Queen Of Nippon

The sun broke over Ryoshima Coast and our heroes were just nearing Sei-an City. Toushiro was fast asleep. The long trip to and from Sasa Sanctuary took a lot out of him. That, and he was only 5 years old. When they entered the city, everyone was just waking up. Vegeta headed to Ichigo's house first. The saiyan was sure that he would want to see his son. The young man was a little nervous about letting Vegeta take his 5 year old son to a place that he had never heard off. But the saiyan prince assured him that he would keep a very close eye on him. Ichigo was one of the first people up in the town and just as the sunlight shined over the top of the buildings, Ichigo saw a familiar saiyan walking over to him. The young man smiled as he walked over to him and picked up his sleeping son. Toushiro was so deep in sleep, that he didn't even wake up.

Ichigo: "Was he good?"

Vegeta: "He did everything I told him to do."

Ichigo: "Good. Thank you for keeping him safe. So you ready to head over to North Ryoshima Coast?"

Vegeta: "I just have one more stop, and that's to see Queen Himiko. Besides, I checked the gate to that part of the coast. We can't get through unless we have the key."

Ichigo: "Then we'll wait here for you. Toushiro should be awake by the time you get back."

Vegeta: "Alright. See you in a while, Ichigo."

Ichigo went inside with Toushiro as Vegeta ran off to the palace. Once he got to the Aristocratic half of the city, he restored all of the trees in the area. The guards would not let the saiyan through the palace gate so he used the Mist brushstroke to get past them. Now that he was inside, Vegeta headed strait for the palace. Inside they found a maiden by the elevator.

Handmaiden: "Why, it really is you... Her Majesty Queen Himiko has foreseen your coming. You must not delay. Please, Queen Himiko awaits on the top floor!"

Issun: "Himiko's waiting... for us?"

Handmaiden: "If you're really the ones Queen Himiko has been looking for, even a boiling sea of flames won't stand in your way, will it?"

Vegeta: "Nope."

And Vegeta got into the elevator and headed up. On the way up, the saiyan equipped the Fire Tablet on. The elevator came to a stop and he ran out. The security was tight as a sea of lava stood right in front of the saiyan when he stepped out. But with the Fire Tablet, the prince just dove right into the bubbling hot liquid and reached the other side with ease. Down the chambers and Vegeta finally reached the throne room. It was a massive room. At the far end was a curtain that hid something. Vegeta approached the curtain and there he could see who had to be the queen herself behind it with a giant crystal ball in front of her. The time had come to face Queen Himiko. Vegeta roared at her in anger for not doing her job as a queen.

Issun: "Hey, Geta! I bet that's Himiko. Looks like that freaky shut-in is prayin' or something! Heh heh. The security here was pretty tight... But nothing we couldn't handle! Right, Geta!"

Vegeta: "That's right, and you've got some explaining to do!"

Issun: "Yeah! You tell her, Geta!"

?: "Benevolent son of Amaterasu, Vegeta... I have been waiting for you. And Issun the traveling artist, you too, of course."

Vegeta: "What?"

Issun: "Hey, how d'ya know our names?"

Vegeta stopped growling at the figure behind to curtain. She knew who he was?

Issun: "Anyway, first things first. You knew about that funky mist and the Water Dragon, didn't ya? You've got some explaining to do! Tell us what you're up to!"

?: "... *sob* My people... My poor people... Their suffering torments me. Sickened by this mist, and terrorized by the Water Dragon... The cries of their pain wash over me like a torrent! *sob sob*"

The candles all along the walls flickered and dimmed a little before returning to normal.

Issun: "We know what's going on. You're tormenting the people of this city. You must be a monster feeding off the ill will it generates! Now stop stalling and raise this grimy old curtain."

Vegeta: "If you've been waiting for us then show yourself to us!"

Issun: "C'mon! Show yourself, ya old hag!"

?: "... Issun. Your words are very harsh. But you are both right. It was rude of me to hide my face from you."

The person behind the curtain got up and turned around before sitting down again.

?: "Benevolent son of Amaterasu, Vegeta... I, Himiko, the ruler of Sei-an City, offer my most sincere apologies."

The curtain began to rise. Once up, Vegeta found himself face to face with the beautiful Queen of Sei-an City, Himiko. Issun was apparently expecting something other then a young looking lady, and he floated off of Vegeta's head in a daze. The saiyan prince only looked at the Poncle with a raised eyebrow and sly smile. He actually found Issun's reactions to beautiful women funny now.

Issun: "... ..."

After rolling his eyes with a huff, Vegeta looked back at the queen herself. It was now a conversation between royalty.

Himiko: "As ruler, I can't stand by and watch my people suffer. I, Himiko, will not allow this evil to darken Sei-an. My prayers will not cease until we are rid of this curse! Until I have located the hateful monsters' stronghold, Oni Island!"

Vegeta: "Oni Island?"

At that moment, Issun finally came back to reality and hopped right back on Vegeta.

Issun: "What's this about a monster stronghold? Are you saying that's the source of your city's problems? Can't say I've ever heard of Oni Island or whatever ya call it. And whaddya mean you're trying to locate the island? I mean it's an island, right? It couldn't have just floated away!"

