Chapter 150 Proving Identity
Yang Le deactivated his Ability, turning back into a Human. He looked exactly like the person in the photo, but this wasn't enough to make Peter believe him.
Peter asked, "Valeria, how can you be sure he's telling the truth and not just trying to trick us?"
"Because of that Machine over there." Valeria pointed to the side. It was a Ruins, and amidst the layers of Ruins, there was a Device that clearly didn't belong.
The Machine had a simple design, looking like a small Antenna. Its Pot Lid-like Head was pointed towards the sky, as if it were transmitting something.
"What's that?" Peter asked, he'd never seen anything like it.
"That's a Signal Sending Device, but a more powerful one. It can send signals to unexpected places, like Other Universes," Valeria explained.
"How do you know so much about it?" Peter asked Valeria beside him, surprised.
"Because Valeria built that thing," Franklin said from the side, scratching his Head thoughtfully.
"I think she was about eight when she built it."
"Actually, seven. I hadn't turned eight yet when I made it," Valeria corrected, raising an eyebrow with a hint of pride.
"I didn't expect it to actually work, though. When I first built it, I tested it, but no one Responded. I thought I'd failed, so I just left it in the Corner of the Laboratory. Dad and Mom Comforted me about it back then."
Mentioning Reed and Susan, a flicker of something unusual crossed the Fantastic Twins' faces, but they quickly masked it. No one but themselves noticed the fleeting change.
"Looks like it's not only working, but it's also very effective. I was lured here by the SOS signal it sent out," Yang Le said helplessly. "Looks like I was drawn in by this thing. I've become the fish on the hook."
"If you're still not convinced, you can check my Car," Yang Le suggested, gesturing towards the Time-Space Wheel behind him.
"It's equipped with Time-Space Travel Ability. Valeria should be able to verify that, and then you'll know if I'm telling the truth."
"I was already planning on it," Valeria said, cracking her knuckles, excitement practically radiating from her eyes.
From the start, she had been fixated on the Time-Space Wheel. To her trained eye, it was clear that the Time-Space Wheel wasn't just a cool-looking motorcycle. As a Scientist, she was eager to examine the Technology from Other Universes.
"Go ahead, but be careful, don't take it apart," Yang Le shrugged, stepping aside.
Valeria tucked the Gun she was holding into her Backpack and skipped over to the Time-Space Wheel.
Peter watched with a hint of Comfort in his eyes. It was only at times like these that Valeria acted like a truly innocent and carefree Child.
Valeria was tinkering and banging away at her Research, making Yang Le's Heart pound. It was like watching a rambunctious Child brought over by relatives, wielding his prized model glue and staging a full-blown action scene.
Honestly, to Yang Le, the scene was as terrifying as facing a million murderers.
"Valeria, how's the inspection going?" Franklin asked, walking over to Valeria. Although he was also curious about the Time-Space Wheel, being the older brother, he gave his sister the Opportunity.
"He's telling the truth," Valeria said without turning her Head. She had practically disappeared inside the Time-Space Wheel. Perhaps worried about dirtying the Leather Seat, Valeria had taken off her Shoes and was now just wearing Socks.
But due to the Zombie Crisis, Supplies were scarce, and her Socks weren't exactly clean. Though not filthy, they did have some Stains.
"That's enough, Valeria," Franklin leaned in, whispering to his sister.
"Don't keep Uncle Peter waiting too long."
"Alright," Valeria grumbled reluctantly, putting everything back as it was. She then hopped out of the Time-Space Wheel, stepped barefoot onto the Ground, and sat down to put her Shoes back on.
"Whew~" Seeing that his beloved Car was unharmed, Yang Le couldn't help but sigh in relief, and said to Peter, who was watching him.
"So? Can you believe me now?"
Peter was silent for a moment, then, holding his Club in one Hand, he picked up the Photo from the Ground and walked towards Yang Le.
"Sorry, in our Universe, caution is a necessary Condition for survival."
"Of course, I understand," Yang Le said, opening his arms to show his magnanimity.
"In fact, I wish all the Peters I know were as careful as you."
"I can tell you know a lot of Peters," Peter said with a smile, handing the Photo back to Yang Le, a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
Yang Le noticed Peter's hesitation and knew the reason. It was undoubtedly because of Mary Jane and Aunt May in the Photo.
"If you want it, you can keep it," Yang Le suddenly offered.
"Really? No— I mean, is it okay?" Peter's eyes shifted from Surprise to longing.
"Of course, I have a backup on my Computer. I can just print another one later," Yang Le said with a smile.
"Though I don't have any individual Photos of Mary Jane, only this group Photo with her."
That was for sure. Taking Photos of married women with a Camera would be too strange. If Yang Le actually did that, not only Ultimate Peter, but even Gwen would give him a good scolding.
"No, this is enough," Peter said, gently stroking the Photo. Having this was already wonderful, especially since he didn't have a single Photo himself.
Time erodes everything. Peter feared that even the most precious Memory in his Heart would fade with Time. Now that he had something to Record, how could he be picky?
"This can remind me of the good old days. It's a great Comfort to my Heart."
The two adults were chatting happily, especially Peter, who hadn't even noticed the Fantastic Twins returning to his side.
The Fantastic Twins stood quietly beside them. They had seen and remembered Peter's Protection of them over the years, and they truly considered Peter as Family.
Seeing Peter so happy now, how could the Twins bear to interrupt?
Just then, Peter's Communicator suddenly rang. Peter snapped out of his thoughts, answered the Communicator, and a gruff Sound boomed out.
"Peter, have you found the Child?"
"I have," Peter immediately Responded.
"They're right here with me. How's everything on your end?"
"Everything's fine here. Those two little devils, I'm going to give them a good scolding this time."
"You're right, Ben Grimm." Reminded by the other person, Peter finally remembered the Twins running away from Home. He glared fiercely at the Twins, who were now pretending to be innocent, and said,
"Count me in on that scolding too."
(End of Chapter)