~Raze's Journey Chapter 20~
~Impeccable Timing;Unravelled Intentions~
Raze found himself disoriented, his mind adrift in what seemed like an endless void. Colorful galaxies passed by, each star and meteor displaying pristine age. His body felt pulled in all directions, though where exactly remained a question in his mind. Then, he noticed something out of place—a dark energy emanating from a controlled source.
His body instinctively reached out, but Raze couldn't grasp it. It remained frustratingly out of reach, yet it refused to release its hold on him. Whatever force it was, it inexorably drew him closer. Then, a glimpse of the man he'd been pursuing flickered into view. He'd glimpsed a faded version of this before, but it had always been just that—a fleeting vision. Raze reached out again, but it faded away. He grunted, attempting to fly or do anything, but it vanished.
Images flooded his mind—promises of something—but Raze couldn't comprehend why this was happening. All he'd witnessed was destruction—galaxies wiped from existence, millions gone, evaporated by some unknown force. And then, suddenly, he was alone. His spirit, mind, and body snapped back to his temporal state. Now, he stood in the basement of Time-Turner's beneath his outback shack.
Raze surveyed the dark room, feeling an unusual crackling energy in his hands. He clenched and unclenched them, trying to make sense of the sensation. It nearly overwhelmed him.
"Heh…" he chuckled aloud before smacking his forehead.
'What if it was all a hallucination?' he wondered. 'But Kira was there too! I'll have plenty to ponder… And…' His thoughts turned to Strife.
'He's been alive all this time?' Closing his eyes, Raze gripped his forehead. 'How do I confront him, especially when he wants me dead?'
Strife had been dangerous before, but now, Raze had to face Time Skip. It wouldn't be easy. Yet, other concerns weighed on him. Why did the room suddenly feel so oppressive?
A harsh, but familiar voice cut through the silence, "So, got that out of your system?"
Raze couldn't see him, but he could feel and hear the man. He assumed a defensive stance, struggling to discern the outline of Trunks, who sat patiently.
"Okay, so what's your deal?" Raze inquired, his voice tinged with suspicion.
Trunks, barely visible in the dim light, replied in a tone that contradicted his words. "Look, I think it's impressive that you're trying to stand up to me."
Raze tensed, sensing the underlying threat in Trunks's demeanor. "But you'll have to be a hell of a lot stronger to do any damage here. So, take it down a notch or..." Trunks trailed off with a sigh, "Honestly, I still feel like knocking you around."
With a deliberate motion, Trunks sheathed his sword and rose to his feet, brushing the dirt off his jacket with a flourish. He stretched his arms and legs, cracking his knuckles audibly. Despite the darkness, Raze could sense the intent radiating from the half-blooded Saiyan.
"Listen, I did the same to your partner. This is just pent-up aggression, so don't hold it against me," Trunks explained, causing Raze to break out in a cold sweat.
"Are you kidding?" Raze's voice wavered with concern for Brass's well-being.
Before he could react, Trunks appeared behind him in a blur of motion, catching Raze off guard. In an instant, Raze's world was shattered. He hit the ground with bone-jarring force, his defenses failing to shield him from the brutal assault.
"GGGGGAAAAAAAHHHHGGG!" Raze cried out in agony as the force of Trunk's first punch rippled throughout his body.
"That was for this half-assed plan," Trunks declared, his voice cold and merciless, watching Raze writhe in agony on the ground.
Had Raze been able to see Trunks's face, he would have recognized the weariness etched into the lines, evidence of a man who had traversed countless timelines. It was a look that transcended mere exhaustion, reflecting the burden of knowledge and the weight of responsibility. Trunks's expression had long shed any vestiges of kindness, replaced instead by a grim determination born from harsh experience.
As Raze attempted to crawl away, his efforts were thwarted by a firm foot planted squarely on his back. "Remember this? It echoes your final move against General Oren. I observed it from afar," Trunks remarked, acknowledging Raze's resolve in making a difficult decision.
