubted by his accidents and mistakes — no matter what. 

"Hey, mom! Mommy! Mom?" Here came a unison of twins' distant voices. 

Wet and messy, they suddenly broke into a room, grinning with such excited looks on their faces, especially Acronix. His giggles have grabbed everyone's attention. 

"Hey, mommy!"

"Where have you been?" Airis gasped, with a hand on her heart. "W - what happened to you?"

"We were playing by the river." Acronix explained, passionatly. "I almost drowned but Krux has saved me and—"

"Oh, dear..." 

Kronos' expression toughened as he scowled. "You did what?" 

"What? I almost drowned. But that's not important. Mommy! Hey mom, look at this!"

Speechless, his mother blinked in a great surprise. There was something clutched between her son's palms. And it looked alot like...a little frog?! 

"Mr. Froggy-Fro. He's my new pet!" Acronix announced, happily. "It is nice to meet him, isn't it?"

"It - is..."

Oh, FSM... She couldn't help but stare at it and Acronix — the way his fingers were stroking, and touching its cold, tiny, dark green back. 

"See, father! He's my new best friend!"

"You've been out for ten damned minutes!" Kronos shouted, the boiling anger burst out. "Throw this nasty frog away!"

"I told you, he'll be mad..." Krux murmured, embarrassing. 

"Huh? He's not nasty, father! He's my new friend!"

"You are not allowed to have any frogs inside of house."

"But he is going to live in my room!" Acronix stomped his feet. "I want him to stay with us!" 

"Acronix!" 

"Please, father! M - mom!! I want him!!!" He cried out, clenching his fists. "Please! Let me keep him. Ple-e-ease!!!" 

"Acronix, stop this nonsense!" Kronos yelled at him. "I don't want any kind of wildness in this house! Get it out — now!"

"Fine! Sorry, Mr. Froggy-Fro. You won't live with us. They don't want you in this house, you know..." He held the frog close enough to burry his cheek into its wet, slimy skin. "But I love—"

"Don't you dare kiss it! I said: 'throw it away'. Right. Now." 

Annoyed, Acronix sat down and let the frog finally go, watching it jumping up and down, and drifting away. 

"Bye, Mr. Froggy-Fro..." He whispered before tears have completely clouded his gaze. 

There was his brother's hand patting on his shoulder. 

"He was my very best friend..." Acronix mumbled through sobs.

Krux let out a heavy sigh. "Don't cry, brother... Maybe we'll find someone else?"

"Huh? Yeah! I'll find another one." He wiped his eyes as a playful grin lightened his face up. "We'll find another one! Come on, Krux — let's go! There is a place..."

"First of all, you two better take a bath before the dinner."

After a while, they did take a bath, changing their dirty clothes and preparing for the dinner. 

"I'm afraid of nothing! I'm the bravest ninja ever." Acronix announced, posing and making his mother giggle. 

"Even the bravest and strongest ninja should be careful all the time. I know, you're afraid of nothing." Airis said, concerned. "However, you are not allowed to play by the river alone."

"Oh, come on, mom! Not again..."

"Honey, I want you to promise me that you'd never ever do it again, alright?"

"I'd never ever do it again..." 

"Louder!"

"I'd never ever do it again, mom!" 

"Good, sweetie!" 

Airis gave both of them a tight hug. In her tender embrace, there was something special — something that brought the warmth and joy in their little hearts. 

"I love you, mom." Krux murmured in a quiet voice. 

"I love you too!"

"Uh...do you love me more than Krux, mommy?" 

Her caring hands kept going through his wet hair, and brushing it, and stroking it, gently. 

"I love you both equally." She replied with a smile. 

"Huh? That's not true. I'm the better one!"

"I'm much smarter than you, emptyheaded..."

"I'm smart too. And I'm much faster and stronger than you, Krux." Acronix grinned at him, squinting. "You know, if we have a fight, you'll be on the ground in three minutes."