Vegeta: "Why do I get the strange feeling that's exactly what it does?"

Himiko: "Oni Island is elusive. It vanishes each day at sundown, shifting to a new location. No one knows where in the vast, wide ocean it will reappear. So even if I wanted to dispatch an army there, it would never arrive."

Issun: "You don't say... Still, why d'ya stay cooped up in this room all day long? I mean, what good will it do to simply pray day in and day out?"

Himiko stood up and brought the giant crystal ball closer to the saiyan. Vegeta stood his ground and got ready to defend himself if need be.

Issun: "She tryin' to mess with us!"

Himiko: "This is the treasured crystal ball. My family, the Yamatai Clan, has ruled Sei-an City forever. This crystal ball has been passed down through the generations. I can foresee the future in it. It told me you were coming. And it will tell me where in the ocean Oni Island will appear next."

Vegeta: "So that's how you knew who I was."

Issun: "Interesting... You could find Oni Island in a jiffy with that thing!"

Himiko: "Exposing a stronghold like Oni Island demands much holy power. But if our enemies knew about my prayers, they would stop at nothing to prevent me in my mission. That is why I have locked myself away. Prayers are our only hope. But the spearhead of the enemy's forces may already be on its way."

Issun: "... ... Heh... That's a pretty good story, queeny. But I'll go along with it. I mean, what the heck! I'd do anything for a pretty lady! Heh heh heh heh heh!"

Issun then suddenly started bouncing over to Himiko. Bad idea. A barrier stopped him with a zap. Vegeta couldn't help but snicker.

Issun: "Ouch! Thanks for the warning..."

Vegeta: "Hm... Fried Poncle, yum."

Issun: "Not funny, Geta!"

Vegeta: "Oh yes it is!"

Himiko: "Be careful! You cannot approach me now. By taking this crystal ball in my hand, a powerful magical barrier is erected to dispel any misfortune. You will be struck down by divine forces if you try to approach. This crystal ball ensures my safety. Even if my enemies learn of my prayers, the barrier will protect me from their attacks."

Vegeta: "Where was that thing back when I fought Majin Buu?"

Himiko: "Vegeta. I entreat you once again. Will you hear my request? The request of all my people?"

Vegeta: "I must. You may not be aware of this but two of your people are close friends of my."

Himiko: "Yes I know. The young man, Ichigo Kurosaki and his young adopted son, Toushiro Kurosaki. Your efforts to help them were most pure."

Vegeta: "So what is your request?"

Himiko: "The mighty Water Dragon now threatens the peace of the oceans. I don't know why it has suddenly turned to savagery. The Water Dragon is a sea god whose task is to maintain order. So, though it may cause harm, we invite chaos if we try to slay it. In fact, without the Water Dragon, Oni Island is beyond our reach."

Issun: "What the heck's that supposed to mean? Quit beating around the bush, and just spit it out already!"

Vegeta: "Wait a minute! Ar you saying that-"

Himiko: "Yes. The key to reaching Oni Island lies in the Water Dragon. Even if the crystal ball shows me the location of the island, the island's powerful shield will prevent us from reaching it. Any attempts to breaks the shield will only result in our own pain. But the Water Dragon could break the shield with ease! It could form a bridge over the sea to the island."

Issun: "So you're saying that you'll reveal the location of Oni Island and the Water Dragon will break the barrier around it? Is that the only way to get into the enemy's stronghold? But what about the Water Dragon? It's out of control, right?"

Vegeta: "The thing ate us. That's more then out of control."

Issun: "I seriously doubt it'll be happy to help us."

Himiko: "That is why I must ask for your help, Vegeta. Your powers could calm the Water Dragon and get it to help us."

Vegeta: "My powers?"

Himiko: "I cannot leave this palace, for my prayers require all my energy. You are the only one who can take on this important task!"

Issun: "You gotta be kidding me! You want us to make friends with that rampaging Water Dragon?"

Vegeta: "Oh I'm beginning to wish I'd just stayed home..."

Issun: "Well, I'd do anything for a cute babe, but... If my boss here says no, there ain't much I can do. Well, boss? We gonna help Himiko, or what?"

Vegeta: "... ... ... Ok, I'll help."

Issun: "Bummer! Well, the boss has spoken..."

Vegeta then mumbled something under his breath.

Issun: "Huh? What was that, Geta!"

Himiko: "Oh, Vegeta! You are truly benevolent! So, I entrust you with this Border Key. Use this key to cross the border, and continue into the land beyond."

The queen handed Vegeta the key and the saiyan took it.

Vegeta: "How do I keep getting into these situations?"

Himiko: "It is said there is a race which controls the Water Dragon. They live in the sea beyond the border, in the Dragonian Domain. They may have some connection with the dragon's recent behavior. Please calm the Water Dragon and open the path to Oni Island!"

Vegeta: "Fine, I'll do all that..."

And the saiyan headed back to the elevator. This has now turned into one big task for our saiyan hero. When they got to the elevator, Issun had to let out some steam.

Issun: "Now look at the mess you've gotten us into, Geta! Well, at least we know who's controlling that Water Dragon. Let's go pay the Dragonian Domain a visit!"

And our heroes left the palace.