"I admire your ability," Trunks continued, his tone tinged with a touch of regret. "When I first traveled back in time, I encountered many individuals with great potential. Yet, despite their capabilities..." Trunks's voice trailed off, a hint of frustration creeping into his words.
Trunks continued while Raze just gasped for air. "They would always waste the opportunity to do what was the greatest good."
Struggling to catch his breath, Raze grunted in response. "I see! What is this supposed to achieve then?" He tensed his muscles, but found himself unable to move the slightest bit.
Trunks sighed, lifting his boot to allow Raze respite. "Simple… This is a deterrent. Should you ever choose to meddle with time again..." Trunks's voice trailed off, leaving the threat hanging in the air as Raze struggled to regain his composure.
Raze watched Trunks fade into the shadows of the dimly lit room, a sense of unease settled over him. Despite his pain-addled mind, he remained vigilant, half-expecting Trunks's departure to be a ruse.
But he was truly alone. The room seemed to echo sentiments of a breeze that cooled his skin. His heartbeat started to slow and his erratic breathing calmed. Clenching his fist, Raze trembled slightly. 'I cannot contend with such power,' he thought, his mind drifting to thoughts of Bat.
'I couldn't even defeat him…' With a resolve born from desperation, he brought his fist to the forefront, closing his eyes. 'I won't leave this planet the same way. I must strive for greater strength…' Trunks was beyond even the most lofty of goals one could ever set.
Yes, he'd forgo the very notion of challenging that behemoth. 'I'll settle for trying to overcome Bat. Then I'll meet Strife and hopefully reason with him.' Somewhere in his mind, Raze heard a mocking laugh, but he stifled it and chose to ignore that degrading thought.
'I simply mustovercome my weakness or I'll be just as I was before.' That thought would haunt him more than he'd ever admit and if anyone ever knew that…
It would scare him to the core.
~Kiryu and Cloud~
After landing the ship back at the orphanage, Kiryu had decided to take a moment to relax. He smiled, finding solace in his work. Despite a lingering worry for Ken, Kira, and Raze, he tried to push it aside, convincing himself that everything would turn out fine.
'No real answer for that…' He mused, attempting to immerse himself in relaxation once more.
Meanwhile, Cloud continued to pace the area, uncertain of his next move. He couldn't shake the feeling that Rekas would reappear at any moment, yet the minutes stretched on without any sign of him. It bothered Cloud.
Rekas had insisted that they stay at the orphanage, refusing to take no for an answer. His words had carried a weight that left the two half-Saiyans unable to refuse.
Rekas shook his head adamantly, "Absolutely not! Putting yourselves in danger like it's no big deal isn't normal and it's not okay!" he exclaimed, his frustration evident as Kiryu shrugged.
Sighing heavily, Kiryu attempted to justify their actions, "This is normal for us. Well, as normal as it can get…" His voice trailed off, baffled by the bird man's insistence.
He chose not to dwell on the torture and trauma endured on that desert world. The memories lingered like unhealed wounds, ready to reopen at any moment. Wondering if repressing them had been the best choice, Kiryu pushed the thought aside. Ignorance, he decided, was bliss.
Cloud, ever the listener, chimed in, "It's true that we should try to find everyone as soon as possible… But waiting here might be our best option." Kiryu nodded in agreement; his friend had a point.
Leaving now could spell disaster. While he couldn't pinpoint exactly what, Kiryu could hazard a guess. Death, ambushes—the possibilities were grim. Shaking his head, Kiryu tuned back into Rekas's words.
"Look, I'll search for them myself. But you two need to stay put and watch over this place," Rekas proposed, appealing to their sense of duty. "Just think. You'll be hailed as heroes if you stay and protect this place," he added, eyeing Kiryu and Cloud.
With a somewhat forced smile, Kiryu relented, "Alright… We'll stay." He didn't want to argue with the bird, and besides, he was curious about their new surroundings.
