Chapter 9 Plot:
Chapter 9: "Standby for battle! An alliance in hot water?" Everyone is prepared to fight Cell… who is a true threat like no other! But… the truce that was formed is shaken with Kakarot being the main issue! His strong hatred towards the Human race may just shatter what has been built up! How much longer can he truly stay in one place? Cooperation is one thing. Tolerance is another. It seems the Saiyan will have to work on both!
IT IS HAPPENING…
Future Trunks takes notice of how the present-day Saiyans he heard about or knew are different from the ones he knew in the future… his time! But a game of catch up is being played! Eventually, Future Trunks may see no difference between the two timelines if things keep going the way the are… and those things are not good!
Kakarot is just as stubborn as usual. When he performs his usual cruel actions, for once, things didn't feel the same for once.
A/N: Espeon804 here with another great chapter!
PUBLISHED ON: December 23, 2017!
WORDS: 15,662
Warning! This chapter contains:
*Crazy revelations!
*Mind-blowing discoveries! (Okay. Not really)
*A unexpected twist!
*Depressing crap!
This chapter is going to be a bit depressing. Do not read if you are already sad. K?
Okay. Maybe it's not going to be all bad but…
Whatever.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN DB, DBZ, DBGT, DBZKAI, OR DBS! All credit goes to Akira Toriyama! Yay! To think that if it wasn't for "Journey to The West" Dragon Ball wouldn't even exist…
Key:
"Talking"
"Foreign Speech"
'Thoughts'
'Telepathy'
Well… here is another!
-Espeon804
- Chapter 9: Standby for battle! An alliance in hot water? -
"Goku. Goku! Wake up!"
A light hand shakes him roughly. From the sound of her voice, the speaker sounds scared and very worried.
"Goku! Wake up! You're scaring me! Say something!"
That voice… it belongs to ChiChi.
Kakarot opens his eyes, and they meet with a pair of concerned ones. He is confused about why she appears so rattled. "ChiChi…? What's wrong…? Did someone try to hurt you again?"
"N-no… actually… I came to check on you when I heard you mumbling or something… what's wrong?" ChiChi says.
"Wrong?"
"You were crying in your sleep."
Kakarot gives her a confused look before he touches his face. He Immediately draws his hand away, feeling dampness. Looking at his fingers, he is even more confused.
He was crying? He can't understand why. It's not that he doesn't want to understand.
He can't remember whatever it could be that made it happen.
"What's wrong?" ChiChi asks again for who knows how many times.
Kakarot can't exactly figure out what it is. He answers with the first thing that comes to mind. "I think I'm falling apart…"
-0000-
His eyes open at last. The first thing he sees is the ceiling of the room he decided to sleep in last night. Sitting up, he looks to his right.
The young Karot is sound asleep still. Tucked under his arm is a half-read book titled; "Physics, 101!"
Future Trunks stands, rubbing his eyes a bit. He takes a long look at the sleeping child before looking at the desk nearby. He takes a seat and pulls out his journal. Uncapping a pen, he begins to write;
June 5th, Age 767:
I literally woke up a minute or 2 ago. I decided to come here and write right away… my handwriting is probably a mess…
I just had a dream that basically replayed my past which is well... their future if I can put it like that since the me in this time is still a baby.
I never thought I would recall it so clearly. Now that I think about it… I was 10 years old when it happened. It's still scary to think about. Now that I had the time to see everyone is this time… Karot was right. Everyone changed because of the androids. Tarble is really polite and kind here… but the one I was around when I was a kid… he can be nice… but… well… he was strict, too.
Like… really strict. He was a tough teacher… that's for sure.
He pauses, almost closing his journal as he looks off into space. He thinks about what to write about next, but his mind wanders off as he hears his childhood self shouting in fighting style. Then, he hears his teacher… Tarble…
-OoOoOoOo-
Age: 776
"That will not get you anywhere, Seleriak. You need to be patient. Attacking in a hasty pace will get you killed in the battlefield."
"ERRRAH!" A flying fist heads for Tarble who seems calm despite he scream he heard. He tilts his head back, and the fist flies past his face. As it retreats, he stands tall with a disappointed sigh.
The 10-year-old Trunks puffs his face. He seems very annoyed or frustrated, even. Almost pouting, he stomps his left foot. "Come on, teacher! Why won't you let me hit you? Can you at least let me hit you once?!"
"I am afraid that will get you nowhere." Tarble responds.
"But I want to know how strong I am now!"
"Strength isn't the only thing that will assist you in battle. You must understand that. Didn't Karot teach you that?"
Trunks opens his mouth to protest, but he looks towards the ground as it shuts. "When are we going to do more stuff? You promised me you would teach me something new today."
"That is if you make it through the trail you were supposed to have completed yesterday." Tarble reminds him. He paused and smiles small as he hears the air being cut through. "I guess waiting isn't too much of an issue, is it?"
Trunks pauses and looks up towards the sky. Landing from flight is a fully-grown Karot. Trunks smiles wide as he rushes to his mentor. "You came back! How did it go?! Did you find us anything?!"
Karot chuckles. "Easy. Hold on." He pulls a capsule from his pocket and tosses it to the ground. It explodes into a crate filled with freshly picked vegetables, and another crate holding freshly caught fish. "How about it?"
"Awesome!"
Tarble seems slightly amused by the current mood the child is in. "I guess we can resume training after we eat?"
Trunks smiles wide. "Y-yeah!"
-OoOoOoOoOo-
Future Trunks bites the top of his pen. The stares at his journal as his face forms an uneasy frown. He recalls something bitter.
He resumes his writing.
"When I first met Tarble and Gohan… they were both very nice and willing to help me get stronger. Of course, I had limits placed on me for the sake of my life. I wasn't ready to go out yet.
With the whole thing about Chille causing us to suffer, and the Androids making it worse… it was hard to laugh now and then. We were so drained, and we had stressful days. The Androids had changed everything we knew about life… what we knew about people.
What's worse is... they affected so many people. Most became cowards. Others gave up hope. Some saw no good in trying anything, so they sit around. A few became bitter and angry… and they became cruel.
And on the topic of the changes made within people… we were no exception.
Because comparing my time to this past world I am in now…
Things really did change, did it?
-OoOoOoOo-
Age 780
"You cannot go."
Trunks frowns. His attempts to convince Tarble to let him go beyond the borders had always been denied. This is the billionth time… at least in his perspective.
"But… I am stronger now. I'm sure." Trunks tries again.
The prince sighs. "Do you want to get yourself killed?"
"N-no…"
"Then, enough with that question. The answer will not change." Tarble speaks firmly now. He points to the back of the rusted ship. "Go in the back."
Instead of listening, Trunks shakes his head. "I can't do that, sir."
"I beg your pardon?" Tarble is slightly surprised. "No? Are you trying to be foolish?"
Trunks shakes his head. "No, sir. It's just that… I want to see how strong I am! I can take them on! I know I can!"
"You cannot." Tarble says more firmly. "Enough with the crazy thoughts you have, Seleriak. Sit down until it is time for you to go to sleep. We have more training coming in tomorrow."
Trunks watches him turn around to leave, and he becomes even more frustrated. With a long growl, he slams his hands on his lap. "It's not fair! How come Karot can go out whenever he wants?! I know that he's a grown-up, but he's no different from me! He's a half-breed, just like me! So why do I have to sit here and do nothing?! I want to do something!"
"Child, you are trying my patience." Tarble turns his way with a look of annoyance. "Don't take it the wrong way. I understand what you mean, but to charge blindly into battle is reckless. Understand that."
Trunks clenches his hands into fists. "I do understand! But we all have a disadvantage! Karot is missing an arm, we both know that! And you… you lost your sight! But that never stopped you two from fighting! Me? I know that I am not an adult, yet… but I can still fight!"
"Seleriak, stop it." Tarble orders him.
"No! I can't do that if you keep treating me like I am a baby!" Trunks shakes his head.
"I said, stop it!" Tarble's tone is slightly raised.
"You're not being fair!" Trunks growls. "You're acting just like Vegeta if you are-"
The child is cut off with a heavy kick on the chest. The air is knocked out of him as he falls harshly on his back.
"I AM NOTHING LIKE VEGETA!" Tarble snaps through a snarl. His tail hangs over with the the standing on end. "You know nothing about him! Don't you EVER compare me to him again!"
Trunks' mouth remains open as he tries to use his lungs to remember how to breathe, but his efforts fail. At the same time, the horrified look on his face remains.
"Do you honestly think that your words about disadvantages mean anything?!" Tarble rants on. "If you think that you stand even the slightest chance against those androids, then you better think again!"
Trunks finally gasps as he takes the biggest breath he can manage. He coughs a little before his breathing slows.
"You have some nerve, to say what you said!" Tarble is so enraged, that he looks close to crying due to the tears that had gathered in the corners of his eyes.
"Tarble! Prince Tarble! Calm down! Please!"
Tarble simply remains quiet.
Karot stands at the entrance of the building. He walks in quickly. "He had enough! See? He's shaking like a leaf!"
"I cannot see, or are you brain dead?" Tarble growls at him.
Karot frowns. "Look… I know that he was stubborn and all but please. I'll take things from here. Just… you need some sleep. You haven't slept good in a long while…"
After several seconds, Tarble turns away, now glaring at Karot. "You should had done better instead of going easy with that child! I'm going to get some fresh air!"
