[We begin the scene with Melissa answering the door.]
Hello? Did you guys need something?
New, Lance Adam Darrell and Markus William Kepler:
Do we have your permission to step inside?
What for, exactly? Who are you?
My name is Lance Adam Darrell. We come from... a different world.
💠A different world? Wait a minute. ðŸ’
*Looks at their hands, initally trying to find a traveler. Instead, she finds the visitors have 12 fingers each.*
Fascinating! That explains the extra finger on each hand. By different world, do you also mean separate universe?
Yes, exactly. This multiverse is new horizons for us.
Alright. Wait... How did you know to look here?
That's why we want in. To be fully transparent with you.
You two have five minutes. Come in.
More than long enough. Thank you.
No problem...
*Goes inside.*
*Same.*
*Closes the door, and heads to the living room with them.*
So, are you going to tell us the truth?
Wait, what's happening here?
Do you remember your Universe 618? A colleague of mine was there on that planet, watching your every move.
Wait a second, so we were being spied on? Why didn't you show yourselves?!
If you want to put it that way, then yes. But please understand, we were practicing caution, as we had no idea about your identities at that time.
*Sighs.*
Normally, I would've preferred you guys reveal yourselves earlier. However, I am willing to make an exception this time. You were dealing with the unknown after all.
Since mom is fine doing that, I am too.
Had we known from the start that we were seeing the family of a young and amazing philanthropist, we would've done so, even without question.
*Simply smiles from the compliment.*
My colleague also wanted me to show this footage with all of you.
Alright.
*Shows the recording, the technology surprising the family.*
[Video: Hello. This is me, the person who watched you explore around that planet's wilderness. I would like to apologize for not showing myself. I feel really bad after my research.]
[Continued: I originally intended this message for the man named Carl Herman Kage, but really... all of you deserve an answer. Also, I have one request. Would an alliance be possible?]
[Closing: If not, then I fully understand. I did watch you all without consent, so I understand if you're unwilling. Just know that we had no prior information. That's all. I'm sorry.]
*After the recording ends, she nods in understanding, and looks at Lance.*
Okay. Forget the five minutes. You can leave whenever. Just let me know please.
Thank you for understanding.
Of course.
*Turns off her timer.*
You said you were Lance Adam Darrell? I heard you at the entrance.
Yes, that's correct. Nice meeting you.
Same here. I'm glad to have gotten an apology.
*Looks at Markus.*
I never got your name, though, Who are you?
I'm Markus William Kepler! You can call me Mark.
I see, then. It's nice meeting another traveler!
Same here! And a philanthropist at that!
Heh, it's nothing, really! I love providing a hand for people!
There's the Emerald Beacon catchphrase!
*Chuckles.*
💠We were lucky they were meant no harm. However... there's no excusing necessary precaution. ðŸ’
*Looks at Emily.*
Feel like training now?
I think I need a little longer. I'll let you know.
Okay.
💠Training? I could benefit from some here! ðŸ’
I'm still confused on one thing... What did you mean by our Universe 618?
*Looks at Melissa.*
Try finding the planet "Terra" there.
*Does so, but to her confusion and shock, no such planet exists.*
How is this possible?! It's not there!
Because, this multiverse you know... is not the only one.
Wh- WHAT?!
Wait, what the?! How?!
Holy smokes!!
*His eyes are widened.*
You're kidding!
He's not! We saw it for ourselves a couple times now! In total, there are three multiverses we currently know of!
That's actually insane! What the heck?! How is that possible?!
Yeah, how in the world?!
Lance said something like each multiverse being visually and/or functionally different from one another.
I only said the functional part, but otherwise you're correct.
Good... grief! I can't believe there's apparently three infinite seas of universes!
For now. I must say, that's an interesting way to describe the discovery!
Yeah, definitely! You've got quite the imagination!
Heh, thanks!
No problem!
*Looks at Carl's mother.*
Also, would you like to see our multiverse?
I am interested in checking it out thoroughly at some point. For the current moment however, I want to explore more of... this multiverse first.
I see, then. I do, too.
To make things easier, you may refer where we come from as Multiverse Two, and your infinite sea as Multiverse One.
