Time Patrollers: Dark Army

Epilogue

The Time Patrollers, along with their current guests had managed to find the remains of the eatery that had once stood within the Plaza. Fortunately, the food storage units were still intact, having been in a basement beneath the building. After a little excavating, they had set up some cooking pits and began cooking the food. As they did, the various survivors had wandered over and began helping out with food preparations. Any injuries that had been sustained were also treated with whatever medical supplies could be found.

Frost, having recovered sufficiently to actually move around without assistance, surveyed the scene. It was a miracle so many people had survived the onslaught. Though at the moment, they didn't have an accurate headcount, so there was no way of knowing if everyone had made it. Still, that so many were here filled him with relief. Yet that hardly changed the fact that Toki Toki City was utterly destroyed, reduced to smoldering ruins. The place that he and his fellow Patrollers had called home...was gone.

"Are you alright, Frost?"

Frost turned to see Kora standing behind him. Their newest recruit had been here less than a day, and had witnessed untold destruction and had fought against incredibly powerful foes. Frost wouldn't blame her if she was having second thoughts about this line of work. Even when Demigra had invaded it had been nowhere near this bad.

"More or less," Frost replied. "I'm just tired. It felt as if this day went on forever. Like the fighting would never end. I can honestly say, this was by far the biggest battle I've ever faced. And I've gone up against the likes of Frieza, Cell, Majin Buu, Demon God Demigra, Broly, and Omega Shenron. What about you, Kora? How are you doing? I imagine this was a lot to take in on your very first day."

Kora nodded. "Nyan. It certainly was more than I bargained for. I thought I'd start off with a patrol first before anything else. I never imagined something like this would ever happen."

"None of us did," Frost said. "Towa caught us all off guard. What really puzzles me is how she got past the barrier? What was that light we saw earlier? How did it even happen?"

"Is Towa strong enough to dispel the barrier," Kora asked.

"She's strong, but not that strong," Frost replied. "Besides, that light came from within the Time Nest. And we know Towa was outside when it occurred. So, how?"

"Do you think maybe the Supreme Kai might know," Kora asked.

"If she does, I'm sure she'll tell us," Frost said. "Listen, Kora, after everything that happened today, I have to ask you: Do you still wish to be a Time Patroller? Nobody will hold it against you if you wish to leave."

"Frost, I appreciate you're worried for my well being," Kora said. "And believe me, this was a bit overwhelming. But I didn't spend all of those years training to get stronger just to turn tail and run if things got rough. And after finally being reunited with Scarlet, I'd never be able to live with myself by disappointing her if I left. So, in answer to your question: Yes. I do want be a Time Patroller."

"The same goes for me."

Both Frost and Kora turned to see Hope standing nearby.

"Hope," Frost said. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to hear the gist of your conversation," Hope replied. "I figured you'd probably ask me the same question, Frost, seeing as I just started today as well. And like Kora, I plan on sticking around. A Saiyan never runs from battle. At least not this Saiyan."

"Nyan. Looks like you're stuck with us, Frost," Kora said, smiling.

Frost smiled. "You two...I couldn't ask for more courageous team mates."

"Nionn! You can't be serious!"

The trio saw Nionn heading their way, and right behind her was Jaco, looking extremely flustered.

"Now what," Frost wondered. Nionn halted right in front of him. "Something I can do for you, Nionn?"

"Look, I won't mince words, Frost," she said. "I've been giving it some thought, and I've decided I want in on this."

"Excuse me," Frost said.

"The Time Patrol," Nionn elaborated. "I want to join. I'll be honest, I'm not getting enough action with the Galactic Patrol. I'm a Saiyan, I need more than just robbers or two-bit thugs to fight. I need real battles, strong opponents. And after what happened here and going out on a mission, I realize that I'm wasting my potential with the Galactic Patrol. So, what do you say? Can I join?"

"That's not my decision to make," Frost replied. "You'll have to take that up with the Supreme Kai of Time. But considering how well you did today, I imagine she might let you."

"But, Nionn," Jaco spoke up. "You can't just quit and join these guys! At the very least you need to give two weeks notice! What am I supposed to tell the Commander?"