Karot steps back as the prince marches past him. He is startled as the Saiyan picks up a small box on the way. Watching him open it and pull something out, he seems worried. "Uh, sir. I don't think that would help you get fresh air. Besides, it was made by humans and not good for your or their health-"
"I'm going to get some air!" Tarble repeats more angrily as he slams the box down on a small table. He holds a small stick which he grabs with his teeth before heading outside.
Door slam… and it falls over, broken.
Tarble is already out of sight, but his angry voice sounds close; "ARRGH! Damn the door! Damn this absurd behavior! Damn it all!"
Trunks remains on the ground. He still shakes, unable to comprehend what just took place. Tarble had the look on his face… the look of someone about to kill. It was… horrifying.
Trunks had seen the prince snap from time to time, but never like that. Even so, Tarble rarely ever snaps, anyway.
Karot seems uneasy. "Oh, man. I hate it when he gets like this. And it only gets worse…" He looks towards Trunks before helping him to his feet. "Please don't hate him or anything. Tarble is just… we all have it rough. Believe it or not… Tarble wasn't anything like this back when I was your age."
Trunks frowns. "Really? I find it hard to believe."
They both look at the window to their left. They see Tarble leaning against a tree with his eyes closed. In his mouth is a lit cigarette.
"Well… I didn't say you have to but… Tarble is really a nice guy. He's just so worked up by the androids, he lost his way and well… you saw how he gets when he doesn't get his way. This is exactly why I always warn you to never ignore his orders or assignments. Believe me. You're not the only one who got kicked down like that."
Trunks crosses his arms. "He scares me sometimes. That is why I would rather train with only you."
Karot sighs. "I know. But… I sorta had an idea he was going to turn out like this back when I was a kid… and it all started all because of what my father had done. It's like… his actions caused the others to lose sight of themselves as well…"
They watch Tarble carefully.
"Man… and I never imagined that he would fall into smoking, either. These androids can really stress us out…"
-OoOoOoOo-
Karot was right. At first, Tarble was kind and all… but he grew more bitter with each passing day.
This happened months before Karot was killed. Tarble was sort of out of his wits during that time. He would try to train me. His patience with my stubborn behavior grew smaller and smaller. I guess I was no different from my father.
Most of the time, he was a big jerk. I didn't hate him at all, surprisingly. Maybe because I knew he was really suffering in there. But he was a bigger jerk than the Vegeta in this time. I find that hard to believe. Then again, I never really got to know Vegeta in my own time since he was already dead.
Tarble is very kind and willing to help anyone in this date. To see him nice like this all the time is so strange now that I think about it. I didn't really pay much mind into it since I was looking more into my father and uncles. But now… I am trying to understand how someone as kind as that turned bitter and cruel eventually.
After Karot died… it got… really bad. To the point I would hide. I believed that he would kill me from time to time.
Tarble wasn't very sane.
-OoOoOoOo-
"ACK!"
The young teen Trunks shouts out in pain as his back slams against the wall. He currently hates himself right now. He should had kept his mouth shut… but no.
He just HAD to mention the Androids being responsible for the death of his mentor. And Tarble didn't take it well.
Because Trunks just HAD to sneak out on his own to fight the Androids and got himself in danger. Karot had to swoop in and save him. Only to die after he sent the kid away. Trunks came back to see his mentor dead. Once he told Tarble about it… it wasn't easy.
The prince looked like he had seen a ghost. Then Trunks explained how the androids did it and well…
That was it.
Tarble has to be seeing red. Literally.
His eyes are glowing a faint red, almost like he had seen a full moon. Trunks had learned that their eyes only get that way when they are genuinely pissed. And that is exactly what feeling Tarble is experiencing.
Trunks feels like he is about to die. Those eye are enough to petrify. Seeing the teeth bared… and hearing the rumbles that are deep in the Saiyan's chest, he could pass of as a wild animal about to maul someone to shreds.
Trunks flinches for the 5th time now as he hears the sound of glass being shattered against a wall.
"You IDIOT! Why didn't you listen and stay inside as you were told?!"
At this point, Trunks doesn't know how to explain anything. "I-I'm sorry! I just thought that-"
"That what?! That you could take them on?! If that is true, then you are a worse idiot than your damn father was! It's because of him that your mother knew how to kill us off in the first place!"
"I-I'm sorry!"
"SORRY?! You got Karot killed!" Tarble reminds him. "You remind me of someone I once knew. You are just like him on terms of stubborness! Vegeta was nothing more than a fool who got himself a hole in the chest trying to face them as you were! He never listened to anyone but himself! He is no brother of mine! He had been dead to me years back, child! He DESERVED what he got!"
Trunks swallows. That was far too harsh, even for someone as mean as Tarble claims Vegeta to be. To say such hateful things about your own flesh and blood.
Then again, it could be rage talking.
"And just like him, such behavior kills people! Recklessness does not help you live! To be soft and forgiving will kill you! Rashness kills! Mercy kills! Do you understand?!"
Trunks can't respond. As badly as he wants to, he can't. His mouth is sealed shut.
That crossed the last line.
Trunks cowards and shields his face using his arms as the prince marches his way. He almost screams as he is pulled from the ground by his shirt.
"Ignore me all you want! Just know you have limits for a reason! Know your place, you disrespectful brat!" Tarble drops him rudely. He snarls heavily as he kicks him on the side of his chest, earning a scream. "You are to be taught a lesson! THIS is what happens when you break rules around here!"
Another harsh kick. Trunks screams again.
"THIS is the kind of world we live in!"
Another kick.
"There is no SUCH THING as mercy! The slightest mistake will kill you! But your mistake… it killed Karot! Our only chance to survive! You uppity BRAT!"
There is no escaping this. Tarble is letting lose all of his rage on the young teen. This brutal and painful rage.
Trunks can't fight back.
He actually can, but he chooses not too, afraid of what would happen if he tried to resist.
"Take this as a lesson about what happens when you disobey me! I am your PRINCE! You're still third rate! I AM THROUGH WITH YOUR STUPIDITY! DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERE CORPSE?! IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT, THEN I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO GRANT THAT WISH!"
After several more harsh kicks, Trunks notices that it had stopped. He coughs heavily. His mouth is bleeding. He looks at the prince who is now storming off, most likely for a smoke.
Trunks begins to wonder if Tarble was even aware of how badly he lost it.
Or maybe he was taking the position of someone who was once there?
-OoOoOoOoOo-
Trunks shuts his eyes tight, trying to get rid of the painful memory. He opens them, writing more.
To be brutally honest, the Tarble I knew wasn't only a big jerk, he could pass of as a tyrant. I can't count how many bruises he gave me.
He had beaten me so many times.
He nearly killed me at some times...
But still…
Near the time of his death… it seems he knew it was coming. He probably got back a glance of his old self…. because he sacrificed his life to save mine.
But… it worries me a lot. Tarble had been acting worse than Vegeta is in this time when I met him. Maybe Vegeta started it all?
Regardless if he did or did not… when did this all start?
The journal is shut, and Trunks tucks it under his arm as he stands and heads for the door, but he freezes. Something strikes him on the mind.
"Idiot! This is not the time for that!"
That was Vegeta he just heard.
Trunks nervously looks at Karot. The kid is thankfully sleep, but not for long if this keeps up. He decides to try to ease things up a little… and prays that he will walk out of it in one piece.
Turning the door open, he sees a chair fly, and he slams it shut. Hearing the chair break against the door causes him to winch. He can't get use to the Saiyans and how short their tempers are.
He opens the door again… slowly this time. The first thing he sees are broken chair pieces piled on the floor. Looking ahead, he sees paper scattered from a torn notebook. Vegeta throws another torn notebook on the ground near a shaking Tarble's feet.
Baby Trunks sits under the control table, casually eating a waffle like this is normal.
At this point, it might as well be.
Vegeta points at the thrown notebook. "This is not going to help us with anything! While we are trying to think of some strategy, here you are reading books instead!"
"You don't have to be so damn touchy about it! Besides! I CAN'T read even if I wanted to! I can't see!" Tarble finally snaps back, though his voice slightly shakes. "My research is just as important, regardless!"
"How about you do some research on how to stop being to useless to me!"
Tarble growls. "Sorry. I cannot do that. Your brain is unable to comprehend gathered knowledge, remember?"
Vegeta storms forward. "Why, you-"
"Hey! Shut the hell up!"
Future Trunks feels his mouth drop as his eyes move to look towards Kauli. The woman stands near the medical room, looking like she just rolled out of bed. The spine she has must be made of steel!
Vegeta didn't take it lightly. "What was that? Do you want to die?!"
"Oh, please honey. Go on right ahead and kill me." Kauli's angry tone is mixed with a sassy attitude. "'Cause the moment I stop breathing by your hands, you'll look more like a sorry bitch who can't grasp the concept of reality."
Now everyone is awake at this point. Oolong in the background looks like he is about to die from holding back his laughter.
Realizing what the woman said, Vegeta snarls and walks for the controls.
"Just as I thought." Kauli crosses her arms. She waves him off. "Go on right ahead! You know you're wrong! Just because you're our prince gives you no right to scream at us like some banshee! Ain't nobody got the time or energy for that!"
