Heya all!
The next chapter here!
Guest Reviews: Both of you have my gratitude for reading the chapter and reviewing it.
Dolguldur: I can't reply to your account… so thanks for supporting this story since the beginning.
Vegetasniece: You asked a genuine question and though I replied to you personally, I felt it should be made clear here as well. Videl accepting Gohan as her friend in chapter fifth after he gave a single heartfelt speech among other incidents that also happened in single day... well, if any of you thought that was too hastily as Videl spent years building social walls etc...
My reasoning and personal experience is that when you have gone through such times, a lot of people also develop a keen ability to judge the character of others... so, I used personal experience to portray Videl.
"It all turned out to be fine in the end," Krillin voiced, lowering himself into a sitting position on the edge of the building, legs dangling.
"Right," Tien nodded, looking down at the cops and medics working in tandem in the streets. "But only due to Videl. If not for her, this city would have been crippled beyond repair."
"Yeah. She's the true hero of the day… err… night," Krillin chuckled a bit, Yamcha sharing the moment.
Silence ensued for a couple of seconds, everyone looking at the hustle and bustle in the city below, the sirens of emergency vehicles filling the night.
Suddenly, the desert-bandit paused in his observations, shifting his vision to his left. "Huh? Gohan? You are totally quiet today. What's the matter?"
The demi-Saiyan continued to look at the city for a couple of moments before sighing lightly. "It's just that… it's hard to believe how low the people can drop, going as far as to hurt fellow humans… "
Oh. Yamcha could easily see where the son of Goku was coming from. The demi-Saiyan had sure fought intergalactic tyrants, space pirates etc, but something like this was definitely unprecedented for him. It must be hard for…
"That's the way the things work on this planet. It's hard but you get used to it."
The former desert bandit nodded in tandem with Tien's words. However, before he could reply, the sound of a copter approaching was heard.
Yamcha shifted his vision towards the object before his eyes slightly narrowed. Aura immediately flashing, the others looking at him, he gave a two-finger salute. "See ya later."
Then, he blasted away.
Not waiting, Tien also followed, patting Gohan on the back who could only look in confusion. Why are they running?
Chuckling, Krillin backflipped onto his hand and then to his feet. "Here," Tossing the capsule which the demi-Saiyan caught, he voiced. "Give it to her, would ya?"
"Wait! I ain't going to do it alone! You… hey! C'mon Krillin! Where are you… "
"Sorry, buddy. You are on your own. See you on the lookout," Voicing, the monk took off towards the skies, leaving a fading trail in the wake.
Gohan just had a moment to give a look of betrayal before the police copter came to a halt above the building.
"Bardock!"
Sighing slightly, he looked towards the helicopter, just in time to see Videl jumping onto the roof, finishing with a graceful landing.
"Thanks, Chief," The blue-eyed girl waved to the mustached man who nodded before repeating the action towards Gohan, the demi-Saiyan replying in kind to the elder man who departed after that.
"Finally! I get to meet you."
Gohan blinked hearing the slight awe in the words before looking towards the approaching girl who ambled and took her place beside him. "I am nothing special. It isn't a big deal," A slight smile found its way on his face.
Videl snorted. "Says the one who saved the planet, Kami knows how many times."
Gohan slightly chuckled, barely halting the hand from moving behind his head. "It's always a group effort though."
Videl nodded, still smiling but not voicing anything, eyes transfixed on the handsome face before her. He's beautiful.
Gohan coughed slightly in his hand, shifting his attention back to the city. It's more difficult than I imagined.
Real Smooth, Videl. Curbing the urge to hit herself for behaving like a fangirl, the blue-eyed girl also turned her gaze towards the city. Now, he must think I am weird.
Moments passed in silence, the duo wanting to say a lot but not knowing how and where to start.
"You know… " Videl slowly began, breaking the silence. "I finally accessed my Ki today. It's an amazing experience." Finally, something that's mutual.
"Really?" Gohan asked in actual surprise, directing his senses towards her. That's pretty decent Ki for a human. An exuberant nod was his answer. "That's great. Congratulations."
"Thanks. Now, just you see, I will not only catch up but also surpass you in no time," A confident smirk corroborated her words.
"Good luck. I look forward to the day," The demi-Saiyan voiced in support. "By the way, here," He handed the capsule to her. "Krillin gave it to me."
