THE MALEVOLENT CREATURE

The sun hung lazily in the sky, its golden rays stretching across the sprawling cityscape below. Wisps of white clouds floated aimlessly, their soft edges glowing with sunlight. The air was warm and carried a gentle breeze, which ruffled the leaves of nearby trees and swayed Leo's black hair as he reclined on the slanted roof of the academy building.

The world felt calm, peaceful—a rare moment of serenity in the bustling life of a student at the prestigious Chrono Academy. Leo's blue eyes gazed out over the horizon, his eyes warm and inviting like a shelter in the winter, reflecting the life of a boy who had yet to know true loss.

Leo stretched his arms behind his head, sighing contentedly. "Kai," he said suddenly, his voice carrying just enough volume to be heard over the soft rustling of the wind. "If you randomly got powers, out of nowhere. What would you do?"

Kai, a boy of the same age and equal talent, lay sprawled beside him on the roof. His short brown hair was messy, his expression relaxed and playful. He turned his head toward Leo, raising a brow.

"What's that about?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Leo shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Oh, you know. Just a general question."

Kai sat up slightly, resting his elbows on his knees as he thought. "Okay, if I had to do something.... What would it be?" He rubbed his chin in mock seriousness, exaggerating his pondering.

Leo chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't strain yourself, genius."

Kai sighed as he turned his gaze and looked at the fluffy clouds. "I'd just ignore it, you know... and keep on living my damned, normal, life."

Leo laughed, sitting up and brushing the dust off his clothes. "Seriously, even if others knew it too?"

"Probably," Kai admitted with a grin. "But hey, that's the price of peace. Right."

Before Leo could retort, a distant bell rang, its chime echoing across the campus. He sighed, pushing himself to his feet and stretching. "Come on, time for class."

Kai flopped back onto the roof, groaning dramatically. "What's the hurry? It's just English. Let's chill a little longer."

Leo was already walking toward the edge of the roof. He glanced back at his friend, smirking. "If you want detention, that's all you. I'm not taking the blame."

Kai watched as Leo disappeared down the stairs, his voice drifting back. "Traitor!" he shouted, scrambling to his feet. "At least wait for me!"

Leo's voice echoed back with a playful tone. "Might as well retire from life if you're this slow. My grandma could beat you in a race—with her eyes closed."

Kai caught up quickly, falling into step beside Leo as they made their way to class. "Oh, is that a challenge?"

"Don't start something you can't finish," Leo replied, his grin widening.

The two walked together, their banter light and carefree. For all the pressures of being top students at the world's greatest academy, moments like these reminded them they were still just boys.

As they approached the classroom, Leo's gaze drifted upward. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue, its vastness stretching endlessly. For a brief moment, his smile faded, and his thoughts turned inward.

How did it all lead to this?

The memories came rushing back, vivid and unrelenting.

Ten years ago, a young boy of age 5 wandered the streets, his thin frame shivering beneath a tattered coat. The bitter winter wind bit at his exposed skin, and his stomach ached with the gnawing emptiness of hunger. This boy had no name, no home, and no hope.

That boy was Leo.

The streets had been his entire world, a harsh and unforgiving place where survival was the only goal. He knew the cold intimately; it had become a constant companion, as familiar as his own shadow. Hunger was less a sensation and more a state of being, something he had long since accepted.

But even for someone like Leo, there were limits. One night, weakened by sickness and hunger, he attempted to cross the street, his vision blurred and his legs trembling. He didn't see the car.

The impact came suddenly, a rush of noise and pain that knocked him to the ground. For a moment, everything went black.

When he woke, he was in a hospital bed, his frail body wrapped in warm blankets. A man sat beside him, his expression a mix of guilt and concern. The man introduced himself as Dr. Halsey, a scientist known across the globe for his brilliance and innovation.

"I'm so sorry," Dr. Halsey had said, his voice gentle. "But I'll make this right."

And he did.

Dr. Halsey didn't just pay for Leo's medical bills—he took him in. For the first time in his life, Leo had a home. Clothes, food, education—everything he had ever dreamed of was given to him. Dr. Halsey even gave him a name, adopting him as his own son.

For Halsey, Leo was more than just a child he had saved. He was the answer to a silent pain the doctor had carried for years—a curse that had left him unable to have children of his own. In Leo, he found redemption, purpose, and a family he had thought he would never have.