"Well, since you seem to know everything…" Turles glares at her with annoyance. "How about you go ahead and deal with Cell?"
Kauli's face twists, describing just how much she hates the idea. "Oh, heeeeeell naw. Do I look stupid to you?"
Turles opens his mouth.
"Ah-ah! Don't you say nothing!" Kauli cuts him off Immediately. "Y'all think I want to go outside and deal with some ugly-ass bug who looks like it got ran over by a pickup trunk?" She chuckles a "tch!" and continues. "Uh, nuh. Thank you, but no thank you. I'm good. You go do that. Not me."
Future Trunks laughs nervously. 'She's definitely from the west… the English-speakers who live on the western half of the world have their ways of speaking. She is no exception.'
Turles shrugs and looks away. He obviously doesn't care about what she thinks, but he laughs small like she is a joke.
"You better clean that grin from your face or I'm gonna-"
"Ooookay! Who's ready for breakfast?" Yamcha decides to interrupt with a question no Saiyan should deny to answer. He forces a grin as he looks at everyone who doesn't appear amused.
"Do you cook around here?" Kauli asks with an annoyed tone.
Yamcha steps back. "Uh… actually, I don't really cook, but I can microwave some food if that is okay-"
"Boy, sit your stupid-ass down."
"Eep!" Yamcha sits back on his chair instantly. He wants nothing to do with her anger at the moment.
Gine laughs lightly. She watches them all from the wall. She moves now, heading for the table to pick up the giggling baby hiding under it. "They just don't get it."
Tien sighs, looking at Yamcha. "I told you not to get involved with those Saiyans. Didn't you hear? The females are the most savage. Why do you think Vegeta stepped down?"
Yamcha gulps. "If you mean savage by words… then I guess it makes sense. But… hey. They are Saiyans. This is normal for them… I am sure. Besides. We can pinch in some work. Even if we aren't as strong as them, we have gathered some information they may not have?"
Future Trunks is now focusing on the Earthlings. Did he hear what he thought he did? Listening into conversations is something he does so much, that he doesn't realize that he is until someone gets mad at him for being "in their business". But he realizes just how he spaced out of it for a second to bearly pick up what was just said. "Wait. What did you say?"
Realizing they were heard, they focus on the others now. Krillin speaks up. "We got some info about the projects and all. Whether or not you guys already have it, we do not know yet."
Nappa overheard this. "Information? How would you weaklings be able to do that without being killed? That military is ruthless."
"That is true that they are harsh." Chiaotzu agrees. "But…"
Krillin crosses his arms. "Even if they are, they have no idea that we are against them. They don't even know that we are alive. We just disguised ourselves and got away with it."
"I can't believe this." Raditz frowns. "Turles, do you believe it?"
"Just as much as I believe in fairies." Turles turns away.
Gine smiles small. "Now, boys. No need to rub the point all over. Though I must agree with you. The humans are so crazy that they still kill each other even during times like these. But, it's nothing for me to be worried about. I came here for the sake of my children."
"Mom…" Raditz groans as he covers his face with a single hand. "We are in our 30's. We have our own children now… well, except Turles."
"And don't expect any brats from me." Turles growls as a threat in case someone tries to make a joke about it.
Gine smiles wide now. "But that doesn't stop me from looking after you boys. Don't get so upset and mean unless you want a good knocking on the head, okay?"
Raditz and Turles both take a long step away from her.
Tarble placed a hand under his chin in thought. "Back on topic… the information? You claim you have it?"
Tien nods. "We don't claim. We do."
The prince challenges them. "Alright. How can someone possible waltz in a place filled with classified files and walk out unseen and without a trace? Impossible. You must be pulling my tail."
"Pulling your tail?" Krillin repeats, confused.
Kauli sighs. "A human would say; "Pulling my leg" in place. Saiyan metaphor. You get familiar with it if you stick around long enough."
Now understanding, the humans realize that their story is seen as just that… a story. Something made up. Tien sees no point in trying to convince them. "If you don't believe, I won't push it."
"Well, you won't. But these guys are our biggest chance against that Cell guy!" Krillin reminds him. "We have to try!"
"It's not going anywhere."
"I doubt anything is." Oolong shrugs. "I don't think we should even try anything today. Yesterday was draining enough. The women in here are dangerous. Even Goku's wife, who nearly killed-"
Vegeta cuts the pig off with a warning. "I will have you as my dinner with an apple shoved down your throat!"
As Oolong cowards away, Krillin seems to give up, scratching behind his ear. "If things aren't stressful enough… Ah. They don't take us seriously, anyway."
Raditz chuckles at this. "Of course we don't. You're just a bunch of weaklings lurking around in need of help from your own enemy."
"Look at who's talking…" Krillin mutters under his mouth.
"WHAT WAS THAT?!"
Kakarot growls and covers his head with a pillow. He remains on the floor, already annoyed with all the shouting. He has a throbbing headache that won't go away. In fact, he woke up with it.
He woke up due to his concerned wife. Now there is screaming. That did not help at all. And as of right now, nothing is helping.
He feels a hand being placed on his back.
"Are you alright?" ChiChi waits for a response, but she doesn't get one.
Yamcha sits up. "Can we at least try to figure this out? We have more information. Maybe we can have Kauli look into it and-"
"Uh, excuse me? Tuh!" Kauli turns away with crossed arms.
Yamcha lowers his hand slowly in defeat. "Or… hope…" But after a few seconds, he shakes his head. "Come on. Look. We hate each other. That's a fact."
"Obviously." Nappa agrees.
"But if we want better chances, we have to work together! We can start by exchanging information. Come on!"
Tarble lowers his head. "Bother. What kind of information could you have? It could be some attempt to impress us, I am sure."
"Oh, yeah?!" Yamcha pulls out a box of capsules and holds it out in front of Tarble. "Then, what is this?!"
The younger prince groans through a sigh as he places a hand on his head. "Oh, bother. Spare me from your ignorance, human. Are you really that dull?"
Yamcha blinks as he lowers the item. "Wh-what?!"
"Have you turned your brain on yet?!" Tarble snaps at him. "Hello?! Look at my eyes! I'M BLIND, YOU FOOL!"
Future Trunks appears slightly uneasy. He is tired of hearing Tarble raise his voice. He tolerates it now, but it'll keep going.
It keeps reminding him of how bitter he became.
Yamcha takes a quick step back. "Oops. I sorta forgot…"
"Of course you did." Tarble responds with sarcasm.
Vegeta growls. "Well, at least they probably did better than you ever will."
"Shut the hell up." Tarble snaps at him. "I'm tired of hearing you."
Kauli huffs. "Why y'all gotta be so extra?"
"Got to be… who?" Tarble tries to grasp what she just said. "Sorry. Your ways of speaking is… not what I am used to hearing."
Kauli's face forms a frown. "So, I sound weird to you?"
"Your accent makes it harder at times."
The woman growls, and she walks away. "Damn. I can't. I can't with y'all. I'm gonna get some water. Don't bother me, alright?"
As she leaves for the kitchen, Everyone is quiet.
"Yeah. Her tolerance level is low." Yamcha says. "I will make note on that."
"Your intelligence level is low." Raditz glares at him. "Everyone should make note on that."
Before the human could say anything, a loud yawn makes everything pause. All heads turn towards the corner of the ship which Kakarot sits. The Saiyan appears to be… very bored and annoyed.
"Can we just get on with breakfast already?"
The others groan as Raditz gives his youngest brother an angry look. "We literally just got up, and we are trying to discuss something important here. Can you think of something besides food?"
"I don't know. Can I?" Kakarot asks.
"That is not something for me to answer!" Raditz places his hands near his waist. "You are better off staying out of it anyway. You won't be able to grasp the concept of our conversation."
"What concept? Sorry. I wasn't paying attention." Kakarot says.
Turles crosses his arms. "We don't expect you to even afford to."
"What…?"
Raditz laughs at his clueless brother. The lost look on Kakarot's face makes it hilarious. "Little brother Kakarot was only educated in martial arts, so he's always too naive. Can you get anymore stupid?"
"Don't call me that! Besides! I'm educated on my environment too!" Kakarot huffs.
ChiChi grabs his arm. "Don't get started here."
"So, you know about this planet very well? In that case, let's put that to the test." Raditz watches his brother cross his arms behind his head while leaning against the stone wall. "Pay close attention, everyone. It looks like my idiot brother has something to prove."
Kakarot shrugs as all eyes are on him. "You go from talking about the military to my intelligence, but okay. Conversations are weird like that, anyway. Believe me. I know more about this planet than anyone in this room."
"Well? Are you going to prove that?"
"Sure."
"You say you know so much about the inhabitants."
"I guess."
Raditz chuckles. "What do you call a group of birds?"
"A flock." Kakarot answers quickly. He clearly knows that one.
Raditz seems a bit interested. "A group of bugs?"
"A swarm." Kakarot answers just as quickly.
"Well… what about a group of cats?"
"A clan."
"A group of dogs?"
"A pack."
"A group of deer?"
"A herd."
"A group of dolphins?"
"A pod."
"A group of fish?"
"A school."
"A group of monkeys?"
"A troop."
"A group of lions?"
"A pride."