Taking the capsule, the raven-haired girl immediately decapsulated it, customary smoke revealing the jet-copter. Quickly entering and checking for the ignition and the controls, she again capsulated the vehicle.
"Is it good?"
"Yeah," Videl nodded while pocketing the capsule. "Just some minor damage to the backdoor." Thank Kami. It can still be used. A new one would have been hard to afford.
"Oh. Alright," Not finding anything else to say, Gohan again diverted his attention back to the city. Why is it so hard?
Another couple of moments passed in silence.
"So… " C'mon Videl. This is what you have been waiting for. "... Uh… who are… I mean, who really are you?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"That day… in the arena, what you revealed was only a tip of the iceberg; that's what I believe, no! I know. So, I want to know who Bardock is for real?" Her eyes slightly narrowed, more out of habit.
Gohan looked into Videl's eyes for a moment, contemplating. What to do? What to do?... Hmmm… "Why do you want to know?"
The blue-eyed girl opened her mouth for a moment before closing it, a slight frown appearing on the face, the demi-Saiyan raising an eyebrow at the odd display.
Then, she sighed, plopping herself on the edge of the building. "I guess I should tell you… I… " She paused as Gohan also joined her. It's now or never, girl. Do it. "... I… it's because I… like you. Like, really like you. That's why… " She trailed off in the end.
Now, this was surprisingly surprising. Gohan couldn't deny the feeling. It was one thing to hear her feelings addressed to himself as a third person in school but totally different now as face to face. I really want to hear it again.
"Why me? I mean, there are other… normal guys around here… "
Still not looking at him, Videl shrugged. "It all dates back to Cell games. It was really amazing to see a child stepping up to the job when even the adults failed. Further, the said child proved himself to be very capable, powerful, brave yet humble and… kinda cute also."
"Back then, you had become a sort of dream for most if not every girl," She slightly smiled. "I recall the internet-breaking due to your clips and photos."
That's new. Gohan mused to himself in surprise, hanging onto the words of the raven-haired girl.
"And then… " Her smile vanished. "... My father took the credit which I sincerely apologize for," She suddenly looked at him. "Come to think of it, I never apologized to you for…"
"Don't mind it," Gohan interrupted her, giving an assuring smile. "I already made myself clear six months ago."
Videl continued her stare for a couple of moments before nodding. "Thank you… for everything," Murmuring, she shifted her vision to the skies. "Anyway, seven years passed living in a delusional world, and then you resurfaced, saving the King in a grandeur manner."
"I guess it's just as they say: the first time feelings never go away. With your return, the feelings returned and only grew stronger with your constant support. Moreover, how many guys can you find with your qualities?"
Gohan felt butterflies frolicking in the stomach, a smile threatening to break on his face. Yup. It's definitely different and good when heard face to face. Though, the feelings immediately ceased as he realized what would have to follow from his side.
"That's why, I admire you, respect you, and really like you. Though," She quickly added. "You are not, ya know like bound in any way to return the feelings or even reply. It's just that I wanted to tell you."
Some seconds passed in silence, the demi-Saiyan organizing his thoughts. Talking and revealing my life to her in both my identities on the same day… heh, who would have thought? "Uh… It isn't simple like that… "
Heart clenching onto itself, sorrow-filled her being. Can't say it was unexpected. A bittersweet smile made its way on Videl's face. I told you Erasa. "It's alright. You don't… "
"You misunderstood me," Interrupting her, Gohan continued. "I ain't denying your feelings. In fact, I would really like to know you, spend time with you, and all that."
Dejection quickly morphing into hope, her heart skipped a beat. Sheer emotions blooming in the blue irises, the raven-haired girl looked with pure excitement. "You… you mean it?"
Gohan nodded. "I do. Moreover, not to be rude but just a fact that you are, most likely, the only girl who I can even think of pursuing a relationship with."
If not for the sincerity in the words, the statement would have come off as derogatory but Videl knew it wasn't aimed at her character in any way. "You are not serious, right?! I told you, you are the dream of most girls on the planet!"
"That's where the 'not so simple' part comes into play. Now, before I begin, I ask you to reserve your opinions until I am finished. Could you do that?"
Uncertainity reflecting on her countenance, and not comprehending what Bardock was aiming for, Videl nodded after a moment's pause.
"Now, tell me how many girls you think, will hold onto their feelings after knowing that I am an… alien?"
Videl blinked before her eyes flew open in shock. Did he just say…? Barely stopping herself from blurting the words, she forcibly decided to listen to him first, mind still boggling at the sheer implications of a single word.
