Gohan and Hope entered the walls of Yusnaan late at night. Between the training from Master Roshi and the run in with the demon, Gohan's was exhausted from head to toe.
"Sorry we couldn't meet under better circumstances Gohan," Hope said.
"It's fine. I would've been killed if you weren't there. If anyone's to blame it would be Asuka," Gohan said with a bitter edge in his voice.
"Maybe something came up in her world. I don't know about her personal life much, but you never know."
"A likely story…"
"Well let me introduce myself again. I am Hope Estheim, assistant to the High Ark of the Utopia region, Claire. To the public though she goes by either Lightning or Lady Farron."
"Why did she change her name?"
"It's a realization she came with over the years. This region especially needed a leader after Goku left. She adopted the name Lightning and led this region to what you see now. It wasn't easy getting to this point though."
"Are their other regions besides this one?"
"Yes, five of them in fact." A loud rumble was heard within Gohan's stomach.
"Uhhhh…" he blushed in embarrassment.
"Hahaha, I take it you haven't ate yet? You were training all day with Master Roshi so you probably didn't have any time to eat. Come with me to my place and I'll make you something."
"Are you sure that's alright?"
"You can always try and camp outside in the forest. I wouldn't recommend it if you can't defend yourself. You need food and a place to rest until tomorrow."
"That's a fair point. Thanks Hope."
A little walk later Hope unlocked the door to his home and flipped the lights on.
"It's not much but make yourself at home."
"Nice place you have. It's very cozy," Gohan said observing the place.
It was a small house with two bookcases on opposite sides. A small round coffee table was in the middle of the room, with a chandelier above the table.
"Have a seat and I'll make us something."
"Thanks." Gohan sat at the table while Hope made his dish. Thirty minutes later Hope had two plates of teriyaki salmon in his hand.
"Sorry if the food isn't up to your taste. I rarely have guests over, and I'm not quite sure what foods you eat over in your world."
"This looks amazing, and don't worry these dishes are what we eat in my world as well."
"Really? I'm happy to hear that. Let's eat."
Hope and Gohan prayed before they ate. Gohan closed his eyes and smiled to himself.
"This is delicious. Where did you get such fresh salmon?"
"In the market. You'll have to get up really early if you want the freshest salmon. That's the secret. Of course, nobody likes getting up early, but with my line of work I'm always up haha. Now we were talking about the other regions correct?"
"Yeah, you said there were five regions in the world."
"Yes, as you know Lightning reigns over the region of Utopia. There's Uyosho, Uni, Umai, and Uvalla. There's a High Ark for each region. Sull has Uyosho, Yue has Uni, Katone has Umai, and Ojin has Uvana. One day you might get to meet all of them."
"I take it you've met them all. Do they seem like competent leaders?"
"It's very hard to say. They each have a way of doing things that they feel benefit their own region. The people look up to each one of them and are respected amongst others. We might not agree with their methods, but we also have no authority over what they do."
"Are they all not working together?"
"That's what we're striving for. We've advanced quite a bit compared to 20 years ago, and things are beginning to look hopeful. It wasn't always like that though. Conflicting ideals and power struggles between the five threatened to spark a war more than once. In the end, they settled on developing the region they were born in. That was the best way in gaining back the people's trust."
"Being a High Ark isn't easy. Leading so many people would be a huge burden on anyone's shoulders."
"That's why she has me. I'll do all I can to help Lightning reshape the Utopian region. I owe her that much. I'll also try to get the other High Arks to lend their support if possible. It'll be difficult but I believe I can do it."
Gohan put his chopsticks down and smiled. Hope looked at him and rubbed his cheek embarrassed.
"Sorry if that sounded a little cheesy. That's really how I feel about our situation."
"No, I completely understand. You want to see change within the Spirit World, and I think you're doing a great job. That's admirable, it makes want to try harder as well."
"I'm glad you feel that way. It's getting late and we'll both have to be up in the morning. I'll lay out a futon for you."
Hope collected the dishes and put them in the sink.
"If all else fails and Asuka doesn't come back, I'll teach you how to use your spirit energy so you can return home haha." He laughed as he laid out the futon.
"I hope it doesn't take me too long to figure out. I don't think my mom would appreciate me neglecting my studies."
"You're in good hands until then. I'll see you in the morning Gohan."
"Yeah, see you."
Hope turned out the lights and headed upstairs. Gohan crawled inside the Futon and looked at the ceiling.
