[We begin the scene with a late teenage boy reading human history at a private section inside an archive.]

Carl Herman Kage:

💭 It's awful what people had to go through and are still battling. Many of these events I really don't understand. Why separate people based on their skin? 💭

*Writes notes.*

💭 Just because one's "inferior"? There's no such thing as an unequal race. Wouldn't it have also been easier if everyone was together anyway? 💭

*Flips pages.*

💭 I'm glad this split up isn't a thing anymore, but still, it shouldn't have happened in the first place. 💭

*He closes his book after marking it to continue later. He then gets up, and passes by a Lantern Gauntlet comic.*

💭 Oh, hey! 💭

*Grabs it, revealing the comic cover. It shows a member with arms extended out and hands fully open.*

💭 We read copies of those ones at home frequently! The Mints of Ambition, The Ascended Lilacs, and The Loyal Lavenders really resonate with me! 💭

*Sighs.*

💭 But ah well... I can't look at this comic for too long. This archive is going to close soon for the day. 💭

*He continues his way out using an elevator, being noticed by a remaining two. He then sits down on a bench and grabs his phone.*

Now to wait for mom...

*Browses on his phone.*

💭 I'm glad to have graduated high school... 💭

New, Emily and Bradley:

*Exits the archive, and locates the young man with black hair and green eyes.*

*Follows behind her.*

Hey, sir?

Hm? Yeah?

Where'd you get that sword?

Oh. I was given this by a retired officer 4 years ago.

Interesting. Have you done anything with it?

Yeah. I helped fight a lot of crime to buy time for law enforcement, and also made some modifications.

Modifications? Like what?

I've improved the range of this sword by making it capable of extension and flexibility.

Ooooohhh!! Can I see?

*Looks around, making sure no one's around.*

Sure.

*He gets up, pulls his sword out and swings it forward, causing the weapon to automatically extend outward accordingly.*

Cooolll!! How does it do that?

I've installed motion sensors that detect whenever I swing.

*Smiles.*

Technology is such a fun thing to study.

*Nods in agreement.*

It sure is.

*Sighs.*

You know, I wish people didn't spread hate and discrimination using technology. We should be past that by now. It's pathetic.

Sadly, people can be stubborn and hard to work with...

Yeah...

*Closes his eyes for a moment.*

*Gets her phone out and starts browsing. Throughout, she sees many articles on Carl's other public acts, covering her mouth as she reads them.*

*Looks at her phone for a moment.*

💭 That's not a model I recognize. Has she gotten an early delivery or something? Hm. 💭

*Continues reading, getting emotional.*

💭 This is crazy!! He started this road at 13?! 💧 That's phenomenal!! 💧💭

*Notices her start to cry.*

Hey, are you okay?

*Gets out a tissue.*

Here, have this.

💧 Thank you... 💧

*Takes it.*

No problem!

*Also rubs her shoulder as she uses it.*

*Hugs in response, taking the young man off guard a little bit.*

*Returns the favor, displaying a small temporary expression of shock as he does so.*

💧 Have you... actually done all of that? Since 8? 💧

Help people, you mean?

*Gives a huge smile.*

It's nothing much. I simply love providing a hand and enforcing justice.

*Smiles as well.*

💧💧 That's just... so amazing! 💧💧

💭💧💧 He definitely deserves to know! 💧💧💭

*Sees her tears intensify. He looks in concern.*

What's with all the crying? Are you okay?

*She lets go, and gets a note out, which she starts to write on. Her brother notices this.*

*He watches.*

*Looks at him.*

*Turns around, covering his mouth in embarrassment while getting up from the bench.*

💭 Hey, he kind of has my hair! Interesting...? 💭

*Noticing her brother looking the other way, she gives the young sword wielder a spare device after finishing her note, and puts her finger in a shush gesture while getting up.*

💧 Please, you can keep the note. 💧

Uh, okay. Sure thing.

Thank you.

No problem.

*She leaves with her brother.*

*He starts to read it, and becomes emotional as he does so. The note reads:*

[Hello. My name is Emily Samantha Kage. I come from Earth Six, where I'm your daughter. That device is a multiverse traveler.]

[And, it was so surreal to see you look much younger! Even with the fact this is a different universe! I almost brokedown in the llbrary, even!]

[I can't believe you even helped people out from a really young age, too! That's just beyond incredible! I can't believe what you accomplished here!]