"Shocking, right?" Gohan slightly smiled. "So, yeah. I am an alien, or to be exact, half-alien as my mom's pure human. We didn't reveal this to the world as my mom and other friends didn't want us to end up as some kind of laboratory subject."
"Basically, they believe that after saving the planet for so many times, we have earned at least this much. And, I have to respect them and their feelings."
Pausing for a moment, he continued. "Coming back to the topic, it all began with my dad coming or rather sent off to Earth when his planet was destroyed by that intergalactic tyrant Freeza around forty years ago."
"However, we only came to know our heritage a couple of years after I was born but even then mom didn't, like, break up or reject dad and me. She just took everything in stride."
"Even when dad had to neglect his duties towards the family to train to ward off the threats to the planet, and even when he died," He sighed, recalling the difficult times. "In a nutshell, dad and I got extremely lucky for getting a person like mom in our lives."
"And even now, when dad is not here and duty to protect the planet rests on my shoulders, she doesn't stop me. Sure, she complains but that is natural."
Again pausing for some seconds, giving the girl time to digest the words, he continued. "Now, I am telling you all this because if we want to pursue a relationship, I want it to be built on honest foundations, that's a first."
"Secondly, just like my dad, my duties to the planet supersede to my family's. I know it's harsh and might come as selfish but that's what my life is… I hope you can understand."
Yeah… I do. The words were clear as a mirror. If time calls, Bardock would have to choose between his family or the planet, and the answer was obvious.
Her parents were already apart from her. It wasn't anything extreme if she expected her life partner to stay with her, care for her like other couples. But with Bardock… Can I live in such a relationship?
Seeing the myriad of emotions on the visage of the girl, Gohan decided to make things easier a bit. "You don't have to answer me now. Take your time, and tell me the next time we meet. Alright?"
Confusion and indecisiveness coupled with the load of information swirling inside her head, Videl could only nod, Bardock's words seeming the most plausible way. But… will I be able to decide… at all?
"Well, see ya. I still have something to do," Sparing another glance at her, Gohan slowly took off towards the lookout.
Dropping on the tiled floor, Gohan swayed around his eyes in confusion before they narrowed. Did something happen? The palpable tenseness and overall gloomy presence on the lookout were new. Usually, the structure was the source of sanguineness and positivity.
Did they have the dragon balls in the garden? Covering the distance around the temple area, he reached the garden only to halt, witnessing the serious expressions on the visages of everyone. Something's not right. "What's the matter?"
Krillin swayed his eyes among Tien, Yamcha, and Piccolo before sighing. Why is it always me? "Uhh… Gohan… you see… the thing is that…" Damn it's difficult. "... uh... "
"Drop it," Walking forward and giving clear intentions, Tien stood alongside Krillin. "The people who died… cannot be resurrected."
"Huh? What do you… " Gohan shook his head. "Why?"
"Because I forbade them.*
The demi-Saiyan immediately whirled towards the left, the green little Kami ambling towards him, purpose clear in his eyes. "What do you mean, Dende?"
Taking his place in front of Gohan, the Namekian voiced. "The dragon balls will not be used for resurrecting the people who died today."
Looking at the face of the Namekian but unable to find any signs of bluffing, the raven-haired boy frowned. "Again, I ask why?"
"They were meant to die," Dende calmly replied, face not betraying any expression.
"What?!" Voice resounding on the floating structure, Gohan looked in clear disbelief. "Are you even okay? These deaths are not even remotely natural."
"I agree… "
"So, why?!"
"... But just as there are natural and unnatural reasons for life, so are there for its death. We need to accept that."
"Bullshit!"
Everyone looked in a slight surprise, not expecting such a word from the son of Chichi. This isn't looking good. Yamcha mused to himself in slight worry.
"That's a bullshit reason, and you know that. Moreover, why are you even against it? It's not gonna cost any of us anything," Frustration had begun to seep onto his face.
The green Kami frowned. "The dragon balls are not something that we can exploit per our whims. They are important objects… "
"And when have we used them like that?!" Gohan nearly shouted. Why is he so hard-set against using the dragon balls? There had never been any problems so far.
"Let me remind you," Dende rebutted immediately. "When Trunks came from the future, you could have easily used the dragon balls to find Gero's lab but you denied, putting the planet at risk."
The demi-Saiyan opened his mouth but immediately snapped it shut.