Krux let out a chuckle. "You're not strong enough to defeat me, Acronix." 

"I am! I - I can defeat!"

"Not true!"

"Very true!!!" 

All of a sudden, Acronix pushed him as hard as he could. Krux gasped and nearly fell off the bench. The anger has lightened his eyes, he lashed out at his brother to strike back. Yelling and kicking each other, they got into a fight! 

Noises, screams, tears, they've started strangling each other — until Acronix has grabbed Krux by his hair. "Got you!" He cried out, victoriously. 

"Stop!" His twin whined, resisting. "Mom!"

"Hey, boys, boys!" She scowled. "What are you doing—? Stop fighting! Acronix, stop it!" 

"If there wasn't mom, I'd won this fight." Acronix screamed in rage, trying to reach him with his legs. 

"You wish you did!" 

"Yes, I do!!!"

"Acronix, stop it! Stop fighting, you two! What are you doing?! No more fighting in this house, alright!" She cut them off, breaking twins up. "Shame on you two! You shouldn't be fighting each other but be ready to protect each other." 

"Never!"

Those offended glances they kept exchanging made her frown even more.

"Boys... You shouldn't be fighting each other but love and support each other." Airis said, with all her heart. "You should be prepared for the times when you two would be the only ones left for each other." 

"But you too! You, mommy count too." 

"Honey, mommy wouldn't live forever."

"Uh, w - what do you mean, mommy?"

"No, don't say that, mom!" Krux mumbled, his voice trembled. Confused, Acronix and he shared worried looks. 

"People born into this world and leave it behind when their time comes. I'm not an exception." She whispered, calmly, stroking their thin hair. "I want you to know... One day, when you get older, I'll be merged with your hearts to stay there forever — every time you'll commemorate me." 

In the silence fell upon her sons, she heard quiet sobs breaking it. 

"I love you, mommy. I don't want you to go..." With a strangled cry, Acronix buried his face into her shoulder. "Why can't you just live forever?"

She wrapped him up in her arms, softly while her own eyes were clouded by tears. "I'll always be there for you, honey... As well as Krux and you should always be there for each other." 

As long as she was there for them, they would always find peace in her tight embrace — the word she promised to keep. 

"I love you, mom!" Krux whispered, hugging her back. 

"I love you more than Krux does!"

"N - not true..." 

"Hey mom, did you know Krux kissed the snail yesterday?" 

"No, don't say that! That's not true, mom — it was Acronix!

"Hey!"

She blew out a heavy sigh as her lips turned up into a genuine smile. Oh, boys... One day they would learn to love and truly care about each other, no matter what — whatever was awaiting them in their bright future. Without her. 

Chapter Text

The setting sun reflected in their swords behind them as twins were framed by its vivid light. 

With clenched fists, Acronix stepped back, and balancing on both feet, squinted his eyes. He was trying to block Krux's moves, his backhand, one more time — to end up on the ground. 

"Two-one." Krux remarked, victoriously. 

"Not bad..." He smiled at him. "...Not bad. But how about this?" 

To Krux's surprise, Acronix squeezed his right wrist and pulled him down, forcing him to fall. 

"Huh, yes! Look, who's the winner now."

"Not fair!" 

"Fair enough to admit that I'm stronger!" There was a wide grin coming across his face. "It's two-two now! Next fight is the final one!"

"What—?"

In the next moment, Acronix suddenly torn off his necklace, breaking from the vengestone power. Both green and blue glows have flashed at once and made Krux freeze in confusion. He kept the distance between them, doing the exactly same thing. 

Bright flames of red and yellow appeared as fast as they faded away. In front of a couple of malcontent eyes. 

"Acronix! Krux!" An irritating tone of Kronos himself shook them. "What's going on here?"

"Uh...Nothing." Acronix replied, innocently. "Practice. We were practicing..."

"...our technique." His twin finished, nodding. 

With their hearts skipping the beat, twins shared quick glances. 

