The figure emerged from the distorted air, time rippling around them like liquid glass. As it stepped closer, Kai shifted into a defensive stance.
"Okay, whoever you are, fair warning - we've got soul-eating kids and ancient minds in kid bodies. We're basically a walking supernatural paradox, so..."
His voice trailed off as the figure's cloak of time parted. Everyone froze.
"Father?" the pigtailed girl whispered.
But this wasn't the Cassius they know. This version stood taller, carried himself differently. His eyes held wisdom instead of hunger, and time danced around him like a gentle stream rather than a weapon.
"Not exactly," he smiled, and the expression transformed his entire face. "I'm what your father could have been. Should have been."
"Great," Kai muttered. "Evil dad has a good twin."
The former starlight Ancient stepped forward, her child's form trembling but her ancient mind alert. "Brother?"
