Dragon Ball Blackthorned

Arc 3.5: Adventures Anew Saga

Opening Theme: Devault - Closer

Chapter 75: Plans for the Future

(Current Date: June 29, Age 750)

When I arrived back home, I found Gwen, Bulma, and Violet all having breakfast with a big plate for me. I loved me some pancake, and I sweetly kiss my girlfriend's cheek before plopping down on the chair.

"Morning, everyone." I said biting into one of the pancakes.

"Where were you?" Bulma asked.

"Dealt with an unwanted guest from the Kumas." I said coolly. "I did get some interesting information. Any one of you heard of Ronanapour?"

Forks clattered on their plates as they had been dropped. The three had different emotions as Bulma seemed fearful, Gwen was nervous, and Violet was impassive with a raised eyebrow.

[Cues: Black Lagoon OST 12 – Dark Side of the Moon]

"That place is known as the criminal cesspit of the world." Bulma said terrified.

"It's where the dead go to die, Ace. Where the worst criminals go for hunting grounds. I've only been there once when I was a part of Raven's crew, and I can tell you that you don't want to go there unless you have to." Gwen said in a dead-serious tone. "I've seen some shit I wish I hadn't. There's a noose that hangs at the entrance to that city. It's a message to be read by all who encounter it. For the cautious, the sane, it's a warning. For the reckless, the wild at heart, an invitation they cannot refuse. The worst of the criminal underworld gather there. They come here from across the world to butt heads and jostle for power. An evil city caught between the east and the south founded after the King Piccolo Wars and nurtured by many who came here to ride the wave of the illegal drug trade sweeping across the underworld. An edge of the world, the crucible of hypocrisy, a place where those whose souls have been destroyed in the relentless search for money and power reside. A final stop on the way to hell. The name of that city is spoken of among the villains of the world. Many who come here to make a name for themselves are swallowed by the darkness, never to return. I pity any half-assed small-time crook who accidentally stumbles into Roanapur."

"I've heard of the place being that I was a part of the Red Ribbon Army, and that army did business with them. There are five gangs that control that city if it's still the same. Hotel Moscow, The Hong Kong Triad, The Washimine Yakuza, and the Kuma Mercenary Clan. I have no idea what's going to happen to Hotel Moscow considering were heavily allied with Red Ribbon. But I'm more curious why you asked?" Violet asked.

"Let's just say that the Kuma Clan made my shit list." I said darkly before explaining what happened earlier that morning.

[Music Ends]

"Well, I would have loved to give that chick a beating." Violet said to me.

"Then again, being lost in the wood naked is something I would not wish on most." Gwen said.

I chuckled at that. After breakfast, we had packed up and we were off to Mistral. Frankly, Mistral was okay. The place was situated between two mountains, like on canon, and it was right off East City. The place was a lot smaller than I thought. Frankly, it was also fairly boring. Sure, it had culture but not much to do. It had a black market, but even that was disappointing. Ugh, what a waste! I should have went to Atlas. The food was ok, but I needed to plan for what next. I checked my BlackTab's Dragon Radar App for a look. Much to my displeasure, a ball is in Thieves Den meaning I was going to have to go in there. However, I decided to enjoy the time I have with Violet right now.

[Cues: Eddie Rohosy - Night Ride]

Night fell upon the city of Mistral as Ace and Violet were having flavored shaved ice-cream at a local park enjoying each other's company.

"Jeez, when was the last time we had an actual date?" Ace said with a chuckle.

"I don't even remember Ace. Our relationship isn't exactly traditional, it's been a hurricane." Violet said mirthfully. "Even with our pasts, I'm not regretting it."

"Me neither. But it's nice to have this moment with you. Having you around has me really appreciate the slow moments." Ace said devouring his shaved ice.

"So, what's your plan about Roanapour? I don't think you'd ask out of the blue." Violet said with her blue eyes looking his silver ones.