"Liars!" Kronos shouted in rage. "I saw you two using your element! What have I told you?"

Krux let out a heavy sigh. "We are not allowed to use it until we master our technique..."

"Exactly! You are not allowed to use your element until you improve your fighting skills."

"Oh, come on, father!" Acronix's voice cracked as he spoke. "We've been practicing for ages... I'm the better fighter than Krux."

Krux crossed his arms. "I wouldn't say so..."

"Yes, I am! My technique is perfect, Mr. I-am-the-loser..." 

"Perfect... Don't be overconfident, Acronix! You both have something to improve. Krux, master your flexibility. And you—" He looked at Acronix in an estimating way. "— you must work on the accuracy." 

"Uh? Not again! I want element practice — not accuracy!"

"Element practice requires patience, accuracy and discipline. I see none of them in you. Since you cannot always rely on your element, son—"

"I don't even know what it's like to rely on my element." He muttered, interrupting. "If we're not allowed to use our powers, what's even the point in having them?" 

"First of all, you are not allowed to argue with the elders in such a tone!" Kronos cut him off, dryly. "I do not approve your disrespectful behavior, Acronix!" 

Acronix rolled his eyes. "I don't need your approval of my behavior." He returned, scathingly. 

Kronos shot him a death stare — the one full of offense and astonishment. In the hung silence, there was such a racking tension between them. 

Confused, Krux kept standing, blinking back and forth at his father, and Acronix. Oh, brother... What in the First Spinjitsu Master were you doing?

"F - father, Acronix doesn't know what he's talking about..."

"Take that back, ungrateful brat." 

"...So forgive him for his cursed mouth."

"Oh, I do know what I'm talking about! And I would never take my words back."

"You are punished!" 

He threw his hands away. "For what? I did nothing—"  

"Enough!" He commanded. "In the morning, you'll have a special training near swamps. To reflect your own behavior. By now..."

Fixated on his wrist, a vengestone chain absorbed his element, draining him. Acronix sharply freed his elbow from father's arms and scowled. "For what?!"

"...For educational purposes. In the name of Time, why? Why can't you be as humble as your brother?"

"Because I am not my brother, obviously."

"Then look up to him! He's intelligent, humble and responsible. Krux respects people and pays attention when someone is talking to him, Acronix!" 

His expression slowly toughened, embracing all the hatred that kept growing in his rebellious soul for ages. All those years he's been stuck in this place — in the hell itself, isolated from outside world, from his peers and people, not even knowing if there was anything else beyond their gardens.

"Huh, fine!" He cried out, annoyed. "Fine, father! I got it. I feel sorry for not being your second Krux. Oh, wait? No, I don't!" 

Filled with anger, Acronix slammed the slid door as hard as he could, leaving the training courtyard behind. 

"Don't you dare break all the doors in this house!" Kronos shouted, disappearing in another room.  

His weak hands went to his grayish head in deep despair. In the name of Time... How exhausted — how tired he truly was of Acronix's uncontrollable nature! 

"What a loud day!" An old lady, a servant giggled. "He got his mother's temper."

"Cursed brat... He got everything from his mother he wasn't supposed to get! He's as impulsive as she was. Forgetful! Oh, Time Lord... He's totally uncontrollable now! I'm unable to handle him anymore..."

"Kronos, you've been coming through the same age in your long life. You should be acknowledged of how nerve-wracking it is for everyone, especially for older generations."

"What am I supposed to do now?"

"Patience, Kronos. Patience! He's lucky enough to have his brother. They have each other. You should put your faith in them!"

"I should. I definitely should..." He whispered, concerned.

Forgotten words of long ago started recalling, and flashing through his clouded mind. Of Airis — his wife peacefully sleeping among blooming flowers, somewhere in his aching heart. If only had he trusted his own sons, putting his faith in them so easily like she used to do... 

Entering the dorm, Krux froze, his eyes widened in fear as there was a shuriken coming in his direction. Fast, a blue bubble appeared, slowing it down right in front of his face. 

