Chapter 6: Afterlife Bonding
I still can't believe we were taken down by those two sayians. We trained so hard and yet we were still not strong enough. I was somewhat shocked to awaken in a large room. And even more that I saw my dear friends standing next to Kami, in front of an enormous desk.
As I walked over, I couldn't help feel somewhat nervous. I had not only failed my friends by not saving them, but I also failed in not avenging them. Especially with how hard I had tried. I couldn't even bring myself to look at them as we stood next to Kami.
As King Yemma and Kami spoke, I was stuck in a parallel of emotions. What would I even say to my comrades? That was until I felt something poking my shoulder. When I looked it was Yamcha, and he was smiling. "Is everything good there, bro?"
I just couldn't help let out a sign and smile back at him. "I think so. I have my arm back." At that, we both snickered. And without missing a beat we were told how we would be training with King Kai. As much as that was a great honor, there was a taunting thought lingering. It's incredible to be getting trained by another person who trained Goku, but it's like we're playing caught to him.
As we ran Snake Way, I couldn't help wonder about Yamcha. I would sneak a peak his way once in a while but it hurts to see him. Especially with the thoughts of confessing to him was now a dream. There was just no point in doing so. I have failed him. Even in death, I will keep these secrets. I just hope we could still be some form of friends.
When getting to King Kai's planet it was full of surprises back-to-back. Not only was the gravity 10 times Earth's, but we also had to pass a test to be able to train. Yamcha, with his easy-going self, was able to make King Kai laugh without issues. Even Chiaotzu was able to pass. I am very proud of my comrades. But when it came down to me, I was in trouble. Especially with how I didn't know any decent jokes.
Leave to Yamcha to help me make King Kai laugh. As the first part of our training began, I couldn't help smile. Leave it to Yamcha to make this into a friendly competition. It was also very assuming to watch him try to catch Bubbles. Not to mention how fun it was to work together to catch Bubbles. And even when dealing with Gregory.
…
I still can't believe how badly I messed and died for my mistake. Even when I'm trying to protect my friends, I'm still a failure. I'm almost 30 and I had so much I still didn't do. Even when I was finally starting to make a name for myself. And I was also hoping it'll be enough for Bulma to finally respect me. Maybe saying yes to marrying me and starting a family.
But as we ran Snake Way my thought traveled somewhere else. It made me realize all the things I could have been doing with my life. Such as I could have taken advantage of being in the city. Such as improving my education. Getting the things that I had always wanted but never was able to get. Truly living my life instead of living it by the day and hoping to rob what I needed.
Even though Piccolo and Kami are no longer alive, I have faith in Goku. I have long learned that he can make the impossible happen. Without the earth dragon balls, there just has to be another way for us to be brought back to life. I just there is. Until then I better enjoy my time thinking about all the things I'm going to do when alive again.
After a moment I realized the sad looks on everyone's faces. Let's see if I can change that. Jogging backward I looked at them. "What's the matter, slowpokes?" With that said, I quickly turned back around and pushed myself further down the road. It wasn't long before Tien tried to pass me, but I wasn't going to let him do so. The race to King Kai was intense since it kept being neck-to-neck with us 4. The fact that Piccolo joined the race was an added bonus.
After learning what's happening on Earth, I knew I had nothing to worry about. Leave it to my friends to figure out what to do. So, looks like I'll get to enjoy this new training experience. Yet, it was during our downtime that I felt a deep pain in my chest.
Tien would try to speak to me but I just wasn't ready to face him. Just thinking about him had me full of shame and guilt. I wasn't able to keep any of my friends safe. I had failed all of them. But somehow it hurt, even more, thinking about how I failed Tien the most.
Chiaotzu is Tien's closest friend since long before I met them. Chiaotzu has already died and there's no way he would have been saved by Earth's dragon balls. It's my fault for not protecting my friends. If I just didn't get so cocky and was paying more attention. I'm such a failure. I wouldn't be surprised that once we're alive again Tien wouldn't want to be my friend anymore.
As I sat alone, I thought more about what will I do when alive again. I even thought about how would I ever repay Tien and all my friends for my failure. Maybe I should see a therapist. My talks with Victor have pointed out that I have a few issues I need to resolve. Especially when it comes to who I am and what happened with my parents. Hopefully getting that settled will help my relationship with Bulma.
