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 handwriting.
Epilogue 1: Our New Paths
*****
In the eastern side of the world, among the mountains and trees, was a lonely little hut, sitting there all by itself. It was a modest dwelling: no frills, and little decoration. Just a well, a small garage, and just enough space to support a family of three.
Though it did that no more.
If Son Goku were to travel to that house, he would've sensed a disconcerting aura radiating from the residence. Though the grass was cut, and the flowers looked managed, there was something wrong with the place. The birds sang and the crickets chirped, but not a sound came from this illusion of home. All the lights were out, and the entire house seemed dead and forgotten, like a tombstone with no flowers.
If Son Goku were to open the door, a deathlike chill would bluster past him, halting his progress with a startled twitch. The familiar hum of fans and air-conditioning was absent; already a few flies had started to make their home here. And though everywhere he'd look would be a table, a chair, or some other commodity, all of the homey touches: baubles, pictures, and mementos, were gone.
If Son Goku were to walk into the kitchen, he'd feel the same coldness he felt earlier intensify one more step. The table was set, but there was no food to eat. Bowls were in the cupboard, but not in the sink. All these little things would shout out at him, stuff you would never have thought twice about, unless they were gone.
And if Son Goku were to look at the desk, he would find one small note, the only object left on it. It was written in neat, unhurried cursive, nothing fancy, but the fact that it was there screamed out loud enough, for it was the only sign of life in the entire house.
This was waiting, should Son Goku ever return:
{To Goku:
If you are reading this, you will have noticed that we no longer live here. Or at least you'll know there's no food in the fridge for you. Kidding. I know you're not that dense, but I still would've liked to leave at least a sandwich for you, if I remembered. But since I don't know when you'll come back, this was probably for the best. Nothing's worse than rotten food, like that moldy old baloney demonstrated.
First off, I would just like to say I don't hate you. I actually agree with what you did, and I'm proud of you for having the heart to be honest with me. Even before the trip, I could sense the gap widening between us, and I fear if this didn't happen, we would've met an end much more tragic than this. Though I love you and always will, it was time for us, both of us, to move on.
Gohan and I have moved to Satan City. You know, where Orange Star middle school is. It makes it a lot more convenient to take Gohan to school and, although he could just as easily fly from here, it makes me feel more like a mother to drive him and chat about the days events. The sweet boy's taking our separation extremely well, after all, so I owe him that much.
Don't worry about him, he's fine. I know he was crushed knowing that his mom and dad weren't together anymore, but he's determined to be strong and hold no malice toward either of his parents. Comes from having a pure heart, like his father. Actually, he's made a whole load of new friends, like Ireeza, Shapner, and that cute Videl girl. (I think he likes her!)
I think we're all on a new horizon now, and we only have a brighter future to look forward to. May the best of luck come to yours.
Love, always,
Chichi}
*****
On the other side of the world, a large cliff overlooked the endless sea. It stood tall over the waters, high enough to escape the brunt of the violent waves, but not so high that the crashing couldn't be heard from the top. For the broken man that sat there could hear them just fine, and that was good. It made for a nice distraction from his own, tortured thoughts.
Vegeta sat on the rocky outlook, looking out at the slow moving clouds. Sad eyes followed the meeting between water and sky, scanning over it as if he was looking for something. Except for some simple, black briefs, he was completely naked, his bruised muscles exposed to the sea breeze. And his hands rested in his lap, grasping onto a blue, spandex uniform.
His Sayian uniform.
What had happened? He was supposed to be the strongest in the universe. And yet that third class had managed to defeat him. He was utterly humiliated, and had lost all of his pride. All of it.
(But maybe,) he thought. (Power isn't the answer to everything)
Goku hasn't beaten him because he was the strongest in body. He had beaten him with the strength in his heart. By taking the ultimate risk, he had come out on top with all the spoils.
And Vegeta, who had sneered at everyone in his life, had lost Bulma. Forever.
He sighed. Justice had been served, after all.
Then with a light swing of his arm, he tossed the Saiyan armor over the edge, not even bothering to watch as it stretched and bent over the jagged rock below. It was time for him to find some new clothes, and a new meaning for his life.
Before he lost anything else.
*****
And in one of the many forests that covered the earth, a young man walked through the tree trunks, with every step full of meaning. His blue jacket was firmly wrapped onto his shoulder, and his sword was locked into place. Wiry arms moved back and forth, and violet bangs parted to reveal narrow eyes, shining and pure.
Trunks moved evenly in the woods, touring the nature passively. He didn't hurry; he didn't slack. He just made every step he took count. Businesslike, just how he handled all challenges in his path.
He could still remember the conversation he had with his mother, just before he left her to think for herself. He had slowly approached her, calmly enough so he wouldn't disturb her. Making his steps loud on purpose, he entered within a short distance of her, and soon she looked up at him, saying his name quietly.
"You're going to go, aren't you?" Trunks said, keeping his face neutral.
"W-what…?" Bulma stepped back a bit. "N-no," she denied halfheartedly. "Don't be ridiculous. Why would I…"
But he smiled gently. "It's okay, mother," he told her, moved to look her in the eye. "I know how you must feel about him."
Her eyes widened, completely surprised. "But what about you?" she exclaimed. "If I don't stay with Vegeta, you won't even be born!"
"Don't worry," he said, and then he stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder. "In about a couple of minutes, I bet that won't even bother you at all"
Bulma was obviously confused about what he said, and looked like she was about to ask him to clarify it.
But Trunks just moved in close, kissed his mother on the cheek, and said: "Follow your dreams." And he was gone, just like that.
Trunks knew what would happen. In one minute, she would slowly start to forget what he said. In two, she would start to wonder who she was talking to.
And about three minutes later, Bulma would forget that Mirai Trunks ever existed.
He continued his walk gingerly, idly watching the birds overhead. They flew on strange and winding paths, yet always they knew where they were going. Their path was random, but their goal was clear. Nectar was within reach, if you did reach for it.
Trunks smiled ironically. The chronochords connecting him with this timeline were wearing out. Since his birth was no longer insured here, all the friends he had made would lose their memories of him. Sure, they would remember 'someone' aiding them in their struggle against Gero's creations, but their image of Vegeta's son was gone. He would be just some guy that popped out of space, with a shiny sword and the antidote for Goku.
Except to one man.
He walked a bit faster. His father would hold on to his son's memory, a bit longer anyway. His mind was still burdened with his supposed failure, and that would keep him locked into a future that would never exist for him.
For Vegeta's heart was shattered now, he could feel it in his bones.
And it was that heart he had to save.
"Father, I know you think you're alone now," Trunks gritted his teath. "But I'm still here for you. As long as you suffer, I'll be your guardian angel. The son you never had is still your son, and here's coming to help."
He walked a bit faster.
Author's Notes: Nope, this isn't the end yet! We still have one more section to go. Stay tuned for Epilogue 2, the concluding chapter of "Makafushigi Adventure."
Until next time, Ja ne! ^_^