“I can’t believe it... a time god. I actually summoned a time god!”

“Yeah, I get that a lot,” the Time God said, clearly unimpressed. He scratched his head, bored already.

“Wait, can I ask you for something? Like... I dunno, can you make any bones I break turn into permanent powers instead of temporary ones?”

The Time God yawned. “Of course. That's easy. I'm a time god, remember?”

“Oh my god…”

“Yes, yes, I’m your Time God.” He rolled his eyes. This wasn’t exactly new for him.

“So... since I summoned you randomly, does that mean you’re with me forever now? Like, by my side 24/7?”

“Nah,” he said with a wave of his hand. “I’ll be in my realm most of the time. But I can pop in whenever you call.”

“Oh, cool, cool... so, uh, can you tell me about my future? Will I be amazing? Will I get married, have a family, become rich?”

“Nope!” The Time God snapped his fingers. “That’s forbidden. Can’t mess with timelines. It gets weird, and I don’t need the other gods getting all huffy about fate.”

John sighed. “Figures.”

“What’s the deal then? What can I ask of you?”

The Time God grinned. “Now that’s a trickier question. I can, uh... restore objects to their original state. Like, simple stuff. But no bringing back life. That’s a huge no-no. All the gods would freak.”

John blinked. “There are other gods?”

“Well, duh. Like the Nature God. She’s always handing out healing powers to her chosen ones. You know, like your mom.”

“Wait, so all the powers I’ve had... does that mean the gods thought I was worthy of them?”

The Time God burst out laughing. “Worthy? No way. We gave you random powers for laughs. It was like watching a squirrel figure out a Rubik’s Cube. Just when you got the hang of one, we’d yank it away and give you another. We even placed bets on how long it’d take before you broke another bone.”

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

John's mouth hung open. “Wait... you’re here because you lost a bet?”

The Time God looked away, awkwardly. “...Maybe.”

“That’s hilarious! You’re stuck with me because of a bet, not because you wanted to? Best thing I’ve heard all day.”

“Let’s just focus on what you’re gonna do next, okay? I can’t freeze time forever. Go finish your sparring match.” He nodded toward the girl frozen in mid-punch.

“Isn’t there an easier way to summon you?”

“Good point,” said the Time God. “Just say ‘TT’ instead. Short and sweet.”

“‘TT?’ That’s it?”

“Yep. Now, get back to your match. Bye!”

Time resumed, and suddenly Lisa’s fist was right in front of John’s face, flicking his forehead like she always did. He barely moved.

“Huh? Normally, you’d be crying for your mom right about now,” Lisa said, confused.

John grinned. “Looks like I’ve gotten stronger.”

“Oh? Ready for real punches and kicks now?”

“Wait, hold on! You used to break my ribs with those! I couldn't walk for days after your kicks!”

“Didn’t you wanna figure out your new powers?” Lisa asked, cracking her knuckles. “I have an idea what they are.”

“Wait, Lisa! My heart, my mind, my—”

Before John could finish, Lisa’s punch connected with his ribs. He didn’t even flinch.

“Huh? That didn’t hurt?”

Lisa smiled. “Looks like your new power is body strengthening. Good for you. No more broken bones!”

“Yeah… lucky me,” John muttered. But inside, he panicked. No more broken bones? No new powers? I’m screwed!

“TT!” he shouted, freezing time again. The Time God appeared, looking as bored as ever.

“Why do you always show up without making any noise?”

“I’m a time god, dude. Subtlety is my thing. What’s up?”

“How do I turn off powers I don’t need?”

The Time God smirked. “That’s for you to figure out.”

John groaned. “What do you mean? Aren’t you a god?”

“Only a time god. I don’t know everything. Good luck!” And with a wave, the Time God vanished as time resumed.

“Why’d you say ‘TT’ just now?” Lisa asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I did?”

“Yeah, you did.”

“Uh... must be an aftereffect of my powers?” John winced.

Lisa shrugged. “Makes sense.”

Yeah, right, John thought. Can’t be saying ‘TT’ out loud anymore.

Time froze again, and the Time God’s voice echoed in John’s head. You can just think it, you know. Alright, bye for real this time.

John rolled his eyes. What does this guy even do, anyway?

But then the real issue hit him. How do I break bones to get new powers if I’m all invincible now?

“Hey, Lisa?” John asked. “Has anyone ever beaten you before?”

Lisa narrowed her eyes. “Are you saying I’m weak?”

“No, no! You’re the strongest person I know. But, uh...”

She sighed. “There was one man who beat me—your father. Sorry.”

John smiled, though his heart clenched. “It’s okay. If he hadn’t been strong, we wouldn’t be living in peace.”

“If you really wanna break bones, though,” Lisa said, reading his mind, “there are monsters out there that’ve broken a few of mine.”

John grinned. “You know me too well.”

“Just don’t tell your mom, okay? Let’s keep this between us.”

“Thanks, Lisa. And hey, don’t worry about mentioning my dad. I’m proud of him.”

Lisa ruffled his hair. “You rascal. Now, shall we get ready to leave the castle?”

“Yeah, let’s go. And thanks again, Lisa.”

“No problem, Prince John.”