Chapter V - Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
--------------
You were once
My one companion...
You were all that mattered.
You were once
A friend and father -
Then my world was shattered
Wishing you were somehow here again...
Wishing you were somehow near...
Sometimes it seemed,
If I just dreamed,
Somehow you would
Be here...
Wishing I could hear your voice again...
Knowing that I never would...
Dreaming of you,
Won't help me to do,
All that you dreamed
I could...
Passing bells
And sculpted angels,
Cold and monumental,
Seem, for you,
The wrong companions -
You were warm and gentle...
Too many years
Fighting back tears...
Why can't the past
Just die?
Wishing you were somehow here again...
Knowing we must say goodbye...
Try to forgive,
Teach me to live,
Give me the strength
To try...
No more memories
No more silent tears
No more gazing across
The wasted years...
Help me say...
goodbye...
----------------
Kakarika walked over to ice-coated tree, digging through her backpack. She drew out a small packet containing pictures of each member of her family. She leaned against the icy trunk, gazing at the pictures. A single tear fell from her eye as she realized that she may never see them again.
"Nice-looking family." Trunks said from over her shoulder.
Kakarika jumped and started to put the pictures back in her bag. Trunks grabbed her arm, "It's alright. I can understand how you feel. I don't know what I'd do without my family... although I wouldn't mind getting rid of Father."
Kakarika chuckled, and Trunks sat down next to her, "You're pretty brave, you know that? You ran into a flaming building just to rescue someone who hates you. I know you're not evil. And don't worry about Father, he's like that. He doesn't trust anyone, not even Goku... well, especially not Goku. He wants to kill him."
Kakarika looked over at Trunks, "I know. Where I come from, you are all cartoon characters, on a TV show. If you ever went to my dimension, you'd be very well-known. I know a lot more about you than you would think... much more than you know about me. I didn't tell anyone else that because, well, frankly, I don't think they'd be too comfortable knowing that. This body that I'm in? It's a creature I dreamed up a long time ago, an Alcoan. I guess when I was transferred into this dimension, I got stuck in this body. Not that I mind, I've always dreamed about flying."
Trunks looked down at the ground, "So... we're just cartoon characters? That's pretty hard to swallow. Can you prove it?"
Kakarika shook her head, "Well, yes and no. I could tell you a lot about most of the Z fighters, and their adventures in general. But I can't back up the fact that in my world, you're all cartoon characters. I don't think I brought a tape with me."
"Well, how about Piccolo?" Trunks smiled, "Tell me about him."
"Piccolo was 'born' when Piccolo Daimou spat out an egg after being defeated by young Goku. Piccolo was born to hate Goku, and to destroy Goku (seems that seems to be a lot of peoples' goals). He was defeated in the Tenkachi Budoukai by none other than Goku. They teamed up again to defeat Raditz, whom Piccolo defeated with his Makankosappo. Anyway, afterwards, Piccolo decided to train Gohan. Lesse, Piccolo was destroyed when he jumped in front of an energy beam meant for Gohan... would you like me to continue?"
Trunks shook his head, his eyes wide, "Wow, you really do know a lot about us. Piccolo would never tell his history to anyone, especially a stranger. Who all have you met in this dimension?"
Kakarika sighed, "Just you, your family, and Goku. I'd like to meet the others soon."
Suddenly, a bright flash of light lit the sky. Everyone turned to look at the source. From the middle of the fire-destroyed city, a multicolored beam had erupted. The light opened up, sweeping across the graveyard. Wherever it touched, that area was restored to the way it had been.
"The egg!" Kakarika shouted, "The egg's doing that!"
As if on cue, a magnificent dragon rose from the ashes, with gorgeous feathered wings and intelligent, piercing eyes. It whistled in low tones, flying towards the hill. As it landed, it swept its wings up, bowing.
*I am Neo Shenron.* The dragon said telepathically, *I felt the danger to my master, as well as the fear of the other people. I knew that I was needed. That is why I am here.*
Kakarika nodded, unexpected tears springing to her eyes, "Are... are you MY dragon?"
Neo Shenron smirked, showing long pointed fangs that somehow made it seem more magnificent, *For the time being. But I am not a pet. I am a friend, a companion, an ally. I am here to help the fight against the Evil.*
Neo Shenron glowed, becoming smaller and smaller, until he was no larger than a robin. He slithered up Kakarika's shoulder, perching on it.