[And please, come give us a visit! I would love to see you again!]

*Brings the note to his chest.*

💭💧 Is... Is this real?! 💧 It can't be... 💭

*He closes his eyes for a bit and then inspects the device.*

💭 This is definitely a real piece of technology alright... No way... 💭

New, Carl's mother, Melissa Tiffany Isles:

Okay, let's go.

OH! Right.

*Notices the traveler.*

💭 Where did he find that watch thing? I'll have to ask him when we get back home. 💭

*She goes to her vehicle, and begins the way home with Carl.*

*Once there, he goes to his room, closes the bedroom door, and covers his windows. He then looks at the note from before, and puts in Earth Six after some struggles. To his surprise...*

*Falls to the floor.*

GREAT CASCADES!!!

*Knocks on the door.*

Are you alright in there? May I open the door?

Uh.. Yeah!

*Does so, and notices the portal as well.*

WHAT THE F$#% IS THAT?!?

💧💧💧💧 I STILL DON'T FULLY KNOW! Apparently this thing is a multiverse traveler! 💧💧💧💧

WHAT?!? Hey hey, it's okay! Settle down!

*Goes inside Carl's room to comfort him. As she does so, the portal closes up. After that, she looks at the device, and then the note in her son's possession.*

May I see that paper, please?

*Hands it over.*

*Reads the note, and is completely taken aback.*

This is extremely confusing! I thought it was just a coincidence!

*While hugging her, he emotionally nods.*

💧💧 I might've seen a possible son, too... And, you saw them, as well? 💧💧

If you're talking about the ones with black and brown hair I saw on camera, then yes.

*Looks at the paper again, then back at her son.*

Moreover, this note gives much more context to their timing before leaving my library, with them ceasing to read and exiting immediately after you.

*Notices a similarity.*

Emily's reaction to seeing your presence was also notable. She went into an identical breakdown as the one you're having currently.

*Briefly closes her eyes.*

💧 And to think those two are apparently my grandkids in another world... 💧

💧💧 That's... so wonderful... 💧💧

💧 I feel the same way... 💧

*After hugging for a little longer, she lets go of Carl.*

May I please have that device?

Sure thing!

*Gives it to her.*

Thank you.

No problem!

💭 I wonder what this "Earth Six" place is, besides her apparent home. 💭

*She interacts with the device for a while, figuring out how it works. After doing so, she puts in the designation of Emily's alternate universe. Which makes...*

This is beyond strange...

Yeah, and... 💧 so amazing as well... I can't wait to meet her fully! 💧

I also want to see Emily as well, but she'll have to wait, sadly. We need time to adjust.

...

And caution's another important element. Anything could happen on this "Earth Six" place. We can still go there a little later. It's best not to do so right now.

Right.

In the meantime, I want us to really become accustomed with the multiverse being real.

*Exits Carl's room after seeing his nod, closing his door.*

*He covers his eyes, deeply emotional. Beneath the heavy flow of tears lies a happy smile.*

💧💧💧 Em..ily... We'll... see you soon! 💧💧💧

[Later...]

Ready now?

Yes!

[Melissa and Carl then go through the portal, marking their first steps into infinity.]

[Meanwhile, we next see outside a house on Earth Six, where a stir is brewing in the form of a family meeting.]

New, Earth Six Carl Herman Kage and Anna:

Alright, I wasn't planning on having us meet up this late, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was necessary.

We've received three alerts of at least one device being in use, which appeared after the two of you returned home.

This can only be possible if one of you gave a traveler belonging to us away on Earth One without our knowledge.

*Looks at Emily suspiciously before returning his attention back.*

I didn't do it.

*Narrows her eyes.*

So, you're saying it was Emily's doing?

Yes, hence me looking at her.

*Looks at Emily with disappointment.*

💭 Shoot, I forgot about those notifications! That shouldn't be- 💭

What are you thinking about? You really were the one, weren't you?

💦 I tried tell him no one else were to know of the multiverse with a shush! 💦

That's not the problem here. The issue is you gave away a device in another universe period.

Which is unacceptable. You've broken a rule, Emily. I can also tell you've done more than this. Please come clean.

💢 Just what did you write on that note?! 💢

Wait, what?! A note?! No no no...

💦 Okay okay okay! Please, just, hear me out! I wanted to make him happy, so I've also told a younger you about my actual identity as his daughter from here! 💦

*Sighs.*

You may be well intentioned. However, you've still committed multiverse violations. Which, again, we have no room for, let alone revealing sensitive information.

