They started following this pattern, obeying Ellister and doing everything he said. Zelo also saw Chaejin go in for several meetings with the creature, and he knew that it was all in the plan. At least he hoped it was, and Chaejin was not screwing him over.
Six more months passed, in which time Zelo has learned from Chaejin that they cannot trust anyone else here, even the cook. He showed Zelo how to control his powers, assured him that they are not a bad thing. They are part of him…mostly. The more they trained, the stronger their bond grew.
One day, Zelo approached Chae. “Hey, babe. I have a few questions. It has to do with our powers. I know you have been showing me how to control them. Now that I have gotten to know you…” he paused, hesitating. “Chae…it feels as if you are not telling me everything. What started this whole thing?”
Chaejin sighed, taking Zelo’s hand. “Okay. It is true that I have not been entirely honest with you. Our powers…” he glanced down the hall. “Let’s go for a walk, and I will explain everything, okay?”
Zelo frowned, suspecting that this had been the case. He had been hoping he had been wrong, had not been. “Okay. Let’s go for a walk.”
They walked in silence for a while, then Chaejin turned to Zelo and they sat down on a log. “Babe, I have not told you everything because I wanted to shield you from it. However, I need to tell you now. I told you everything else, like what happened to both of our parents. We can’t trust anyone else here,” he sighed, and Zelo rubbed his hand. “I know that you like your powers, and that is one reason I have hesitated with this conversation.”
Zelo nodded. “Okay. What about them?”
Chaejin smiled at him. “Our powers are not all natural. Some were given to us by Ellister, so he can control us. Making things obey you and turn at your command is the main one…and I know it is the one you like most. It is not natural. The others are.” He felt like he was rushing through it, nervous about Zelo’s reply.
Zelo let go of his hand, pursing his lips. “So, you have been training me to use what he gave me, more than my natural power…I see.’ He shook his head, turning away.
Chaejin cringed, knowing Zelo was angry now. This was it. “I trained you in it because you enjoyed it most. I really shouldn’t have.”
“No shit!” Zelo glared at him, shaking his head. “So, what’s going to happen if we stay here? He’s just going to use us for our powers, and you’ll go along with it. I THOUGHT I could trust you.” Chae could see tears in Zelo’s eyes. “I need some time to think about this.” He got to his feet. “Thanks for your…explanation.”
Chaejin smiled at him and was ignored as Zelo walked away.
They did not talk for the rest of the day, but when Zelo went to bed, he hugged Chaejin. “I’m sorry for getting angry earlier. I know that you were only doing what was best for me. I trust you, love.” Kissing Chae, his smiled. “Thank you.”
Chaejin smiled back at him, caressing his cheek. “Thank you. I’m sorry that you will lose some of the powers. We just need to stick together and wait until the time is right.” He looked down at the bed, then back up at Zelo. “Saranghae.” He kissed the younger boy.
Zelo’s face lit up. “I love you, too. We’ll get through this. Don’t worry.”
“Yeah,” Chae replied quietly.