*Comfortable.* Neo Shenron commented, smoothing out the wrinkles in her gi.
"Ouch! No digging!" Kakarika shouted as Neo Shenron's claws started digging into her shoulder.
Without warning, an orange light started pulsing in her backpack. She dug into her bag and pulled out the five-star Dragonball.
"What's this? It's... glowing!" Kakarika hissed sharply.
"That means another one is nearby!" Trunks said, excited, "Let's go get it!"
Kakarika held the dragonball above her head, chanting something in a strange language that sounded a lot like birdsong. The dragonball glowed brighter and brighter, the light splitting into six beams that flew off in seperate directions. All the birds nearby lifted their voices, and the sound of wolves howling filled the air. Neo Shenron lifted his little head and whistled in a sound like a cross between whalesong and a flute. From the six beams of light, six dragonballs traveled, riding the beams like glowing highways. With a loud clack like marbles smacking together, accompanied by a brilliant flash of blue-white lightning, the seven dragonballs fell to the ground in a cluster.
"What did you do?" Trunks said, awed, "They're all here!"
*Mmmm...* Neo Shenron nodded approvingly, *Eternal Summon, the Alcoan's Gift.*
Kakarika's vision blurred, darkness closing in. The last thing she remembered was Neo Shenron's squeal of protest before it launched off of her shoulder. Trunks swept in to catch her, but she was already unconscious before impact.
--------------
"You were once, my one companion... you were all that mattered..." A sad-sounding voice sang.
Kakarika, no, Kelli looked around. She was in a graveyard, a fog hanging low over the chilly place. She walked towards the sound of the voice.
There, kneeling before a grave, was herself. Her Alcoan self.
"You were once, a friend and father... then my world was shattered..." The person continued.
Kelli raised her voice into her natural soprano, "Wishing you were somehow here again..."
The Alcoan turned, and sang, "Wishing you were somehow near..."
"Sometimes it seemed..."
"If I just dreamed..."
Here, the two lifted their voices together, "Somehow you would, be here."
The Alcoan, Kakarika, stood, "This is the Dark World, Kelli. Where all negative thoughts and feelings go."
"And why are you here?" Kelli asked, looking around at the misty landscape, "This place is so... dismal."
"You've shunned me, Kelli. Until you can learn to embrace me as you, until we become one, the evil that threatens the universe cannot be conquered." Kakarika sighed sadly, "This world is not evil... it's actually more sad than evil. To defeat this monster, the Dark World and the Light World must become one. Dragon and human must rise to face Armageddon."
"Armageddon? The end of the world?" Kelli started.
"When this evil rises to face you, Kelli, the world will end." Kakarika nodded.
"But... but then what's the point of fighting at all if the world is doomed anyway?" Kelli said. She shook her head slowly, trying to comprehend it all.
"Kelli. Always trying to find explanations. One simple reason lies in this battle... survival. The world will end, and the battle will be held in the Realm of Shadows, the evil's home turf. If you win, then... well, I'm not sure what will happen. But if you lose... let's just make sure you don't lose. That WE don't lose. Friends are a valuable thing, strengthen them, make them powerful bonds. Those bonds will ultimately win the day." Kakarika smiled, holding out a claw to Kelli.
Kelli grasped the Alcoan's claw. A brilliant white light blossomed like a flower above them. Kelli and Kakarika flapped their wings, rising to meet the challenge.
"Go back to the beginning... back to where it all began." A whispered voice called.
The two warriors flew into the light, never looking back.
-------------------
"Hey, she's coming to!" A voice. Goku? No, it sounded younger, teenager-like.
Kakarika struggled out of the darkness that had enveloped her very being. It was like swimming through tar. The sticky darkness clung to her wings, her tail, trying to pull her back down to the abyss. Finally, Kakarika forced her eyes open.
A teenager that looked almost exactly like Goku was staring down at her. She sat up quickly and was rewarded by severe dizziness. Her stomach roiled, and she almost passed out again. She moaned softly, sliding back against the headboard. But she had seen what she wanted to see. Several of the Z Fighters were sitting nearby, gazing at her. Kakarika struggled to a sitting position, ignoring the wave of dizziness.