"Huh? Krux! You better knock on next time." His twin's cold tone warmed up. "That one was close!"

"Close enough to kill me!" Krux yelled at him. "What are you even thinking of? How did you do that—?"

Acronix's lips wicked in a grin. "He better invented something more reliable and advanced."

Krux blinked in confusion, shooting him a dissaproval glance. 

"What?" 

He put a stack of new books on his shelf. "Looks like someone better clean up all the mess here." 

"Not now..." 

'Not now?' What was he talking about? 

Maybe the chaos itself had kind of beauty he, Krux would never understand... However, the piles of dirty clothes, and scrolls, and even weapons have invaded their room and become its part. In such mess, Acronix didn't make his bed today — not today, nor two days ago.

Wrapped his head up into thoughts, Acronix kept resting, being overwhelmed by the idea, by its look of complete terror.

"What?"

"I'm punished!" He returned, tired. "I've got plenty of time ahead. The entire night!" 

"Did you not hear me, Acronix? Get up and clean the room up!" 

"Leave me alone!" 

"What's wrong with you?" 

He didn't reply back. As there were too many worries haunting, and tearing him up, and revolving around his anxious mind. 

"Hey, Krux!"

"No..."

"Please, brother!"

"Well... What if he knocked?" 

"Why should he care? He would never do it!"

"No!"

"Oh, come on... Krux, it'll be fun!"

Krux's blank expression was darkened by doubts. Was it even worth? If their father had found out...

"Trust me, brother, he wouldn't even notice us disappearing."

With a heavy sigh, he gave Acronix a wide smile. "Fine..."

"Yes!!!"

Flickering between courtyard and door, they took a careful step, looked around and sneaked out of the room. 

Their hearts started racing away, and skipping the beat in fear. If only hadn't the father known... Dammit! Here he was... His growing shadow framed by the flame of lamps.  

Acronix squinted his eyes. Krux's fist has flashed with red glow, prepared for sudden attack. In one...two... To their surprise, bright lights have gone out, and father's dorm fell into complete darkness. 

Twins sighed of a relief. Oh, First Spinjitsu Master... That was so close! How lucky they truly were! 

Finally, here they came — rushing to the familiar place they used to play by as children. Oh, those careless times of such fun... Why had Acronix never appreciated them? 

He was stuck in endless circles of constant routines, and the entire life of his — those precious years has been revolving around their courtyard. Day by day, training by training, it's been all the same. The same places, and people, and even words. He couldn't bear it anymore! His young soul kept screaming, and calling for changes — for something new. 

Now, there was no one but them laying on the hill over the moon, and billions of stars above. Accompanied by croaking frogs and chirping crickets from darkness. Flickering in the distance, the lights of tiny houses faded away. And the air seemed so freshing. It felt like the freedom he's been craving for so long... 

Krux yawned, interrupting. 

"Huh? Hey, how can you want to sleep when the night is so inviting?"

"How can you not want to sleep?"

"Well...I can't sleep— I mean, there are lots of things to explore."

Tossing and turning, Krux stretched his back. 

"Remember when we chased a frog and named it Mr. Froggy-Fro?" Acronix's voice sounded unusually calm. "It was my best friend but father threw it away..."

"Oh, yes... You was crying for days."

"We were six! Of course, I was crying..." 

"You tried to pet snail and kissed it."

"I did not!"

"You did." Krux smiled, sarcastically. "You did." A hint of sadness in his brother's look, the way he was staring absently at nowhere made him worry. "Hey, what bothers you?"

Acronix let out a wistful sigh.

"I'm just tired of..." He said, concerned. "...you know, I don't even know who I really am and I have to figure out what to do with my life."

"What are you talking about?"

"My head is full of thoughts but it's still empty... What will the future hold?"

"We're still so young and innocent to figure it out, brother."

"Oh, yeah...about that—" 

Krux turned to him in confusion. With an arm around his neck, Acronix grinned, nervously. 

