It flew around the Earth several times, simply to get a proper feel for it before beginning its search for the time machine, which only took a few hours, even with multiple laps around the planet.
When it descended beside the time machine, it saw something that made it narrow its eyes.
A single body—the first it had seen since its initial awakening.
The body belonged to Trunks, and judging by the surroundings, there had clearly been a fight.
"What a shame," it said, mildly frustrated that the only person it had encountered was already dead.
It exhaled softly before letting its gaze drift back to the time machine, stepping over the body and placing a hand on the device.
It leapt onto it, opened the glass top, climbed inside, and sealed it shut once more.
After briefly scanning the console, it powered the machine up, pressing a button that launched it into the air and then through time.
The space between timelines was filled with brilliant light, star-like streaks rushing past at incomprehensible speeds.
Eventually, the machine slowed, exiting into the past and materializing within a forest.
It opened the canopy and stepped out, surveying the area for a moment before leaping into the air and flying off in a random direction, searching for anything familiar.
Only seconds later, it spotted West City and touched down on the outskirts, choosing to walk instead—taking in the city as it was before its destruction. Passersby stared, some giving it uneasy looks before hurrying away as it glared back at them.
Its walk through the city was interrupted when someone tapped its shoulder. Turning around, it saw Goku, its eyes widening in surprise.
"Uhh…" Goku scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Would you happen to know a guy named Frieza?" Goku asked, eyeing the stranger who looked remarkably similar to him.
"I do. Are you Goku?" it replied, seeking confirmation that what it was seeing was real.
"Haha, yeah. Uh—may I ask what your relationship with Frieza is?" Goku's sheepish tone shifted slightly, his posture tensing as he prepared for a possible fight.
"Strangers. I haven't seen him in person, nor has he seen me," the figure replied plainly, easing the Saiyan's stance.
"Whew… that Frieza guy is a pretty bad dude. It's good you haven't met him," Goku relaxed, curiosity quickly replacing caution.
"So… what's your name?"
There was a long pause. Goku began to look uneasy, as though he'd asked something he shouldn't have.
"…Axiom. My name is Axiom. It's a pleasure to meet you, Goku."
The name had been chosen long ago. He knew he would need one eventually—and when the moment arrived, he was ready.
Goku blinked, confused, and asked another question.
"I thought Frieza's race named themselves after cold things."
"I have a special circumstance," Axiom replied, offering no further explanation.
Goku scratched his head for a moment before deciding to get to the point.
"So, uh… what are you doing here? I mean, I didn't think this planet was that important."
Once again, Axiom paused—though this time, only briefly.
"…I heard that both Frieza and King Cold came here. I was curious. That's all."
The answer seemed reasonable enough, and Goku didn't push further.
"Anyway, you should probably hide your energy before Vegeta notices" Goku warned. He knew Vegeta's hatred for Frieza, and Axiom's resemblance made the situation risky.
"Notice what, Kakarot?"