[We begin the scene on an unfamiliar planet in Universe 618.]

*Appears out the portal with the others behind her.*

Let's stay close. This is a completely new environment.

Certainly! I may as well snap pictures while we're here!

*Looks around.*

The weather here feels nice.

It sure does. I like the breeze.

*Gets out her hand camera, and starts to take pictures.*

*Watches her do so.*

Can I have a look at some of your images?

Sure! Give me a second, please!

*Takes some more before giving her camera to the younger variant of her aunt.*

*Looks at them.*

You sure know how to get the right angles.

Thanks!

No problem! You must've been outdoors a lot, haven't you?

Yes, I have. My... actual dad has also told me to be careful about rifts outside.

Huh? Rifts?

Yeah. That was how the multiverse got found in my universe. They are extremely hazardous. I've seen entire cars fall through them, destined to not come back.

Oh, yikes! That's extremely concerning! Have they managed to track those vehicles down?

Sadly, I don't think so. Again, they've consistently shown the multiverse is infinite. Who knows where they ended up...

*She suddenly looks toward the tree line, having heard something.*

What's wrong, Emily?

Is it me, or do you guys also feel watched, too?

*Shrugs.*

I don't know what to tell you.

*Narrows his eyes into the forest beside them, trying to find anyone.*

💭 I don't see a person there... I'll call out just to be extra sure. 💭

Hey, is anyone there?! Come out if so, please!

*He gets no response, making him think he talked to air.*

I don't think we're being spied on. We should be fine. Besides, I don't even see buildings in the distance.

This universe looks pretty uneventful. No traces of civilization at all so far...

*Pulls out her phone, seeing her access is very limited. Only games can be played.*

My phone is also busted on this planet. It updates according to the universe it's in. If there were any civilization here, then they're likely under developed.

Hm, so do we want to go Universe 139 now, then? Or take in the scene a little longer?

I want to take a few more pictures before we head there, please.

Okay. Take as much as you want.

*Does so, eventually finishing up.*

Alright, I'm ready now!

Let's go, then.

*Looks at her device, and inputs 139. Intrigued by seeing Earth as an option, she selects that, which triggers another portal.*

*She heads through, along with her newly extended family.*

[When the portal disappears, our perspective shifts toward the forest.]

[Right next to a tree, it is revealed that an invisible person was watching our travelers all along. The now visible spy gets out a communicator, informing:]

{"Reporting back to personnel, I've heard the travelers we detected say they're visiting this Universe 139 next! Be careful! I almost got found out!"}

[Being ordered to return, the revealed multiverse traveler gets inside an invisible ship. Once the advanced spacecraft exits this planet, the ship retreats beyond this world.]

[We next cut to the middle of nowhere on a planet located within the mentioned universe, specifically Earth 139.]

*Checks her phone, this time, the date on it changes from "Unavailable" to "September 7th, 2105"*

Okay, that's a good sign.

Hm? What is?

My phone says the year here is 2105. That's... 27 years ahead of my Earth.

And 52 years for ours. That's over half a century! Wow. I wonder what the tech is like here...

Me too. Wait...

*Looks at news articles, which discuss an extraterrestrial invasion of a race called the Khizinders. She sighs.*

Great, an invasion is being battled here...

Invasion?!?

We oughta be careful, then. Who's in conflict with them?

It seems like... an army of fighters called "Champions" are doing the work. Where we seem to be, that being North America, some champions here include Power Puncher, Lunar Cannon, and Emerald Beacon.

Interes- Wait, Emerald Beacon?!

Huh? Yeah...?

That's a bit funny. I was called exactly that in High School because of the sword I've got.

Oh, really?

Yeah, took me by surprise initially, but I've grown to accept it.

Interesting! Also, you have graduated, right?

Yes, I have. Thank goodness.

I haven't, yet... It's a lot of hard work...

*Smiles.*

I'm sure you'll make it, aunt! I know you can!

*Appreciating the support, she hugs Emily, who returns the gesture.*

💧 You're so sweet... Thank you! 💧

No worries!

*Watches, smiling.*

💭 She said my words beat for beat! 💧 Gosh, we are so similar...! ... How do I owe her back?! I feel I can do so much more for Emily! 💧💭

*He then remembers, and also realizes...*

💭 Hang on a second... This is an alternate Earth, right? Does this also mean an invasion is possible back home, as well? Or on Earth Six, where she comes from? If so, then I should play it safe. Hmm... 💭

Hey, Emily? You said you like being outdoors, is that correct?

