Chapter 9: The Supreme Kai Returns (Month Four - After Balance Breaker)
[Earth - Andrew's Room]
Andrew stood in his room, meditating. Issei had finally achieved Balance Breaker two weeks ago—a moment of genuine pride for both of them. The transformation had been explosive, the crimson armor gleaming with draconic power. Issei had cried afterward, overwhelmed by the achievement.
But now, something else was calling.
A familiar sensation rippled through the air. A temporal signature he'd recognize anywhere.
His eyes opened.
A portal materialized in the corner of his room—pink and gold energy swirling in perfect harmony.
And through it stepped Chronoa.
She looked exactly as he remembered: pink hair, youthful face, ancient eyes. But there was something different now—a maturity, a weight that came from two years of watching timelines without him.
Chronoa: "Hey."
Andrew: (standing, heart suddenly pounding) "Chronoa."
They stared at each other for a moment.
Then Andrew crossed the room and pulled her into a hug.
Andrew: "I missed you."
Chronoa: (hugging back tightly) "I missed you too."
When they finally pulled apart, Chronoa was smiling—that same warm smile from years ago.
Chronoa: "You've gotten taller. And stronger. I can feel it."
Andrew: "You've been watching?"
Chronoa: "Of course. The Supreme Kai of Time sees everything." She paused. "I saw your fight with Riser. And with Vali. You've been busy."
Andrew: "Had to put that training to use somewhere."
Chronoa: (more serious now) "That's actually why I'm here. We need to talk."
Andrew gestured to the bed. They sat side by side, close but not quite touching.
Chronoa: "Towa and Mira have been watching you. Closely. Ever since you returned to Earth."
Andrew: "I figured. I've felt something off for a while now."
Chronoa: "They know you're connected to me. To the Time Patrol. And they're planning something—I don't know what yet, but it involves this timeline. Your timeline."
Andrew's jaw tightened. "What do you need me to do?"
Chronoa: "I need you to officially join the Time Patrol. Not as a part-timer or a favor—as a full member. Someone I can call on when things get serious."
Andrew: "And in return?"
Chronoa: "Protection. Resources. Access to the Time Nest whenever you need it. And…" She hesitated. "My help. Whatever you're facing here, you won't face it alone."
Andrew considered it. The weight of responsibility. The commitment.
But he'd already made his choice years ago.
Andrew: "Alright. I'm in."
Chronoa's face lit up. "Really?"
Andrew: "Yeah. You saved my life once. Gave me the training I needed. Introduced me to people who changed everything for me." He met her eyes. "I'm not walking away from that. Or from you."
The air between them shifted.
Chronoa's expression softened, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
Chronoa: (quietly) "I'm glad you're back, Andrew."
Andrew: "Me too."
She reached out, taking his hand. Her fingers were small, warm against his.
Chronoa: "This is going to get dangerous. Towa won't stop. And if she realizes how much you mean to—" She caught herself. "How much you mean to the Time Patrol, she'll come after you directly."
Andrew: "Let her try. I'm a lot stronger now than I was at twelve."
Chronoa laughed—that light, genuine sound he'd missed.
Chronoa: "That you are."
They sat there for a while, hands clasped, the weight of timelines and battles temporarily forgotten.
Finally, Chronoa stood. "I should get back. But I'll call on you soon. There's a mission coming up that I'll need your help with."
Andrew: "Anytime. You know that."
She turned toward the portal, then paused.
Chronoa: "Andrew?"
Andrew: "Yeah?"
Chronoa: (turning back, a hint of color on her cheeks) "It's… really good to see you again."
Andrew: (smiling) "You too, Chronoa."
She stepped through the portal, and it closed behind her.
Andrew sat back down on his bed, his heart still racing.
Two years. And she still has that effect on me.
He grinned to himself.
This is going to be interesting.
[Time Nest - Chronoa's POV]
Chronoa materialized back in the Time Nest, her hand still tingling from where Andrew had held it.
Elder Kai: "Well? Did you recruit him?"
Chronoa: (trying to keep her voice steady) "Yes. He's officially joining the Time Patrol."
Elder Kai: (smirking) "And that's the only reason you're blushing?"
Chronoa: "I am NOT blushing!"
But she was. And Elder Kai's knowing look only made it worse.
She turned away, focusing on the swirling timelines before her.
But her thoughts kept drifting back to Andrew. To his smile. To the way he'd hugged her without hesitation.
Two years, and he still makes my heart race, she thought.
She shook her head, trying to focus.
But deep down, she was already looking forward to the next time she'd see him.