The orphanage likely housed kids their age, providing an opportunity for interaction. Rekas seemed satisfied with their agreement as he closed his eyes and turned to leave.
"Now, don't go causing any trouble!" he called out cheerfully, walking away.
Turning to Cloud, Kiryu's grin mirrored his friend's excitement. "Let's go explore this place!" he suggested eagerly.
Cloud nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Yeah!" With that, the two dashed off to explore their new surroundings.
About forty minutes had passed since Rekas left, give or take. As he approached Time Turner's residence, everything appeared normal to the yellow bird. The front yard was familiar, neatly mowed and devoid of any decorations or eccentricities. He had worked on the orphanage for so long that he noticed these details easily enough. Finally reaching the front door, Rekas knocked lightly and stepped back to wait. Muffled sounds from inside heightened his concern, and when the handle turned with a click, his worries were confirmed.
"Master Ken?!" Rekas exclaimed in disbelief as he laid eyes on the boy.
Before Ken could reply, Rekas inspected him closely, his worry evident. It was a surprise for Ken to see his other uncle figure in the flesh, and he found himself pulled into a warm, feathery hug. "You worried me, and where is your sister?!" Rekas demanded, his voice filled with concern as Ken reciprocated the embrace.
"S-She's inside!" Ken managed to answer, tears welling up in his eyes. "And Uncle Time-Turner is…!" He trailed off as the realization of the situation hit him.
Gritting his beak in frustration at the mention of Time-Turner's name, Rekas focused on the matter at hand. "Time-Turner, hmm? Well, I wouldn't mind seeing him either," he muttered to himself, pushing aside his irritation. Seeing Ken wiping his tears, Rekas shifted back to his nurturing demeanor.
"Is something the matter, Master Ken?" he inquired gently, his troubled expression mirroring Ken's own concerns.
"S-Something's wrong with Time-Turner! H-He says the time has come! Is he going to d-die?!" Ken's voice trembled with fear, and Rekas pondered the gravity of the situation.
"I can't say without seeing him, Master Ken," Rekas replied solemnly, releasing the boy from his embrace. Ken turned and led him into the humble abode, but Rekas stopped him abruptly. "Er! Hold on, Master Ken!" he interjected quickly, noticing how he'd left the opened door. Ken turned back in confusion as Rekas hurried over to him.
"I may not have the most agreeable terms with him, but I'm not barbaric enough to leave his door open. Let's proceed, Master Ken," Rekas declared, steeling himself for whatever awaited them inside.
~Living Room~
Time-Turner was laying upon his couch, feeling the residual energy sparking from his body. Each time the sparks grew, orange light would cascade from his hands and his body would tremble with anticipation. Just to his side was Lyral, looking just about helpless in this situation. Her mind was going over all the knowledge she currently had on time magic or the myriad of rare abilities learned throughout her life.
Yet, it wasn't going to help in this scenario. Nothing would, especially since Time-Turner was well convinced his permanent death was finally here. Lyral's tears wouldn't stop, seeing that she was about to fail and Time-Turner would give her a serene smile.
"Don't cry… It's not like that will change anything." His orange enveloped hands would shakily reach out to remove the tears. This only begets more tears from the woman who tried to grab his hand.
"But I'm here for you! Just like you sent Raze back for me! That has to mean something…" She trailed off, feeling another hand on her side.
Kira patted her. "It okay! We here for you! So will brother!" She said, hoping to make her aunt less saddened, but it only made the tears drip faster down her face.
A loud sob erupted from Lyral, her golden eyes flashing like large watery orbs. "K- Kira!" She grabbed the young girl in a hug which Kira didn't resist. Time-Turner flashed a heartfelt smile at the two before turning his attention to the two standing in the hall.
Ken stood there with Rekas who seemed even more shocked to see Lyral in the room next to that horrid Uncle of the twins. "M- Mistress! What're you doing here?!" His question came off with a loud exclamation as if the notion of her being so close to Time-Turner also disgusted him.