Leo, in turn, idolized his new father. His loyalty and gratitude were boundless, and he dedicated himself to repaying the man who had given him everything.

Over the years, Leo thrived. He won awards, set records, and became a beacon of excellence. The world knew him as Leo Halsey, the prodigious son of the great Dr. Halsey. Even though everyone knew he was adopted, the respect he earned was genuine.

At Chrono Academy, the most prestigious institution on Earth, Leo met Kai—a boy who rivaled him in talent and ambition. Their friendship began with a series of competitive challenges, each pushing the other to greater heights. Eventually, their rivalry turned into camaraderie, and they became inseparable.

But while Leo and Kai built their futures, Dr. Halsey continued to pursue his own dream. After 14 years of relentless research, he achieved the impossible: the creation of the first cryosleep drug. The invention was revolutionary, a breakthrough that promised to change the course of humanity.

NASA immediately recognized its value, funding Halsey's work with millions and granting him the honor of a global broadcast ceremony. The world would united to celebrate his achievement, awarding him the Nobel Prize in front of an audience of billions.

For Leo, the ceremony was more than just a recognition of his father's genius—it was a moment of pride, a testament to everything his father suffered to achieve, and in just a mere few hours, the world would know it too.

As Leo and Kai entered the classroom, Leo's thoughts returned to the present. He smiled faintly, his gaze drifting out the window. The sun shone brightly, and the world felt alive with possibility.

He couldn't have known that in just a few short hours, everything would change forever.

Just like a snap the whole day was almost over as the bells rang. While for passers-by it was more of a disturbing noice, for all the students in the Chrono Academy, it was an angel's song. Withouth a word everyone sprinted to the gates as chaos insued in the once-silent halls and streets.

The academy gates groaned as they swung open, releasing a steady stream of students into the sprawling city streets. Among the bustling crowd, Leo and Kai emerged side by side, their conversation blending seamlessly with the hum of activity around them.

The golden hues of twilight spilled across the skyline, casting long shadows that danced over the cobblestone roads and the brick facades of the city's buildings. The air was alive with energy.

Their pace quickened as they left the busier streets behind, the towering buildings giving way to broader avenues lined with trees. The setting sun painted the world in shades of amber and crimson, the city gradually quieting as they approached the edge of the residential district.

The last traces of daylight softened into the faint glow of twilight as Leo and Kai stood before the sprawling mansion, its beauty enhanced by the ethereal colors of the evening. A gentle breeze carried the scents of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, the air crisp and alive with the anticipation of the night.

The mansion towered before them like a castle from an old tale, a perfect blend of elegance and grandeur. Its high, arched windows reflected the orange hues of the setting sun, giving the impression that the house itself glowed from within.

Ornate carvings adorned the stone walls, depicting intricate floral patterns and scenes of mythical beasts that seemed almost alive in the fading light. Lanterns mounted on tall iron posts lined the long driveway, their golden light pooling on the cobblestone path and casting soft shadows over the meticulously tended garden.

Kai crossed his arms, letting out a low whistle. "Man, this place never gets old. It's like something out of a dream."

Leo smiled, a glint of pride in his blue eyes as he admired the mansion. "Yeah," he said softly, the word carrying a weight that hinted at more than just the structure before them. He took a step forward, his black hair catching the soft light of the lanterns, and rang the ornate bell beside the door.

Kai tilted his head back to gaze at the sky, now streaked with deep purples and fiery reds. "You know," he began, his voice casual but tinged with amusement, "we aren't even that late. Can't see why you were pressuring me so much back there."

Leo glanced at him, his smile widening. "What did you expect? This event is a live one." He leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms as his tone turned mock-serious. "You don't want to be seen acting tardy in front of the whole world. Especially when future generations are going to look back at this."

Kai raised an eyebrow, smirking as he crossed his arms. "Damn," he said, nodding slowly. "Guess that is true."

Before either could say more, the soft creak of hinges drew their attention to the grand doors. They turned to see Delbert, the mansion's ever-poised butler, stepping gracefully down the small stone stairs.

The aging man moved with the precision of someone who had spent decades mastering the art of service. His silver hair was neatly combed back, and his tailored black suit bore not a single wrinkle. As he approached, he passed through the vibrant garden that framed the entrance, a symphony of colors and textures illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns.