"Ah, so the little lizard is awake. About damn time." Kakarika recognized Vegeta's voice. She snarled and a huge ice cube dropped on the saiya-jin's head.
Kakarika looked suddenly from Goku to the younger version of Goku, "Eh? Goku? And... Goku?"
"No," The teenage Goku laughed, "I'm Goten, Goku's second son."
Kakarika smacked herself on the head, "Duh, stupid me. Of course you're Goten... I guess I kinda forgot."
Goten smiled in the ditzy fashion just like his father. Kakarika looked around at all the others.
"The reason I called you all here is because of why I'm here." Kakarika started, "I was sent here from my dimension to stop an evil monster from destroying life as we know it. I realize now that my summoning the dragonballs was for a reason. We need to keep them all, not summoning Shenron."
Her last words caused the others to look at one another, confused. Kakarika suddenly looked around, startled.
"Where's Neo Shenron?" She sifted through the sheets, looking around in a panic.
"If you mean the little lizard that was with you, he's dangling from the ceiling fan." Vegeta smirked.
Kakarika looked up, to see Neo Shenron dangling from one of the fan's blades by his tail.
"Hello 'Rika." Neo Shenron said, waving a claw.
"Neo Shenron, I thought I'd lost you!" Kakarika smiled, relieved.
"Such a long name. Just call me Neo." The little dragon waved his claw dismissively, dropping down onto Kakarika's lap.
"That is soooo Matrix." Kakarika laughed.
"What?" Neo looked confused.
"Nothing, Keanu Reeves." Kakarika smirked.
Neo Shenron looked even more confused, "Who?"
"Follow the White Rabbit." Kakarika was thoroughly enjoying this.
"What white rabbit?!" Neo shenron started clawing at his mane in frustration.
"The red pill or the blue pill?" Kakarika laughed maniacally.
Neo pointed a claw at Kakarika, "That's enough! You're confusing me!"
Kakarika wiped a tear from her eye, "Okay, I've confuse you enough."
"Will you get on with the fucking story already?!" Vegeta yelled, "I did not come here to sit around and watch you play with that damn lizard!"
"Right," Kakarika sighed, "I guess I should go back to the beginning. Back to where it all began."
--------------
You were once
My one companion...
You were all that mattered.
You were once
A friend and father -
Then my world was shattered
Wishing you were somehow here again...
Wishing you were somehow near...
Sometimes it seemed,
If I just dreamed,
Somehow you would
Be here...
Wishing I could hear your voice again...
Knowing that I never would...
Dreaming of you,
Won't help me to do,
All that you dreamed
I could...
Passing bells
And sculpted angels,
Cold and monumental,
Seem, for you,
The wrong companions -
You were warm and gentle...
Too many years
Fighting back tears...
Why can't the past
Just die?
Wishing you were somehow here again...
Knowing we must say goodbye...
Try to forgive,
Teach me to live,
Give me the strength
To try...
No more memories
No more silent tears
No more gazing across
The wasted years...
Help me say...
goodbye...
----------------
Kakarika walked over to ice-coated tree, digging through her backpack. She drew out a small packet containing pictures of each member of her family. She leaned against the icy trunk, gazing at the pictures. A single tear fell from her eye as she realized that she may never see them again.
"Nice-looking family." Trunks said from over her shoulder.
Kakarika jumped and started to put the pictures back in her bag. Trunks grabbed her arm, "It's alright. I can understand how you feel. I don't know what I'd do without my family... although I wouldn't mind getting rid of Father."
Kakarika chuckled, and Trunks sat down next to her, "You're pretty brave, you know that? You ran into a flaming building just to rescue someone who hates you. I know you're not evil. And don't worry about Father, he's like that. He doesn't trust anyone, not even Goku... well, especially not Goku. He wants to kill him."
Kakarika looked over at Trunks, "I know. Where I come from, you are all cartoon characters, on a TV show. If you ever went to my dimension, you'd be very well-known. I know a lot more about you than you would think... much more than you know about me. I didn't tell anyone else that because, well, frankly, I don't think they'd be too comfortable knowing that. This body that I'm in? It's a creature I dreamed up a long time ago, an Alcoan. I guess when I was transferred into this dimension, I got stuck in this body. Not that I mind, I've always dreamed about flying."
Trunks looked down at the ground, "So... we're just cartoon characters? That's pretty hard to swallow. Can you prove it?"