Something good did come out of Asuka forgetting me. Hearing Hope's story wants me to try even harder, but I'm curious what did he mean by owing Lightning?
"Time to get up Gohan. We got a big day ahead of us."
Hope lightly shook Gohan out of his sleep. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and looked at Hope, barely awake.
"Who are you again?" Gohan asked groggy.
"I'm the man that's feeding you. Eat up, and we'll head out soon."
Hope made his way to the table that was already filled with food. Pickled vegetables with white rice and two cups of tea.
"Wow Hope you really know how to cook," Gohan said as he made his way to the table.
"Cooking is a necessity you know."
"Thanks again for this Hope. Thank you for the food." They both prayed and ate their breakfast.
After they finished, they went back out towards their training spot.
"Alright, now it's time to show you how spirit energy really works."
Hope put his hand out and a blue flame appeared. "Spirt energy is basically the essence of life within us. It can be used for various uses. To heal, to defend, to strike, or even kill."
"I see…"
So it's the equivalent of chi in our world, Gohan thought to himself. Mom would talk about chi and channeling her inner self during her time as a martial artist. Always reliving her glory days.
"Everyone develops differently within their awakening and their progress. It may take some time to manifest spirit energy, for others it may take years."
Hope released the blue flame that he had in his hand. "Okay, now it's your turn. Focus your internal energy, and have it become external onto your palm."
"Right."
Gohan breathed in and out a few times, then opened his hand. He closed his eyes to focus better, trying to find his center of peace.
Build up my spirit energy within myself. Once I have a grasp of that, release it onto my palm.
Gohan was motionless like a statue, concentrating on maintaining his spirit energy. Sweat started to form around his face yet he still kept his cool. In the end, he was able to produce a small flame in his palm.
"Excellent Gohan," Hope commended. "It won't be long before you're able to effectively use spirit energy on your own."
"Yeah… Oh man…" Gohan sat down on the ground out of breath.
"It wasn't easy my first time either. You'll feel like you just ran a whole marathon. As you develop it more, it'll get easier to manifest and the strain won't be as bad."
"Oh Hope, I didn't know you were on babysitting duty today."
Hope and Gohan looked to seeing Master Roshi riding on Turtle. Glasses shining with his signature stick in his hand.
"Gohan is becoming more capable than you realize. He may even surpass you one day."
Roshi fell off Turtle crackling loudly. Gohan was slightly irritated, but he couldn't show it due to his exhaustion.
"Both of you combined couldn't beat my big toe. Whipper snappers these days. Back in my day I could-"
"Master Roshi to what do we owe the pleasure," Hope said only showing a slight amount of irritation.
"I have some business to attend to down in the village north of here. I wouldn't expect you here so early Gohan. Is Asuka not with you today?"
Gohan gave Roshi the breakdown of what happened after he left.
"Oh my well that is very unfortunate. I'm sorry that happened to you hahaha!" Roshi couldn't contain himself and sprawled out on the ground again.
"You could at least act like you care old man!" Gohan yelled.
"I feel like I should apologize on his behalf," Hope said.
"That's basically my job. Anything he does I usually apologize and hope they don't throw him in jail." Turtle said. "That being said, I'm happy you're alright Gohan. Demons have been spawning more and more nowadays."
"I haven't laughed that hard in ages. You guys make me feel so young again," Roshi said finally regaining his composure.
"Just wait till I get stronger then I'll-"
"Hold that thought Gohan." Hope took a small black communicator out of his pocket and put it in his ear. He tapped it once and began speaking. "Hope here go ahead. Really, this early in the morning? Alright, I'll rush right over." He touched his earpiece again and put it back in his pocket.
"Something wrong?"
"Looks like a fight broke out in the supermarket district. More like a riot since the people we have aren't enough to break it up. Sorry to cut your training short like this Gohan."
"It's alright. I feel like I've gotten some good training from this. I think I can take it from here."
"Sorry again, we'll pick this up some other time. See you guys around."
With a nod to both Gohan and Roshi, Hope ran back into the city.
"Well, I'm feeling a bit rested. Guess I better get started if I ever wanna get home. The longer I'm here the angrier mom will get."
"Say there Gohan," Roshi said tapping his leg with his stick. "How about you accompany this old man on a walk?"
"What for?"
"The roads get dangerous and a feeble old cricket like myself needs some protection. Bandits have also been increasing their numbers."