"Uh, I mean... I - I was about to tell you...something—" 

"You're kidding me, aren't you?" 

"Remember that girl from a fish market?"

"You've lost your innocence to a girl of fish market — You're crazy, brother!" Krux yelled at him. "Father would kill you!"

"Why should he know? He doesn't even know we're here."

"Oh, Time Lord... I can't believe! That's the honour of our ancestors and family. Your dignity!"

"My dignity is my power. Not a stupid innocence." 

Speechless, Krux glared at him in a terrifying way, making Acronix roll his eyes. 

"Oh, come on... You'd do the exact same thing! Oh wait, you're sticking to your right morals and will to be proud of, aren't you, brother?" 

"That's not my own will but our ancestors'."

He groaned in annoyance. "They're all dead! Who do you respect?"

"They're part of who you are! Father would be very disappointed! And our mother..." Krux's voice dropped. "...n - neither would she have been happy..." 

There was a long silence hung on, interrupting them. 

It's been seven years without her. Her caring hands. Her gentle smile... As if everything was gone with her... 

Acronix clenched his teeth as the pain coming with tears started choking him. Oh, why? In times, when he needed her the most, there was no one for him. 

Oh, how he wished he could feel his mother's hug again — be wrapped up in her arms, crying his heart out. 

With face hidden behind his long hair, Acronix has quietly sobbed. And such intense grief — his love for her with no place to go ended up finally bursting its way out.

At least, he had his brother by his side — the only person truly left for him in this lonely world. 

"I - I'm glad, I've got you, brother." His lips trembled as Acronix whispered.

Speechless, Krux bowed his head, unable to hold his pain anymore. Yet his encouraging pat on the shoulder seemed everything for both twins.

May the ground, soaked in their bitter tears, keep her peaceful sleep with its tight embrace. Resting in a better place, she went on living in their hearts — she was there to stay forever, merged with their souls, be loved and always commemorated by sons of her. 

What would she think of them? Could she be proud of him now? 

Acronix stared at the vast, night sky so calmly. Until a playful grin lightened his sad face up. 

"You know, mom would make you shave." He blurted out, chuckling. 

"Ha-ha-ha. Very funny..." Krux returned, dryly, tugging his slightly grown moustache. "Don't be jealous, brother."

"You think I'm jealous of your ridiculous moustache?"

"They're not ridiculous!"

"They are!"

"You're just jealous."

"Hey, I am not!"

Giggling, Krux gently pushed him in a teasing way. "Let's go home, brother. Hurry!"

"Fine... Hey, maybe we need someone to speed us a bit up?" 

"Acronix..."

"What?" Acronix raised an eyebrow. His confused expression has immediately changed, it hit him. "Uh, are you kidding me? Not again, Krux! What's even the point?"

"Did you not hear our father?"

"Yeah, I mean, no — I wasn't listening to..."

Krux face palmed with a heavy sigh. "Oh, brother... I'm not surprised. Have you ever thought of paying attention to father's lessons?" 

"His lessons are boring! We're fifteen, brother, we've got plenty of time ahead to learn all those things." He exclaimed, interrupting. "Something is awaiting us, sure. However, our life is too limited with trainings and morals. I want to practice — I don't need any of those stupid lectures. I want to fight on the real battlefield!"

"What—?"

"We'll be brave heroes like our ancestors! It's our chance to use the element. You know what elemental masters say — the war is the only way to prove the real power!" 

"No one says that..." Krux objected. "At least, that's not what it seems to be—"

"At least, it's much more fun than wasting our youth here..."

Sadly, Acronix was right. Since there was a terrible conflict raging between people and serpentines, their lands were left in desperate need for warriors. 

Protecting Ninjago and spending days of glory on the battlefield far away from home seemed so fascinating, even to Krux himself.

Their shadows looming around followed twins while they kept walking down the hill, towards their gardens. Framed by the fading moonlight. How far would the future bring them? What was truly awaiting them? Who knew... 

