>>5439130“If today taught me anything, it's that I'm still not ready.” you tell him, spotting your pod's landing site in the wreckage of a large city and start flying down. Immediately the locals scramble, getting clear of you and your pod as you touch down. “I still have a long way to go.”
Pressing the concealed button on the side the door begins opening, but then you sense someone. Two someones, two people still very close to your heart despite what happened. So you turn around, and come face-to-face with your parents. Who both look like they've been through hell, your momma holding Daddy up on her shoulders. His power is shot, just like Soba's was. If the Time Patrol attacked now, you doubt even he would stand a chance like this. But then again the words Future Chaya showed you spring to mind, you gritting your teeth for a moment. But you unclench your jaw with a small exhale, addressing them both.
“Momma. Daddy.” you say, looking from one to the other. “What're you two doing here?”
“Came to check up on you.” he says, exhaustion clear in even his voice. “I saw your...”
“My tail?” you finish for him, and can hear the anger in your voice still. “It can't be saved. It was severed while I was an Oozaru, and it remained big while I shrank. I asked Chilli, between him and Cauli both it couldn't be saved. You were right Daddy, I wasn't ready. Not for what happened. So, I'm going back home.”
“Want to come with us?” your daddy asks, clearly struggling to hold his hand out towards you. “We're getting ready to go ourselves. You can come right back with us.”
You look from his hand up to his face, several thoughts all running through your head. But after realizing its brrn several seconds of silence you shake your head, not meeting his gaze.
“No. I....I need some time alone, to think.” you say, looking down to the burnt away fingers of your gloves. “I have a lot I need to think about.”
“Fair enough kiddo. Do what you need to do, we'll see you when you get back home.” he says, still not pressuring or forcing you, not acting dismissive and uncaring of what you need unlike the different Karns future you'd shown.
“Tha-Thank you.” you say, suddenly choking and tearing up as you feel the urge to just run into their arms and cry everything out. But you can do that later, right now he needs your momma's attention, not worrying about you. So you put on a brave face and climb into the pod. “I...I love you both.”
“Love you too kiddo.” he says, giving you a small nod of understanding. Or he's nodding off, one of the two.
“We love you Chaya.” Momma says, the door sealing shut before the pod blasts off back towards home. You may be strong, but clearly not strong enough. You still have a long, long way to go.
-Saiyan Conqueror Quest 184 Intermission End-