"Ahahaha…" Gohan gave a nervous laugh. I'm about ninety percent sure you can take care of a couple bandits.
"I've seen you take care of bandits many times." Turtle explained. "There's nothing wrong with wanting a traveling buddy-"
"SHUT UP!" So how about it Gohan?"
"Thank you for the offer, but I really need to concentrate on my spirit energy training."
"I can help with that as well."
"Y- you can?" Gohan asked surprised.
"From here to the village is about an hour. I'll help you develop your spirit energy as we walk. How's that? Hope won't be back anytime soon either so your best bet is to stick by my side."
"That doesn't sound like a bad deal. Alright lead the way. Wait a minute how would you know if Hope-"
Roshi was already on Turtle and on the road before Gohan could ask his question.
"You're wasting precious time Gohan lets get a move on!"
"I'm coming!" If Master Roshi was the cause of the riot in the supermarket district that wouldn't surprise me in the slightest…
On their way to the village, Roshi explained to him the essence of spirit energy, and how to draw it out more effectively.
"It's all in your core Gohan. Let it circulate throughout your whole body. Let that energy release onto your fingertips."
"It's a little difficult trying to do this and walking at the same time."
Gohan had his eyes closed walking alongside Roshi trying to generate spirit energy into his hands.
"It'll build your concentration and help you be aware of your surroundings. You never know what you may come up against."
"I know, that's why I- ahhh!" Gohan tripped and fell right on his face. He opened his eyes to see Roshi poking him with his stick.
"Seems like you're concentrating too hard and not being aware of your surroundings."
"Was that really necessary?"
"You'll thank me for this later. Now c'mon get up. You've made me late as is."
"How the hell is that my fault?!"
About thirty minutes of concentration, knee slapping, and falling, Roshi and Gohan finally made it to their destination, Maroon village.
"I'm here to visit an old acquaintance. Don't get wild and crazy with the ladies here alright," Roshi said patting his back.
"I'm too exhausted be doing anything like that. Wait a minute, I'm not you! I'll just walk around until it's time to head back."
"Take a load off and buy yourself something nice." Roshi tossed Gohan his coin purse and went into the direction of a hut house. Gohan tossed the purse up and down and looked around the village. Many of the villagers were in rags, tending to crops, carrying buckets to put water in, and tending to other various things. Guards were also stationed around the village in military suits.
"They must be here if any demons were to show up. Still, I can't believe people live like this. It's quite sad."
"People from the city always think so low of us. You don't look any different."
Gohan looked to see a small elderly woman scoffing at his words.
"You people don't do anything but look your noses down on us from above, while we sit at the bottom to suffer."
Gohan didn't know what to say, especially since he isn't from this world. He doesn't know what state the people are in, or how much they have endured. Since being in the city, he's seen various restaurants, stores, clubs, and people dressing nice and eating great amounts of food. Being in this village not even an hour, he can see the vast difference between the two.
"I'm sorry for whatever hardships you had to face. I'm not entirely sure what the issue is. If you don't mind, could you share your stories with me?"
The old woman was taken aback by Gohan's hospitality. She put her hands behind her back and walked in front of him.
"Let's take a walk shall we?"
Gohan walked beside her and waited for her to speak. For awhile she didn't say anything, pretending as if he wasn't there. She would occasionally nod or wave at the villagers and children. Gohan heard them refer to her as Ms. Hanako.
She came off as a mean old lady, but seems very friendly towards the other people here. What does she have against people from the city… Gohan thought to himself.
"What have you noticed young man?" Hanako finally acknowledging Gohan.
Gohan almost didn't respond since she was silent throughout their entire walk.
"The people seem to be happy, but their living situation isn't perfect by any means."
"Very good, what else?"
"I can tell that the villagers care about each other. They help one another. Was this village always like this?"
"Not always. We didn't wear fancy clothes or dine on fancy food every day, but we managed with what we had. In fact, we preferred it this way. We are a small community where everyone knows one another and takes care of each other."
"What happened to make it get like this?"
"After the aftermath years ago, demons and humans were killing and pillaging like crazy. Our village wasn't safe from it either. It took a long time to recover from it. We barely had crops to plant, food to feed the kids, and defenses to survive the bandits and demons. Now, taking all of that into account, where was Lady Farron? Where was the High Ark?"
Gohan could hear the pain and rage within her voice when she spoke. She definitely had disdain and uncertainty with how things have been, and felt that action should have been taken long ago. Now they were in a position where they might not ever get back on their feet, or return to how the village was in the past.