"R- Rekas?" Lyral looked up and the yellow-orange light began to amplify yet again with a crackle.
Rekas lifted a wing to his face to block the sun like light that burst outward. Even Ken had to cover himself, hoping that things would be okay. Lyral continued to hug Kira who looked worried beyond her days and Time-Turner felt himself drifting off. Yes, this was it. Being surrounded by the ones you love and even some people you disliked at the end of your life wasn't all that bad. Closing his eyes, he accepted it.
'Be quick. Let my escape into the void be painless.' All at once, time seemed to slow down for him. Time-Turner felt separate from his current circumstance and the immediate universe that threatened to eat him alive if nothing more than to hopefully scare the timelord. He'd never backed down from anything before, so this was hardly the time to allow such a trivial thing to bother him.
'If not for me, but for them.' He added silently, but the meaning stayed the same regardless.
More than happy to let this moment take him away, he blindly hugged the vast expanse of death itself.
"And that's it. Welcome back." The voice was eerily familiar. Time-Turner opened his eyes cautiously to peer at everyone in the room only to find they had frozen. Opening his eyes widely, it seemed time really had stopped for him. Just what the hell was going on?! Then he saw him, Trunks sitting to the side. The violet haired man acknowledged him with a nod.
"About time you stopped playing this up. Come on, time to go." Trunks said, but Time-Turner shook his head.
"Did you really create a pause in the fabric of time? Why?" His question was planted on Trunks who threaded his hands together.
"Come now. Did you really think I only came here to stop Raze's time travel trip? That's awfully simple minded of you." Trunks didn't seem especially willing to elaborate, so Time-Turner shook his head.
"No. I want to die here. So, whatever you've done. Cancel it and leave. I want nothing more to do with this existence." He wheezed slightly, but then Trunks pointed to his chest.
Time-Turner looked down, finding a small device that seemed to hook on his outer clothing. His face tilted back up. "Are you kidding? She put you up to this didn't she?" Trunks didn't deny it, but still turned away.
"I'm here on express orders to bring both you and the TARDIS with me. You're probably our only hope of finding it." He wasn't supposed to tell him this, but Time-Turner wouldn't just work with anyone for any reason. No, he'd definitely get a proper answer whether Trunks liked it or not.
"Finding what? No beating around the bush. Tell me or I'll reject this offering." An ultimatum he could definitely come through with and Trunks unraveled his fingers, holding both hands up.
"Alright. Not as if you wouldn't have heard about this anyway." Time-Turner leveled a glare at the time patroller.
"I really mean it. Give me the info you have or I'll throw this away without a second thought." Time-Turner growled, seeing Trunks sigh openly.
"Relax, okay? I don't think I'm given enough for this job…" He tapped his feet on the floor, trying to find the best way to explain why Time-Turner was still alive.
Within moments, Trunks spilled the details down to the smallest morsel. Time-Turner's facial expression morphed from confusion to that of an excited child, but he tried to hide it from Trunks. The truth is, it was an intriguing prospect that was capturing his interests wholly. As the lore dumping ceased, Time-Turner sat back down on his couch. He'd calmed over the course of this explanation, curiosity overwhelming his rather timeless mind.
"So, Chronoa has become this desperate?" The question made Trunks nod.
"It's very concerning. She's been trying to cope with everything, but it's starting to really weigh on her." Trunks scratched his head, remembering how slumped her shoulders were. How he'd stay up late to make sure Chronoa was ok. Especially helping her with various other things. Every patroller was stretched thin nowadays and Trunks was working overtime.
Time-Turner pressed his fingers into his beard, contemplating everything he'd heard. "I see…" His eyes swept the room, taking in everyone surrounding him for what must have been the thirtieth time.
Time-Turner met Trunk's gaze. "What do I receive out of this?" He was blunt, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
The lavender haired saiyan's eyes narrowed. "You get to live. That's all."