"Tell him whatever you want, I don't care," Nionn replied. "Just tell him I decided on a career change or something. He'll understand."

"Of course, you're not worried," Jaco griped. "I have to be the one to tell him!" He turned and stormed off. "Saiyans! Next time I'm telling them no more Saiyans for partners! In fact, no more partners! I'm going solo from here on out!"

"Sheesh. What's his problem," Nionn said.

"Listen, Nionn," Frost spoke up. "If you do intend to join, I expect you and Scarlet to try and get along with each other. I don't want any bickering or fighting between you two. Is that understood?"

"I make no promises," Nionn said, taking her leave.

Frost sighed. "I suppose that's the best I'm going to get."

"Hey, guys," Scarlet called over. "The food's ready! Come and get it!"

Frost, Kora and Hope made their way over to where the food was being prepared. Frost would worry about things later. For now, he would enjoy some good food with his friends.

"So you're still convinced there's a traitor among the Patrollers," The Supreme Kai said, pacing restlessly. "Even after all they did today, putting their lives on the line, fighting all of those villains, saving the citizens, saving the damn Time Vault from being destroyed...All of that and you still think one of them is a traitor even though there is no proof to back your claims!"

"That stone is all the proof I need to justify my claim, Chronoa," Schnapps replied. "It was brought in here by someone who has access to the Time Nest. Since your Patrollers come and go quite frequently, who else could it be?"

"Lord Schnapps," Elder Kai spoke up. "Surely there must be another way that Time Breaker stone got in here. I feel the same way as Chronoa. I just can't believe any of the Patrollers would betray us, especially after all they've done for us. You yourself saw how hard they fought today. Isn't that enough to assuage your fears of a possible traitor?"

"I won't deny their bravery and selfless acts with today's battle," Schnapps said. "It's actually for that reason I don't destroy them all just to be sure the traitor is eliminated as well."

"If you were to destroy all of them, that would leave us defenseless against Towa and her evil machinations," Elder Kai protested.

"Not to mention it would be plain wrong to destroy them for nothing," The Supreme Kai snapped. "Especially when we still have no discernible proof other than that stone!"

"And lets just say you're hunch is correct and one of our own Patrollers did have something to do with that stone," Elder Kai went on. "Maybe they didn't do it on purpose. Maybe they were under some sort of hypnotic suggestion. After all, Towa is capable of bewitching people's minds."

"Exactly," The Supreme Kai said, pointing at Elder Kai. "There's always that possibility!"

"They do have a point, Lord Schnapps," Colada chimed in. "For all we know, Towa could very well be manipulating one of the Patrollers and they might not even realize it. But at the same time, that still implies that the Patrollers have been compromised. Whether of their own free will or against it, Towa obviously has an inside person."

"Perhaps I should just interrogate them," Schnapps said, an ominous tone in his voice.

"Wait a minute," The Supreme Kai said. "Okay. Maybe we might have someone on the team who isn't trustworthy. But even if you interrogate them, the guilty person will deny it, regardless. And if that happens, then you might end up destroying all of the Patrollers after all."

"You can always recruit more," Schnapps replied.

"That's not the issue," The Supreme Kai said. "They don't deserve to be destroyed! Besides, think about this: If you did destroy them and we got new recruits, what would stop Towa from putting another spy in our midst? We'd be right back to square one!"

"Hmm. She does have a point, Lord Schnapps," Colada said. "Destroying them really wouldn't help us in this situation."

"My point exactly," The Supreme Kai said. "It would be pointless."

"Are you sure you're not just letting your feelings for these mortals cloud your judgment, Chronoa," Schnapps asked. "I've seen how close you are with them. Treating them like friends, or, should I say, like family? You forget as Deities, we must remain detached from mortals and their lives. We are above them."

"Maybe that's how you think," The Supreme Kai said. "But that's not how I think! And need I remind you, Lord Schnapps, you and I weren't always gods. We came from simple backgrounds once. Most of the gods did. And I think you and them seem to forget that."

Schnapps glared at her, his aura briefly flaring. Then, surprisingly, it faded, along with his glare. "Perhaps you're right, Chronoa. Sometimes I do forget where I originally came from. And I haven't even had this title as long as some of the others."