Kakarika shook her head, "Well, yes and no. I could tell you a lot about most of the Z fighters, and their adventures in general. But I can't back up the fact that in my world, you're all cartoon characters. I don't think I brought a tape with me."
"Well, how about Piccolo?" Trunks smiled, "Tell me about him."
"Piccolo was 'born' when Piccolo Daimou spat out an egg after being defeated by young Goku. Piccolo was born to hate Goku, and to destroy Goku (seems that seems to be a lot of peoples' goals). He was defeated in the Tenkachi Budoukai by none other than Goku. They teamed up again to defeat Raditz, whom Piccolo defeated with his Makankosappo. Anyway, afterwards, Piccolo decided to train Gohan. Lesse, Piccolo was destroyed when he jumped in front of an energy beam meant for Gohan... would you like me to continue?"
Trunks shook his head, his eyes wide, "Wow, you really do know a lot about us. Piccolo would never tell his history to anyone, especially a stranger. Who all have you met in this dimension?"
Kakarika sighed, "Just you, your family, and Goku. I'd like to meet the others soon."
Suddenly, a bright flash of light lit the sky. Everyone turned to look at the source. From the middle of the fire-destroyed city, a multicolored beam had erupted. The light opened up, sweeping across the graveyard. Wherever it touched, that area was restored to the way it had been.
"The egg!" Kakarika shouted, "The egg's doing that!"
As if on cue, a magnificent dragon rose from the ashes, with gorgeous feathered wings and intelligent, piercing eyes. It whistled in low tones, flying towards the hill. As it landed, it swept its wings up, bowing.
*I am Neo Shenron.* The dragon said telepathically, *I felt the danger to my master, as well as the fear of the other people. I knew that I was needed. That is why I am here.*
Kakarika nodded, unexpected tears springing to her eyes, "Are... are you MY dragon?"
Neo Shenron smirked, showing long pointed fangs that somehow made it seem more magnificent, *For the time being. But I am not a pet. I am a friend, a companion, an ally. I am here to help the fight against the Evil.*
Neo Shenron glowed, becoming smaller and smaller, until he was no larger than a robin. He slithered up Kakarika's shoulder, perching on it.
*Comfortable.* Neo Shenron commented, smoothing out the wrinkles in her gi.
"Ouch! No digging!" Kakarika shouted as Neo Shenron's claws started digging into her shoulder.
Without warning, an orange light started pulsing in her backpack. She dug into her bag and pulled out the five-star Dragonball.
"What's this? It's... glowing!" Kakarika hissed sharply.
"That means another one is nearby!" Trunks said, excited, "Let's go get it!"
Kakarika held the dragonball above her head, chanting something in a strange language that sounded a lot like birdsong. The dragonball glowed brighter and brighter, the light splitting into six beams that flew off in seperate directions. All the birds nearby lifted their voices, and the sound of wolves howling filled the air. Neo Shenron lifted his little head and whistled in a sound like a cross between whalesong and a flute. From the six beams of light, six dragonballs traveled, riding the beams like glowing highways. With a loud clack like marbles smacking together, accompanied by a brilliant flash of blue-white lightning, the seven dragonballs fell to the ground in a cluster.
"What did you do?" Trunks said, awed, "They're all here!"
*Mmmm...* Neo Shenron nodded approvingly, *Eternal Summon, the Alcoan's Gift.*
Kakarika's vision blurred, darkness closing in. The last thing she remembered was Neo Shenron's squeal of protest before it launched off of her shoulder. Trunks swept in to catch her, but she was already unconscious before impact.
--------------
"You were once, my one companion... you were all that mattered..." A sad-sounding voice sang.
Kakarika, no, Kelli looked around. She was in a graveyard, a fog hanging low over the chilly place. She walked towards the sound of the voice.
There, kneeling before a grave, was herself. Her Alcoan self.
"You were once, a friend and father... then my world was shattered..." The person continued.
Kelli raised her voice into her natural soprano, "Wishing you were somehow here again..."
The Alcoan turned, and sang, "Wishing you were somehow near..."
"Sometimes it seemed..."
"If I just dreamed..."
Here, the two lifted their voices together, "Somehow you would, be here."
