Adopting kids with Multiverse Cafe

The man was wrinkled, gray-haired, but his posture was straight. With that large gauntlet and cane he held onto, the other hand placed behind his back.

This Paradox, a name that begged the question of the history behind that designation, gave off a different presence. He didn't look like a man who needed a cane to move, despite the gray hair he looked very healthy. No visible injuries, and no stumbles from him as he stepped out of the portal, if he could call it a portal. Rockwell had a bunch of questions himself, starting about this place and the device on it, and ending with Paradox himself.

Paradox looked statuesque, one had to admit. In particular about him, Rockwell liked his long coat, for he himself is a Coat Enthusiast.

But uncomfortable questions Rockwell didn't want to answer. From what he heard from Paradox, he already take note. One, this place used to be empty, dead or forgotten enough that the simple grass underfoot pleased Paradrox. Or maybe it's closed...

He said he was glad to step onto this land. Or maybe that meant Paradrox was forbidden to come here. It's not known for sure. The professor also blurted out "new resident." Singular, probably meant Callahan.

Rockwell didn't jump to conclusions. He just didn't have time to figure it out for himself. But from what he could make out. The device that sat on him could be questioned, and preferably in private.

Rockwell nodded to himself.

In moments where ignorance reigns, the wise let the informed speak. The person standing beside you may unknowingly arm you with their words, words you can later reshape into your own insights.

That philosophy had served Rockwell well on battlefields, where enemies often revealed their plans through unguarded remarks. Yet, this wasn't a battlefield. And the man before him, Paradox, didn't feel like an enemy—though Rockwell knew nothing about him. Still, the old warrior within him remained cautious. Perhaps this Paradox was testing him, probing for weaknesses.

Rockwell studied the man carefully. Humble posture. Steady hands. Calm face. Unwavering voice. He exhaled slowly, the tension easing from his broad shoulders. "Fakery is easy to spot," he muttered under his breath. "This one shows none." Deciding on a gesture of goodwill, he spoke with quiet authority, his tone betraying confidence rather than suspicion.

"Name's Rockwell Callahan," he said, extending a large, calloused hand.

Paradox responded with a smile, reaching out with his gauntlet-clad hand. The handshake was peculiar from the outset—Paradox's smaller grip barely encircled Rockwell's massive hand. The size difference was almost comical, especially when the two stood close, forcing Paradox to tilt his head back to meet Rockwell's stoic gaze.

"The pleasure to meet you, Mr. Callahan," Paradox said, his smile unwavering.

"Likewise," Rockwell replied.

Despite the awkward proportions, their handshake carried weight. Rockwell valued a handshake—it was a silent declaration of respect, strength, and intention. To refuse one was a grave insult in his eyes, a violation of the honor he held dear.

Paradox's grip was firm, surprising given his stature. He tightened his hold, sensing Rockwell was gauging him. The faintest smirk played across Paradox's lips, reflected faintly in the mirrored sheen of Rockwell's purple glasses. Rockwell gave a small nod of approval before loosening his grip and stepping back. Paradox followed suit, resting his hand behind his back once more.

"Tell me, Mr. Callahan," Paradox began, his voice carrying a note of curiosity, "how long have you owned this place?" He turned slightly, his gaze shifting toward the distant sound of a bubbling creek.

"Not long," Rockwell answered curtly. His tone was neutral, careful not to reveal too much. He wasn't about to volunteer information until Paradox offered something substantial in return.

"Hmm… interesting." Paradox chuckled softly, his attention returning to Rockwell. "You know what they say—a room speaks volumes about its owner."

Rockwell's expression hardened slightly, his eyes narrowing beneath his glasses. Paradox continued undeterred.

"Cross Over, as I call it, is a unique place. It adapts to those who step onto its grounds. A nexus where universes converge, where alternate realities twist and branch. But you already knew that, didn't you?"

Rockwell remained silent, letting the words settle. His mind, however, raced. Multiple universes. Young Joseph would've found this fascinating, he thought, briefly reminded of his excitable young soldier.

Though returns to that man's words

Adjusting to his visitor said Paradox. So he wasn't banished from this place, and maybe was a past owner of this place. And as is clear, at some point he lost the ability to come here. For what exact reason is not yet clear. But there was enough experience to name this place whatever he wanted. "Crossover" sounded better than "Alrha-041024."

Rockwell is more than confident that the designation stored in the device is the correct one. But for brevity's sake, he'll also call it like Paradox.

And Crossover has created this place. A cafe, a house in the distance, a stream and a bright sun. Whether it's all alive, should definitely check it out. And how far does the Crossover zone extend? If this is the intersection of several worlds that needs to connect with, then what is Crossover? The same universe or some kind of keyhole through which other worlds pass.

