Dragon Ball: Makafushigi Adventure
By Reid M. Haynes
Disclaimer: Dragon Ball and all characters within are the property of Akira Toriyama, TOEI ANIMATION, and various other companies. I am using them without permission, and I am making no money off of them.
Legend:
( ) Denotes thoughts.
[ ] Denotes song lyrics.
Note: This chapter features a brief song fic section, set to the awesome "Spirit Vs. Spirit." If you are not familiar with the tune, please find a place to download it from, as this will make the chapter will be much more enjoyable.
Tale 10: Phoenix
*****
"Long, long ago, in a deep, dark forest far from civilizaion, beyond a towering mountain range of…well, you get the idea. It's the kind of place a story like this has to begin…"
-Dragon Ball: Volume #1 (Viz Translation)
*****
Somewhere, deep in the East, a beautiful wilderness stretched across the land, untouched by the crippling claw of civilization. The river ran with fresh, sparkling water, perfect for the antelope that resided there to drink and bathe in. Pine trees dotted the forest path, adding a splash of green to the earthly colors of the land. And the landscape rose like camel humps, rising from the valleys to the clouds in the crystal blue sky.
On the road leading to the ledge side, a young man treaded feet on a large wood-chunk, cut from an oak tree. Walking backwards, he manipulated his makeshift wheel like a circus performer would a ball, allowing both to navigate the rolling road to their ultimate destination: a distant pangona, surmounting the lovely countryside vigilantly and precariously.
The man continued his tireless exercise, lazily rolling the wheel like it was just an everyday thing. In his grasp was a large hacksaw, presumably the one that slew the slab underfoot. His eyes were relaxed and unwary of the danger of attempting such a stunt. Then again, he had no reason to feel fear.
A chirping perked from up in the treetops, and the man glanced to his side, curious about the disturbance. There, amist the leaves of the trees, were two monkeys, a mother and son, greeting the new arrival. The mother, with a smile on her face, hung on to a limb, lowering her tot carefully over the man's path. And the kid smiled gleefully, waving at him wildly, like a long lost friend come back at last.
The man smiled mysteriously at his welcoming party, an odd chuckle in his throat. Shifting his saw appropriately, he raised his one free hand in greeting. "Hey," was all he said as the log passed by, leaving the two chimps behind, squealing and cheering after their visitor. But the man simply kept up his rheumatic walking, never losing a beat in this downhill slalom.
Roll roll roll, the log moved down the pathway at it's own pace, leaving its passenger to keep up by his own power, which he did quite nicely. And soon, its steady course was coming to a close, for the trees started to part, and the sky started to shine. The hill grew smoother and smother until it leveled off at the cliffside, just as the house came from under its curvature.
The man stalled a moment more on his steed, bracing his knees for a leap. Then he was head over heels, kicking backwards off the log and high into the air. His reverse somersault completed itself just as the toil of his labor lost balance, falling over again and again like a dropped coin.
As the log spun to rest, the man took a deep breath, breathing in the fresh spring air like he hadn't tasted it for years. Smiling peacefully, he let the air exhale out of his mouth and back to nature. He took one more look at the house before him and closed his eyes, sealing the perfect picture forever in his mind. Then, his lips vibrated ever so slightly, uttering the one word that told of all his emotions about this exotic world.
"Home."
It was all he had left.
*****
Walking into the house of his grandfather, Goku placed his Nyoibo's sheath gently on the mantle, making sure both pieces stayed in. Lazily, he flung his jacket off and onto the empty bed frame. He kept his sneakers on, though; Grandpa was never that big on tradition.
Then he flopped down on top of the mattress, crushing the vest from underneath. And looked up at the ceiling, the walls, and the various knickknacks that sparsely decorated the small house.
The home hadn't changed at all since Goku had left it seventeen years ago. Everything had stayed where it was left when he had abandoned it for the last time, save the futon, which still rest with Kame Sennin, and of course Sushinchu, which still rest in his pocket.
Of course, the house never really had much furnishing to begin with. Son Gohan was a very rural sort, and liked to keep things nice and simple. There was little to live out the room, just some clothes, fishing poles, and a stack of old hentai magazines, hidden nicely under the bed frame. He did have some things in common with his old master, after all, although he'd never let his grandson know it.