*Opens his hand up.*

Give me that device. Your traveling is done. Got it? Then you are to go in your room, and think about your mistakes.

*Reluctantly does the two orders.*

💭💢 This is stupid... 💢💭

*Looks at the notifications again, developing a gut feeling.*

Hey, Bradley?

Hm? Yeah?

Want to get a device back before bed?

It's only necessary at this point, so sure thing.

Great. Let's get our bows, then, on the ready.

*Gets his bows and arrows while his mother does the same.*

[We next see the outside again, where we see mother and son, or technically grandmother and father here, chatting.]

I wonder how to go about finding Emily...

I'm not sure how to answer that. Maybe try to find our house? Even then, that tip may not be reliable in this universe.

Hmm...

And we may not be able to rely on my driver's license, either. It may've expired here. That only means we'll be going on foot.

Right. This'll be a while.

*He continues walking with her for sometime before letting out a sigh.*

I wish dad was here to see this with us. I hope he recovers soon.

Me too. His back got damaged really bad. The surgery will take a while, I'm afraid.

[Suddenly, an arrow charges at the two of them, with Melissa noticing that it hit the device.]

What the?!

*Sees the disabled traveler fall out her wrist.*

Uh oh!

*He succeeds in catching it, getting his sword out quickly after placing the traveler back on. He then looks around, and notices a portal open up from behind.*

*Appears out said portal, and attempts to restrain Earth One Carl.*

*Evades, and looks at her.*

Anna Evelyn Northfield?!

What is going on?!

*Appears through another portal, and fires many arrows.*

*He manages to deflect the projectiles with his modified sword.*

I don't know!

*Takes advantage of the distraction by successfully restraining Earth One Carl.*

*Attempts to break out Earth Six Anna's hold. However...*

*Quickly sprints forward and manages to grab hold of the traveler on Carl's wrist, and tries to get it off.*

*Struggles with Bradley.*

💢 What are you doing?!? We were here to greet Emily! 💢

Sorry, she's not available.

*Rushes behind Bradley to try and pull him back.*

*Attempts to evade, but is caught by her.*

💢 Let him go at once, grandson. 💢

💢 Please let me go! He's not supposed to have been given that device! 💢

No, he's not. You shouldn't have had it either. We're only here for the traveler. Please tell him to surrender it.

*Looks at her.*

💢 Why would I? You haven't exactly been cordial here. Please let him go. 💢

I will. Once he relinquishes that device.

That watch should be my priority and concern.

*Redirects attention to Bradley.*

For the last time, 💢 let go of that traveler. Please. 💢

*Disobeys and keeps trying. Despite being pulled away, he does barely manage to get the device off.*

*Quickly takes it, letting the younger Carl go after.*

Finally. Now to take you two back.

*Opens a portal back to Earth One.*

💭💢 I want to speak with universe's Carl right now. 💢💭

💭💢 This is stupid... 💢💭

*Appears through another portal, and notices Melissa. Brief remorse forms on his face.*

My apologies for having you see that. But, this had to be done.

💢 It'll take more than a simple apology to fix this. What has gotten into you?! 💢

Is it bad that I wanted to keep the rules and protocols enforced? We multiverse travelers have a strict contract to follow.

*Sighs.*

No, but you're not exactly a good person either. I acknowledge the importance of rules, but this is overdoing it.

Overdoing it? With all due respect, I don't think so.

What contract are you talking about? Please tell me.

For starters, we travelers must leave as little information about ourselves as possible, preferably none at all.

*Looks toward his younger self.*

Had Emily not disclosed her identity to him and given a traveler, then we wouldn't be in this situation. It's a net positive.

*Returns to facing Earth One Melissa.*

Second, all our devices must never been given to someone inside another universe. Doing so is incredibly risky, if not outright foolish.

💢 Foolish?! Please don't call her that! 💢

*Sighs.*

💢 She obviously knew better! How else could I have put it? 💢

💢 STOP! Yes, she may've took a risk doing this, but that doesn't make her a fool! 💢

*Steps forward.*

💢 If anything, then it shows just how much courage she had to remain honest! She had a really brave heart! 💢

*Gasps, relating to her.*

The similar kind of heart I had since I was a little 8 year old...

💭 Wait, 8?! What the... 💭

💭 8?! What?! 💭

Huh?!