For a moment, both God of Destruction and Kai were silent, lost in their thoughts.

"Lord Schnapps," The Supreme Kai finally broke the silence. "The Time Patrol...They are my friends...they are like family to me. I care about them. I know I shouldn't think that way, but I can't help it. Ever since they arrived, my life has become even more meaningful. They help me get through the day. I couldn't imagine life without them. We may be gods and above mortals, but it does get lonely at the top. Maybe that's one of the reasons I even started the Time Patrol to begin with. That's why I don't want to think we might have a traitor. Can't you understand that?"

Schnapps sighed. "The thing is, Chronoa, I do understand. But at the same time, this can't be overlooked. You and I have an obligation as Gods who monitor time. That being said, I'll compromise with you. I'll leave it up to you to get to the bottom of this mystery and determine whether or not we have a double agent among the Patrollers." He pointed right at the Supreme Kai. "I'm counting on you to get results and figure this out. Can you do this for me?"

"I'll look into it," The Supreme Kai said. "I don't know how exactly I'll go about it, but I will get to the bottom of this. And hopefully, your suspicions will be unwarranted."

"Hopefully you're right," Schnapps said. "Now before I depart..." He turned to his attendant. "Colada, we should set up a new barrier."

"Of course, Lord Schnapps," the angel replied.

She raised her staff and it began glowing. A beam of white light shot skyward and the sky shimmered slightly before returning to normal.

"There we are," Colada said. "A brand new barrier. And much stronger than the one before. We certainly don't want a repeat of today's fiasco."

"Yes, we certainly don't," Schnapps said. "Well, Chronoa, I'll take my leave now. But I'll be sure to stop by and check on your progress. I wish you luck on your investigation." He turned to Colada. "Lets be on our way, Colada."

Colada nodded. Schnapps stood next to her and the angel tapped her staff on the ground. A white light surrounded them and the two disappeared from sight. After they were gone, The Supreme Kai sighed, turning to Elder Kai.

"Well, now what," she asked. "How are we going to figure out if we have a traitor or not?"

"Good question," Elder Kai said. "Do you think we should inform the others about this? Maybe that might prompt our suspect to act."

"I had thought about that," The Supreme Kai said. "But I don't think that would be a good idea. If we told everyone we think we have a double agent, that's going to cause suspicion and doubt among the team. They might start to mistrust one another. Could you imagine what would happen?"

"Hmm. Good point," Elder Kai said. "Morale would certainly suffer. And their team work would falter as well. I guess for the time being we should keep this between us. But that still doesn't tell us anything. How many Patrollers do we have?"

"At the moment, thirteen, including Trunks," The Supreme Kai replied.

"That's a pretty big list of suspects right there," Elder Kai said. "Any way we can narrow it down?"

"Well, I think at the very least we can cross Trunks, Frost, Scarlet, Sorbet and Belias off the list," The Supreme Kai replied. "Trunks has been here since the beginning and we know him."

"True," Elder Kai said. "But the other four? Why them?"

"When Trunks made the wish to Shenron for a warrior of courage and virtue to help us, he sent four warriors," The Supreme Kai explained. "That was Frost, Scarlet, Sorbet and Belias. If they were of a duplicitous nature, I doubt Shenron would have sent them to us in the first place."

"I suppose that makes sense," Elder Kai agreed. "Alright, then, I guess we can rule those five out. What about the others?"

"Well, Luttice and the twins joined up next," The Supreme Kai said. "Then we had Cloud, followed by Android #7 and Berri."

"And then we had that other Saiyan, Hope, who just joined up along with Kora," Elder Kai speculated. "In fact, both of them joined up today, right when this whole incident took place. Pretty suspicious, isn't it?"

"I really don't want to think Korin's niece is the one," The Supreme Kai said. "Korin knows her, and I'm sure she would never join Towa. Besides, Kora wouldn't betray Scarlet, not after she went to so much trouble to find her again."

"Maybe, but don't forget she's been away for the last several years traveling to various worlds," Elder Kai pointed out. "People can change overtime. Are we so sure Kora didn't change during her sojourn across space?"