Goku's eye caught on a magazine that was jutting out a bit from the others. Then he looked again, sweeping the article from under the bed. It wasn't a magazine at all; it was a chart diagramming all of the moves the old master had acquired in his life as a martial artist. Kamehameha, Jan-ken, even Sui-ken, it was all here in this tiny little packet. (Guess Gramps wanted to keep a record for reference.) he thought. (…or maybe it was just for me…)
Deciding that it had become mixed in by accident, Goku set about placing the chart in the closet, where he supposed it should go. Opening it, he started rummaging around, looking for a similar stack where it might belong. He moved aside sake bottles and training uniforms before he finally a spot where it might fit in. But what he saw behind it made him drop the paper onto the floor.
Behind the articles and the alcohol was a makeshift martial arts uniform: blue vest, blue pants, and a single strip of cloth to serve at a belt. It was a carbon copy of the very first gi Goku had ever received, only sized for a much more adult figure. Son Gohan must've been quite the giant in his youth, and the suit would probably fit his grandson just as well.
"Beautiful…" Goku whispered to the inanimate clothing, in staggering awe. It was lightweight and yielding, unsuited for heavy body training, but perfect for everything else. Technique contriving, practice sparring, or just plain out fighting, it was a combatant's companion to the end. And unlike the gis he's normally wore, this one was just as suited to everyday life, as it put virtually no stress on the body,
His hand inched towards the gi, very slowly and carefully. (I wonder…if I should try it out.) He reached for the belt.
Then suddenly, over at the dresser, an alarm clock rang, sounding off his three-o-clock chores. Goku looked back to the exit, his hand jerking out of the closet. Why would the alarm clock still be running? The last time he has wound it was years ago, so it really made no sense.
Shrugging, he walked over and clicked off the buzzer. Whatever caused the clock to go ballistic, it was just as well anyway. As long as he was here, he might as well try to fit in with his old routine. He didn't know how long he'd be staying here, and it would give him the sense of stability he needed.
Goku walked back to the doorway, then he stopped and looked to the closet, where the kung fu outfit lay obscured in the shadows.
(Funny, that kung fu suit looks brand new…) He stood there for a moment more, then walked out of the room.
*****
"Done," Goku dusted off his hands ritualistically as the last of the wood segments finished clattering into the neat, block formation. Not a single splinter pierced his palm from the wood slice, and his knuckle remained as smooth as ever, even after the oak cracking punch he had performed upon it.
The man smiled in satisfaction at his handiwork. Still had the touch, after all this time. But his mirth was interrupted by a low rumbling deep within a dark, bottomless pit that no one dared to make entrance to.
Goku sighed. Looks like his internal clock was working with his surrounding, as it was nearly dinnertime in this area of the world. Ah well, best to get started, before it got any later. A good meal would cheer him up, anyway. At least, that's what he told himself
A few minutes later, Goku was traveling down the river trail, which led to the best fishing spot in the area. He looked towards the canopies. Abound him was a jungle like environment, complete with hidden shortcuts and high limb overpasses and vines perfect for swinging on. But he left them be, not feeling much like an adventurous romp today. Just a nice peaceful stroll in the forest, that was all he wanted right now.
A growling sound was heard. But this time, it wasn't his stomach Goku whipped around at his aggressor, only to find…a rather silly looking sabertooth tiger, with soft fur and really dopey eyes, snarling away like it actually believed it was fearsome.
Goku smirked in good humor, calmly walking up to it. The tiger increased his growling upon the human's closer proximity. But Goku slowly lowered his hand, palm down, to the monster's snout. "Relax, I'm a friend," he said, offering the animal a gentle smile.
Suspicious at the man's bravery, the tiger sniffed at the hand a couple of times, trying to detect any dishonesty in his words. But it could find none. After several more sniffs, it lowered its guard and allowed the stranger within it's circle, sitting complacently and finally satisfied.
Goku retracted his hand and started back toward the river again with an easy step. Moving from the tiger, he shouted over his shoulder: "Coming?" and slowly walked off. Goku kept walking, and smiled at the footsteps that followed with his. Certain that the beast could keep up, he increased his pace and made good time to the river.