"The last one, the sucker!" Acronix shouted, rushing forward. 

"Don't be self-criticizing, brother!" Krux replied as he ran after him. 

"Hey!" 

At least, these nights of fun and laughter would never die, living on in their young hearts and souls — no matter what the future was about to hold.

In three years and a half, both of them were sent to the Great Serpentine war — to defend the lands of Ninjago, fighting alongside the Alliance against Serpentine nation.

Chapter Text

"Five minutes more, you said..." Krux grumbled, scowling. "If you hadn't slept too much, we wouldn't be late!"

"Yeah... Fine, brother. Fine! Yeah, I got it..." Acronix replied, sharply as they showed up right before the entire Alliance. "Sorry, we're late!"

"Finally!" 

"We've been waiting for you for thirty minutes!" 

"Where have you been, boys?" Libber whined, leaping from her chair. "You're both late again!"

"Libber, you were late too." Ray remarked in a teasing way. 

"Erm...it's none of your business, Ray!"

"Hurry up, Time!" Earth commanded. "Don't be late next time!" 

Twins rushed to take their seats, meeting other masters' disapproval looks. Krux let out a sigh. Well... The one and only reason of their delays was Acronix, who didn't seem to care about it — and ended up being late every single time. 

In the whispers coming back and forth, Garmadon cleared his throat, nodding to his brother. 

"As long as all of us are finally gathered here today, we can start the meeting." Wu announced, concerned. "Let's start discussing the results of recent missions."

Acronix's lips wicked in a grin as he leaned back next to his twin. Another week — another discussion! Such a waste of precious time... But did he have any choice? As he was supposed to be listening to his allies, not interrupting them and directing his attention to speaker — no matter how boring it was... 

"Serpentines' attacks came from the South." Ray pointed out at the map in front of him. "So possibility of bases located in there is extremely high..."

"What's the point in saying such obvious things?" Acronix asked Krux, quietly. 

"No idea." 

"I wonder, how long will this meeting take? Hey, Maya— Maya, are we gonna have a break?" 

With a happy smile, Maya shook her head, not even noticing him. Of course, Ray... The master of fire... 

"Huh? Maya! Hey! Oh, come on!"

"She's the master of water not mind. She cannot hear your thoughts." Krux replied back. 

Acronix groaned in annoyance. "I'll die of boredom, ah—"

"—Stop blabbering, you two!" An angry voice of Sound cut him off. "You're late, you made the entire alliance wait for you yet you keep distracting everyone around you. That's rude, Time!" 

Offended, twins exchanged unfazed glances, crossing their arms at the same time. Who cared... 

"...That's why we shall bring together more volunteers and strike back." 

"Thank you, Ray." Wu said, nodding. "Maya, what's about yours?"

"The number of prisoners keeps increasing every single week on both fronts. Ice and I explored the Eastern part—"

With a loud yawn, Acronix was about to fall asleep. Her words about the Serpentine base and prisoners have faded away in his ears, no matter how hard he tried to focus.

Concerned, other masters were taking notes — so was Krux. The way everything has happened as they left the encampment was flashing through his mind over and over again. 

"...You're always in charge, I want to be the one too." Acronix whined that morning. 

"I'm the older and more responsible."

"And I'm the taller." He shouted. 

Krux slowly raised an eyebrow. "So how does it make you in charge?"

Confused, Acronix glanced at him, scratching his chin. 

"Well... I - erm - I am the faster?"

Krux face palmed with a heavy sigh. "Are you even taking this mission seriously?" 

"Of course, I am," He objected. "That's why I am putting myself in charge."

Such a fatal mistake of their own — of his, Krux's, he should have leaded them instead of Acronix. Yet the only thing he remembered seemed a strange fog of poison coming from nowhere, and choking them. Before both twins blacked out... 

"We spied the Serpentine base full of prisoners." Acronix suddenly blurted out, interrupting. 