"Alright, so you seem to know." Raditz nods twice. He seems a bit curious about another thing. "So, what do you call a group of Humans?"
"An infestation."
Raditz nods. "Well, it seems you are well informed- wait, WHAT?!"
The humans now look at the Saiyan with baffled looks. That was very rude for even him to say!
"You heard what I said." Kakarot yawns with stretching his arms. "They have no reason to live on if they waste their lives trying to kill each other anyways. Selfish beings have no right to thrive. That's why I oughta get rid of them if I need too."
Raditz just blinks. "Are you even Kakarot?"
"No, I'm Chille disguised as your brother. You've been stung by a dart that manipulates what you see." Kakarot sighs.
Raditz sits up quickly with a snarl. "WHAT?!"
"It's called sarcasm."
Raditz seems a bit relieved, but angry at the same time. "That's not how you use it! You stretched it too far, you dumbass!"
"Yeah, yeah." Kakarot slowly stands and heads for the door. "I am going to hunt, in case you want to know. I won't go too far, so hold on to your tails."
Vegeta growls. "No one said that you could leave!"
"Don't care." Kakarot keeps going. "Touch my wife, and I'll kill you."
ChiChi blinks.
"As if you could." Vegeta challenges the warrior. "You have no businesses walking out just yet. I don't care for your reasons. You aren't going alone."
"Fine. I'll take Tarble with me." Kakarot crosses his arms. His answer earns him a glare from the mentioned prince.
Tarble refuses. "I am not going out there with a stubborn person."
Vegeta growls before stepping towards them, but hearing the control table beep makes him turn around and walk to it. He focuses on the screen with a concentrated look. "There's a live broadcast going on."
"What? Really?" Nappa is somewhat surprised. "I thought we destroyed their media or whatever else related they have."
"I don't know. Humans tend to keep extras around." Vegeta looks at his brother. "Are you capable of hacking into their system?"
"I'm already ahead of you." Tarble responds quickly as he reaches the table. Though, he seems irritated that Vegeta is bothering him about it. "Though I cannot do it alone. I have assistance from Kauli and Karot. They should be able to get into it in just about…"
"On it!" Karot rushes in the room with a laptop under his arm. He hands it to Kauli.
"Here we go!" Kauli is at a desk, opening her laptop and typing away. After several seconds, she seems more focused until she presses a key with extra force. "We have access. Check out whatever it is."
Tarble taps the screens. "What do you see?"
Vegeta leans over for a better look. He nearly jumps back as the entire screen changes appearance into a single shot. What they see is live footage of people building something. On the top right corner of the screen, a logo that reads "International News" is seen.
Future Trunks walks to the other side of the table. He takes a look as well. "What could they be broadcasting at a time like this? I thought they stopped airing news a long time ago."
The other Saiyans crowd around the table. Yamcha takes out a tablet to tune in as well, and his friends stand around him to watch whatever could be on.
Karot hovers above everyone do to the standing space being taken up. He holds his mother in his arms, so she hangs below, looking down to the screen.
A reporter is seen with a microphone. He walks around the area that is being constructed. "Ladies and gentlemen, we bring to you news. This is not your typical horrifying news you had been seeing for the past 5 years, folks! This one shines a positive light to our community!"
Kakarot is somewhat interested. What could possibly make them be in a good mood through all this chaos? Everyone must be wondering the same thing since they all listen and watch closely.
"Just when all hope seems lost, a courageous man has announced that he will put an end to these horrendous crimes!"
Nappa scoffs. "Who is the brave idiot, I wonder?"
The reporter seems to respond somehow. "And who is this man you ask? No other than The Worlds Martial Arts champion, Mr. Satan!"
"Mr. Who-now?" Kauli tilts her head. "Is this fool worshipping the devil?"
"That doesn't matter now." ChiChi is confused. "I never heard of this guy. Now that I think about it… Goku, when was the last time you've been in a tournament?"
"I was 18 years old, remember?" Kakarot watches the live footage, appearing annoyed. "You never allowed me to attend another one since. Of course someone would take the champion title since I never returned… but who the heck is that guy?"
They all hear proud laughter. They watch carefully, seeing a man who is built in some way with a proud mustache and an afro as a hairstyle. He has his hands near his hips, standing tall in pride.
"I sense an idiot." Raditz frowns.
"Agreed." The other Saiyans nods at once.
The man, referred to as "Mr. Satan", faces the screens with a determined look. "That is right! People across the world, pay close attention, because my words will move you! We can't let those monsters step all over us like we are stairs!"
"They already did." Kakarot says.
"No need to fear! I will teach those aliens and robots a lesson they will never forget. And don't get me started on that bug-critter! They will all be crying and running back to their mommies!"
"Whelp. He's gonna die." Kauli says bluntly.
Kakarot now has no bit of interest in this. He leaves the crowd to sit back against the walls, but that small plan is placed on hold.
"And as for that so-called "Monkey King", shame on you for betraying us all! We once looked up to you, and now you are a terror! No more bloodshed, Saiyan! You are going down! Gwah-hah-hah!"
Kakarot narrows his eyes, annoyed. "Permission to kill him?"
"Denied." Everyone quickly says.
Kakarot didn't expect that answer. He becomes very disappointed. "Aw, come on! He's basically trying to bash me on T.V!'
"He's an arrogant individual." Gine shrugs her shoulders, somewhat feeling sorry for the man. "People like that don't like long. He'll die from being hit by a truck with an ego like that. There is no need to kill him."
"Besides. He's not evil or anything." Karot shoots a glare at his father. "You don't have to go around and spill blood all the time. But look at who I am talking to."
"Gohan!" ChiChi frowns at him.
"Leave me alone, mom. I don't want to hear it right now."
ChiChi breathes in a high-pitched sound. Her eyes are building tears as everything around her cracks and shatters like glass. She places her hands on her face. "My own son is turning into a delinquent! Noooo!"
She shrinks as everything turns dark. A spotlight shines over her as she is on her knees in defeat.
"Hey. Who turned off the lights?" Raditz looks around. "And where did that spotlight come from?"
- Insert rotating cute Zhanshitao sticker here for scene change -
The activity in the ship seems to have died somewhat. Most sit and chat as other walk around. Karot sits in a chair near the controls, playing with a tablet. A video game is being played, but it's a game of hangman. He is beating it flawlessly.
Gine stands near her daughter-in-law, trying to comfort her in some way. The female Saiyan seems a little lost on what to do, not familiar with human behavior and how their emotions play out. Gine knows she herself can be emotional, but humans are on some whole other level. ChiChi is lost on the fact that her son was being rude.
Saiyans simply see that as their children maturing into warriors.
"ChiChi… please. It's not like he is completely disrespectful or anything. He's just in a bad mood."
"HE'S TURNING OUT TO BE JUST LIKE THESE HORRIBLE SAIYANS!" ChiChi sobs out before merely crying. Her screaming had made everyone jump. The Saiyans seem irritated while they rub their ears.
Gine smiles small. "This is something I find odd here. It can't be helped."
"Don't say that!" ChiChi grabs her by the arm and shakes her wildly. "You're his grandmother! Talk to him! Do something to bring back my sweet little boy!"
Nappa watches from the sidelines. He shakes his head. "I'm afraid he's been long gone since he witnessed how Dumpli died-"
ChiChi jumps up with one of her swords in hand. "DON'T SAY THAT!"
The general steps back with clenched teeth. "Hey! Take it easy! It's not my fault Kakarot destroyed his life!"
ChiChi growls and tries to rush at him, but she is being held back by Gine. The woman thrashes around while swinging her sword wildly. "How dare you! This is all your fault! Goku changed because of all of you! You stupid and selfishwaysmadeall-"
Her words bundle together to a bunch of nonsense as her violent ranting goes on.
Future Trunks has his mouth shut as he watches this, but the dumbfounded look on his face tells anyone that he is not used to this yet. He heard how ChiChi was dangerous when mad but…
She's just scary.
Karot sighs as he shuts off his tablet. "He's trying to leave while all of you are distracted."
What the child just said is confusing, but two and two is placed together, and looking at the door… they see Kakarot with his hand on the handle. The Saiyan doesn't open it yet.
"What are you doing?" Turles asks a dumb question. He is well aware, but he doesn't care.
Kakarot simply looks towards the control room, still hearing the news that is being played.
"And here is a great display of our hero's strength! Behold! A stack of 15 solid bricks!"
In the screen, the martial artists laughs proudly as the reporter aims the microphone his way. "Hah-hah! This is why I take pride in my effort! Every good person who is watching can be just as great as I am! Watch and learn!"
Mr. Satan is seen performing warm-ups before throwing a chop on the brick stand. Somehow, they all break in half except the last one.
The reporter is impressed. "Amazing! 14 out of 15! Folks, that is raw action right there!"
Kakarot is not impressed at all. "I could do that with a single finger… and I mean my childhood self can with ease. That says a lot."
Vegeta doesn't even bother to look at the footage anymore. "What a joke."
"I bet if I sneeze on him, he'll catch a disease and die." Raditz loses interest as well. "Let him enjoy his last days, I suppose."
Gine frowns at him. "That wasn't very nice."
"Whoever said I have to be-" Raditz's word are caught. He sighs. "Great. Now I see where Kakarot gets it from."