The Alcoan, Kakarika, stood, "This is the Dark World, Kelli. Where all negative thoughts and feelings go."
"And why are you here?" Kelli asked, looking around at the misty landscape, "This place is so... dismal."
"You've shunned me, Kelli. Until you can learn to embrace me as you, until we become one, the evil that threatens the universe cannot be conquered." Kakarika sighed sadly, "This world is not evil... it's actually more sad than evil. To defeat this monster, the Dark World and the Light World must become one. Dragon and human must rise to face Armageddon."
"Armageddon? The end of the world?" Kelli started.
"When this evil rises to face you, Kelli, the world will end." Kakarika nodded.
"But... but then what's the point of fighting at all if the world is doomed anyway?" Kelli said. She shook her head slowly, trying to comprehend it all.
"Kelli. Always trying to find explanations. One simple reason lies in this battle... survival. The world will end, and the battle will be held in the Realm of Shadows, the evil's home turf. If you win, then... well, I'm not sure what will happen. But if you lose... let's just make sure you don't lose. That WE don't lose. Friends are a valuable thing, strengthen them, make them powerful bonds. Those bonds will ultimately win the day." Kakarika smiled, holding out a claw to Kelli.
Kelli grasped the Alcoan's claw. A brilliant white light blossomed like a flower above them. Kelli and Kakarika flapped their wings, rising to meet the challenge.
"Go back to the beginning... back to where it all began." A whispered voice called.
The two warriors flew into the light, never looking back.
-------------------
"Hey, she's coming to!" A voice. Goku? No, it sounded younger, teenager-like.
Kakarika struggled out of the darkness that had enveloped her very being. It was like swimming through tar. The sticky darkness clung to her wings, her tail, trying to pull her back down to the abyss. Finally, Kakarika forced her eyes open.
A teenager that looked almost exactly like Goku was staring down at her. She sat up quickly and was rewarded by severe dizziness. Her stomach roiled, and she almost passed out again. She moaned softly, sliding back against the headboard. But she had seen what she wanted to see. Several of the Z Fighters were sitting nearby, gazing at her. Kakarika struggled to a sitting position, ignoring the wave of dizziness.
"Ah, so the little lizard is awake. About damn time." Kakarika recognized Vegeta's voice. She snarled and a huge ice cube dropped on the saiya-jin's head.
Kakarika looked suddenly from Goku to the younger version of Goku, "Eh? Goku? And... Goku?"
"No," The teenage Goku laughed, "I'm Goten, Goku's second son."
Kakarika smacked herself on the head, "Duh, stupid me. Of course you're Goten... I guess I kinda forgot."
Goten smiled in the ditzy fashion just like his father. Kakarika looked around at all the others.
"The reason I called you all here is because of why I'm here." Kakarika started, "I was sent here from my dimension to stop an evil monster from destroying life as we know it. I realize now that my summoning the dragonballs was for a reason. We need to keep them all, not summoning Shenron."
Her last words caused the others to look at one another, confused. Kakarika suddenly looked around, startled.
"Where's Neo Shenron?" She sifted through the sheets, looking around in a panic.
"If you mean the little lizard that was with you, he's dangling from the ceiling fan." Vegeta smirked.
Kakarika looked up, to see Neo Shenron dangling from one of the fan's blades by his tail.
"Hello 'Rika." Neo Shenron said, waving a claw.
"Neo Shenron, I thought I'd lost you!" Kakarika smiled, relieved.
"Such a long name. Just call me Neo." The little dragon waved his claw dismissively, dropping down onto Kakarika's lap.
"That is soooo Matrix." Kakarika laughed.
"What?" Neo looked confused.
"Nothing, Keanu Reeves." Kakarika smirked.
Neo Shenron looked even more confused, "Who?"
"Follow the White Rabbit." Kakarika was thoroughly enjoying this.
"What white rabbit?!" Neo shenron started clawing at his mane in frustration.
"The red pill or the blue pill?" Kakarika laughed maniacally.
Neo pointed a claw at Kakarika, "That's enough! You're confusing me!"
Kakarika wiped a tear from her eye, "Okay, I've confuse you enough."
"Will you get on with the fucking story already?!" Vegeta yelled, "I did not come here to sit around and watch you play with that damn lizard!"
"Right," Kakarika sighed, "I guess I should go back to the beginning. Back to where it all began."