Stopping at the door, Delbert inclined his head slightly toward Leo. "Good evening, Master Leo," he said, his voice calm and measured, yet carrying a warmth that belied his formal demeanor.

Leo returned the greeting with an easy smile. "Good evening, Delbert."

Kai, standing beside Leo, crossed his arms and smirked. "Wow, Delbert. Bold of you to not greet me while I'm still standing here."

Delbert turned his steady gaze to Kai and gave a small nod. "Good evening, Master Kai."

Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "I was just joking, for God's sake. Delbert, you need to catch up with the times, man."

Leo chuckled as well, stepping past the butler. "You and I both know Delbert isn't the type. Now come on, let's go in before people start thinking we're crazy."

Kai watched Leo disappear into the house, then turned back to Delbert with a playful shrug. "Don't mind him. He's just way too excited today."

Delbert's lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile,feeling amused as he watched Kai dart after Leo. Once both boys were inside, he turned to secure the doors, locking them with a practiced motion. As he stood there for a moment, looking at the mansion illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, he allowed himself a small but deep smile.

Inside, Leo and Kai headed to the kitchen, their footsteps echoing through the grand halls. The interior of the mansion was as breathtaking as its exterior—polished marble floors reflected the light of crystal chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and portraits of past generations.

In the kitchen, the boys grabbed glasses of water, the clink of ice breaking the serene quiet. They hadn't even had time to sit before Delbert appeared in the doorway.

"Your clothes for the ceremony are ready," he announced, his tone professional. "Would you like to try them on?"

Leo and Kai exchanged a glance, grinning. "Let's do it," they said in unison.

Delbert led them to a side room where two elegant suits hung, perfectly tailored and pristine. Leo took the one on the left, its dark fabric subtly shimmering under the warm light, while Kai grabbed the other, a slightly lighter shade of black with a crimson pocket square. They headed to separate rooms to change, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

When they reemerged, the transformation was striking.

Kai stood in front of a full-length mirror, straightening his jacket as he admired his reflection.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a red rose, holding it up with a dramatic flourish. "Woah," he said, grinning at his reflection. "Who are you, handsome?"

Leo, leaning casually against the doorframe, laughed at Kai's antics. "You really know how to sell it," he teased.

Delbert entered the room, phone in hand, and ended a quiet conversation before addressing the boys. "Alright," he said, tucking the phone away.

"I believe you're ready to go." He paused, then added, "And Master Kai, yes, I took the liberty of informing your parents. They've granted permission."

Kai's face lit up. "Awesome!" he exclaimed, punching the air.

Leo, ever the pragmatist, turned to Delbert. "But what are we supposed to go there on?"

Before Delbert could respond, a loud, rhythmic thudding filled the air, growing steadily louder.

Kai tilted his head, confused. "What's that?"

Delbert remained unflappable, glancing toward the window. "It has arrived," he said simply.

He moved to the front door, opening it with a graceful motion. The boys followed, and their jaws dropped as they stepped outside. A sleek black helicopter was descending onto the estate's helipad, its blades slicing through the evening air.

"No way," Kai breathed, his eyes wide.

Delbert turned to the boys, his expression calm as ever. "Well?"

Without another word, the trio moved toward the helicopter. The wind from the blades whipped at their clothes and hair, but the boys barely noticed. They climbed aboard, waving back at Delbert, who stepped aside and called out, "Goodbye! Have fun!"

"Goodbye!" they called in unison as the helicopter began to rise.

Inside, the boys settled into their seats, the hum of the rotors a constant backdrop. Kai leaned toward the window, his face pressed against the glass as he took in the breathtaking view. The city sprawled beneath them like a sea of lights, stretching endlessly into the horizon.

"This is amazing," Kai said, his voice filled with awe.

Leo nodded, his blue eyes fixed on the same view. "Yeah. It really is."

For the next hour, the boys watched as the world passed by below them, their excitement building with every passing moment.

Finally, Leo nudged Kai and pointed ahead. "Look," he said.

Kai followed his gaze. Atop a small hill, away from the bustling city, stood the NASA headquarters. The building was a marvel of modern architecture, its sleek lines and illuminated façade standing out against the darkened landscape.

"We've arrived," Leo said, his voice tinged with anticipation.

Kai stared at the building, a grin spreading across his face. "This is going to be insane," he said softly, his eyes shining.

As the helicopter began its descent, both boys knew that tonight would be a night they would never forget.

One that would change their whole LIVES