Yes, why?

Would you be willing to do physical exercises for me?

💭 Physical exercises? Hang on, is he taking after his elementary fitness teacher?! 💭

I mean... sure? Why are you asking that?

What if there are Khizinders in your universe? What if they go and invade your Earth? I hope to prepare you for such a scenario.

💭 Prepare me...? Wait! No way! Is he... offering to train me?! Hang on! 💭

Are you really willing to train me?! Even if it takes a while?!

*Closes his eyes briefly, opening them while giving a big smile.*

Do you remember what I said earlier, Emily? I love providing a hand! I don't mind how long it takes at all, if it means benefitting your home!

*Seeing Earth One Carl's reforming, she witnesses again just how different he really is from his Earth Six variant back home, a sight to behold in person.*

💭💧💧💧 I can't believe how well thought out he is at this age! His response was just... PERFECT! Why wasn't my real dad like this?! Just what happened?! What went wrong?! 💧💧💧💭

💭💧 I never saw this side of Carl before! Has he always had this in him?! ... Either way, I'm happy seeing a new fatherly spirit grow within him because of Emily. He's always been a softie. 💧💭

*She hugs Earth One Carl once more, who does the same.*

💧💧💧 How are you this generous?!? 💧💧💧

💧💧 It's my parents that deserve the honor, sweetie! Every little bit! Who knows where we'd be without them? 💧💧

💧💧 Carl... You didn't have to say that! 💧💧

💧💧 I know, but I wanted to! 💧💧

💭 He even spoke on our behalf! I've always loved that about him. 💭

💧💧 Can we... train together after exploring around here some more? 💧💧

💧💧 Sure thing! Whenever you're ready! 💧💧

💧💧 Thank you...! 💧💧

💧💧 No problem! 💧💧

Let's see what we find, then!

*With her family, she soon catches a glimpse of some city.*

Oh, perfect! I could use a place to sit down.

Yeah, me too.

*Upon finding a bench, she sits down with Daisy. Carl and Emily remain up.*

*Tries to find out more on her phone.*

*Looks around, seeing many people, with one of them using a crosswalk.*

New, Carter:

*Upon reaching the other side and turning, he notices the alternate universe visitors.*

💭 Hang on, they look famil- Wait a second! Why are they younger?! I need to make sure I'm seeing this right! 💭

*He goes to them, who also take notice.*

Hm?

Hey, uh, who are you all?

Why do you want to know? I'm curious. And who are you?

I'm... 💧 I'm... I'm... 💧 I'm Carter Herman Matthew. 💧💧

💭💧💧 His voice is so youthful, too! What is going on?! 💧💧💭

💭 Herman? That's my middle name! 💧 Is he related to me as well?! How?! 💧💭

💭 Is this a coincidence or something? 💭

Wait, back up a second. Herman? Tell me, who are your parents? Why are you by yourself?

*Through his emotions, he barely manages a response.*

💧💧 Ca- Caleb Allen Matthew... and... and... and... 💧💧

*Runs up to Emily with an unexpected hug.*

*Gets the message.*

💧 You mean... 💧 I'm your mother?! 💧💧

*Weakly nods.*

Wait, HUH?! Holy cow!!

💭 A great grandson?! What?! 💭

There... 💧 There's no way this happened twice... 💧

*Looks at Earth One Carl, seeing his physical age is comparable to Earth Six Emily when he should appear much older.*

💧💧 What is going on here?! I don't... 💧💧

💧 Listen listen, calm down. 💧 Calm down. I'll explain once we get somewhere private.

💭 Does that archive exist? I hope it does. Wait... Scratch that. I don't want us to get in trouble. 💭

I... I believe I know such a spot! Follow me!

Oh, you do? Okay.

*Guides them to a place. However...*

[A Khizinder suddenly attacks the city, prompting Earth One Carl to take action.]

💭 So this is a Khizinder, huh? I'll have to step in for the time being. Emily probably isn't as experienced as I am. 💭

*His focus on the extraterrestrial invader, he charges forward.*

E- Emerald Beacon!!

*Stops in his tracks.*

What?! You mean that was me?!

Are you sure you can handle this?!

I don't know. I've never been in this situation before.

Then please, allow me to help!

Wait, huh?!