The martial artist is heard again. "Alright, you freaks and weirdos! It is time someone put an end to your terrors! I challenge you to test me, since you clearly see us humans as worthless! I will prove you all wrong! Hah!"
"He's not even worthy of being killed by us." Nappa grumbles. "He might as well jump off a bridge at this rate."
"Or, he can have his wish granted and die in the process of making it happen." Kakarot shrugs. He doesn't seem to care about any looks he may get this time around. Well, he never does, anyway.
The broadcast goes on, but it is ignored this time. The groups talk among themselves, trying to get an idea on what could be currently happening. The Z-Fighters once again try to convince the Saiyans to hear them but… no progress is made. They stop until they will decide to try again.
Vegeta is appearing somewhat troubled in thought. "What the hell are those humans so happy about, anyway? That foolish human can't possibly be a threat or anything… or maybe we are underestimating him. Bah…" He looks towards the others. "Nothing in mind?"
Nappa shakes his head.
"Gah. This is annoying. All of this is too much to endure. The fact that we had to band together to take down some stupid insect, and then we have a demon driving things wild!"
Kakarot frowns. He hates it when they bring that up. As much as he would like, he can't even say anything about it. The demon had harmed him so much… to speak of his intentions might cause the Saiyan to lose his family.
Youzi will not hesitate to control him and force him to kill his own.
And they have no idea.
Raditz glances over to the prince. "No need to remind us about that mess. It it weren't for the military… it would had never happened. Damn them."
Kakarot frowns. He is sick of it. He may not recall whatever Youzi had done to him time to time, but his instincts don't lie. The demon had done terrible things… and Kakarot had always been unconscious when it happens. For once…
The Saiyan is feeling almost hopeless. It makes him angry.
Future Trunks is concerned. "Are you alright? You look very angry…" He is careful with what he says, not wanting to make the mood worse.
Kakarot didn't realize his emotions were becoming obvious. His angry expression makes it clear about his current mood. He's tired, really. The feeling of helplessness doesn't help much.
He has to tell them what is really going on, but he can't.
There is only on thing he can really do, and it won't be obvious.
"This is your doing. Remember that." Tarble says.
Kakarot huffs. "Let me be with it. I don't care. I am just not in a good mood because of this stupid thing we have going on. Do you honestly think this alliance would work?" His eyes look at his oldest brother's. "Look. This whole grouping thing is annoying. I ought to try to get it together… but see… it's not easy."
His tail flicks twice.
Raditz rises his head to look at his brother well, now completely focused. Turles is watching afar, but he appears confused until slight realization seems to strike him, but he hides it. Raditz nods. "Fine. Explain if it bothers you that much."
"Well… for starters… the... the whole thing is ridiculous." Kakarot frowns.
Turles glances at Raditz, somewhat puzzled. He seems to want to ask a question, but it never comes out. Instead, he looks back at his little brother.
"Oh? Is that it?" Raditz crosses his arms. "Foolish and typical thoughts from Kakarot."
The little brother shakes his head. He is in no mood for the teasing or anything negatively said about him at this moment. Though, thankfully, he did get a response. Raditz responded to give him another opening to speak.
So, he did catch it.
Kakarot carries on, now knowing the conversation won't be pushed aside as the others would be. "Then, you just had to bring him up, the demon. It's not like I'm all he has. Just forget what I said since all of this isn't even about me."
"I'm sure it is." Turles crosses his arms. "It's mostly about you and your mental state. You're not sane."
Kakarot snarls, and Raditz lightly nudges Turles as a silent warning to cut it out.
Nobody can understand why. Raditz would normally not care how Turles insults Kakarot.
"Like if you know where things are at." Kakarot crosses his arms. A part of him is curious about Turles. It seems he knows what is really going on.
If he does, will it be said?
Kakarot simply closes his eyes as he crosses his arms. "That is not the problem, because we are dealing with a bug whose energy is not even his. I doubt he would even show a speck of mercy."
"No shit." Raditz huffs.
Kakarot ignores the rude response. His eyes open as he points outside. "He tried to consider us as part of his family."
"That's disgusting." Nappa groans.
"All bad things in. We have a new task full of danger. And it's all because… because… heh…" The Saiyan grins darkly. "What even is he? Things are bad enough as is. There is hardly anything about it that is controlling. That places us in a bad spot… especially for me. Don't remind me about this again, please."
Tarble frowns. "There is hardly anything controlling you. You're just stubborn."
Kakarot sighs. His tail flicks once, as if he is irritated. "Consider it a bad habit. That thought took a lot of unintentional effort. I wanted to teach those humans a lesson. The answer to the question on why is… it comes with a mean price."
"Because you are always in trouble for it." Kauli shrugs.
"I can't do anything for myself for even a moment. A bunch of rules makes nothing fair or easy." Kakarot sighs, turning away as his tail moves twice before he walks away.
Raditz and Turles exchange glances before they look ahead. Raditz speaks up. "What's the deal? Can't handle the truth?"
"Maybe. But it won't stop me from doing what I want." Kakarot slides the ship door open, ignoring the looks he is now getting. He calls out for his Dark Flying Nimbus.
"What did we say?" Gine shakes her head. As she stands from her seat on the ground near the door. She walks to him, but not in a hurry. She stands a good yard away, placing a hand on her hips with a slightly disappointed look. The baby is held in her other arm, cooing.
"I won't kill him. I swear." Kakarot smiles. His friendly gesture doesn't change her expression at all. He decides to be honest. "But if he does die… then that would be his fault. Not mine." He waves before jumping on his cloud and riding off with it.
They watch him go, all wondering the same thing. One actually brings the question.
"What is he talking about?" Future Trunks asks.
Raditz's mouth slightly opens, so he must had got an idea on what was said. But, he isn't kind enough to share the thought. "It's something you never want to experience."
"... Huh?"
"Don't." Raditz looks at his futurized son. "Let's just say… Kakarot has his ways with things when he gets bored."
ChiChi turns and heads for the back of the room. She grabs her weapons and walks for the door. "I'm going after him-"
"I will." Gine grabs her arm and gently pulls her back from the door. She sits her down on the chair. "Don't hurt yourself or stress so much. You don't want to risk losing something that never got the chance to experience the world, do you?"
ChiChi doesn't protest. "Okay. You have a point. I should be resting, I know. It's just…"
"I understand. But that is why I am here." Gine stands tall. Her tail sways with her determined mood. "I will keep a close eye. So you don't worry about a thing. Of course, I am not meaning to care about nothing. Worrying and caring are similar but they are also different. You can't worry without caring, but you can care without worrying."
"Her words are true. Though we may have no choice but to worry." Tarble taps the floor with his foot in a steady rhythm, taking his time to listen to each tap. "We are low on time on terms of preparation. We will have to brace ourselves for this threat that spawned from possibly nowhere. And… it only grows."
Kauli watches the tapping foot. "Um… we get that, but why are you-"
Future Trunks places a finger over his mouth as he looks at her. "Wait. You're going to throw off his concentration."
"How? This dude is always focused."
"He's doing some heavy thinking." The teenager explains. "Listen… even the Tarble in the future… he takes his time to think. But he is growing wary here. Foot tapping means he is running low on patience."
"Oh, I remember now. He was your teacher, right?" Nappa looks at the teen, interested. "You know so much about his personality, huh? Just like Vegeta does."
"His personality?" Future Trunks looks away, now feeling discomfort. "I can't say things are the same from where I came from. I just say… never bother him while he is thinking. It's… not a good idea."
"He is interrupted all the time." Turles give the kid a funny look. "What is with you and your expression? Does something bother you?"
The teen didn't realize it until now, but he is making a face that shows how uncomfortable he is. "Honestly… this world of the past is far different than I expected. It's not just Cell that never crossed us as an issue… it's how everyone is… behaving."
"What are you saying, kid?" Nappa asks. "Did… something happen to Tarble?"
"Besides him dying recently? I would say…"
The tapping stops. Tarble places his hands on the edge of the table. "Vegeta, how close is he?"
Vegeta looks at the screen. "The broadcast just ended. The fool is probably near the borders, but Kakarot would reach him in no time soon. In fact… probably in a about half and hour if he takes his time to stay under the radar."
"I can't fathom on what Kakarot intends to do."
Karot seems slightly angry with the fact his father is gone. He turns back on the tablet and messes around with it. "It doesn't matter. He's never going to change."
"Oh, dear…" ChiChi sighs. Her son's behavior is getting no better.
Turles seems serious about something. Walking to Raditz, he asks in a quiet tone; "Did Kakarot… was he trying to tell us something?"
Instead of answering, Raditz asks his own question. "You got all that he said in your head, right?"
"That's a stupid question."
"I'll take that as a "yes", then." Raditz walks towards the information room. "I need you to come with me for obvious reasons. You and I both know something is urgent. Whatever it was Kakarot wanted to tell us, he couldn't say it directly. For someone as dull as he is, he found his ways around to give us the message."
"So, he was doing what I thought. But... don't understand." Turles catches up. "What could possibly be keeping Kakarot in a bad position that made him unable to speak a word of it?"
"I don't know. But it's a long one." Raditz is already writing down a few words. "I need you to recall everything he said to us."
