>>5852888“Yeah, there's one more thing. Regarding Chaya and Ace.” you tell him, then reach out telepathically to the two of them. “Chaya, Ace, come over here. We need to talk.”
“Sure thing.” your alternate timeline daughter replies, Ace not speaking but you can feel his acknowledgment through the link. A moment later they both appear, Ace lowering his hand from his forehead with your other time's daughter holding his left in her right. “What's goi-Mechikabura? And who's this? Is she-?”
“The new and former Supreme Kai of Time, Aeos.” Mechikabura says, by way of introduction. “Aeos, this is Ace. A former Time Patroller, the one summoned by the wish. And this is Chaya, Karn's daughter from that other timeline.”
“I see.” she says, looking from one to the other. You get the feeling she's measuring them to you, her expression neutral. But then, to your surprise, Ace speaks up.
“You're different.” he says, you all turning to look at him. But his gaze is fixed on Aeos, eyes locked on her own. “I can see it. You're not a monster, not like her.”
“What?” Aeos asks him, confused. “What do you mean?”
“I don't really like to talk about it. But, during my time in the Time Patrol, I got to know her pretty well.” he says, looking down at his right hand. “Not long after I was created by Shenron, a 'perfect warrior' to fix time, she used her powers to control my body. Taking away my freedom and forcing me to be her perfect weapon. But I can tell that you are different.”
“You can tell? How?” Future Chaya asks him, sounding genuinely curious.
“It's your eyes. Your eyes don't have that uncaring cruelty hers had.” he tells Aeos. “You're not a monster, you seem nothing like her. I think I could work with you.”
“Pardon?” Aeos asks, her eyes widening. “What did you just say?”
“I used to be an unwilling servant of Chronoa. Enslaved to her will. But the work itself was necessary.” Ace continues. “If you would have me, I would like to assist you in rebuilding the Time Patrol.”
“If Ace is willing to give you a shot, then I am too.” Future Chaya says, stepping up beside him. “While I always wanted to live here with my family, I can come help out as well. Besides, Ace here needs someone able to keep up with him on his missions.”
“I think that would be a wonderful idea.” Mechikabura says, clasping his hands together and turning to Aeos. “What do you think?”
“If you both are volunteering, I would be happy to have you along.” she says, giving both a small bow. “To have your perspectives, both as a former member and as the opposition, your aid could prove invaluable.”
“Wonderful. Let us head back now.” Mechikabura says, opening a dark portal behind himself as he turns to face you. “I'll be seeing you around, Karn.”
cont