Eyes narrowing, Dende continued. "And last month, Bulma even went as far as to offer the dragon balls as a prize for that ridiculous bingo game of hers. In reality, you all have been taking them for granted."
Gohan paused, considering the words, and Dende pressed. "The previous Kami might have been lenient as he was not privy to the Namekian culture but I know the value of dragon balls and that the matters of life and death are not trivial."
"Exactly," The demi-Saiyan again asserted his point, though voice a bit lower, finding something to say. "Death is not a trivial matter and as such should not be ignored. Leaving the matter as such will be unfair to those who died."
Dende stayed silent for a couple of moments, slight hope bubbling in the demi-Saiyan's chest before the Kami shook his head. "No… " But he had to halt as a pressure settled on the lookout, everybody turned towards Piccolo.
The elder Namekian stood up from his meditative stance. Eyes slowly opening, he fixed a sharp gaze on Dende. "You still have a lot to learn. Your reasons are superficial at best. The dragon balls have always been used for the welfare of the planet."
"But, I just explained… "
"True," Piccolo halted the little Namekian. "We could have made a wish to find Gero and stopped androids, but what about Cell from the future? We stopped him only because of the training during those three years."
Trying and failing to find anything as a counter, Dende only lowered his eyes.
"But I admit Bulma using the dragon balls was wrong… "
"And that will be rectified," The demi-Saiyan shouted in desperation. "I will make sure of that, but right now, we need to make the wish."
Piccolo closed his eyes for a moment. Sorry, Gohan. "That is not feasible."
Not him too. "Why?! Just now, you were in support of… "
"I didn't support you but only corrected Dende," The former Demon King raised his hand, halting Gohan. "Let me finish," Not waiting for any answer, he continued. "Basically, the use of dragon balls in this situation is bound to turn into a crisis."
What?!
"I see you don't understand," The demi-Saiyan nodded unsurely. "Suppose, we make the wish and these five persons are resurrected. But what about the others?"
Others? Gohan couldn't help but look in confusion. "But-but only five people… died… today..."
"No," Piccolo shook his head, looking into the eyes of Gohan. "As you are beginning to realize, five persons died only due to the attack on the city. But surely, that isn't the only reason for death. If taken into account, a total of thirty persons died today only in Orange Star city."
"And, if we speak about the entire world, thousands lost their lives today only… "
"And, all of them… " The words coming out as a whisper, the demi-Saiyan looked in horror.
Piccolo nodded. "... Died unnaturally. If these five are resurrected, you know what will happen, right?"
Understanding began to dawn on Gohan's visage. There would be chaos. Initial confusion as to why others were not brought back to life would quickly lead to questions and then…
"There will be social unrest. People will ask why the resurrection happened only when and where we became directly involved. Ultimately, we will have to reveal the existence of dragon balls."
He is right. I should have seen that one. The demi-Saiyan mused to himself, helplessness reflecting on his face. The people were still recovering from the betrayal by Hercule; something like this would break them apart.
"And, once that happens, several factions, some in support and most against us, will form and begin to clash with one another. There will be civil war; history will repeat itself."
Red Ribbon Army. That notorious faction had deeply affected the world, the extreme being the androids and Cell leading to the nigh destruction of the planet in another timeline. Still… "This seems unfair… "
Piccolo's eyes narrowed.
"... that we have the monopoly on the dragon balls; we can resurrect ourselves anytime… why?" Gohan looked at his mentor, almost pleading, a myriad of other emotions on the face.
"... Because we can make a… difference," The single word shifted something in everyone. "Otherwise, this planet would have ceased to exist long ago. The various threats were stopped because we were there."
A dry chuckle nearly escaping his mouth, the demi-Saiyan shook his head. "The same threats which this planet faced in the first place because we live here? Those are the threats you are talking about?"
"Stop being an idiot," Piccolo gave a disapproving look to the teenager. "Or do you not remember my sire? He was here before any of us, and would have killed many and enslaved the rest if not for Goku."
"Then, if not by Saiyans then definitely by Freeza, this planet wouldn't have survived. Need I remind you, Earth was one of the planets in his space tour. But this planet thrives till today because of us."
Piccolo paused, taking a breath. "The people of Earth have recently learned and begun to access Ki. Maybe in the next hundred years, they would be capable enough but till then, we are needed to protect and guide them," Finishing, he crossed his arms once again.