The awkward silence fell over the table. Blinking at him, everyone remained quiet — even Libber has stopped chattering with Ice. There were dozens of eyes staring at twins, flickering between him and Spinjitsu brothers. 

"Erm...excuse me, you did what—?"

"We went through the prison." Acronix announced in a proud way. 

Garmadon and Wu shared unfazed expressions on their faces. Such a racking tension kept growing in the air. 

"You disrupted the plan!"

"Well...there was a slight change of plan." Krux added, dryly. "I'd rather say—"

"—Exactly! Who needs a plan, when you have Krux's ability to come up with better ideas and my skills to improvise." Acronix shouted, waving his arm. 

"Acronix, you are not strong enough to give your own orders. At least, Garmadon and I do not approve it." Wu stood up and leaned forward. "Such high risks against low chances of success are unacceptable."

Acronix clenched his fists. "What kind of risks?" 

"You are not expandable, Acronix. And I would never let your brother and you risk your lives this way. Move on, Maya, what's about—!"

"At least, we know where their secret base is located." Krux remarked, grabbing his twin's shoulder — showing his loyalty and respect for him. 

"It changes nothing." Garmadon returned. "However, you two better watch your mouth!"

"Why should I shut myself when those fools don't admit my plan."

Master of Shadow gasped, blinking in confusion. What was going on? 

"Our plan was much more efficient!" Acronix yelled out. 

"If you are not ready to listen to others."

"Can't say the same about you, master!"

"Stop that egoistic behavior! Stop blabbering, Time!"

"I'm not blabbering!"

"That's not an argument, Acronix. That's the order!" 

"Is it, Mr. I-am-the-son-of-a..?"

"Enough!" Garmadon shouted in rage, slamming the table. "You have allies to respect. You must follow our orders. Why the rules should be changed for you, personally? If the Alliance is too small for you, Acronix, you are no longer allowed to attend meetings—"

"Garmadon, enough! Stop it. Masters, we'll continue the meeting in a couple of minutes." Wu shouted out, nervously.

In the whispers, the entire Alliance started splitting up into small groups, getting lost at the porch of the Monastery. 

"—As I said, we expect obey from you two." Garmadon finished, his tone dropped in a cold way as he turned his back. 

Acronix shot him a death stare — a stare born with hatred and boiling anger. He clenched his fists and, muttering loudly, tried to calm himself down. 

"If this alliance is too small for you..." He threw away his hands. "We went through the prison for the sake of humanity. We almost sacrificed ourselves. And they're still disappointed! Those fools!" 

"Bunch of fools." Krux hissed with a scowling. 

"I'm not strong enough! Huh? We are not strong enough... Oh, come on!" His uncontrollable voice flew in rage, catching others' attention. No, that's not even fair! 

Crossing his arms, he leaned against the wall next to his brother. Those elemental fools... 

"Young Time, I must admit your plan seemed successful—" Ice remarked, shooting him an estimating look. 

In a moment, a wide grin lightened his face up. "Thanks, old man!" Acronix exclaimed, flattered. 

"—However, your egoistic behavior was extremely rude, Acronix!"

"Who said it was my egoistic behavior... "

"Oh, please! Not that loud, Acronix!" Sound hissed, squinting. 

"Bo-o-oys!" 

Oh, Sound's poor ears — such a high, extremely loud voice made them burst, stunned everyone around. Here she was, that girl... Libber! She's been laughing, and playing with her long curly hair, and was about to talk nonsense. As always... 

"Oh, boys, it's been a while! Acronix!"

There was such an excitement appeared in Acronix's eyes. Giving him a tight hug, Libber chuckled, happily as his own lips turned up into a lovely smile. 

"Good to see you, Lib! Missed me?"

"I missed you two so much! Hey, Krux!!! Did you miss me?" 

"No..." Krux murmured, with a deeper frown. 