*****
Atop the cliff, the tiger watched the man as he swan-dived nude into the rapid waters, disappearing beneath the ripples with a white splash. It watched with curiosity at who would dare to take down the monstrous fishes that thrived in the darks depths.
The waters remained stagnant a minute more, than, in an explosion of water, Goku emerged flying from the pool, a gigantic fish in his grasp. He skied far above, turned a flip, and landed lightly on the ledge, upright and grinning with victory. He swung the fish underhanded, flung it into the air, and fried it with a energy blast, creating a smoked salmon just as it hit the ground.
"Well, that's that," he said, turning to tiger. "Dig in," The tiger, having skipped lunch due to a lack of menu choices, was only too eager to comply, digging into it's soft belly with it's large insisors. Goku, being more elegant (just a little) than his primitive colleuge, opted to skin and clean his part of the catch first.
As both of them munched on the fish, Goku decided to make smalltalk with his new friend. "So, how've you been, old guy?" he said, smacking on the tender meat. "The hunting good without me to chase around?" The tiger looked in confusion, trying to understand what this man was saying, but Goku just chuckled, and rubbed the cat on the head affectionately. "I thought so."
Letting go of its head, he leaned down on the grass, propping his head up with his hands. "Yeah, things haven't been so swell for me either," he commented, while watching the clouds go "A buncht of things have passed me by, and those that I cared for have lost their patience with me..."
Goku took another bite of his meal. "But in the end, it dosen't matter," He chewed softly. "Because at least we still have home to go to." He swallowed his mouthful. "And that's all I need."
Goku fished in his pocket, and came out with a small, orange ball. "Isn't that right, Grandpa?" he asked it.
The ball said nothing.
*****
As the sun sank behind the mountains, the martial artist and his pet walked the long way back to Son Gohan's house, with their bellies full and their spirits lifted.
Goku felt content. For the first time in years, he had a place where he belonged. He could spend the rest of his days in the mountains, living off the land and training to his heart's content, just like he used to. Just a guy and his tiger, alone and in control. What else was there to life?
The trees started to split again, letting the setting sun beams pour through the foliage. Goku walked through the light, with open eyes to the dirt road that lead home. He scanned the sky above, and decided that there was still light enough to get in some quick training. Smiling at the thought, he broke into a jog and started down the path.
But he quickly jerked back when he saw a large cloud of smoke from beyond the hill. He focused in on it, and found it hid a small blue buggy, sporting the decal "TURBO" on its side. And in the driver's seat was…a girl of 16 with odd turquoise hair twirled in a high braid, who burst out with a look of panic at the man and the giant fish that he carried.
"Bulma!" he called in shock, his eyes nearly bulging out of his skull. Then he quickly leapt to the side, in a mad dash to get out of her way, more for her sake than his.
But Goku needn't have worried, for when he had scrambled back to his feat and looked back, Bulma and her car has vanished like the ghosts they were, disappearing back into the sealed confines of his imagination.
Goku stared at the vanished illusion, his mouth open in disbelief. His gaze darted back the tiger, who looked at him strangely, wondering why the hell he was staring at empty space. Then, he shook his head back to reality, and released a disappointed sigh.
For a moment, he almost thought she came back to get him.
The martial artist and his pet walked the long way back to Son Gohan's house, with their bellies full and nothing else. Goku spirit had dropped back into the abyss, and the sad thing was, he didn't know why. And this made him angry.
"What am I cryin' about?" he growled out loud to whoever cared to listen. "I got along just fine my entire life without her. Who needs some weird city girl to tag along and make everything confusing?"
(You do.)
Again, Goku jerked back at phantoms, scanning around for what dared to taunt him. He looks at the trees. He looked at the mountains. For a moment, he even stared at the tiger, then slapped himself at how stupid that was, even in a world of talking animals.
(Then…was that my thought?) He tried his best to come to the proper confusion, scanning all possibilities thoroughly. But his mind was too emotionally charged to think properly, and in the end he gave up and walked the last few meters to his home.
Opening the door, Goku walked into the house, but stopped when he felt a pressing against his jeans. He looked down and around to spy the tiger, trying to squeeze in between his leg. Goku smiled apologetically, gently pushing the cat's maw out of the doorframe. "Sorry, pal," he said lightly, patting its head. "But there ain't enough room in this tiny house for two."