Silence enveloped the floating structure, even the air had seemingly stopped. Conflicting emotions arose in his being as Gohan tried to digest the points raised by his mentor, eyes glued to the floor.
"I… I think I understand," The subdued voice drawing the attention, Dende took in the visages of everyone. "I guess I was just angry at Bulma's actions but Piccolo's words made me realize why I even came to the planet."
"What do you mean?" Yamcha asked, seeing no one willing to talk anymore.
"The people of this planet; they are the reason why Goku brought me here, why I left my planet and my people. But I forgot this fact due to anger," The Kami sighed. "However, Piccolo is right. We need to look at the bigger picture in this matter."
Some moments passed, others engrossed in their own thoughts, Yamcha looked at Gohan. He needs time and support... and right now the only suitable persons he can relate to are Piccolo and unfortunately Dende... it will be better to leave them alone.
"Hey Piccolo!"
The Namekian shifting his vision towards him, the former desert bandit shot a meaningful look at Gohan. Look after him. A nod was his answer.
"Well then, this is settled," Tien declared, catching the silent conversation before levitating a bit. "If anything is needed, you know the signal."
Yamcha also followed...
"Uh… Hey guys," Everyone paused and looked in question at Krillin. "Are we just going to leave the matter like this? I mean, yeah, we can't use the dragon balls but can't we do something else for those five? There ought to be something… anything?"
For the first time in the last few minutes, Gohan raised his vision, the action indicating his support and desire to proceed with Krillin's words.
Tien and Yamcha lowered their gazes in denial and Piccolo shook his head…
"There is!" Dende announced excitedly. "There is something we can do for them!"
Hope appeared on the countenance of the demi-Saiyan, the willingness to help even a little clearly blatant. Piccolo also looked questioningly while Tien and Yamcha's feet again touched the floor.
"Gohan, I think you should do it," Antennae twitching, Dende closed his eyes for some moments before re-opening them, looking expectantly at the demi-Saiyan.
A couple of moments passed.
Then, the lookout shook, gusts of wind flashed and slight sparks appeared around the demi-Saiyan's base form.
"Oi! What did Dende even show to him?"
Tien only narrowed his eyes, not even replying to Yamcha's question while Piccolo took a step forward. "Gohan… " Only to halt as the things quickly returned to normal.
"Don't worry," With a newfound determination and confidence, Gohan gave an assuring smile. "I am alright… no! Better. However, I need to clear my mind for some things, so I am going to spend some time alone. Please don't follow me."
The demi-Saiyan levitated for a couple of meters before halting. "Hey, Piccolo," The Namkian looked in question. "Earlier, if you could stop the train so easily, then why didn't you?"
"Because I was actually confident that you would be able to until you began panicking. Even then, I believed that you could control your Ki; that's why I used my Ki in tandem with yours," He gave a sharp look to the demi-Saiyan. "You seriously need to work on your emotions and Ki control."
"I plan to. Nevertheless, thanks," The demi-Saiyan took off towards the skies.
Krillin immediately looked at the green Kami. "What was that?"
"Something that will bring justice not only to these five persons but also help others."
NEXT DAY
"Alright. Lights… Camera… Action!"
"Good morning everyone. I, Rose, welcome you all to the National Tv's weekly exclusive - Revelations. Now, as you are familiar with the routine, we invite guests to discuss the newfound world of Ki."
"And, for the past six months, from WMAT organizers to actual Ki users have made an appearance, sharing their views and opinions on the matter but so far we were unable to get in touch with the members of the ESF. There were some locals from the villages in the North who shared their experiences of Legendary Son Goku but the people wanted an actual member of the group."
"And, today, I am very pleased to announce that we have been successful in the endeavor. So… without further ado, allow me to present," Rose paused for a dramatic effect. "... Mr. Yamcha Bandit!"
The camera shifted, also displaying Yamcha's face in the frame.
"Welcome, Yamcha-san. I am really really happy and excited to be finally able to conduct an interview with you."
Yamcha chuckled. "Well, thank you but I ain't anyone special. Anyway, greetings everyone."
"Now, shall we begin?" A nod was Rose's answer. "Okay. So, first of all, there is a rumor flying around for the past four months that you are no longer part of your baseball team. Is this true?"
"Uh, yeah," Yamcha chuckled a bit nervously.
"Really? Why?"
"Well, after my abilities became public, allegations were made on the entire team and the pressure began rising. So, I had to quit," Yamcha shrugged with a carefree smile.