" Affirmative. Alpha-041024 came to me with everything recently, and I'm just in the process of setting it up. There are a few things I have to deal with." Rockwell replied, crossing his arms over his chest.

That kind smile frozen on Pardox's face did not lose its sincerity. " So that's what it was called, good to know. Ions traveling through space and time, but there's still a lot to learn, heh."

"It's never too late to learn." nodded Rockwell, seconding his words. Learning to adapt also fit that philosophy. While it wasn't hard, there was a lot of information piled up on him right now that he needed to digest. To make matters worse, every second there was a new fact. Questions have their own questions.

"However, I didn't realize Cross Over could get this big. With mr, it was a small house with a nice lawn and a lab. And you have..." he jerked his head to the right, " River, a house, and a small waterfall, even that little establishment ."

Rockwell stood sideways, giving Paradox a better view of the cafe. The professor took a step forward, closer to the cafeteria. Rockwell, on the other hand, also moved back a bit. " Truly a magnificent place. Our acquaintance with you is recent, but I hope you will use this place for the good cause." Paradox didn't move far away from Rockwell, he could already see the cafe from this position. The words he said to him were a test similar to the one Rockwell had made. The professor looked at Callahan again. A smooth and unruffled beard, short and slightly gray hair. And those large rectangular violet glasses. Paradox wanted to see the eyes themselves. But the glasses would do for now, too.

"Hmm..." mumbled Rockwell, realizing what kind of man Paradox was. His first impression was a good one. But the world isn't black and white, and there must be something in Paradox. And that's what he'll find out over a nice drink. Maybe he should be a little softer.

A man whot tells about "Ions of traveling" looked to be about his age, and the conversation was good. Rockwell will reveal little about himself.

"I'm just looking for someone. No need to worry."

Paradox grinned widely." And I hope your search is successful, my friend. I daresay you are an ex-soldier?"

Rockwell raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by his words. Paradox was perceptive. But if it were him, Rockwell would have assumed such a thing himself. His brief answers, collected manner, and dispassionate face hinted at at least some combat training. "Yes. Former General." Telling his rank would do himself no harm, so Rockwell allowed himself to tell another fact about himself. Paradox was more prevalent in the field of knowledge about worlds and so on, and to get this and information, you need to create a friendship with this man.

Paradox nodded approvingly, tapping his cane to the beat." As expected of an Omnitrix wielder." His gaze lowered to Rockwell's broad chest. A blue vest-like garment of armor that was more like part of some kind of suit, and in the middle a green dial with a drawing of a green hourglass.

Rockwell instantly realized what he meant. It was what Paradox was more interested in, eyes giving away his excitement. But it wasn't called Omnitrix. " HighTrix." Rockwell corrected him.

"HighTrix...Amazing," Paradox repeated after him. "Forgive my reaction, my friend. It is always amazing to see new realities. Only I thought I had seen all the Omnitrix wielders already. And what a surprise it was when I saw you, Mr. Callahan."

"Hmm?"

"You see, 98% of the time, the Omnitrix is carried by a young Benjamin. And to see you carrying it was a shock to me. I'd love to hear your story, but it's too early to ask. In the future, if you think I'm trust enough , you will tell me."

Rockwell liked the way Paradox reasoned. He was reserved, wise. And that was to Rockwell's liking. The tall old man nodded at Paradox's words.

" And I can only congratulate you. You are the new owner of this place. I'd be lying if I said I was interested in how you got Cross Over under your ownership, but a man's got to have secrets, don't he?"

A semblance of a small smile appeared on Rockwell's face, so small it was barely noticeable. His voice stopped being so gruff.

" It was a gift. "

it was definitely meant to be a gift. First the device tells him it belongs to him, and Paradox confirms it.

"And the gift is great. And I'm sure you're ready for new guests at your place. After all, you are the new owner, and thanks to you, the door between worlds has been reopened, where this place is the front door. "

Callahan blinked. His theory was correct. Alpha-041024 is the connecting link. Paradox was a past host, but somehow lost access, and now that Rockwell is here, the passageways between worlds will work. The Professor's right, he'll have to wait for new visitors. And he'd better hurry up for his examination.

"I'll be ready for it."

"Very well. What I believe to be a café belonging to you gave me the idea. And I hope when it opens you'll welcome me, heh."

" I'll be glad to see you."

Paradox nodded, then pulled a hand in a grip from behind his back and waved it through the air at his side.Instantly, a wormhole opened up right in the air. A portal. Rockwell looked at it. It was exactly like the one Paradox had come through. And he'd made it with this hilt. So it wasn't a simple hilt. Interesting.

The tall old man stepped forward. His huge figure rose quickly above Paradox.

The professor, as he had the first time, held out the hilt for a shake. Rockwell did the same "It was a pleasure to meet you, my friend."

"As I am, Paradox."