"Oh, Krux! I know you did — let me hug you-u-u!" She wrapped Krux up in her arms so tenderly. "Hey, how come you two got prisoned?"

"Well... It was a part of my plan!" 

"He's just a fool." Krux returned, resisting Libber's hug. 

"Hey!"

Libber cackled, softly and burst out giggling so hard. What a good, contagious laughter she had! Other masters couldn't help but join her, casting excessive seriousness away. 

Oh, she was such a life of the Alliance's party — the one and only master that kept her warm light for everyone. There was something special about her. As if Libber seemed different yet so similar, so like him... Then, why being so similar to Libber, Acronix still felt excluded? 

The sudden wave of anger has filled his chest with emptiness and pain, tightening every inch of him. All those years of war — of times he spent there by his allies' side, has he ever been truly accepted and welcomed? 

His blank expression toughened as the urge to stop, to slow this lonely world down hit him, embraced him. 

"...Oh my FSM, I'm so jealous, Ice!"

"What's about your mission?"

"Not yet, but I wish I had my first mission very soon! Garmadon promised that Krux and I might have one in the future. Haven't we, Krux?"

No!!! — in the name of all elements — No! If there was someone Krux wasn't glad to have as a partner, Libber would be one for sure. Oh, Time Lord... No, not in a million years!  

A slight sound of ringing bell announced the continuance of the meeting. Heading towards the war table, the masters aimed to take their seats — everyone, except for Acronix. 

"Hurry up, brother!"

"Not now..."

Krux slowly turned around. "What?"

There was no reply back. The sunlight reflected in his gloomy eyes while Acronix was standing next to him, and staring at nowhere, getting lost into his distant thoughts. Wrapped in a blue bubbles. 

"Acronix—"

"W - what if I'm cursed, brother?" 

Surprised, Krux raised an eyebrow. "Curse?"

"What if you're cursed too? In another way..."

"What kind of way? What are you talking about?" 

Acronix shrugged, silently. In his restless mind full of hundreds ideas arising at once, there was still nothing to put together, to come up with. That morning when they got chained and humiliated in the woods seemed no one's but his fault, his greatest failure. Oh, how foolish — how truly foolish he was! What an Inattentive, and lacking of memory, and emptyheaded idiot... Even now he wasn't able to focus on such a simple question, distracting by a random leaf he's been flickering between his fingers. 

"...No matter what I'm saying or doing is always considered to be rude or disrespectful." He finally spoke, his unusually calm voice trembled. 

"Who told you that nonsense?"

"I feel it that way..." With an arm around his neck, he blew out a heavy sigh. "Every single time we're having a meeting, I'm always ending up being excluded. I'm extremely loud and forgetful. What's wrong with me, brother? I can't even focus on the simplest missions! I - I am worthless!"

"But you're the one, who's coming up with the most spontaneous ideas on the battlefield without any plan." His twin remarked in a proud way. "Even I can't do it."

"I am! However, last mission was kind of mess..."

"I prefer term 'improvised'. You know, outcome of missions is something we cannot control." Eagerly, Krux gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "So I don't see any curse in being as lighthearted and energetic as you, brother. That's just the way you are!" 

Dimples on his cheeks appeared as Acronix widely smiled. "Thank you, brother."

"Alright. Now let's hurry up!"

"Hurry up? Let's skip the most boring part, instead." Acronix exlaimed, glancing at him as his fists flashed with green glow. "Since we're not welcomed..."

"Acronix... We are not skipping the meeting."

The happy grin faded away, he made a pouty face. "What? I hate those meetings! Why are we supposed to discuss the same things over again?" 

Krux shook his head. "They're essential for the better strategy. This time we won't be excluded."

Rolling his eyes, Acronix groaned in annoyance. "Yeah... Fine."

The bright lights of yellow have flashed. With crossed arms, Acronix kept watching Krux taking the beginning of meeting back, way too often fixing his reckless mistakes. 

Anyway, the one, who controlled time would always control everything — except for his own emotions, sometimes.