*Pulls out a weapon that extends out into a sword.*

Oh...! Are you a champion too?!

Yeah! Kinetic Gold!

I see then! Let's do this quick!

Of course!

*Charges toward the attacking Khizinder with his younger grandfather, who asks:*

Where do you get "kinetic" from?

My sword gathers potential energy from every strike I do with it!

I hope to see that in action!

[Seeing the approaching Carl and Carter, the Khizinder charges forward at them, readying a head butt. The two young swordsmen evade this attack by sliding on opposite sides.]

*Jumps up, and throws a kick at the invader.*

*Does a slash and also does a kick, causing the extraterrestrial to lose more balance from the sword's conversion of energy.*

[In response, the large animal stomps on the ground after getting up, which makes the relatives fall down. Taking advantage, the extraterrestrial tries to crush them, but they roll out the way.]

*Pants for a bit before continuing to attack, switching from slashes, punches, and kicks.*

*Does only slashes and kicks, with the former growing in strength.*

[Desperate, the beast tries to bite Carter's arm, but is met with a strong punch to the head from Carl. This again causes the animal to almost collapse. Regaining balance, their next move is using its tail.]

*Dodges the tail initially, but does get hit by it after some evasions, causing him to be sent toward a wall.*

GAGH!

Grandpa!

*Gets hit by the tail too, crashing nearby Carl.*

URGH!

Carter!

*Seeing the beast charge toward them, he barely manages to respond in time by using his hands to push back the Khizinder's head.*

💭 I hope backup is nearby! I don't want us getting killed! 💭

*Also tries holding the beast back, but is less successful.*

[The beast gradually pins them harder and harder to the wall, and starts to crush them.]

*Is forced to retaliate with a heavy sword swing, which sends the Khizinder a good distance back.*

[After recovering ground, the beast charges forward back, attempting a full ambush. However...]

# POWWW! #

[The Khizinder is sent really far by a powerful punch, and gets knocked out.]

💭 What the?! 💭

💭 I know who that was! 💭

Power Puncher! You arrived!

Get to safety immediately! We'll handle the rest from here! Good work!

*Sees Earth One Carl.*

You look just like a younger Emerald Beacon! Are you related by any chance?

*Gets up.*

💭 This Earth knows extraterrestrials exist already, and by extension, alternate planets with life. Should I tell him about the multiverse? ... I think I'll take the chance. 💭

I'm actually a variant of him from an entirely different Earth!

Wait, what? Really now?!

Actually?!

Y-Yeah!

Prove it.

Well, Kinetic Gold? Mind leading the way, please?

Oh, of course!

*Sighs, and informs base about the knocked out Khizinder. He then looks at Carter.*

This better be quick.

*Guides the variants of his family and Power Puncher to an archive.*

💭 Oh! This place! Wait... 💭

Are you sure about taking us in there?

Oh, yeah, I'm sure! I was given access a private room in there whenever.

I see. That's a relief for us.

*Not wasting time, he takes everyone inside the restricted elevator. He presses the button to a private room.*

*Once the door re-opens, he steps out while looking at Carter and Power Puncher.*

You guys can also record if you wish. Now, mom, can you show them please?

Sure.

*Using her traveler, she opens up a portal.*

What?! Whoa! Yeah, I'll definitely be showing this to my friends at base later!

*Pulls out his phone to start recording. During it, he moves the camera closer, and puts it on the other end, which allows a minute of Earth One footage to be captured.*

*Does the same, also talking to the camera. He gets longer footage of this alternate universe than Power Puncher.*

It's insane a different Earth exists out there! I wonder what things are like here!

*Seeing the portal start to close, he quickly gets his arm out in time.*

Can I be out of here, please?

Uh, yeah! Certainly!

Thanks.

No problem!

*Lets Power Puncher out before returning back.*

Can I please visit that world with you all?

Of course!

*Opens a portal inside her home, and goes through, with everyone following.*

*Steps foot on the other side.*

Oh, it feels good to finally be back!

*Sits down at the living room, exhaling relief.*

💭 I do not want to be caught in the middle of an invasion again! 💭

*Sits beside Daisy, and is accompanied by Carter.*

*Also sits down with them.*

Hm...

*She hears a doorbell.*

💭 I wasn't expecting anyone today... 💭

[Just who could it be that rang? A friend? Member of family? Or someone from another universe? Find out next time on Infinite Sea!]