"Too long for your mind to keep hold of, I see." Turles smirks. "Alright. I'll grant you the favor. After all, I have the best memory there is."
-0000-
"Crazy media… they except so much from me."
Walking through the thick woods, the martial artists that gained so much attention is trying to hurry his way through. Knowing how dangerous the woods are, he doesn't lower his guard. He nods, confident that he can carry out his promise.
Those Saiyans aren't all too bad to face personally.. as long as he is facing each one alone. They are dangerous as a group. That is what his mind is confident about. But…
A part of him is telling him to turn back.
From all the stories he heard, and the news he had seen… he should be turning back. He must he crazy for trying to go through here to face one. If he comes across Cell, surely he can beat the insect… but those aliens… and the Androids…
They are questionable.
Thankfully, they are enemies to each other. So if they kill each other off, that would make things easier for him. But lately, things had been quiet.
Too quiet.
But… he loves those who support him. Not wanting to step down from his challenge, he looks straight ahead. "Alright, you freaks. I, Mr. Satan, challenge you… to try getting by us!"
"Let's test the trespasser with one of His Majesty's tricks!"
The human freezes. He heard a voice respond. Immediately, he slips into a fighting stance. "To attack your enemy in hiding is a coward's move! Come out!"
"Come out? You're already surrounded. Not by the Androids… or the Saiyans. No. We are hungry, and when we see a lone human… we strike!"
"Geh! Strike?! You're not planning to eat me, are ya?" The martial artist waits for a response, but he doesn't get one. Nervous, he turns his body around as his eyes study his surroundings. "Let me guess… you're just waiting for me to do something stupid so that you can kill me?"
"You already did do something stupid. This is Mount Paozu. This… is the territory of The Monkey King!"
"That one? I had the idea I was here. I guess that means he heard my challenge, huh?" He swallows, but he clenches his fists. "Well! That doesn't mean I'm just going to run like some coward! Come on out! I can take you demons on… if you are willing to attack me! I defeated many great fighters out in this world!"
"Be careful with what you wish for. You will regret it. The king will know you are here… and if he wishes not to kill you, he will find a way to, anyway."
"What?" Mr. Satan blinks. "That doesn't make any sense. Can you say that again?"
Instead, he hears a hiss as a shadow lunges towards him. He ducks in near panic, and the shadow falls on the grass before spinning around quickly. The martial artists identified the attacker as some sort of ferret-like creature. It attacks again, and he kicks it away quickly.
Many more demons come out, all wanting a bite of him. Most are surprised by how well he is keeping them back. Some demons are kicked aside as others fall on top of each other.
"Cut it out! I am not here for you!" The man kicks a boar, and it crashes on a group of small demons. He glares at them, and they seem confused. "You see us humans as weak. We may not all be fighters… but those who are don't let others just stomp on them!"
A sword flies over his head and stabs a tree. He yelps in surprise.
"My, my." Walking from the shadows, Mint carries another sword over her shoulder. "Do we have to slice you up to even get a chance of getting a bite in here? Food is scarce now, thanks to your species. It's disappointing." She aims the sword at him. "The king said we are welcome to kill and eat any human we come across, just as long as he isn't here to see it. Despite his hatred towards you rotten fools, he isn't fond of seeing you being consumed by us."
"Well…" Mr. Satan gulps. "That's a pointy sword you got there? Aren't you going to put that down and uh… fight fair?"
Mint laughs. "Fight fair? How cute!" Her eyes narrow as they turn cold.
The human steps back.
"Your name… it's Satan Hercule right?"
The man smirks nervously. "Heh. So my name managed to reach here?"
Mint frowns. "It doesn't take long for news to reach us, Human. But… what you said earlier… it bothers me a lot."
"It does?"
"Hercule, Humans don't be fair to anyone they see as below them." Mint lowers her weapon as she places her free hand on her hip. "Don't you realize? Your kind even go as far as treating each other badly because they are different."
The humans seems to be slightly sweating at this point. "Well, I'm not going to deny what you just said. There are a lot of mean people in this world. People such as Chille Seirfs… who goes as far as doing cruel experiments on innocent animals to create things mainly for himself…"
"You understand then. Good. Take that into thought while I turn you into sliced meat."
The martial artist goes on defensive.
CLACK!
The demons drop their stances, now turning to the same direction. Mint steps away many times as she looks up to the trees as everyone else is. She doesn't appear afraid, which confuses the Earthling.
"You know, I appreciate your awareness of how your kind can be. At least you're not stupid like those who thinks Chille did good things and all."
The man jumps. "Wh-who said that?!"
"I heard a lot about you!" The trees shake, and Kakarot lands right in front of him. "First name Hercule, right? I had someone question your last name, so we'll just address you by your first. Sounds good?"
Mr. Satan steps back several times, intimidated by the Saiyan. "You're Goku, aren't you? The one who everyone calls "The Monkey King" or whatnot?"
"Yeah. That's me." Kakarot tilts his head. "Why did you come here if you know about me?"
"W-well…"
"You're challenging me, knowing your life could be gone in an instant?" Kakarot waits for a response. He gets none, so he shrugs. "Don't you think that's kinda… stupid?"
"Stupid… you could had said a lesser word…" Hercule's eyes land on the red staff. A thought comes across his mind.
'That staff there… I heard that thing is what makes him even more dangerous than he already is. Of course, it's not like he needs it or anything but… that thing is unbreakable, meaning it can break material that is near unbreakable… if I can only get that away from him…'
"What's on your mind?" Kakarot asks.
The human looks at him with grit teeth. 'He's onto me! Think!'
"You're plotting something, aren't you?" Kakarot asks another question.
Hercule points at the sky. "Look! Over there! A giant flying slice of pizza!"
"Where?!" Kakarot immediately looks at the sky.
The Earthling takes his chance. He snatches the staff from the Saiyan and he jumps away from him. He takes out a capsule at the same time, but before he could throw it, a tiny blast destroys it. His eyes shrink he holds the staff over his head, as if he is threatening to throw it somewhere. But, he knows that won't so any good.
Kakarot looks at him. "In that capsule was some sorta thing to make you teleport elsewhere? You were gonna make a getaway with my Power Pole, huh? Pulling off that old trick, geez. I really need to work on my guard."
Hercule steps back.
The Saiyan doesn't appear angry. He actually doesn't appear to care. "Normally, you should be dead by now. But, seeing your performance against the demons… and your manner of speaking… and well, how well you tricked me... you convinced me not to end your life."
"What?"
"Instead… I'm giving you a chance to live another day." The Saiyan waves the demons away. They all start to leave.
'What is he doing?' The Human thinks to himself.
A grin forms on Kakarot's face. A chuckle follows afterwards. "If you live today, I don't want to see you again."
Hercule knows something's not right. He can't trust those words, but he decides to play along. "Wh-what do you have in mind?"
Kakarot's grin turns dark in an instant. His expression reveals what could be seen as evil intentions. He speaks in a tone full of mischief. "Do you want to play with me?"
Dumbfounded, the man just stares. "Pl-play with you? But aren't you like… 20 or something?"
"It's true that I'm no kid, but if it's your life you want, we can play. You can keep my staff."
"Huh?" The martial artist looks at the weapon in his hands. He watches the warrior walk close to the trees. Hearing the sound of snapping metal, he winches. Where did the metal come from?
"The soldiers keep placing these traps to try to stop me. One of them are these annoying wires that set off my crown. I always find them before I run into them, though. So they lose on that part." The Saiyan shows Hercule the sparking wire.
The Human holds his breath as the warrior walks to him.
"Here." Kakarot slips it through the staff, and it hangs from the middle of it. "Sparks are nice."
"Wh-what is this? A decoration?" Mr. Satan asks.
"Yeah. I guess. You took my staff from me, so you can keep it if you play." Kakarot smiles innocently now. "I call this "Tug-a-War" but it's different from what you know. You have to pull to keep yourself from being pulled under by using your upper body strength."
"Pulled under?!"
Kakarot nods. "Uh-huh. How long can you hold it? It's simple. The game is that you hold my staff like you are. You are not allowed to move anywhere. Just stand still. Easy?"
"Um… okay." The man blinks.
"Okay!" His cheerful smile turns into a dark one. "Then… let's play."
"Huh?"
"You're strong, so let's begin easy. Power Pole…. 45.359 kilograms."
The staff glows in response. The glow fades seconds later.
Kakarot watches the man stagger a bit before. What the warrior did was make the weapon become heavy by 100 pounds. "Easy, right? Nah. Math is hard. The only reason why I know these numbers is because my grandpa told me about those in order to understand how to use the staff. To be honest, I can't do math very well, so keep count for me in case I slip out."
"Uh… okay."
" Let's make it a little harder. 90.719 kilograms."
The staffs glows again. Mr. Satan is still having ease with it. He laughs, feeling confident on how well he is holding on. "You think your magic staff can stop me?"
"Dunno. It's currently 200 pounds. You're not even at the tip of the iceberg of it's maximum weight."
"What…?"
"136.078 kilograms." Kakarot watches the man hold tighter after the weapon glows. "300 pounds. A lot more to go."
"This is nothing!"
"181.437 kilograms." Kakarot nods. "226.796 kilograms. 272.155 kilograms. 317.515 kilograms."
The man is struggling at last. "Cr-crap!"