It took Time-Turner no time at all. "Death it is." He pulled out a small cylindrical device from his coat, preparing to flick it on.
"Wait!" Trunks yelled and the old man stopped leveling a look of surprise.
"Hmmm?" The hum made Trunks visibly sweat.
"What are you after?" Trunks looked very serious, he couldn't afford to be less. Chronoa was clear that if Time-Turner pushed the issue, nothing would be off the table. He only wished that he could be a better barterer, but even his lifetime of knowledge couldn't hope to tangle with this being. A Time-Lord was nothing to trifle with after all.
Time-Turner smiled. "Now you're speaking my language." The device in his hand was pocketed and Trunks visibly relaxed. His grip loosened on the chair and he sighed with relief.
"So?"
Time-Turner nodded. "Very well. I'll start with this ideally. I want to be able to regain my eleven lives." He said, a twinkle in his eye.
Trunks frowned, but nodded. "Done. Chronoa figured you'd ask for that. What else?"
Time-Turner pressed his fingers together, calculating how far to push this. Seeing his friends and the ones he considered family still surrounding him, his eyes gleamed. "I wish to say goodbye to them. In return, I will make sure to keep the information you passed me a complete secret." He didn't add anything else, letting that bit sink in.
Trunk's frown elevated into a half smile. "I see. You've gotten attached, but I guess that shouldn't be a surprise." He tilted his head as if he were trying to bluff the timelord into thinking he wouldn't get that. Trunks then immediately regretted it, seeing him reach into his coat. "Hold on!" Once again, Time-Turner relaxed his arm.
Trunks grunted in disdain. "Looks like you've never been a part of a bargain." He rubbed two fingers on his temple in annoyance.
Time-Turner chuckled. "This isn't a bargain. I am in control here and you know it." For once, Trunks couldn't argue with that. Not that he would aloud, that was usually reserved for an inner monologue that wouldn't cease.
Trunks hated it, but his hands were tied– he relented. "Very well then. You can say good-bye to them."
Time-Turner watched him, expecting something more, but not a sound came from the lavender haired man. The bearded man nodded and then Trunks raised his left hand. Pressing his thumb and middle finger together, he snapped and time resumed. He disappeared from the room without a sound and if the older man didn't know any better, he'd have thought that Trunks hadn't been there at all. Kira and Lyral's tearful sobs filled the room once more, but as they turned to Time-Turner, they felt rather confused.
Lyral looked around the room. "What just happened?" Time-Turner cringed a little, expecting her to know, but then Kira spoke up.
"Sometin happen?" She questioned childishly, following her aunt's gaze.
Time-Turner chuckled. "Maybe or maybe not." He didn't want to go through that explanation, but Lyral narrowed her eyes at him.
"You're hiding something." He cursed his luck, tapping his cane on the floor.
"No, I'm not." Time-Turner reaffirmed. He hopped up off his living room couch and tried to leave for the kitchen, but she stopped him.
"What's that?" She questioned, Kira silently watching in amazement at the object currently upon his chest. "Weren't you about to pass away not even a minute ago?" And there it was. The older man shook his head, putting his palm upon his face.
As he tugged it down, the flaps of skin were pulled down slightly and his eyes bulged a little. Suddenly, he looked more sunken than he had been before as if advanced aging had hit him all at once. He sighed, glancing back at Lyral. "You know… You ask a lot of questions. Ones I may be privy to later."
She nodded in understanding. "Please do. When it's convenient for you." Time-Turner nodded, knowing Lyral would hold him to that.
Yet, he'd forgotten the other two currently standing in the room. He looked at them with a smile. "Ken? You brought a guest?" This shook Ken out of his stupor induced by the time pause and he stared at Time-Turner with widened eyes.
"Uh… Uncle? Are you okay?" Ken asked, unable to believe that Time-Turner was already up and just fine from the looks of it.