Bulma. Just thinking about her has me feeling all sorts of things. So, angry with how she belittles me and cheats right in my face. How she constantly reminds me of how everything is my fault and why nobody would ever want me. Somehow, she reminds me so much of my dad, who beat mom every time he got drunk. The reason I was kicked out of the house after he had enough of me. Especially when he found me playing with mom's makeup and heels.
I was so lost in thought it shocked me when I felt something on my shoulder. I almost jumped if it wasn't the fact of the gravity. I was somewhat destructed to see it was Tien who had his hand on my shoulder. I tried to move away but he wouldn't let me. "What's wrong?" I tried to push him away but he didn't bung. He then sat next to me and held my hand. "You know you can tell me whatever is going on."
I looked away from Tien and to the yellow clouds. "I'm sorry." He looked puzzled at first.
"Why are you sorry?"
"For failing you and everyone." At that moment I could feel wetness making itself known down my checks. The way Tien's large hands whipped away my tears had me feeling a strange sensation in my chest. It even made me question how it was even possible. I'm dead and yet… Yet… I could feel my heart racing as I looked into Tien's eyes. What is going on?
"But you didn't fail. You did the best you could. Besides," He pulled me into a hug and I couldn't resist crying into his shoulder. I wasn't sure if he was still speaking, but all I could do was just cry. Just for the moment, I couldn't stop feeling this wave of emotions. And to make it more confusing is that it's with Tien that I feel comfortable being this open.
After I was finally able to calm down, Tien went about trying to reassure me. Even reminding me how we just need to keep moving forward. How we all make mistakes, but they do not define who we are. Not to mention, at this moment I just wanted to stay in his arms. But I had to fight that feeling.
Tien is just my friend, after all, nothing more. I even have Bulma back home waiting for me. Whatever these feelings are they need to go away. I don't want to ruin my friendship with this man. Even when I have so many questions about this uneasy ache in my chest. But with perfect timing, Gregory announced the break was over. And as Tien finally let me go I felt cold to the touch. I don't understand why but I didn't want him to stop holding me.
…
As Yamcha cried, I didn't understand why I became so enraged. Here he is believing he failed us. How could he even think like that? He tried his absolute best and did so much. The only thoughts that crossed my mind were our talks and him mentioning how Bulma treats him. I wish I could convince him to leave her, but I would be in the wrong.
When Yamcha finally calm down, I wasn't ready to let him go. I tried my best to reassure and comfort him. After I let him go a deep feeling of regret hinders on my shoulders. That's when I thought maybe I should tell him how I feel, but when we're alive. "Wait." Yamcha looked over his shoulder at me. "If and when we're alive again is the invention to your place still open?"
He smiled as I caught up to him. Yamcha then started to fidget with his fingers. "The invention was never close." At that, I couldn't feel a slight heating sensation crossing my face. When that day comes, I'll be sure to at least try to tell him.
As the passing days of training continued, I have noticed something off with Yamcha. Especially during our downtime. He would either completely avoid looking at me. Or would ask me to spar with him. I am somewhat worried and I wonder if it has something to do with me.
But when the day finally came and Yamcha was the first to leave, a huge sadness had washed over me. Before I could figure out why; King Kai had requested to talk to me alone. "Is something the matter, Master?'
"I should be asking you that."
I couldn't help look away as I spoke. "I'm perfectly fine, King Kai."
"You can't lie to me. I hate to intrude but I have noticed your mood completely changed once Yamcha was revived. Is there a reason why?"
I quickly looked at him as my face began to heat up. "I… I… I don't know what you're talking about."
"I'm sure Yamcha would gladly hear you out about your feelings."
"What are you talking about?"
"I have respectfully not said anything, but I can read minds. I gladly gave each of you your space, but your feelings are weighing you down."
"It's just not that simple, King Kai. He has a girlfriend. Not to mention all the horrible things I've done to him. Even if I stated how I felt he would never return them. And I don't want to ruin our friendship either. At that, I'm a damn coward. He deserves so much better, and I'll happily stand by his side as his friend."
"All because you have a rocky start doesn't mean that things aren't possible." I was in awe as he smiled at me. "From what I've seen, he seemed to be conflicted about many things. Whoever this Bulma person is, they really messed with Yamcha's head. Not to mention, he's been struggling with something else." He then smirked at me. "Maybe after you two have talk things out will it be clear for the both of you."