I don't know this world well enough to argue or to give any type of opinion. It seems Lightning has her hands full not only with Yusnaan, but with tending to other villages as well. I really don't know what to say in this situation.
"Sorry, I probably made you uncomfortable didn't I? It's not your fault things turned out this way, nor is it Lady Farron's. I just feel like things could have been prevented if action would have been taken sooner. Not to mention the people in the city treat us like a disease with how they stare at our clothes and feet. They don't like us going into the city, and we don't like having to go unless we absolutely have to."
"I'm sorry things turned out like this for you…"
"Like I said you've done nothing wrong. It is however good to get what I said out in the open. I've been holding these feelings in for far too long."
"Are you stupid? We said you can't sell your goods here!"
Gohan and Hanako turned to the screaming to see two guards roughhousing a middle-aged man. He had a shaggy beard with ragged clothing with a hat on his head and a bag over his shoulder. He had a cart full of fruit and vegetables he was pushing, only to be stopped by the two guards.
"What's wrong with me trying to make an honest living? You people don't care what happens to us anyway. You only care about yourselves," the peddler said standing his ground.
"You can't sell this shit unless you have authorization from the High Ark of the Utopia region. I'm willing to bet you aren't even from this region are you? I can take you in for trespassing if we wanted to."
"All I'm trying to do is raise enough money for myself and my family. I'm not hurting anyone, nor am I bothering these villagers so please-"
One of the guards slammed their fist into the cart, destroying it and spilling the contents all over the ground.
"We don't give a rat's ass what you got going on in your life. Rules are rules you pathetic beggar."
"Stop! Stop!" He scrambled on the ground to grab as much of the food as he could before they could be stepped on. They were kicking both the food and him as they laughed maliciously. The parents took their children back into their homes so they wouldn't see the brutality occurring.
Gohan's fists clenched with rage at the atrocious sight. Seeing the sight unfold in front of him was a reminder of why he hated people. The strong preying on the weak. What's even more disgusting are the ones in power overstepping their bounds and using their authority on others. He couldn't stand it anymore.
"HEY!"
"Calm down young man." Hanako ordered.
"I know you're not okay watching this so how the hell can you expect me to calm down?!"
"This isn't Waka's first time dealing with this. We were fighting back when this happened the first time and it ended poorly for us. Some were beaten by them and others were threatened to be detained. We told him next time to come around when the guards aren't here. They just happen to "protect us" whenever it's deemed necessary."
All Gohan could do was watch helplessly as those two continued their assault.
"Be grateful we don't throw your sorry ass in jail for trespassing. Now scram you peasant. What the hell are you all looking at? Let this be a lesson to never disobey the ones who give you peace of mind and protection, or you'll end up just like him."
They both spat on him before returning to their posts. The villagers looked on with disgust, rage, and fear in their eyes. They had to oppress whatever they were feeling at the moment and just let it happen. Waka slowly got to his feet and put the food he was able to salvage in his bag.
"That's okay, today was just a bad day. They'll be better days to come. I just have to keep at it," he said in a shaky voice.
A hand clasped his shoulder unbeknownst to him. He jumped away in fear of another guard trying to hurt him.
"Sorry to have startled you," Gohan said. "I saw what happened, and what they did to was just inhumane…"
"This isn't anything new. I've been beaten, robbed, disrespected because of where I come from. It's frustrating but this is how people are. Ms. Hanako knows what I'm talking about hahaha."
"I know all too well Waka. You should've turned back the moment you saw them."
"I guess I got my hopes up thinking they were nice and wholesome. They didn't have to destroy my supply like that. I worked really hard on these here fruit and vegetables…"
"They said you aren't from this region. Was that true?" Gohan asked.
"Yeah, I'm from the Uyosho region where we specialize in agriculture and farming. My parents were also merchants and made a decent living trading with other villages and even the city. I wanted to go one step beyond that and trade with other regions."
"How long have you been traveling?"
"A couple months. It's been hard and I'm barely getting by. I expected it to be rough though. A foreigner coming to a different land wanting to sell would make anyone wary. Being turned away and threatened is never fun. Not to mention demons roaming about. Sometimes when it gets too dark, or when guards issue everyone to stay indoors because of demons, I try to stay the night at an inn or even yell for someone to let me in their home. Do you know what they would do? They would tell me to go away, tell me to fend for myself or pretend they never saw me!"