"That's sad, but it can't be helped otherwise it would have been unfair for the others. Besides, you can put your abilities to other better uses."
The cameraman and Yamcha shared a glance. Did she just…
"Moving on, we have a lot of questions for you; mostly from the public for the last six months and a couple of my own. But before we move onto that, I would like to discuss what transpired today. So, shall we?"
Yamcha again nodded, a serious expression dawning on his face.
"First of all, I would like to thank you for saving the city from a grave disaster. But, how did you come across the intel?"
"Eh… it was actually Videl… "
"Videl as in Videl Satan?!"
The former desert bandit inclined his head. "Yup. She had gone to visit a friend in Mt Paozu and ended up patrolling the area after the chief informed of some suspicious activity. Call it luck or her skills, but she found some gang members in conversation and reported to the police."
Rose dipped her head slightly to the left, clearly impressed. "And, what about you? How you came to know about this?"
"Tien," Yamcha replied, scratching his chin. "He keeps tabs on his students. And, before you ask, Ki is very versatile. You can actually get a feel of the emotional state of a person."
"Wow. That's amazing, So, all in all, Videl is the real hero of the day," A nod was her answer. "You know, I really admire that girl. In fact, most women do… "
"Even I do," Yamcha added, interrupting the news anchor. "I mean, it's one thing doing such stuff for people like me but when you are… for the lack of a better word, normal, it's just… "
"Amazing, Unbelievable…? " Rose suggested, smiling. "Yeah. I know right. That's why she's popular despite the recent events."
"Well, she deserves that."
"Correct. Now, the next question is from the women including me," Again smiling, she continued. "Do you have a girlfriend?"
Yamcha chuckled, shaking his head. "Actually, no."
"Now, that's a relief," Rose voiced, smile widening a bit, before shuffling through the question cards.
She's definitely implying something. Feeling slightly excited, Yamcha decided to look into the matter after the news event. Hopefully… She's pretty also.
"Ah… Here. The second most asked question," Placing the other cards on the desk, She looked at Yamcha. "Tell us about the ESF? How did it come into existence?"
"Wait… " Curiosity and confusion blatant on his face, Yamcha pointed towards the card. "What is this uh… ESF? You have talked about it twice."
Rose blinked, surprise beginning to appear on her face. "You are not serious, right?" A raised eyebrow was her answer. "Unbelievable!"
"Hey, c'mon!" The desert bandit laughed a bit. "I am not bound to know everything."
"Actually you are when it's all over the globe. Anyhow, ESF stands for Earth's Special Forces which indicates your group name. Six months ago, a student from West City Uni coined the term and in an hour, it was unofficially accepted around the globe."
"Earth's… Special… Forces… " Yamcha tried the name on his tongue. "That's actually pretty cool, and better than something we have."
"What's that?!"
Yamcha chuckled a bit. "Z fighters or Z warriors. But we never use it. Someone from the group randomly suggested it but we immediately denied it as it is a bit corny. Anyway, this ESF is better, and you said it's unofficial, right?"
"Correct. But it's widely used around the globe."
"Well, then from today, it's official."
"Woah!" Rose exclaimed happily before looking at the question card for a moment. "Mr. Ruler is the one who coined it," Telling Yamcha, she again faced the camera. "Congratulations to you, Mr Ruler. Your term is official… uh… excuse me!"
The cameraman pausing the recording and Yamcha looking curiously, Rose adjusted the earpiece. "Yes… what?!... Really!... wait!"
The others still confused, she picked up the remote and switched on the tv, Yamcha rotating his chair to look, only to have his eyes widened.
"That's Bardock!... "
What are you doing Gohan?! Yamcha mused to himself in surprise and a bit of disbelief. And with those idiots?
"... And… Why is he holding the leaders of the Red Shark gang and the Snipers in front of the… jail? Did he break … " But Rose halted and sighed in relief. Oh, they had just arrived at the jail after their hearing.
"Yesterday was a grave day," Bardock began without a preamble. "A disaster was barely prevented by the efforts of Videl Satan and my comrades… "
"He didn't even mention himself… "
Yamcha didn't reply, not even blinking from the screen.
"But still, five brave men - four police officers and a civilian shopkeeper lost their lives, and the ones responsible are these two in my hands… "
"Oh My God! He's going to kill them!"