Kakarot tilts his head. "Huh? We're just at the top and you're starting to sweat. See, this is why you should always expect someone stronger to show. Even I know that. We're at 700 pounds. Many Humans would had their hands crushed by now. How about it? Make it to half a ton, then we'll see what happens next. This is gonna be fun."
Hercule grunts. "I won't go down easy, Saiyan! You watch! I'll make it to a thousand, and you'll surrender to me peacefully! I will convince the humans to not be so harsh towards ya then, how about that?"
"Okay. At least you are nicer than others." Kakarot chuckles. "362.874 kilograms."
The staff glows. The man is truly struggling. The staff leans to the right a bit, and the wire hanging from it slides a bit.
"Uh-oh. You better keep that spark in the center." Kakarot warns the martial artist who is now looking at it. "It'll zap your hands if it leans too far. You'll drop the staff on your foot, and you'll never walk again."
Mr. Satan's eyes turn small. "This game he's playing… it's dark!" His eyes narrow with determination. "No! I won't give up! I have to protect my little girl! I won't let this monster defeat me!"
"Huh? You have a kid?" Kakarot pauses his game, interested about it.
"H-her name is Videl. She means a lot to me." Hercule explains. "I can't have her live in this sort of world, you know. She's the only family I have… and she's only 10."
"10? Well… I have a son who is the same age. But… he is already too far into this situation for any turning back." Kakarot frowns. "Children here have no mercy in this world either. If you wish to see her, you better stay focused."
"Wait!"
"408.233 kilograms."
The Human nearly drops the weapon. It reaches his waist, and he can't keep a hold of it over his head as instructed. "I don't think I'll make it to another added hundred! It's all… over….!"
Kakarot chuckles as the staff leans to the right. The sparking wire slides towards the hand, but the staff is balanced again, but shaking. "You're about to drop it. Your hands are slipping. 453.592 kilograms."
The martial artist bites back a scream as he nearly falls. "You may be right…!" The man pauses. An idea hits him. "Wait… I can still do it!" He bends down a bit, and he bends his elbows, lifting the weapon in a crouch. Using his thighs for support, he has the weapon held. "Hah! Gotcha! I'm lifting 1 thousand pounds!"
Kakarot crosses his arms. "Really?"
"Huh?" The man looks at him. "Of course I did! Can't you see?!"
"Not smart. That not what I asked you to do. The rule was to use your upper body strength. You were fine until half a ton. Now, you're using your legs for support."
Mr. Satan gulps. "Wait… what are you saying?"
"In other words…" Kakarot narrows his eyes. "You're cheating. I hate it when people cheat."
"Huh?"
"Look at your feet. You have cold feet, right? This is a game of Life or Death." Kakarot explains.
The man looks at his feet, and his face turns pale at the sight of water flowing.
"You didn't notice and you were concentrating on the weight you're holding. See, once you drop it, you know exactly what happens. Not only will it crush your feet… you'll be fried."
"What is this?!"
Kakarot grins now. "I told you. It's a fight for your life. You can't cheat in life, 'cause that gets you in trouble. You would had won if you didn't pull off that trick, but you lost."
"I did not! I'm holding half a ton!" Mr. Satan lifts the staff over his chest.
"Too late. You already shown me that you're like the other Humans I don't like. You cheated. Game over." Kakarot crosses his arms.
"You were bluffing before…!" The man is still holding on. "When you said this weight is only tip of the iceberg!"
"I don't cheat like you did. I'll prove it to you." Kakarot grins wider. 7,348.196 kilograms. That translates to… 8.1 tons."
Mr. Satan's eyes widen in horror as the staff glows. He is instantly pulled underwater. Sparks explode from the water.
"Ouch." Kakarot watches the sparks zap across the water. "He wanted to know the max. That's what happens when you ask for too much. What's worse is that… he never got to see his kid again. Oh well." He raises his hand. "Power Pole!"
The staff grows from the water and curves to reach him. As soon as he grabs it, the weapon shrinks to its normal size and is straight once more. He slides the weapon in its scabbard, and he walks away. "When will anyone not try to cheat their way around? Cheaters never win. You determined your death. Not me."
There is silence with the exception of chirping birds.
Kakarot looks at the water's again. He huffs. "What an idiot. Humans tend to make up stories in hopes for some mercy from me. Hah."
A bird flies over his head and lands on another branch.
His annoyed expression slowly morphs into disappointment. "But… something is off. I don't understand. He failed to pass my test like the other humans I tested."
He sees the faces of Pastah and General Blue cross his mind.
Something is floating on the surface.
Kakarot reaches down, and he picks up what he first believes is a slip of paper. He identifies it as a photograph now. Looking at it, he sees Hercule, and a little girl hugging him with a huge smile on her face.
Slowly, the demons comes back out. Mint walks up, but she stands feet behind him. "My lord, does something bother you? The human is gone now."
Kakarot frowns. "He was telling the truth. Most Humans would lie about having a family in hopes to escape death. That doesn't matter anyway. He cheated in the game." He tosses the pic aside, and he feels something painful strike his very being.
It felt sharp, but only for a second.
"My lord! Are you alright?!" Mint is concerned now as the Saiyan had froze.
Kakarot looks at the waters again. "He didn't pass. My instructions were clear, right? So… why?"
The uneasy pain grows worse.
"Why am I feeling like… this is… all wrong?"
"Sir?" Mint is very concerned now.
Kakarot's expression shows slight sadness. "He… he said she's the only family he had left… meaning… that little girl… she's by herself. He was desperate to reach her… and…"
An image of the smiling 4 year old Karot crosses his kind. He hears his son laughing. All the joy the boy had before he lost everything he had…
Kakarot appears conflicted. In fact, he is.
"Are you worried about the daughter, sir?" Mint asks.
"... No. She'll just have to fend for herself for now on. If she dies, then so be it." Kakarot turns away and walks towards the direction the ship is.
But, he's lying, somehow.
He stops again, and he growls as he grabs a handful of his hair. The photograph of the little girl is stuck in his mind.
He sees many families hugging their children productively before they are vaporized or even slaughtered.
Then… the little boy he sliced in cold blood.
"What the hell…?!" Kakarot shakes his head in hopes to get rid of it. "What's happening…? Why am I seeing… all of this? They mean nothing!"
But, it all connects so easily.
"Those people… they are humans… but…"
He sees his smiling son.
"They… those people… they… they aren't evil. They aren't cruel. They… they are not like… the ones I've seen… back then…"
He sees Chille and his men, smiling wickedly.
"Why am I seeing these worthless people?! They are Humans! All Humans are selfish and heartless! I know they are! That's why they all need to… they… all… hah…"
Kakarot falls to his knees.
"Hah… hahaha…"
He begins to laugh hysterically.
He laughs as he holds his head as his other hand supports his weight. "The Humans… they took away so much from me! I killed those fools as soon as I was free, but… what is this?!"
He recalls a memory… of when he first started killing them.
The mother and son in that city…
"I… I caused the daughter of the guy who failed the test to… lose what she had left. I took something from here. I took so much from the Humans, too. To go as far as killing children… I am no different from him…! I am no different from that military… no different from Chille... no different from… from Frieza!"
The demons around him are deeply worried, wondering what came over the Saiyan. His laughter isn't what they are used to hearing.
"Is this because I was Human-raised?! Or… no… my own hatred… no… it was something else, was it?! It doesn't matter…! I'm just as bad as them! And… it's too late to go back! Ever since I made that contract… I just… can't…!"
"Lord Kakarot…" Mint reaches a hand towards him, but she retreats it, afraid to even try to touch him. The laughter she is hearing...
This one sounds like it is full of pain.
Because it slowly dies off, and it nearly turns into whimpering.
"Please… I know you got the message… right big brother?" Kakarot looks towards the sky. He grits his teeth, looking close to crying as he did before. "Right?! That I am no different, because of one thing! RADITZ! YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS, RIGHT?!"
-0000-
In the information room, the door is shut. Raditz grabs a notebook from the shelves before sitting at the table. He opens it and flips through a few blank pages before pressing the button of the pen to make the point reveal itself. He looks at Turles who takes a seat at the other side. "Did you get it?" Raditz asks.
Turles frowns. "Why did you ask? I'm surprised you taught him that code. What could he possibly be unable to say in front of us?"
"The last time the code was ever used was when I was warning Vegeta planning to exile him." Raditz says. "But I never foresaw Kakarot using it. His big mouth always gets him in trouble. But for once he… kept quiet and well…"
"This is something definitely serious." Turles frowns. "He would normally pull us aside to say something. He could had waited until we were free from Vegeta's watch but…"
"Maybe he could not risk saying it even if we were alone with him."
"What?"
Raditz narrows his eyes at Turles. He is not playing around anymore. With a firm tone, he says; "Quote what he said. Now."
"Hey!" Turles growls. "Don't start-"
"MAKE HASTE!"
Turles almost jumps by the sudden shout. "Idiot! Shut up before someone sticks their nose on here! I'll do it, alright?!"
He thinks back. He recalls what Kakarot said as soon as the signal was sent through 2 flicks of a tail;
"Well… for starters… the... the whole thing is ridiculous."
Raditz nods twice. "He repeated the word "the" twice. So "the" is the first word. What else did he say?"
