Adventures of the Chestnut Clan
Chapter 4: Emergency Summon
"Senior, excuse me senior! May I come in?" the timid voice of a young child reached the ear of an obese looking monk lazily sprawled out on a bed, causing the middle-aged man to groan impatiently as he turned his head toward the kid.
"What is it that you want? Have you finished sweeping the entire temple you runt?" he shouted at the top of his lung as anger veins popped up on his forehead.
"We-well not yet senior, b-b-but..." the boy stammered, clearly having a difficult time articulating his sentence in a comprehensible way.
"BUT WHAT? Speak up boy!"
"B-but I've cleaned up the part I'm responsible for and thought I'd hand you the b-b-broom!"
"Hand me the broom? Are you suggesting that I should sweep the rest huh?" this time the child was too intimidated to respond but that mattered little as the older man kept on talking. "If I were you I'd scurry off and get the entire temple cleaned before master comes back. You know what would happen if master gives me hell right?" the kid could only nod before hurrying off.
"Hmph, useless runt!" the senior muttered slightly panting for breath from the outburst. "Dammit, I'm too worked up to fall asleep anymore. Guess it wouldn't hurt to see what we have for entertainment today!"
The lone television inside the room turned on with a click of the button and the monk was immediately engulfed by a light bluish hue that seemed to have captured his attention, rendering the man oblivious to the world around him. Flicking through the channels, he sat there motionlessly with his dead eyes glue to the screen until a certain scene made his eyes opened wide with surprise.
"Yes that's right citizens of the Earth! I, Mr. Satan have indeed defeated the villainous monster that have threatened the world! Ahahaha!" boasted the martial arts champion who began to flex his muscles on screen, the flashes of cameras going off shun on his face constantly.
Taking his glance away from the world champion, the chubby monk was just about to switch the channel when something caught his attention and he almost fell off the bed seeing a face that's both familiar and yet unfamiliar, a face he'd never expect to see again after the world's martial arts tournament.
"No way, is that Krillin? With hair? Just what's he doing there with the champ and why's he holding hands with a blonde hottie?" his now red eyes narrowed and his previously dumbfounded expression replaced by a scowl.
Days later and on an island in the middle of the ocean laid the haired ex-monk peacefully on his bed, his arms holding onto the previously talked about woman, muttering phrases along the lines of "I love you Eighteen!" in his sleep. As the day progressed and the gentle morning sunlight made its way into the room, Krillin began to stir until finally, he opened his eyes to take in the sight of his beloved.
"For some reasons seeing you in person sure is much more fulfilling than just dreaming about you babe!"
Brushing a few strands of the silky blonde hair from the cyborg woman's face, Krillin planted a kiss on her cheek and his spouse returned by murmuring out his name then holding onto him tighter. While the z-fighter probably could have pried her hands from his body and proceed with his morning routine, he was nevertheless convinced by her unconscious display of love to stay there just a little longer. Gradually, the room warmed up and sounds of sea birds drifted into the room until finally, tiny footsteps rang down the hallway leading up to his room.
"Daddy, mommy, can I come in?" a child's voice came from the other side of the door.
"Yes princess, just wait a bit okay? Daddy's getting up!"
Before Krillin managed to free himself from the grasp of his wife, the doorknob had already began to turn and soon the barrier separating him from his daughter was neutralized as the blonde child leapt onto the bed.
"Ma-Marron! That was amazing! How did you manage to open the door all by yourself?" the father held onto his offspring proudly who was now looking at him with a triumphant smile of her own.
"Well papa, I jumped and hung onto the doorknob and gave it a twist and now here I am!" she exclaimed proudly as she held onto her father.
"Did you? Why aren't you a smart young lady? But perhaps we should keep our voice down don't you think?"
Krillin suddenly lowered his voice and Marron did the same. The pair turned their heads toward the still sleeping figure beside them and let out a collective sigh of relief seeing the blonde woma in deep slumber.
"We need to be more careful firefly, I think mama still need more sleep!" he whispered to the little girl and she nodded, her golden strands just like her mother's swaying back and forth as she did so.
"Actually you know what firefly? Why don't you stay here with mama? Papa's going downstairs to make us some breakfast,"
"Okay papa!" Marron chirped and left the comforts of her father's embrace, only to be gathered into yet another hug as Eighteen circled her arms around the child. Soon the younger blonde fell asleep encased by her mother's warmth, both wearing similar peaceful expressions on their faces.
Kids these days sure grow up fast! She'll be just like Eighteen in no time!
Once downstairs, Krillin made his way past Roshi and Oolong who have both fell asleep on the couch with the television still on, showing girls clad in gymnastic clothing doing yoga, a sight that made him shook his head.
Some people never change do they? At least they aren't watching more explicit stuff, Dende forbid my Marron to get exposed to that kind of material so early in life!