I would still like to see a picture of this Multiverse Two at least. Can you, please?
Gladly. I'll show yours first.
Ooh...!
This is so groundbreaking! I'm also noticing that those planets in the second picture are changing! Why is that?
Our multiverse seems to rotate between planets that have intelligent civilizations on them.
So it's aware to some degree?! That's really fascinating!
It is! We are now wondering how the endless spheres function.
What if a universe in your reality only has animal life? What then?
In such a case, using our findings as a reference, that universe's dodecahedron would appear pitch black.
I see! This is so mindblowing!
It still is for quite a few of us! Especially Mark here.
Yeah! I thought there was only one multiverse as well! I couldn't have been more wrong!
I... I don't know what to say anymore! I'm speechless!
I still kind of am myself! Also, want to see a picture I got from the other multiverse we found?
I mean... Sure, I guess. I'll need some time alone afterward to let all this sink in.
Of course!
I want to see, as well.
Alright!
Whoa...!
Look at that...!
Yeah...!
Today keeps getting crazier... My gosh...
To think this cosmology existed all this time...
Who knows? Maybe we'll find a fourth multiverse!
A fourth multiverse would be even more insane, dude!
*Gets up and goes to her room.*
*Also gets up, but stays in the living room. He looks at Carl.*
So, anyway, I heard you were wanting to train?
That is correct. Are you wanting to join too?
Yeah!
I see. Well... let's give ourselves a little longer first in order to process the existence of separate multiverses.
Yeah, I wasn't saying right now.
*Also looks at Carl.*
Hey, I have a random question.
Huh? Yeah? What is it?
Imagine that you wake up the next morning as a female. How'd you handle it?
Well... At first, I'd definitely be extremely confused. But afterward... I actually wouldn't mind at all!
Oh, is that right?!
Yeah! In fact, I'd even welcome the change up! Although, what made you ask?
I was honestly curious what you'd do, is all!
Hm! Fair enough, then. What year is it on Terra?
Ooooooh boy. It's several millennia ahead of here.
Really?!
Yeah! It is currently 10720!
Goodness!
[In unison...]
That's extremely distant!
That's extremely distant!
That's extremely distant!
*Breaks out laughing with them due to their timing.*
Oh, man! You three said that at once!
Well, I mean, the three of us are family! Ha ha ha ha!
*Chuckles a bit in amusement.*
Makes sense.
*Gets up.*
Alright, let's do it!
*Gets up too.*
Follow me, please.
Okay!
On it!
*Opens the door leading to a vast stretch of nature.*
Can we watch too?
Only if you want too.
Cool, thanks!
No problem!
*After heading out with them, he goes deep into the forest.*
💠I wonder what he's doing... ðŸ’
What about the rest of you? Would you two mind a gender reversal if it happened?
I'd try to find a way to reverse it. I'd want to return being a female.
I'd want a change back, too. This is a theoretical thought question, right?
Yeah. Yeah.
I see.
*Nods after hearing Markus' response, and then looks toward the trees.*
*Soon emerges out while carrying huge branches on his shoulders.*
*Displays surprise and shock.*
You're that strong?!
Well, he has pushed a Khizinder back much better than I could, enough to give me time to use my kinetic sword. Even then, I never expected this!
*Sets the branches down.*
Eventually, you two will be able to do that as well! I got one branch for each of you! Now, try lifting them up, please!
*Is the first to try. The branch proves really heavy. She gives up.*
*Does so next, also struggling severely before giving up.*
How can you lift this?!
All it takes is patience! I wouldn't have been able to do this when I was eight, even with my prior physical training at the time! I'd get squished!
You've been exercising since back then?! Goodness!
I have! It's important for a really long life! A life I wish to give the both of you!
*Is really moved by this. She hugs Carl again, grateful.*
💧💧💧 Thank you so much! I won't let you down!! I PROMISE!!! 💧💧💧
*Does the same.*
💧💧💧 Yes, thank you!! We WILL we do our best!! 💧💧💧
*Returns the gesture.*
💧💧💧 It's my deepest honor doing this for you all! 💧💧💧
ðŸ’💧💧 If only my elementary P.E. teachers weren't busy right now...!! 💧💧ðŸ’
*Eventually lets them go, when he gives a challenge to them.*
I want to see ten... no... five successful lifts! No more and no less!