*Tears start to flow down again. He covers his mouth and closes his eyes.*

*As a parent herself, she recognizes a new emotion behind the tears.*

💭 Those tears are different. They are the ones only a really proud parent can replicate. 💭

*She smiles.*

💭💧 We raised him well. 💧💭

*She then looks at Earth Six Carl, her smile fading.*

💭 I wonder what went wrong here... Speaking of which... 💭

And I'm sorry, all devices? How much do you have?

Well...

*Sighs.*

We have hundreds of spares.

Yeah, no way. You don't actually need that much, do you?

Well, yes. In case replacements need to be sent out, and for future generations.

I see.

*Crosses his arms.*

Aren't you going to head back to Earth One?

We wished to see Emily before going back.

*Looks at Earth One Carl, and then sighs, returning his attention to Melissa.*

You have five minutes, starting when you enter Emily's room. Follow me.

Finally. Thank you.

Don't mention it...

*Opens a new portal up that he goes through while Earth Six Anna closes the other one.*

*Follows him. As she does so, she turns around to her actual son.*

Come on. Let's see Emily.

*He wipes off his tears, and follows.*

*She does the same, and is followed by Bradley.*

[We then see the Earth Six household interior from before.]

*Is seen getting a timer ready. Before guiding the alternate universe variants, he makes one thing clear.*

Normally, I would've sent you both right back to your universe, which is another protocol I'm required to perform regarding cases like this.

*Sighs.*

However, you're lucky that I've felt lenient tonight. I don't intend on doing this favor again. Now, this way.

*Starts walking to Emily's room.*

*Follows, with her son doing the same.*

*He is soon near an open door, and sees his older self stop beside it, confirming this is the room.*

Make it quick.

*Hears her father's words, and looks at the doorway. She gasps at the sight of a younger Carl.*

It's you!!

Emily!!

*Is the first one to approach, with Earth One Carl doing so next quickly after.*

*Once the distance between him and Emily closes, he embraces her in a mutual hug.*

*Watches, recognizing their bond blossom. She begins to have doubts while looking at the device she confiscated from Earth One Carl.*

💭 Should I give this back? 💭

*Looks at Earth Six Carl with a new uncertainty.*

*Looks back, sharing the same contemplation.*

Honey, do you think we've actually went too far? They have a genuine relationship, despite just meeting each other.

At this point, I don't know how to answer that. For all our time as travelers, we swore to uphold our duties no matter what.

*Also expresses self-reflection.*

Is it... really worth placing our obligations above all else? I don't remember seeing Emily this happy...

She never had this much joy ever since your birth. That was the only time she had a comparable amount of emotion.

*Seeing the opportunity to give advice, she takes it and looks at the Earth Six parents.*

Rules should be consciously made for the benefit of everyone. I see them as a philosophy of pure honor.

*Hearing Earth One Melissa, she looks at the doorway. She barely keeps her mouth shut as Earth One Melissa and Earth Six Carl continue talking.*

You see... I wasn't raised with that perspective in mind. I was only told to follow instructions without further question.

Is that so?

*Sighs.*

Yes.

Well, then I'm partially sorry for what I said earlier.

No, don't... do that. 💧 It's not your fault. 💧

*Comforts Earth Six Carl.*

Why'd you say partially?

While your dad deserved to get called out, I shouldn't have been as hostile as I was. In general, I should've been more sympathetic.

Oh. I see...

*Looks at the younger Carl and Earth Six Emily, seeing them let each other go. Then, they begin talking.*

💧 It's so remarkable that you're my daughter here! 💧

💧 It's even more remarkable what you've accomplished on Earth One! And you didn't have to bring grandma! 💧

She wanted to come visit you, too. We both did.

*Runs to Earth One Melissa, hugging her too.*

*Was taken by surprise.*

Whoa, easy there, Emily!

*Hugs her back as well.*

He told you my name too?

He did. That was a really sweet note you gave him.

💧 Thanks..! 💧

No worries!

*Lets Earth One Melissa go.*

How's grandpa in your world?

Oh, you mean Kyle Stanford Kage? He sadly broke his back after a big fall.

Oh, my! Ouch! I hope he recovers!

💭 Yikes! That happened in his universe?! 💭

Me too. He looked really bad. I don't know how long he'll continue being in the hospital.

If only I had my device...

Huh?

Wait, what?

Yeah... I wish I was able to go to your universe and see if Grandpa Kyle's okay.