Time-Turner smiled, giving Ken an approving nod. "Yes, I am. In fact, better than ever. Though, I will be going somewhere for a while." He glanced back warily at the seat that had been occupied by Trunk's a moment ago.
"But before I do, let's all talk for a moment. I believe in clearing the air at le-" A sudden sound of a door being pushed open and a rough looking Raze stumbling in from the backdoor was what everyone saw.
Time Turner arched an eye. "And to what do we owe this pleasure?" Raze frowned at that.
"I believe you. All of it. Even the stuff from before!" He said, making the old man brush fingers through his beard with a rush of ideas plowing through his mind.
But only one word came to the forefront. "Wonderful." He replied, giving Raze a calm look of acceptance.
Hearing that Raze had nothing to add, he continued. "I've been waiting to hear that from you. I suppose you'll be joining us too?" He asked, watching the saiyan's eyes flick between the crafty Time Turner and his entourage.
He didn't mull it over too long. "Yes." The saiyan said simply.
~Somewhere~
Remnants of a city lay in ash and soot. Glassy remains of the earth were littered with portions of buildings destroyed just this morning. The wind carried the scent of death for many miles around. In the center of it all sat one solitary man. Maybe calling him a man was too generous; this thing had done a terrible deed.
He held a skull in his hand, idly playing with it. "They break so easily…" His words were pensive, but edged closer to sure intent.
"I still can't believe I made it off that planet."
~Game of Chance~
They were all dead. Every single one. His boots were caked in the blood he'd ruthlessly walked through. A grin spread across his face, and the thought of continuing that kind of rampage intrigued him.
'My purpose is beyond this, but I would love nothing more than to cause mayhem…' These thoughts troubled him, like his brain was fighting two opposing ideas.
It irked him to no end, but he was Fhaze. Surely the name he picked would give him insight into the path he knew to be right. Though his body still resisted him after this short time. His hand trembled, and he clenched his fingers tightly. Still in his vision was the blood recently smeared all over his arm by the bodies that grew colder every second.
Gripping his forehead, Fhaze gritted his teeth. The headaches had only started a day ago. He wasn't sure why, but the pain would rebound each time. Back and forth, day in and day out. Pushing the sensation away only intensified it, but serenity would come when he committed atrocities. Perhaps that was why he relished in their screams.
A few surviving members who'd hidden from him remained. That troop didn't stand a chance and had no way off this desert planet. Giving them mercy as he'd done already for their brothers was a blessing, and he kept telling himself that. Not like anyone would stop him anyway.
In his head, deliberation was pointless. Fhaze needed to take action, and he definitely would, especially when one of those drones floated toward him. He rolled his eyes, and the machine floated backward as if he were going to kill it in cold blood.
Shaking his head, Fhaze grumbled. "Nngh! Fuck off. I don't have time for your intrusion."
In reality, he did.
The drone spoke. "My creation. I'm glad you've been born. I may just be a representation of Athena, but I know she'd be impressed."
That was a pointless statement and it made his lips curl in disgust. "Get to the point or…" A light emanated from his palm and the sensors went haywire in the drone.
"RIGHT!" The light dimmed, but persisted all the same and the voice crackled back to life. "There is a ship with which you can use to escape this planet."
Fhaze lit palm died down quickly after that utterance. He looked very much so intrigued and his curled lips lifted into a smirk. "Oh? Now that is something I can get behind." Athena may have been a disappointment, but she did at least have some good backup ideas.
"Lead the way."
~Present~
He crushed the skull in his hand, and it shattered into countless fragments that scattered like dust in the wind. Hopping to his feet, Fhaze crossed his arms. 'I guess the next best thing I can do is head wherever I please. I hope it's entertaining.'
As he walked away, he paused to admire his handiwork. In his immediate vision, he saw only his reflection in a dirty puddle of water. The filth within marred his visage and he frowned, staring into his own eyes with heavy disdain. 'And perhaps I will figure out what's wrong with me?'
~End of Chapter~
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