He softly closed the door behind him, making sure he didn't squash his pet's nose. "Don't worry, you'll be fine out there," Goku called out, but was only met with a rough hurumph. Smirking, he let go of the knob and walked to the dresser. Then, on second thought, he made a detour to the closet, pulling out a blanket for his fuzzy friend. (Just in case he gets cold,) he nodded as he took a look outside the window to view the tiger's current comfort.
But it was already sound asleep in front of the door, snoring away like a steam engine. Goku looked at it curiously, then smiled. "Good idea," he said to it, and turned back around, heading for his bed.
Carefully, he lay the blanket within the bed frame, replacing the missing mattress. He pulled off his T-shirt and next his sneakers and pants, leaving him only in his dragon ball coated boxers. Taking Sushinchu out of his pocket, he lay it to rest on its cushion. Then, he let himself go, falling onto the bed with a soft sigh.
He looked upwards at the ceiling and closed his eyes. A good nap would help sort out his troubled mind and clear it for the day ahead. A day of relaxing training…
(Yes. Sleep on it.)
Then, he fell away to peaceful slumber.
*****
Goku's sleep was not to be uninterrupted. He would have dreams, manifesting themselves in the form of past memories. These memories were of his youth, of a day when innocence, adventure, and the future ruled his life. They were filling his head, stating all their ideas, trying to convince him that their way was the right way, that they held the answers he sought.
They came to him in a rush.
*****
"Hey Grandpa, watcha doin'?!" The perky eleven year old hollered out, slamming the door and sending a shudder through the house and the old man he was talking to.
Son Gohan gasped out, and shoved the hentai magazine underneath a pile of blankets. "Y-yes…my child?" he spoke, trying to sound as Zen-like as possible. But the lad had already seen it, and quickly overturned the sheets, revealing many interests that one his age should never see.
"Goku, don't look!" he called out, trying to cover up the offensive material as best he could, with Goku of course looking anyway.
"Hey, what's that?" he asked, pointing his finger right between a girl's breasts.
"DON'T TOUCH!!!" Gohan slapped his grandson's hand away, quickly turning over the magazine before it had the chance to pervert his mind further, like it had the old man.
But Goku's curiosity had already been piqued. "Grandpa, what was that thing?" he queried, his eyes as wide as if they'd seen some sort of demon in that picture. "Tell me! What was it, huh? Tell me!" He hopped up and down, eager for the lesson to begin.
"W-well…ah…." Gohan stuttered, trying to come up with a plausible excuse. But when he looked into the boy's innocent eyes, he sighed, and decided to tell him the simple truth. "Well…that creature…." He took a moment to phrase his words properly. "…that creature was a girl."
"A ghoul?" Goku asked, now really confused. "But aren't those monsters?"
"Not a 'ghoul,' you dunce!" He snapped, whacking his boy on the head. "A 'girl!' A 'girl!'"
"Ohhhhh! A 'gurl!'" Goku smiled, his face shining with understanding. Then, it went blank again. "What's a 'gurl'?" he asked his grandfather.
"Well…" Once again, Gohan was left with finding the proper words to tell him. But this time, they came to him quite easily. "A girl…is a mystical being, full of life, energy, and beauty…" At the word 'beauty,' his eyes grew hazy, as he imagined himself naked in a steaming hot tub, accompanied only by the magical angel known as 'girl'…
"Like a witch?" Goku lurched backwards, and Gohan facefaulted. "Gee, this 'gurl' thing sounds pretty scary, if you ask me."
"WELL NOBODY'S ASKING YOU!!!" The boy fell to the old man's screaming, landing on his back roughly. "I should've never told you those fairy tales…" he muttered under his breath.
Gohan straightened up again, getting his temper under control again. "Listen carefully, Goku," he said seriously, looking him straight in the eye. "If you remember only one thing I've ever taught you, remember this: If you ever meet a girl, treat her nice." He leaned away. "Do you understand?"
Goku regarded this statement for a moment more, then broke out into an all out smile. "Yeah, I gotcha," he said cheerfully, then took a questioning expression. "'Course, I still don't know what's so great about them."
"You'll see…" Gohan said cryptically as he led Goku by the hand, exiting out the doorway.