*With added motivation, she tries way harder to lift her branch. This time, she succeeds in getting it off the ground by a good amount after a lot of struggle.*
*Succeeds his first lift as well after a comparable amount of effort.*
That's one! You have four more lifts to go!
*Sets the branch down, and starts again, getting it up to the same level once more with immense sweat.*
💠I've never been trained this hard before! This is intense! We almost had to do ten! I'm glad he went easy! He probably realized I didn't get pushed this much! ðŸ’
*Also manages the same.*
💠This is somehow even more challenging than my champion training! Whatever step needed to be done, I had to do it only once! Not five, let alone ten repeats back to back! ðŸ’
[After barely managing five successful lifts, Emily and Carter collapse to the ground, extremely drained.]
We... did... it!
💠I... can't... move! ðŸ’
💠I... can't... move! ðŸ’
*Seeing their inability, he picks them up and goes inside, where he sets Emily and Carter down.*
*Has followed him.*
Can I get some water for you all?
I was just thinking about that! Yes, please!
On it!
*Goes to the kitchen, where he fills up three cups, next getting a lid and straw. He then reaches inside his pocket, and drops seemingly nothing into a cup before using the lid for his covered shake-up.*
*Sees Markus return with two filled up cups.*
These are for them.
Right. Thanks.
No problem!
*Grabs the cups. He puts one aside and opens up Emily's mouth, which allows him to hydrate her with the other cup in his possession.*
*Returns to the kitchen as Carl does so, and comes back with a cup that has an inserted straw in its lid. He sets it aside.*
That one is for you.
Okay. Thanks again!
You're welcome!
*After fully hydrating Emily and Carter back up, he sips up a bit of his drink.*
💠Huh. Did he put a flavor in it? Interesting. ðŸ’
*He looks at Emily and Carter.*
We'll be doing that again after dinner, okay?
Alright!
Okay!
*Smiles, and continues sipping water, eventually finishing all of it.*
💠Perfect. ðŸ’
*Looks at Markus and then Lance.*
I'm curious, have you guys came up with a term that defines a collection of multiverses?
We... haven't, actually! I saw that we were so busy replicating that connection we discovered.
Connection?
Yeah! That cube multiverse we showed is actually connected to ours through a rift!
That's fascinating! Is that replication how you got here?
Yep, and don't worry! That rift we found is a two way tunnel! Returning is easy!
That's good!
That's good!
*Laughs.*
Again, what is it with you two?! Oh, man...!
It's like he said! We're family! Heh heh!
Hm... How about... How about...
*Snaps his fingers, indicating he thought up a term.*
How about Alphaverse?
Intriguing choice! Mind explaining how you came up with that?
We are dealing with the first level of reality beyond a multiverse, right?
Ah...! Yes, we are.
Then, there we go!
*Smiles proud.*
💠I'm glad to see him referencing the Greek alphabet! ðŸ’
*Looks at Melissa.*
Before we leave, would you like a traveler from us?
What's wrong with the one I already have?
It won't get updates from our headquarters, which could allow you to travel multiverses someday.
Hm. I see. Then sure, please! I'd love to archive any alternate history I come across!
It may, and likely will, take a while for one of our devices to arrive. Please be patient.
I will, thanks.
No problem.
💠Wait a second, now that I said first, could there even be a second level? Or a third, fourth, and beyond?! ðŸ’
*He hears a doorbell and some knocking.*
Huh? I wasn't expecting anyone else today...
*Opens the door.*
Oh, Anna and Otis! It's you!
Wait, what?!
Hey there! How's it been?!
It's been... rather crazy today!
Really?!
Yeah! In fact, crazy is an understatement! Anyway, please come in!
*Does so, with Otis following.*
Oh, hey! I see you have new people here!
*Sees Emily, recognizing her hair. She narrows her eyes in suspicion.*
💠Her hair awfully resembles mine... Something is definitely going on here... ðŸ’
*Looks at Carl's mother, who has a new device on her wrist, which deepens her curiosity.*
Where'd you find that?
