Berter Beginnings: A Ginyu Force Outlook

By Son Rhandi

Part 9

It continued on like that for the next four hours. Fight after fight, cheer after cheer….

"Okay okay okaaayyy!!!" The announcer proclaimed. "And it looks like we've got our finalists! Please congratulate the ten fantastic females who made it this far!!" And so the spectators did. Quite loudly, in fact.

"As we all know, this marks the halfway point for this day of the Championships. We will be taking a brief intermission, then get rolling with the start of the Male Bouts!" Having said all he needed to say, the announcer took a bow and exited.

"Oh, man. I'm so nervous..! We'll be fighting soon, Berter!"

"Ah, I know. Try not to get overexcited, though."

As the young Tokage men's clamor filled the modest room, the only one who didn't seem too psyched about the whole ordeal was Furomaaju, who had begun to meditate silently.

"Maju," Tage called his name. "How can you just sit there unruffled when our battles are about to begin?"

"Mental preparation is key. If you go out there all hyped up, you won't be able to think straight."

"Ah. You are right—"

"--for once." Jerin cut in, whilst performing what appeared to be shadow boxing. "But physical adequacy is equally important. Isn't that right, Tage?" Tage merely turned his head, not bothering to honor him with a reply.

"Well, I, for one, have nothing to be nervous about. I am wholly confidant that I, Jerin of Ren'nin will come out on top."

"'Jerin of Ren'nin'?"

"Yes. Is that a problem?"

"Ah, not at all," Maju gave his rejoinder while scratching his head. "It's just kind of odd that you choose to use your mother's name. Why is that?"

"Once again, none of your business."

"You're keeping much too many secrets, 'friend' Jerin. It's not good for the mind or soul."

"I have no secrets; only personal businesses."

"Captain Ginyu, sir," the technical lackey addressed him. "You have a call in from Hachuurui."

"Hachuurui?"

"Yes. Addressed to you from Zarbon."

"Alright. Patch me through," The video screen switched on. "Ginyu here."

"Captain Ginyu? It's me. It's Zarbon."

"So I see. This is a video link, you know."

"Pardon, sir," Zarbon expressed his regret. He had a few other things he would have liked to express, but he knew better than to mouth off at one of his superiors. Not after the last time… "Captain Ginyu, I've come to you with a message from you from Lord Frieza."

"Then deliver it quickly. I have other places I need to be."

Yes, Ginyu. I'm sure you do… "You are ordered to leave for Hachuurui with your men immediately. And you are free to stop by Rabenda first, if it so pleases you."

"A trip back home, eh..? Tell Frieza I thank him for the offer, and that my men and I are on our way. Ginyu, signing off."

--POIT!

Zarbon brushed the bangs out of his face and sighed. "Damn, I hate that guy…."