Gohan's heart started aching hearing his tragic experience. Hanako shook her head, possibly knowing Waka's story already. It doesn't get any easier hearing the troubles the poor folk go through.
"I can take the rejection and the abuse. That's just how it goes in this business…" Tears began to stream Waka's face. "But don't call me a peasant. Don't call me a beggar. I'm a human being, just like you all. I have a family to feed just like you. So why do they treat us this way…"
Gohan nor Hanako could find the words to comfort him. They just looked on as his tears hit the earth. He quick wiped his face and adjusted his bag.
"Sorry for my rambling. I'll head out now. It was nice seeing you Ms. Hanako."
"Hopefully under better circumstances."
"I pray for that as well."
"Here."
In Gohan's hand was the money pouch Roshi gave him. He wanted to give it all to Waka.
"No." Waka held his hand out not wanting to take it. "I don't accept handouts, nor do I want to be pitied. Thanks anyway."
"Then let this get me whatever I can purchase."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes. This isn't me feeling sorry for you or giving you a handout. I couldn't begin to understand the pain and suffering you went through, but I do know that people in power shouldn't abuse it like this, especially when someone is just trying to make a living. Things need to change, and I'll be the one to bring about that change. Hopefully this pouch will be the start of yours."
Waka took the pouch and felt it's weight underneath. His eyes darted back and forth, deciding whether to take it or not. Even merchants have their pride, and he wanted to keep what little he had left of it.
"Go ahead Waka," Hanako insisted. "I haven't known this boy for long, but I can feel his passion toward our struggles. I believe he's sincere with every word he said onto you. You've worked hard, you've earned it."
Tears brewed once again in Waka's eyes. He got on his knees and bowed over and over to Gohan.
"Thank you thank you thank you! I will never forget this act of kindness. May I ask your name?"
"My name is Gohan."
Waka stood up and removed his bag.
"These are grown from my own farm. I take pride in what I grow. You won't be disappointed I promise. Bless the moon for your kindness again Gohan. Whenever you come to the Uyosho region, I'll treat to something better. Just you wait."
Waka waved as he set off on another journey. Gohan and Hanako waved back, giving hope and faith to him once more.
"You did a good thing for Waka young Gohan."
"What he said struck a nerve. We are all human beings, so why do we treat one another differently? Is it because of our upbringing? Positions of power? Or do we like trampling on other people's dreams because we can? I hate that more than anything."
Hanako noticed Gohan's fist tighten. "You talk as if you understand us."
"I do, more than you know…"
She was going to rebuttal back, but maybe felt that what he was saying had more depth to it. Everyone has their own struggles in life. Maybe his aren't so different than ours. She thought. That's why he can sympathize, maybe empathize with the commonfolk.
Gohan took an apple out of the bag and gave the bag to Hanako.
"Here."
"What are you doing?"
"You were all going to buy from him before he was harassed right?"
"Well yes but-"
"Then I insist you take it. We're all here to help one another, right?"
"You are an interesting one. Just who are you?" Hanako took the bag from Gohan.
"I'm someone who hopes to change the structure of this world. That's all."
"Hey Gohan! It's time to go back. Let's get a move on." Roshi waved to him.
Standing next to Roshi was a middle-aged man standing a little over six foot with a burly figure. Short brown hair with a beard connected, a long scar running across his nose. He dawned a brown cloak and a brown undershirt.
"Alright, I'm coming." Gohan bowed to Hanako. "It was a pleasure to meet you Ms. Hanako."
"The pleasure is all mine. You are welcome to visit anytime." Hanako smiled.
Gohan, Turtle, and Roshi left the village, but that burly man still looked on at them both, particularly Gohan.
Master Roshi's student eh? He seems promising. A lot of heart as well. Heart can only get you so far in this shitty world…
"By the way, where's my bag of coins I gave you," Roshi asked.
"I spent it all."
"You WHAT?!"
"It went to a good cause don't worry."
"And all you have to show for it is a damn apple?!"
"I guess so haha. Wanna split it?"
"No, go ahead and eat. You need your strength to continue your training. I'll whip you good into shape."
"I'm looking forward to it." Gohan took a bite and smiled to himself.
I'm fired up. Things are going to change now. Within myself, and this dark world…
That boy has a good head on his shoulders. I hope you stick with that righteous personality of yours. It's very peculiar though. He sure does remind me of my husband. Maybe that's why I felt so much at ease with him. Bless his soul… -Hanako Tanabe