Making his way to the kitchen area, he was just about to start making breakfast when the sight of the mailbox outside caught his attention and the z-fighter decided to check the mail in case they missed anything. Inside, he found a letter bearing the seal of Orin Temple and immediately, an inauspicious atmosphere downed on the previously happy family man.
Krillin Chestnut,
This is an official request from Orin Temple for you to come and explain the breaking of a vow you have made as a monk regarding initiating physical contact with a woman.
We are expecting you to arrive at the earliest time possible. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary actions.
Orin Temple
"Krillin, how important is this summon anyways? Can't you just ignore those Orin Temple jackasses? I mean it's not like they can do anything to us right?" Eighteen asked with gritted teeth as the two made their way across the sunny sky.
"It's probably not as bad as it sound sweetie! Not everyone at the temple is bad you know? I just don't want this simple misunderstanding to result in rumors being spread that's all," Krillin explained with an exasperated tone.
"Rumors? Like what? Like you started a family with the love of your life? How could that be a crime?" the blonde woman placed extra emphasis on the "love of your life" and the former monk's frown turned to a cheeky grin.
"The love of my life, now I like the sound of that!"
"You'd better Kril!"
The two shared a quick kiss midair and increased temperatures in their bodies despite the high altitude.
"Anyways Eighteen, back to the topic, although I did get transferred to Roshi's care officially years ago, apparently there's some obscure temple rules saying I still have to formally renounce my position as monk before getting married which is what those guys are using against me now!"
The cyborg woman's icy blue eyes narrowed vehemently at the explanation. "Rules, stupid rules! Human society can be so dumb at times and you are an idiot for letting them boss you around Krillin!" she spat before a grin surfaced on her angelic face that made the woman akin to a devious being seeking vengeance, one that sent shivers down the former monk's spine. "Ah well, on the bright side I finally get to meet these bullies you've been telling me about. I'll try to be civil with them, but if things get out of hand don't blame me for getting physical with them!"
"Thanks Eighteen, but please let me explain things first okay?"
Her no-none-sense glare told him everything he needed to know.
The married couple landed near the gate of Orin Temple but still out of sight just in case anyone saw them airborne, even if Eighteen originally planned on landing right in the middle of temple complex to maximize the surprise factor.
You can be such a softie Krillin, choosing to be civil with these people even when they've ruined our day. Ah well I guess that's why I'm here, to lay down the law when needed...
As they slowly approached the entrance, Eighteen saw a rather emotional look appearing on Krillin's face and immediately took hold of his hand. "Kril? Are you alright? If you can't do this we should just ignore them."
"No it's alright Eighteen, it's just that this is the very first place that taught me martial arts," he paused and took a deep breath, his hand shaking slightly against his wife's and the cyborg woman squeezed onto it tight trying to lend him her strength. "I'm not afraid of these bullies, trust me babe, I was way stronger than they are even decades ago. It's just that those guys were the ones who motivated me to seek out Master Roshi in the first place and well, that's how I get to meet you!"
"Oh!" was all she managed to stammer out looking at his expressive face, the face capable of so much loving emotions and one belonging to a man who cherished every single moment in his life. "Well, don't get too emotional now Kril! You don't want these people to think you are acting emotional because of fear do you?"
"No of course not sweetie! Now let's do this!"
They were met by a youngster sweeping floor near the entrance who, after taking a few moments to study the two visitors, widened his eyes in amazement and walked toward the duo.
"You must be Krillin! I've heard so much about you!" his tone was cheerful and innocent, two qualities that disarmed Eighteen who looked at the boy puzzled as she was expecting a different kind of reception.
The cyborg woman's softening face would harden as her cybernetic enhanced eyes picked up bruises on the young boy's form.
Why, he's just a kid? Did the same asshole who sent us that blasted letter also did this to the child?
"Thank you, but I'm afraid I'm not summoned here today because of my accomplishments!" the former monk said, slightly embarrassed and amazed he'd be met by such a warm greeting.
"Well no matter what senior said there's no hiding from some of us that you once beat him with a single move at the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament! In fact, because of him summoning you here, stories of your match against him have begun to surface after all these years!"
Krillin couldn't help but to blush at the almost fan-boyish reaction from the young fellow.
"This senior, is he the loser who sent us the letter?" the cyborg's gentle voice, which still couldn't hide her animosity toward the one called "senior", pulled the two out of their little moment and garnered her the boy's full attention.
"Well, not exactly miss. Senior may be a high ranking monk at the temple, but he still doesn't have the authority to mail such a letter," he muttered apologetically and shivered a little at the blonde's piercing eyes. "My senior has managed to persuade the temple elder to summon you. Senior's the one who drafted the letter though, so please don't blame our elder! He just wants to sort things out peacefully." Finished the boy with his head pointing toward the ground.
