Berter Beginnings: A Ginyu Force Outlook
By Son Rhandi
Part 7
"So, how's it feel to be home, Berter?" asked his father while nursing a mug of water. "It feels good, father," he replied appropriately. "I didn't realize how much I actually missed being here."
"You should have seen your mother, all in a tizzy about you comin' home. She really missed you, she did."
"And did you miss me, father..?" Berter looked to his father, hoping for the answer he so desired. His father looked him in the eyes and smiled, placing a hand on Berter's tan-scaled head.
"'Course I missed you. You're my son, remember? I think it would only be natural to regret the absence of my kid if he was gone for two years."
"Right. I'm sorry..." he apologized, feeling a bit sheepish. His father's merely struck a grin and left it at that.
"Hey, how is my little boy doing?" the pleasant voice of his mother sauntered in. "I've prepared a huge dinner for you, so I hope you're hungry."
"He's a man now. Stop referring to him as a little boy."
"I know, but he will always be my little boy." Berter's mother scooped him up inside her arms, placing his head to her reptilian bosom. He hadn't been so fussed over since he was a little boy. Mother was always best known for mollycoddling….
"Well, go in and fill up, Berter. You'll need it for tomorrow."
"What are we doing tomorrow, father?" He asked curiously.
"You will train. I will instruct."
You must be joking….. "But, dear," Berter's mother stepped in. "He just got back. Let him rest for a few days."
"I'm sorry, but that won't be happening. Berter only has three months to prepare, and I want to insure that he will be able to compete to carry on the bloodline. Don't you want grandchildren?"
"Well, of course I do, but--"
"No 'buts'. Now, Berter, go in and eat your fill, then get some rest."
"Yes, father." A little disappointed, Berter trudged inside. Has anyone around here given a thought as to what I wanted? In from training, and back again. But there's really no use in complaining about it. I have to accept what is.
"Now, when I was your age, I didn't complain," His father started off. Berter knew where this was leading. "I knew better. I just did what my parents told me. Not like you kids today. No, sir. Always wanting to do things the easy way. That's what's wrong with the lot of you; no work ethic. But we'll fix that."
It was going to be a long three months.
Surprisingly, the three months passed like the fleeting wind. Berter ended up being much bigger and stronger than ever before. And just in time, too, for this was the day of the Regional Championships. He and his family arrived at the arena at which the Championship was being held.
"What a nice day for a battle," Berter's mother said.
"The skies are more red than usual around this time. They say it's a sign from the gods," His father spoke. "When Championship time comes around, the blood of our ancestors adds to the color in the skies, making them appear as a richer shade of red. It must be true. Even when the duration of training time is shortened, the skies still deepen."
"Hm." Berter said nothing despite the talks of religion. Now was not a time to converse about the faith. Now was the time for mind preparation on his part. He'd have to contend with 25 other Tokage who he was certain were all bigger, faster, and stronger than him.
"Berter," his mother placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you ready?"
"I suppose so."
"Then, come on," his father bellowed. "Time to go and make us proud."
"So, this is the tourney their offspring take place in every four years?"
"Every two, sir. Now that we've established trade with them," the jade skinned one replied.
"Battling for mates," the obese pink one grumbled. "It sounds like something those barbaric Saiyans would conduct."
"Dodoria," said Zarbon. "It's imperative that we make a good impression on these people, so keep your comments to yourself."
"Hmph."
"Zarbon is right, Dodoria," Frieza said, taking a sip of his cup of blood wine. "Establishing trade is no easy task. If you kill our chances with these people, I'll kill you. Don't make me have to warn you again."
"Y--Yes, sir……."
"And furthermore," Frieza continued. "They were gracious enough to invite us during one of their sacred traditions, so you'd best be grateful."
"Yes, of course, master Frieza. Please excuse my ignorance."
"Just make sure it doesn't happen again."
Bowing humbly, Dodoria re-seated himself beside Frieza and said nothing more.
"Excuse, please. Does this path lead to the male fighters' reception room?" Berter asked another Tokage who looked about his age.
"Aye. Straight down that way and it's the first room on your left. I'm on my way there, myself. Let's go together."
"Hello. They call me Berter."
"I am known as Furomaaju. Just call me Maju for short. It's a lot easier to say."
"It's nice to meet you, Maju. We should go now, before we're late."
"Berter!!! Hey, Berter!!!" He turned around upon hearing the call of his name. Running up to him like a madman, laughing and gallivanting about, the one known as Tage made the scene.
"Tage! Tage, it's been so long!!" Embracing his comrade, Berter turns to Maju and introduces him. "Maju, this is Tage, my best friend from adulthood camp. Tage, this is Furomaaju, but he prefers to be called Maju." Tage and Maju exchanged pleasantries.
"Excuse us, but would you happen to know where the female fighters' reception room is?"
"Why, sure! I—I………" Maju was left gawking at the three Tokage females which stood before him, as was Tage. Even Berter's mouth was hanging open a bit. These are what females are like? Wow………
"Well?" The tallest of the three inquired once more. "Can you tell us where it is?"
"Uh…….Straight down that path…..first door on your left—no, no! Right! Right!!"
The other two girls giggled. The smallest of the other two females looked at Berter--whose eyes darted between the ground and the girls—and smiled sweetly, causing him to blush deeply, which only caused her to giggle some more.
"Thanks for your help. Good-bye." And with that, the three girls departed for their desired location. Tage nudged Berter with his elbow. "I think the slender girl likes you, Berter."
"Nonsense," he denied, still blushing furiously. "Although I must admit, she was awfully pretty."
"The tall girl wasn't too bad, herself," Maju added.
"I like the mid-sized one. She had the nicest set of fangs I've ever seen on a female."
"Well," sounded an all-too-familiar (and unpleasant) voice. "Keep your eyes to the ground and discontinue lusting upon my sister's looks."
Berter gave the traditional sigh. "Jerin….."
"'ey, Berter," Maju whispered. "Who's this guy here?"
"That's just Jerin. He's no more than a spiteful bully. Don't worry about him."
"That's right. It's me, Jerin. Did you forget I would be here as well?"
"Wow. That was your sister, Jerin?" asked Tage. "She's really pretty."
Maju crinkled up his short muzzle and snorted, "Yes, I can see where all the good looks in the family went. I guess the genes figured there was no point in wasting it on this character."
Jerin blustered while Berter and Tage just snickered. "And just who are you?"
"They call me Maju. At your service," he introduced himself while taking a bow.
"You want to start something, guy? Come on. I can take you."
"Save it for the match, tough guy. You'll get your chance with me. I promise you that. Come on, Berter. Tage." Following Maju, Berter and Tage set forth for the reception room with Jerin following at a considerable distance.