*****
"Dosen't that mean 'bloomers?!' Haw!" Goku burst out laughing at the funny name.
"Shut up!! I didn't pick it!!" The underwear girl was less pleased, showing off her teeth as fangs, like she was ready to bite into the little twerp. But he just continued laughing and laughing. "Ha ha ha! 'Bloomers'!!"
"Little twerp…!" Bulma muttered as she got out her capsule case. "I hate little twerps!"
*****
"Goku, you're so stupid!" Bulma yelled out, as Goku took on the huge monster all by himself. The beast was more that four times his size, yet the boy was unafraid. He just waited patiently, in his Jan-Ken form, for the enemy to strike…
*****
"Goku, you're insane!" Bulma couldn't stop her laughter as Goku pulled his antics, dancing around and spinning on his tail like some sort of mythical breakdancer. He looked so happy that she was tempted to join him. If only she had a tail…
*****
"Goku?"
*****
"Goku!"
*****
"Goku…"
*****
WAKE UP.
Goku woke with a start, lurching upright up from his bed, glancing all around him. He flailed his arms at his imaginary attacker, hoping to bring him down by chance. In the end, though, the only thing he managed to knock over was Nyoibo, sending the rod spilling out of the sheath onto the floor.
Rod.
Goku couldn't believe his eyes. Nyoido was whole again, in as perfect of a condition as the day he received it. It showed no signs of ever being broken; it was smooth and beautiful, not even a dent in the red wood.
A small spark appeared in the corner of his eye.
Goku turned around.
Sushinchu…was glowing.
Yes, the Four Star Ball was actually glowing, with none of its brothers in sight. It blazed with a saffron shine, radiating a calm aura that was all its own. A magical sight that had no explanation, except that it was magic.
It didn't last, though. The glow was already started to fade when Goku had begun gazing at it. The aura grew weaker and weaker with each passing moment, and soon, it was just another ornament, sitting still on top a soft, fuzzy cushion.
But it didn't matter.
Because that glow was all Goku needed.
[Tokihamichite…
Oometsua oometsuaraaa...]
The light that had entered his eyes unloaded a rapid flood of emotion within him, suddenly filling his heart with an intense rush of strength, determination, and love, all these unlocking the solution that he held all along...
He knew.
He knew what to do.
[YUDULIYA-VELE, YUDULIYA-VELE, YUDULIYA-VELE,
YUDULIYA IYALIYA]
He had been so stupid, running away from his problems and hiding out in a shack at the end of the world. He had been so scared and confused that he forgot the one thing that would always guide him.
Son Goku never quits. Ever.
[A, sokonashino kyofu-hikitsure…]
Goku leapt out of bed, going to the closet and pulling out the gi that was obviously meant for him. He jumped into the pants and slipped on the vest without a second thought.
[A, noberikuru ja-akunatamashii…]
He tied the cloth belt into a bow, slipped his feet into the Kung-fu shoes, and grabbed the hand-guards from the shelve, straightening one, then the other, making sure both were secure with a solid snap.
[Makerarenai ummeinowakareme,
Yarushikanai yoakenimeiokakete]
With Sushinchu in pouch, Goku walked to the morning breeze, which rolled his spikes backwards into a razor. He stepped over the sabertooth tiger, who murmured tiredly. He smiled. "Take care of the place while I'm gone!" he told it, who looked at him goggle-eyed. He turned towards the dawn horizon.
[Konotede!!]
Then he started walking.
[WOW WOW! Kanarazu!
Orehaoreokoetekuze,
WOW WOW! Kioatsumete!
Kurayamiotobase.]
Son Goku walked away from his Grandpa's home, once again on his journey to the west. With a gaze both solid and firm, he walked with purpose towards the too-far horison, knowing he was going to reach it.
For behind that horizon was the fight of his life, the journey of his youth, and the crazy, blue-haired girl he loved, who he would share it all with. With this driving him, he called out for Kintuon, which appeared from the heavens.
And as he zoomed off, an old man smiled.
Additional Disclaimer(s): "Spirit Vs. Spirit" belongs to Kageyama Hironobu, and to all other contributors. The quote "If you ever meet a girl, treat her nice" and all the quotes within Section 9 were taken directly from Dragon Ball, Volume #1.
Until next time, Ja ne! ^_^