"Unfortunately, we don't know for certain," The Supreme Kai admitted. "The fact is we know so little about most of the Patrollers, especially the newer ones."

"Well, I do have another suspect in mind," Elder Kai said. "Even though she's not with the Time Patrol, we might want to consider that Saiyan girl, Nionn. She showed up at the Time Nest just before the invasion happened. I know she's with the Galactic Patrol, but it could just be a cover."

"Hmm. I suppose you're right," The Supreme Kai replied. "Now, I think there is at least one other person we can rule out...Berri."

"Sorbet's brother," Elder Kai asked. "Why him?"

"Think about it," The Supreme Kai said. "He's been in stasis for a very long time and was only recently found. No one knew he existed until Sorbet went to Bibidi's old hideout to see if there were other clones like her. And she found Berri there. Towa probably never even knew about Bibidi's attempt to make Majin clones."

"And from what we've seen with him, he seems to be a pure hearted fellow," Elder Kai mused. "Much like his sister. He also prefers not to fight if it can be avoided. Though if anyone tries to hurt his sister or friends, that's a different story. While he can be somewhat fearsome when it comes to that, his motives to fight are pure. I think you're right, Chronoa. I believe we can cross Berri off the list."

"But even with six people ruled out, that still leaves quite a few," The Supreme Kai said. "How are we going to find out who the traitor is?"

"Well, for now, I think our best option is to act natural, keep a close eye on everyone, and above all, watch or listen for anything suspicious," Elder Kai said.

"I suppose that's our best option for now," The Supreme Kai said. She looked around at the ruined area. "Right now, though, we have bigger things to deal with first. Like rebuilding the city."

"Yes, we should probably get that taken care of first and then worry about tracking down the double agent," Elder Kai agreed. "Well, lets go meet up with everyone and discuss our next move. And get some food while we're at it."

"At least that's an easy enough task to deal with," The Supreme Kai said.

The two Kais left, their troubles and concerns temporarily forgotten as they planned out the reconstruction of the city. However, neither one knew that someone had overheard their conversation...

Frost looked up from his meal as The Supreme Kai and Elder Kai joined them.

"Hey, Shorty. Where have you two been," Scarlet greeted them. "We got some food left if you're hungry."

"Thanks, Scarlet," The Supreme Kai said, accepting a plate of food. "We were just seeing Lord Schnapps off. He had a few things to discuss with me before he left."

"I hope he wasn't angry with you, Supreme Kai," Sorbet said. "The attack wasn't your fault."

"Oh, don't worry, Sorbet," The Supreme Kai said. "Everything's alright. Anyway, I want to tell all of you something."

Everyone present fell silent to hear what the Supreme Kai had to say.

"I just want to say...how proud I am of all of you," she said. "You all showed great courage and heroism today against such overwhelming odds. And I'd also like to thank Goku, Vegeta, Tapion, and Nionn for helping us out. Thank you, all of you."

The gathered crowd showed their agreement by applauding for the Time Patrol and the other warriors who had helped out. Sorbet blushed modestly among the applause.

"Well, we appreciate that, Supreme Kai," Frost said. "But the city...We failed to save it."

"A city can always be rebuilt, Frost," Elder Kai spoke up. "What matters is that you and the others not only saved the lives of all the people here, you also kept the Time Vault safe."

"He's right, Frost," The Supreme Kai said. "Don't worry. The city will not only be rebuilt, but we'll make it even better than before."

"You're going to have your work cut out for you, Supreme Kai," Goku said, taking in the wreckage. "But if you need any extra help, I'll help out. And I'll bet Bulma could do something to help out as well."

"Thank you, Goku," The Supreme Kai said. "I appreciate that."

"Oh, by the way, Supreme Kai," Frost said. "It seems Nionn has shown some interest in joining the Time Patrol."

"Really," The Supreme Kai asked. "Is that true, Nionn?"

"It sure is," Nionn replied. "Would it be alright, Supreme Kai?"

"Well, I suppose that could be arranged," The Supreme Kai said. "Though I think it might be about time for me to call it good with accepting anymore applications. We have quite a large team now. Oh, but what about your job at the Galactic Patrol, Nionn?"