*Looks at Emily's wrists, not seeing a traveler on any of them.*

I didn't catch that your traveler was gone.

All because I wanted to make you happy. You deserved to know.

*Looks toward his Earth Six variant.*

Was it you that took it from Emily?

*Sighs.*

Yes.

Can you return it to her, please? She did not deserve punishment. Like my mom said, rules should work promote benefit and not be mere instructions to abide by.

*Looks at Earth Six Anna.*

Can you please return that device to me? I acknowledge and accept the enormous responsibility that comes with it.

*She narrows her eyes at Melissa for a good point of time. Seeing Melissa's serious, she then looks at her husband.*

*Nods, although reluctantly.*

Okay...

*Returns it back.*

Thanks.

No problem...

*Sighs, and starts heading to his office room.*

💭 I might as well... 💭

*Once there, he unlocks a cabinet, and pulls it open, revealing the traveler he got from Emily. He hesitantly picks this device up to return it.*

*After some time passes, she sees Earth Six Carl come out a portal and toss her traveler back, which she catches.*

You got lucky tonight. Remember that.

*Her expression of surprise gradually turns to curiosity.*

Does this mean you're open to us doing good in other universes?

I wouldn't count on that... But we'll see.

Well... Either way, thanks for giving it back, I suppose...

You're welcome...

*His timer goes off, marking the end for the Earth One variants.*

Well, time's up!

*He gets ready to send them back to their universe. However, he finds his device is not working for some reason,*

💭 That can't be right... 💭

Can someone else transport them back to Earth One, please? My traveler seems to be malfunctioning.

Sure. I'll do it.

*Tries as well. He finds his device is also not working. Realizing what may be happening, he looks at his mom.*

Can you try yours?

Is your traveler not working either?

No.

Hm.

*Tries herself, also finding it's not working, reinforcing Bradley's mental hypothesis.*

💭 This is not good! Did we do something wrong? But... didn't we follow our code perfectly? 💭

*Looks at his sister.*

Does your device work?

Hm...

*Tries to use her traveler. For some reason, it still works.*

Wh- What?!

How in the?!

Huh?! 💭 The only wrong thing Emily's done was reveal our identities, but her device is still operating fine!? Just what did we do wrong?! 💭

I don't know what makes you the special one...

Me neither...

*Looks at Earth One Carl.*

We may not meet again, so...

*Sighs.*

My name is Galvin Bradley Kage.

So that's your name, huh? I see. It's nice meeting you!

Same here...

Now, let's go.

*Steps through the portal.*

Right.

*Follows.*

💭 Well, what the heck? I'm 19. I should be within my rights to have freedom. 💭

*Takes a deep breath and leaves with them.*

Hey, wait! I didn't-

*Sees the portal close.*

Dang it!

There's not really anything we can do, unless you're willing to try and fix the glitch.

*Yawns.*

No, I'm too tired...

[We change the scene back to Earth One, in the middle of nowhere.]

*Appears on the other end.*

*Same.*

*Is noticed behind them.*

I didn't expect you'd follow us. How old are you?

19! My brother's 18.

Very well. If this is also about Kyle, then we can see him next morning.

Okay, sounds good.

*Walks with them for a while.*

Another question, does Aunt Daisy and Uncle Henry exist here, as well?

No... They exist there too?!

Yeah, they do!

That's so amazing!

Indeed. Hey, Carl? Think you can figure this device out and get us home?

Sure!

*Interacts with the device, seeing he can also put specific locations. Getting ready to use this feature, he looks at his mom and technical daughter.*

Well, it's time we head home.

*With the traveler, he opens a portal, and looks at Emily for a bit, smiling before going through with his mother.*

*Follows them.*

[We change scenes to Earth One Carl's room.]

*Looks at Earth Six Emily and her son.*

I recommend getting some good rest soon. I definitely need to.

Yeah, sure thing. Good night, mom.

Yeah, good night... Grandma!

Good night, you two.

*Hugs and kisses Earth One Carl and Earth Six Emily, who do the same. After that, she exits the room.*

*Looks at his Earth Six daughter.*

Emily, i'm willing to lend you my bed.

Oh, thank you!

No worries!

*Along with her, he gets ready for sleep. During so, he also gives a spare toothbrush to Emily, who happily takes and uses it. After they finish, he goes to bed with her.*

[Meanwhile, within Universe One...]