"No, I've discovered there's a Dragon Ball there. I'll need to get it. Considering the Army knew about the balls, I rather not leave that ball there." Ace admitted. "However, I'll have to go alone. Bulma needs to see her folks, and you have to continue your training."

"Well, what about Gwen?" Violet asked.

"I was actually considering having her join the group. She's proven herself, and I like having her around." Ace said as Violet finished her shaved ice. "And I know I'll have to tell her the whole deal."

"Shouldn't you run this by Bulma, Ace?" Violet said as they got off the bench.

"I intend to, love." Ace said as they began to walk to dispose their garbage.

The two teens took their time heading back to the hotel they were staying at find Gwen looked disappointed and Bulma fiddling with an invention.

"Oi, Gwen? Why the long face?" Ace asked.

"I found out that my old company blacklisted my ass! I doubt I can get a freaking job in my field anywhere now! All because of those bitches!" Gwen fumed. "All my degrees, useless."

"Bulma could get you a job." Ace said as Bulma looked up from her work. "She's the Capsule Corp heiress. She can find you a job."

"What did you even do?" Bulma asked.

"I was a salary woman." Gwen said. "I managed deals and the works."

"Well, I could put in a good word for you and explain to my parents about how you were blacklisted unfairly. I can at least get you a lawyer to force your old company to undo that."

"Really? I don't know what to say." Gwen said grateful.

"Gwendolyn, I know this is a bit sudden. But I also want to also extend an offer to you. There's more to us that meets the eyes. You could say we're a part of a gang who's defending the world, the Dragon Ball Gang. I want to officially extend you an invite to join us." Ace said taking a chair to have a seat.

"That depends. I assume the Dragon Ball was that orange sphere you snagged back at the pyramids. What's so special about it?" Gwen asked.

"Good eye. Simply put, if seven of these are gathered, you can summon the dragon, Shernon, to have one wish of your heart's desire granted." Ace explained.

"Wait, the legend's actually real?" Gwen remarked. "Whoa, that's pretty damn heavy. No wonder, you all were up in arms about it."

"It's really up to us to defend them from evil who wants to use them." Bulma explained.

"Like the RRA." Bulma spoke with venom.

"To think the leader was going to wish to become taller." Violet said with hidden anger in her voice.

Gwen face-faulted but feared what the likes of Raven would do with a wish. With that in mind, Gwen agreed to join the gang just to keep Raven's hands off them.

"Well then, Bulma. I think you should take Gwen to West City tomorrow. However, this is where we split for now." Ace said.

"I'll be heading back to train with Roshi." Violet remarked.

"So, it's settled." Ace said.

That night, Ace and Violet were in bed in each other snuggling each other.

"You know, all this time I never asked for your birthday." Ace said before asking when it was.

"September 23. What's yours?" Violet asked.

"December 14." Ace replied curtly.

"Wow, a few days before Christmas. That must suck." Violet said jokingly.

"Tell me about it. If I was the family prodigy, I'd be overshadowed by Christmas." Ace snarked. "Either way, we got a long day tomorrow. So, good night love."

"Night." Violet said as they had a brief kiss before turning in.

[Music Ends]

Elsewhere, a beaten and hungry Raven Branwen groaned in pain as she finally got out of the desert. She had lost the battle against Vernal and fairly badly too. Thus, Vernal left her in the desert to die leaving with the tribe. Raven had a broken arm that needed healing and was left limping with her sword as a crutch.

"Need…help…" Raven said in a pained tone.

She was seriously wishing that Vernal had not broken her foot as well.

(A/N: And so, the gang is already going their separate ways. I revealed Violet's birthday with the date a bit on the nose for a reference. So, Ace is heading to Roanapour soon. However, there's a surprise location to visit to set up for an underlying story. Next time on Dragon Ball Blackthorned! Happy 75th chapter! Right now, this fanfiction is close to being my longest run as my original trilogy had eighty-something chapters of the course of three installments and a few miniseries.)

Ending Theme – Jinsang – Past Memory