The Tombs of the Star Corridor were quiet.
Kenjaku stood in the ancient chamber while Takeru leaned against the wall.
For once, Takeru wasn't joking.
He looked directly at Kenjaku.
"I have a singular question."
Kenjaku raised an eyebrow.
"At least for right now."
Takeru folded his arms.
"Will you still be a bad guy…"
He paused.
"…or shall you choose the path of us good guys?"
Kenjaku stared at him.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
"You're asking me to abandon everything I've been working toward?"
Takeru shook his head.
"No."
Kenjaku looked slightly surprised.
"Then what are you asking?"
Takeru shrugged.
"I'm asking what you want to do now."
Silence.
"You've already done everything in your timeline."
Takeru gestured around.
"Your plans happened. The Culling Game happened. Everything led to this."
He pointed toward Kenjaku.
"But this isn't your timeline anymore."
Kenjaku's expression became thoughtful.
"And you believe I can simply become one of the 'good guys'?"
Takeru smiled.
"Sure."
"That easily?"
"Nope."
Takeru shook his head.
"You'd have a lot to make up for."
Kenjaku looked at him.
"…Yet you still call me Dad."
Takeru grinned.
"Yep."
"Even knowing everything I've done?"
"Yep."
Kenjaku looked away.
Takeru continued.
"You don't have to be perfect."
He shrugged.
"Just stop trying to destroy everybody."
Kenjaku was silent again.
Then he looked back at Takeru.
"And if I refuse?"
Takeru smiled.
"Then I guess you'll keep being the bad guy."
A pause.
"But…"
Takeru's expression softened.
"…I'd rather have Dad on our side."
Kenjaku stared at him.
The ancient sorcerer had spent centuries pursuing his own goals.
Yet somehow…
this was the strangest offer he'd ever received.
Kenjaku finally sighed.
"I'll consider it."
Takeru's smile returned.
"I'll take that."
He pushed himself away from the wall.
"Progress!"
Kenjaku shook his head.
"You are remarkably persistent."
"Family trait."
Kenjaku almost smiled.
Almost.