"While I don't mind helping people out, I just don't think that job is for me," Nionn replied. "This job, however, I think I can definitely do some good here. And get in some good fighting, too. It's a win-win."

"Great," Scarlet muttered.

"I still don't like it," Jaco said. "But whatever. Anyway, I should get going. Somebody has to do their job and report back to the Commander." He stood up and looked around. "Now, where did I leave my ship?"

"Oh, uh, Jaco," Trunks said. "About your ship? I hate to tell you this, but...it kind of got destroyed during the invasion. I actually found what was left of it back over there."

Jaco looked horrified. "M...My ship...was destroyed? Oh, great! Not only is that going to come out of my paycheck, but now I'm stuck here!"

"You're not stuck, Jaco," The Supreme Kai said. "I can actually teleport you back to Galactic Headquarters. Though I'm afraid I can't do anything about your ship."

"It's alright," Jaco said. "I suppose if I explain what happened I might get off easy. Anyway, I'm ready to leave, Miss Supreme Kai."

"Hey, Jaco, hold up for a second," Scarlet said. She grabbed Jaco in an embrace. "It was great seeing you again, pal. You take care of yourself out there, okay? And give my regards to the Commander. Tell him I'll try to drop by and visit with him. Could you do that for me?"

Jaco nodded. "Sure thing, Scarlet. You take care, too. See ya around."

The Supreme Kai held her hands out and then Jaco disappeared in a flash of light.

"I guess we should get going too," Goku said. "Thanks for the meal, you guys. Give me a call whenever you're ready to start rebuilding. I'll also talk to Bulma and see if she has any ideas for helping out."

Frost shook Goku's hand. "We'll be in touch, Goku. And again, thanks for helping us out. You, too, Vegeta."

"Yeah, well, don't expect me to always come running when you call," Vegeta said.

"Of course," Frost said. Typical Vegeta.

Kora, meanwhile, was saying goodbye to her uncle.

"Now you're sure you'll be alright, Kora," Korin asked.

"I'll be fine, Uncle Korin," Kora reassured him. "I managed to survive today beause of all my training. I think I can handle this job just fine."

"I know you can handle this job, Kora," Scarlet spoke up. "I told you before I had faith in you and you really proved yourself today. And the others all believe in you, too."

"See? Everything's going to be alright," Kora said to Korin.

"I know," Korin said. "It's just, as your uncle, I can't help but worry. Anyway, don't be afraid to drop in and visit me when you can." He turned to Scarlet. "And, Scarlet, I'm putting my trust in you to watch out for her. Okay?"

"I promise I will, Master Korin," Scarlet said. "Just like I know she'll watch out for me."

Korin nodded and then floated up onto Goku's shoulder. Vegeta joined them, placing his hand on Goku's other shoulder.

"See ya around, guys," Goku said, waving. Then he used Instant Transmission and the three of them disappeared, returning to Earth.

"So, Supreme Kai," Android #7 spoke up after they were gone. "Did you have anything in mind for when we start rebuilding?"

"Oh, I have a few ideas," The Supreme Kai said. "I'm thinking we might even give the city a new name as well. How does...Conton City sound?"

"Hmm. Conton City," Frost said. "I like the sound of it."

All of the other Patrollers nodded in agreement.

"Then Conton City it is," The Supreme Kai said.

"Don't you think Tokitoki is going to be a bit upset the city will no longer be named after him," Belias asked.

"He'll get over it," The Supreme Kai replied. "Eventually."

That bought laughter from everyone. And after everything that had happened that day, it was a wonderful sound.

While the Time Patrol was busy planning the construction of Conton City, Towa was busy laying plans of her own. She and Mira had returned to their home base following their departure from the Time Nest. Towa was in her lab, checking on a few experiments she had in the works. She stopped in front of a large glass tube filled with a clear liquid. Floating within the liquid was Bardock. The Saiyan's eyes were closed, a breathing apparatus strapped to his face. Towa checked the readings and was pleased by the results.

"You'll be ready soon enough," she said.

Mira stepped up behind her, his gaze on Bardock. "So he's almost ready for use?"