"I see, thank you for your information! Now if you will, please take us to see the elder!" Krillin asked giving the boy a smile as did Eighteen who tried to soften her rigid expression.
The walk to the main hall was rather quick and uneventful, even if the duo were met by wide-eyed stares, some of which filled with admiration while others disgust. It was amidst murmurs and stares that they were led into a room hand-in-hand and saw an elderly monk as well as a middle-aged man. This time, it was Krillin who had to blink a few times at the sight of a familiar figure.
"Master Kokumotsu! It's been forever!" Krillin greeted as he recognized the elderly monk, unable to help but feeling his eyes getting watery.
"Ahh, it's you Krillin! Welcome back! Here, please come a bit closer. My eyes aren't what they used to be!"
Hearing his former master calling to him, Krillin approached the one he called master, until he was basically in front of the man and only then did Kokumotsu's pupil moved. "Ahh, yes, it's really you. You may have grown but I still remember your gentle face. It's a shame I couldn't provide you with a better environment back in the days!"
"It's not your fault master, you couldn't possibly keep an eye out for me all day long anyways!"
Eighteen meanwhile stood at the back and observed as the former master and pupil rejoiced in their reunion, the corner of her lips slowly arching up into a smile.
A nice old man that isn't a pervert! Now that's new! There's no way someone like Konkotsu could've written that letter, meaning...
"Ahem!" a loud throat clearing interrupted their reunion and all eye shifted toward the obese middle-aged monk sitting there with his arms crossed. "I don't mean to be rude master, but shouldn't we be questioning Krillin why he initiated physical contact with a woman? I mean he did run off to the turtle hermit years ago but was still practically a member of our renowned Orin Temple!" he said in a condescending tone and glared at the younger man as if trying to kill him with stares alone until he sensed a pair of icy blue eyes on him and his face paled.
"I'm sorry, do I know you mister? I mean you sound familiar but..." Krillin offered a hand at the shocked monk who grasped it just in time before he fell over. "Wait, I remember you, you are Nise, but why are you so...well...out of shape now? I thought you were much thinner back in the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament."
"Hey, it's none of your business how I look now is it? You should be more worried about yourself for breaking the vow you..."
"Keep your voice down Nise, we didn't summon Krillin here to interrogate him did we? I just want to know the situation and formally release him from Orin Temple that's all!" the elder's stern voice sounded throughout the temple.
"But master, he touched a girl when it was forbidden by our vow to do so!"
"Actually Krillin didn't touch me you moron, I'm the one who initiated the physical contact in the first place!" Eighteen spat, her death glare keeping the middle-aged man from raising his head properly.
"Oh? Is that right? And just who may you be miss?" Konkotsu turned his face toward the source of the voice.
By Sixteen I don't believe I have to explain my relationship with Krillin to strangers...
"I'm Eighteen, Krillin's lawfully wedded wife and together we have a lovely daughter!"
To say Krillin was touched by his wife's proclamation was an understatement as his heart skipped several beats. He could also tell his former senior and bully was having a hard time processing those words as Nise held onto his chest as if having a heart attack.
"Th-that is outrageous master!"
"Silence Nise! Now if you please carry on with your tale Eighteen. I'd very much like to hear exactly how you and Krillin met!'
All eyes were on Eighteen who grasped Krillin's hand firmly in hers. "Konkotsu," the cyborg woman began with a much softer tone than anticipated. "Me and Krillin met when I was not a very good person. One day when we were on our way to cause some trouble, Krillin stood bravely in front of me and tried to convince me of my wrong doings," her tone was firm but at the same time carrying with it a sense of pride as she looked at Krillin, her brain recalling exactly what happened that fateful day.
There was a slight pause and the married couple's faces turned into a healthy pink knowing what Eighteen was about to say next. "As a token of appreciation for standing up to me, even after I have beaten several of his friends half to death, I kissed him on the cheek not knowing he was still affiliated with Orin Temple."
"Oh yeah? Well, did he tried to touch you as you were k-kissing him?" Nise was obviously having a hard time pronouncing the word kiss, his own face a deep crimson red much to Krillin and Eighteen's enjoyment.
"Not at all you dumbass, he was completely hands off the entire time I pressed my lips onto his adoring cheek!" Eighteen said with a sly grin and then proceeded to do exactly what she said to Krillin who in term couldn't help but to wear a smile the entire time.
"Krillin would save my life and give me and my brother a second chance in life. Years later we got married and have a daughter named Marron."
The husband and wife then turned to face the elderly monk who was nodding his head the entire time. The bully on the other hand gritted his teeth but remained silent, his eyes stared at the floor as the blonde woman would occasional shoot him angry looks.