Carl was the one that gave it to me, who by extension got it from her.
Hmm...
*Walks toward Emily, who is internally freaking out.*
💠She knows, doesn't she?! If this Anna is anything like my actual mom, then she should have her acute observation! ðŸ’
*She sees another device on Emily's wrist, which prompts her to ask:*
Just what can that thing do?
It allows me to go through the.. or uh.. a multiverse!
What?!
Wait huh?!?
*She gives a narrow stare down, trying to pick up a trace of deception. To her surprise, she only picks up honesty.*
How is this possible?! And who are you?!
💧 I... 💧 I'm Emily Samantha Kage! Your daughter! 💧💧
WHAT?!? Whoa!!
Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa! You're also Carl's girl, too?!
💧 Y-Yeah! 💧
And I'm Carter Herman Matthew! Her son!
💧 This is nuts!! 💧
*Looks at Carl.*
Now I see why you said understatement! Jeez!
💧 Yeah...! 💧
And not just infinite universes, but also three sets of them as well. My name's Lance Adam Darrell.
Markus William Kepler!
I see... Nice... meeting you... I just can't believe this is actually happening!
Me neither! Wow! Yeah, the public definitely can't know about this yet!
Good call!
And wait, three sets? You mean there's three multiverses?!
For the time being, yes. Each one functionally different than the other.
What on Earth, man?! That's so insane!
It's still unbelievable to me as well! And, I heard your name was Otis?
Yes! Otis Aaron Cummings!
Anna Evelyn Northfield!
Cool! Nice meeting you!
Same here!
Right back at you!
Hm...
*Looks at Carl.*
How does it feel knowing you have children in other universes?
Honestly... 💧 It's incredible! And... you do, too! 💧
*Gasps.*
You're right! Perhaps we share descendants somewhere out there!
That'd be cool!!
Indeed!
Oh, I got an idea! How about we take a picture together?
I'm down for one! Are any of you interested as well?
Of course!
I'll pass for the time being. A picture with me in it is just not complete without my husband.
What happened?
He had a nasty fall that broke his back.
Ouch! I'm sorry to hear that!
That's awful! I hope he gets better! When'll he be out?
I think they said two weeks or something.
Oh, that's not too long, then! I'm willing to add more people as we go!
Thank you!
You bet! What about the rest of you?
We'll be leaving back to my multiverse after it gets taken.
Oh...! I kind of wanted to stay and record this multiverse for you!
Is that right?
Yes! Please?
*Thinks for a moment.*
Very well.
Awesome! This'll be exciting! Well, let's all get together, then!
*Sets up his advanced camera while every willing participant gets in position.*
*Is seen walking down the hallway. She sees the gathering.*
Oh, my! What's going on here?
We're about to take a picture. Want to join in?
Sure thing! I see Anna and Otis have came as well!
Yeah! How's it been? I'm assuming you also know?
Yes, I do! It's been a really confusing day!
Same here! These multiverses are extremely baffling!
I mean, how wouldn't they be? Even more so with the fact they existed all this time!
Yeah, it's absolutely wild! Also, I know that you like to do art, so are you going to illustrate a multiverse sometime?
Maybe. Depends on how I feel.
I see!
Alright, get ready, everyone!
*After they do so, he presses the button and quickly goes next to Lance, throwing a peace sign.*
# SNAP! #
[The picture taken shows Carl in between Anna and Otis, holding their hands. They smile at the camera. Lance and Markus are also smiling behind them, with the former waving.]
[With their free hands, Anna grabs onto a lowered Emily's shoulder, who's positioned in between her and Carl. Emily smiles to the camera with both hands on Carter's shoulders.]
[Otis meanwhile displays a thumbs up with his free hand, with the hand gesture at a downward angle to align with Daisy, who is with a sitting Carter. Both do the Vulcan salute.]
[Daisy and Carter also hold their closest hands together, showing further unity. They both display large smiles for Markus' camera as well, which completes his first snapshot.]
Afterward...
I'll be on my way, now. I will be back with compensation.
Carl's friends and family all bid Lance farewell, with Markus hoping he stays safe.
[And this is where we end Volume Four. Stay tuned for more!]
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