"That's right," Towa replied. "It took a little while to manipulate his brainwaves with my spell, but it's finally in place. He certainly has a strong mind and will. Then again, anyone foolish enough to stand up to the likes of Frieza has to have some strong determination."

"But will he be enough for your plans," Mira asked.

"Unfortunately, no," Towa said. "But as it is, I have a few other candidates to help us. If there's one thing I learned from our defeat at the Time Nest, Mira, it's that I was too impulsive and relied on too much force. It's time to go back to our original plan. Obtaining massive amounts of energy to make you stronger and release the Demon Realm. But this time, we'll use more subtle tactics and we will utilize some of history's worst villains for our plan. As well as Bardock here." She smiled and turned around. "And speaking of allies..."

Mira also turned, sensing someone approaching. From the shadows a figure emerged. The figure was clad in dark clothing and wore black gloves and boots. Mira couldn't see the figure's face as it was covered by a helmet of some kind. The figure halted before Towa and Mira, the faceless helmet seeming to gaze at them.

"I'm glad you could join us," Towa greeted the figure.

"Towa," Mira said. "Who is this?"

"Call me X," the figure answered, the voice sounding modulated, making it difficult to tell if the figure was male or female.

"X here is an infamous mercenary and criminal," Towa explained. "He also happens to be on the Galactic Patrol's Most Wanted List. Third, if I remember correctly."

"Second," X corrected. "I recently moved up in the ranks."

"How did you manage that," Mira asked.

"Simple," X replied. "I found the #2 guy and killed him."

Mira nodded. "Of course."

"X is actually quite a mystery," Towa explained. "No one knows who or what is behind that helmet. No one even knows what gender he, or she, is."

"You can refer to me however you want," X said. "It doesn't matter to me."

"So why are you here," Mira asked.

"Towa invited me here," X replied. "She offered me a job. As a mercenary, I'm always looking for work. Seems she wants me to help you guys take care of those Time Patrollers. I told her I'd be interested, for a price of course."

"I suppose it was money you wanted," Mira speculated.

A chuckle emanated from the helmet. "Oh, I've got plenty of money. No, I actually wanted something else. Something that can't be bought or stolen. Something Towa can give me. She agreed when I told her my price and I agreed to take the job."

"And what did you ask for," Mira asked.

"Sorry. But that's a secret," X replied. "Now, then, Towa, seeing as I'm here now, what is it you need from me?"

"I actually have an assignment for both you and Mira," Towa said. "I need you two to pick up a couple of new recruits for me." She handed them each a picture of their designated targets. "Start with these two. This one here is especially important to my plans. He has something I need for my experiments. Go to their time lines and bring them here."

"And if they refuse," X asked.

"Persuade them," Towa replied, smiling.

X nodded. "Consider it done."

"We will get them here, one way or another," Mira said.

Both X and Mira turned and left, disappearing into the shadows as they set out on their assignment. Once they were gone, Towa went over to check on some of her experiments. One in particular drew her attention: A dark purple fluid bubbling in a beaker. Towa smiled in satisfaction. Once she had the next component she needed, the fluid would prove most valuable. Turning from the beaker, she studied a magical formula she had been working on for the last few weeks. Once she had it perfected, it would increase the power of her dark magic, allowing her to enhance the strength of her allies even more. There would be a risk to the ones under the influence of this particular spell, but then, as a scientist, Towa knew risks were part of the game.

Everything was proceeding as planned. Yes, she had suffered defeat at the Time Nest, but she wasn't about to give up. With the plans she had in mind, there was still a chance for her to claim victory. Let the Time Patrol enjoy their moment of triumph. Soon she would snatch that triumph away from them. She chuckled to herself as she also remembered her spy within the Time Patrol. If those fools only knew one of their own had betrayed them. Well, they'd find out in time. Towa was looking forward to seeing their shocked faces just before they perished. Yes, she would succeed. Her plan was flawless.

She took a moment to check on Bardock one last time and then exited the lab to await Mira and X's return, anxious to set her plans in motion and finally destroy the Time Patrollers.

To be continued in Dragon Ball Xenoverse-Time Patrollers 2...