Turles takes his time to remember. He hears Kakarot's previous explanation again;
"Then you just had to bring him up, the demon. It's not like I'm all he has. Just forget what I said since all of this isn't even about me."
"Second word is "demon"." Turles nods.
"Then, it was "has". Then, "me"." Raditz writes if all on paper.
"Like if you know where things are at."
"That is not the problem, because we are dealing with a bug who's energy is not even his."
"I doubt he would even show a speck of mercy. He tried to consider us as part of his family."
Turles watches his brother write carefully, making sure what is being written is accurate.
"All bad things in. We have a new task full of danger. And it's all because… because… heh… What even is he? Things are bad enough as is. There is hardly anything about is that is controlling. That places us in a bad spot… especially for me. Don't remind me about this again, please."
Turles crosses his arms. "Then, his tail moves once, meaning we will have to break it down even more."
Raditz nods, rest working on it. He repeats some words he recalls his brother saying. "Habit. Effort. Lesson. Price." He writes down a few more words, circling a part of each one as if he is taking notes about it. He recalls more;
"I can't do anything for myself for even a moment.
Raditz's eyes widen in pure disbelief. He underlines a group and he begins to write out each word differently, now placing the pieces together.
"A bunch of rules makes nothing fair or easy."
The Saiyan drops the pen, staring at the writing he did. "He must be joking, right?! Then again… this would explain everything!"
Turles looks closer. "Wait…" He reads what his brother wrote, and he stares at the message their brother had secretly sent them;
"The demon has me at his mercy. Family in danger. Because… he is controlling me.
Please, help me."
Strength chart. Strongest to Weakest.
(Power Levels are BS, by the way.)
This chart focuses on the main people.
Note: Chart will be updated each chapter. I can't do power scaling since I clearly can't understand it like an idiot. This is simply rankings.
Android 16
Androids 17 & 18
Prince Vegeta
Raditz
Kakarot (Son Goku)
Seleriak (Future Trunks)
Piccolo
Nappa
Turles
Imperfect Cell
Karot (Son Gohan)
Kauli (Ice Phlounder)
Gine
Prince Tarble
Tien Shinhan
ChiChi
Krillin
Yamcha
Chiaotzu
Oolong
Puar
A/N: Finally Finished!
Haha! I have not done this in some time. I brought back the "games" here, and the last time the brothers did a secret code thing… that was on book 3, chapter 9.
Huh. You didn't expect that twist at the end, right?
Geez? What the heck is wrong with me, writing this depressing crap? I broke too many characters.
This is some depressing stuff, yo.
Possible Questions:
PQ1: What the heck is wrong with the Tarble in the future?
A: Well, he's dead of you forgot.
Aside that, the future - in other words, Future Trunks' time - is a time of despair and hopelessness. If you live in a world like that for too long, it begins to break you.
Future Tarble is a cruel and heartless Saiyan just as Vegeta is in the current time… only worse. He grew bitter due to the conditions of the world. Ouch.
PQ2: Still slow updates?
A: My job makes me have days I don't even feel like writing. So I waste my time Playing Pokémon Sun and Pokémon OmegaRuby and crap. XD
Also, I am working on two other stories. One is Undertale. Another is Pokémon.
Huh. I tend to like games or shows that have monsters in them.
PQ3: Is Future Trunks afraid of Tarble?
A: Well, not that he is. At least not the present-day one. Present Tarble isn't like his future counterpart.
PQ4: When are we seeing some action?
A: When I catch a break. (Kidding)
PQ5: You killed off Mr. Satan?
A:I didn't do it because I dislike him or anything. Just for the sake of plot.
PQ6: What the heck happened to Goku at the end?
A: He got ran over by the guilt train. All aboooard! Choo-Choo!
Question Time:
Q: yesyesyesyesyesyeeeeeeereeees
A: You're welcome.
Q: (From Ch. 1) hercule somehow survived the plan to eradicate the humans? i would think he has enough common sense to know these saiyans mean business and gathering unnecassary attention woukd most likely result in death, but then again,he's hercule.
A: Oh. You posted your review on chapter 1 because you can't post twice. Lol.
Well, yeah. He did. And well… he died.
I broke the rules of Dragon Ball. I killed him. Though he technically never died in the canon.
Huh.
Q: my heart lept out my throat when i saw this has been updated.
ALL HAIL ESPEON WERE NOT WORTHY
A: I wonder if it danced on the table this time?
Q: The soup shop reference is actually amusing. Raditz yelling in front of people is a bonus due to their reactions. Vegeta finally gets the beatdown he deserves after all the stuff he pulled on Chi Chi and Karot and his belief that humans are inferior. Here's to hoping that he learns his lesson that humans are not weak after being beaten by a pregnant woman. Poor Kakarot, he isn't getting a break from his deal unless he gives up his soul. Even then Youzi will just use his body to take destroy humanity. Kakarot is really in a lose-lose situation with the solution to this madness is death. Karot is finally questioning his place in the world and is confused on where his path leads. Humans attack him because of his Saiyan heritage and Vegeta wanted him to die not too long ago. Somehow, I think he would make his own side and protect the world regardless on who is opposing him or live in seclusion to get away from the chaos. Piccolo could join him on either side since they're both technically outcasts. He might possibly think about the possibility that coexistence between Humans and Saiyans is achievable. There is just a slim chance of it happening due to obvious reasons; his father especially. Is it weird that I could see him eventually protecting a group of humans to realize his purpose and the chance that he
A: Huh? What happened to the rest of your review?
Anyways, thank you. Your analysis is interesting. I focused more on Future Trunks and Goku here… but we still saw Karot not taking things well. What he would do? Well… I dunno yet. XD
Q: I'm confused by this entire fanfic. From my understanding Raditz being a Super Saijan should have easily wiped the floor with Vegeta and the others considering that they are no where near the same power level as him. Same with Goku who would only be able to be defeated by Raditz, at least with goku it makes sense since I think the crown that is on his head locks away his power or something.
A: Ah. Alright. Looks like I have to try to explain. Vegeta is a Super Saiyan as well. He became one early in this book I believe… or was it somewhere in book 3?
But, anyway… Vegeta is around the same levels as the brothers on terms of strength. He trains more than the two brothers, and the brothers got held back due to demons and babies and such.
I'm pretty sure what I just said makes no sense. My mind is half done at the moment. Forgive me.
Next Time:
*Cue DBZ Kai "Episode preview theme" here*
Future Trunks: (serious) It's me, Trunks. It looks like Cell has been sighted again. We can't let him slip away again.
Future Trunks: (surprised) Wait, what?! What do you mean that Goku is out of commission?! What does that mean?!
Raditz: (Serious) He isn't unconscious or anything. He's just… I don't know? Sorta shaken up?
Turles: (Annoyed) Tch. That damn demon is making him weaker by the day.
Future Trunks: (Serious) Alright. Fine. We'll just have to go on!
Tarble: (Annoyed) And there goes Vegeta, acting as reckless as usual! Why does he always think he is better than all of us?!
Turles: (Frowns) It seems more like you're-
Tarble: (Angry) Don't even try it!
Future Trunks: Next time on; "The Dissonance of The Earthling Saiyan"! Chapter 10! "Extermination! Watch out, 18!"
Future Trunks: We have to make sure Cell doesn't reach the Androids!
REVIEW! REVIEW!
To be Continued to Chapter 10!
Upcoming Chapters: (Read at your own risk!)
Chapter 10: "Operation: Extermination! Watch out, 18!" With Cell now in everyone's sights, one mission is clear: "Kill him!". With the combined forces, it should be enough to take down this walking humanoid insect, right? Not when his eyes are set on 18! Everyone is on guard to actually keep her and her twin brother from the monster's reach! How long can it actually last?!
Chapter 11: "Step forward for the chances, "Goku-wannabe"!" With Kakarot impossible to control, the unlikely team has no other choice but to take their plans to another path! A sadistic Saiyan who refuses to obey anyone and would rather kill his own temporary companions is far too dangerous to even be around! Turles is left with an unexpected role he never saw coming. The question is; will he comply, or will his own "selfish sin" get in his way?
Then again, not only is he in a situation that leaves him questioning his power. When reality strikes just what he is really feeling just as his brother's suspected, it brings another issue that may have him distracted more than prepared!
Chapter 12: "Crossing paths again" If things can't get any worse… it just did! Questions are asked left and right about what is really going on! Everyone seems to have a dislike towards the same person for many reasons! A nightmare for one returns, and heartbreak for another! What is really going on?! Raditz may just be falling for the same tricks again!
Chapter 13: "Keep yourselves in check! Realize your mindset!" Something isn't right. It's like poison, spreading quickly through anyone exposed to it. As the days drag out, the actions of Kakarot grow worse. The warrior is having a battle with himself, and for the first time in years, his eyes open to see just how much things have changed within not just himself, but those close by.
One can only stay sane for so long. Slowly… they are slipping… He is not the only one who had gone insane.
Chapter 14: "Time for reconsideration!" Seeing how everyone is being affected by his actions, Kakarot is left pondering on what to do. Knowing his son is struggling enough, he begins to fear that his own wife may just turn down a bad corner. Willing to protect the little things he has left, he pushes all jokes aside. Is it possible… that he is doing the right thing, or is this a temporary moment?