"Remarkable! Truly remarkable! We at Orin Temple should be proud of having such a member! But before we conclude today's session, please bear with this old fool some more will you two?" the bearded old man said with a gentle smile and this time, both Krillin and Eighteen gave him a firm nod.
"Good, my first question is, are you happy with your life now Krillin and Eighteen?"
"Yes!" they answered in unison.
"If given the chance to go back in time, would you two still get married?"
"Yes!" once again, their words came out at the exact time to which Konkotsu couldn't help but to chuckle lightly.
"And lastly, is my former pupil, Krillin treating you well Eighteen?"
The cyborg woman felt everyone's eyes drawn on her for the umpteenth time that day. Closing her eyes, she let the tension settle in before opening her eyes, sporting a merry look.
"I've never been treated better by someone else Konkotsu!"
"Good, very good. In this case then I formally declare Krillin to be released from his duties as an Orin Temple Monk!" the elder declared then turned to face the now groaning obese monk. "And Nise, I want you to write down Krillin has received permission from me to get married. We should have took care of this transfer in guardianship years ago when Krillin was transferred over to Muten Roshi!"
Eighteen watched with glee as Krillin's former bully bowed before the elder obediently like a puppy.
Serves you right! But just you wait, cause I'm not done with you yet you child abusing filth!
Reaching her hand into her husband's pocket, she pulled out the letter and handed it to Konkotsu courteously. "I think you should take a closer look at this."
Krillin saw the letter in his spouse's hand and tried to stop her but it was too late as the elderly monk had already taken the letter and held it close to his face. He shot Eighteen a disapproved look but his wife merely returned with a cheeky grin, her smug glance resting on Nise's frozen form who was wetting the floor with his cold sweats.
"Nise! How dare you use my authority to deliver such a letter? I want you to see me in private you hear? As for you two, please accept my apology. I should've checked all letters sent out from this temple."
"No...it's really okay Master Konkotsu!"
"And please make sure to take better care of the younglings here! I think Nise might be bullying them behind your back!" Eighteen added to which the elderly monk nodded before giving the couple a respectful bow.
Once outside of the main hall, the youngster who had led them to the meeting greeted the couple. "I heard everything Krillin! Congratulations on resolving this issue! Also thank you Eighteen for bringing up my senior's wrongdoings!"
Krillin gave the child a thumb up while Eighteen flashed him a rare display of motherly smile that she hadn't shown anyone except Marron.
"Thanks kiddo! And I'm sorry but I haven't asked for your name yet."
"Oh...it-it's an honor Krillin. My name's Ryushi!" Ryushi stammered almost not believing the man before him would be interested in his name.
"Okay Ryushi, I just want to let you know that I used to be just like you, getting bullied by Nise all the time but now I've grown stronger than he is. If I can do this, then so can you!"
"Th-thank you Krillin! I'll be sure to improve myself!"
"No problem kid, in fact, if you want to, you are free to visit Kame House and I can teach you a thing or two about martial arts!" said Krillin who then turned toward his spouse and was met with an approving grin.
"That's right kiddo! And who knows, someday you might even learn how to do this!" Eighteen was barely done with her sentence when she slowly took off into the air, levitating just a few feet above ground but high enough for all monks on the compound to witness, including a deflated looking Nise who had just left the main hall.
Krillin glanced up at his wife's unusual showboating but knew there was little he could do at this point so with a sigh, he too flew up into the sky to join the cyborg woman. With a wave to the shocked Ryushi and from Eighteen to Nise another warning glare, the duo took off into the cloudless sky amidst the astonished onlookers. It was there dozens of stories above ground that the former monk looked back at the compound he had called home all those years ago with a triumphant smile.
"Common Krillin. Or perhaps you feel like showing off some more?" Eighteen asked, placing a hand on his houlder
"No that's not it sweetie, I realized just how far I've come since leaving this place that's all!"
"Damn straight Kril! And what's more now you have me, Marron, Roshi, and the others. You are no longer alone!"
"Yeah, I guess you are right babe! Now let's head home to our family shall we?"
A/N: This chapter serves as a continuation to chapter 3 where I briefly mentioned about Krillin's past at Orin Temple. In the show, it's never mentioned whether Krillin formally renounced his monkhood when he joined Master Roshi or if I renounced it later in his life so I thought it'd be interesting to tackle this issue.
Based on my very limited understanding of Buddhist temple, some monks aren't supposed to have physical contact with the opposite sex and romance is definitely strictly forbidden. I'm also aware that in highly structured organizations, bullying tend to happen and while not all people are bad, there will be those who abuse their power so this is where Nise's actions here came from. Also for those who don't know, Nise is the name I gave to the skinny monk who got 1 hit by Krillin during the 21st martial arts tournament.
Well, that's it for my explanation. This ends my last submission for this year's Chestnut Festival. I hope ya'll enjoyed these one shots!