"WHAT?!" Yamcha whirled towards the news anchor, actually scaring her. "Don't be ridiculous. He won't even hurt a fly." Unless it's an overgrown green one…
"... Or that's what we all believe. I also did but a friend of mine helped me by bringing some serious details into the light, which these guys didn't reveal in the court and that's why I had to take the matter in my hand as our laws are a bit easy even on the criminals."
"And now, these two will reveal that from their own mouths," Immediately, Bardock lifted the leader of Snipers from the scruff of his neck. "Speak."
"I-it was… B-benzo… the m-mayor of the Orange S-star… He wants to s-stay in power... "
Lowering him, Bardock continued. "My friend made me realize that these gangs cannot hold on their own, not without a political hand on their heads, and this is what I found."
He paused for a moment. "What's worse is that this isn't the first incident of his doing," He lifted the leader of Red Sharks with his other hand.
"I am s-speaking dude. Don't h-hurt me. It's that Benzo guy. He did this even three years to throw shit on his rival… "
Lowering him, Bardock continued. "You heard him. The current mayor orchestrated this even the last time near the votes to sway the people's opinion. This time also, he wanted to put the entire blame on the opposition candidate."
"That's actually right!" Rose exclaimed in shock, hand covering the mouth. "Three years ago, the current mayor accused the now ex-mayor of poor administration when children were kidnapped!"
Damn! This is serious. The former desert bandit mused to himself in concern.
Releasing his hold on their necks, the thugs rushing towards the surrounding police, Bardock leveled a look of disgust at the camera. "Here we are, worrying about the extraterrestrial threats to Earth when even the very people of this planet are its own enemies."
"Why do you do this? Why are you harming your own people? I have visited a couple of planets, and even the most aggressive of the species look after their own. So, why can't you?"
Bardock paused for a couple of moments, face looking aghast. "Sure, the technology of this planet can actually rival some advanced civilizations but when it comes to defensive and offensive aspects, Earth is pretty low on the tier."
"Even most underdeveloped races can harm this planet. This planet has survived so far only due to its remote location but ten years ago, the intergalactic tyrant Freeza - the one we talked about six months ago - actually came to this planet."
"There are high chances that other species also know about this, and might visit us. It may happen in the next hundred years but that is irrelevant considering the size and span of the universe."
"And… " He closed his eyes for a bit. "... We will not be here by then… at least... before that… I want you to become capable on your own but that can't happen until you can't even tolerate each other."
"I need your support to protect the planet but that isn't possible until you rise above your differences. I know it won't be easy but nothing is. I want you to at least take a step, try and even if you fail then rise again… and I… We will guide you."
"Hey, check this!" Yamcha and Rose looked at the rushing crew member, a laptop held in his hands. "All over the globe, the people - mostly youth - have already begun to support Bardock, going as far as to launch a 'Bardock's Cause."
Yamcha blinked in surprise, hundreds and thousands of people coming ahead in a span of minutes, the number soaring higher and higher.
Ping!
"Woah!" Rose exclaimed loudly. "Even the chief justice has messaged to review the laws immediately. This is… "
Ping!
"... Even King Furry!... " The news anchor shook her head in awe, shifting her vision to the golden-haired savior. "Bardock… he's really something... "
"Yeah. He gets that from his father." Son Goku, you would've been proud.
A couple of moments passed as they witnessed the online charts before Rose whirled towards Yamcha. "Alright. Now, I am more pumped up than ever. Let's continue the interview."
Yamcha nodded, smiling, and proud of his friend's son.
"How did you find this?"
"Even three years ago, this Masao was involved when the current Mayor Benzo accused the now-ex Timmy of child kidnapping. It was due to Benzo, Masao was apprehended and the former ended up winning the polls."
"However, after he became Mayor, Masao was acquitted due to lack of evidence but since all the children were safe, I didn't dwell much into the matter. Time passed and it slipped my mind."
"Then yesterday, when you were explaining to Gohan, I remembered it and probed the minds of both the gang leaders. Obviously, the one who made Masao's acquittal possible was Benzo himself."
Piccolo nodded. "Good work."
Dende's visage brightened.
"I need your support… "
Hmmm…. Maybe I can… Videl mused, looking at the Tv screen.
Please support and Review.
For those who didn't quite get why Piccolo didn't easily lift the train in the previous chapter, well, apart from the brief answer in the chapter, we know Piccolo is the type of person to lend a guiding hand only when water is about to pass over the head… yeah!
He is the type of master who will watch his pupil learn by actually doing it.
