Berter Beginnings: A Ginyu Force Outlook

By Son Rhandi

Part 11

Eventually, the final fights of that day ended, and the first sights of night surfaced.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much, everyone, for coming this day! We have accommodations already prepared for our young warriors, so no worries! Please, return tomorrow at the same time for the Finals! Those who have won, be proud! Those who have lost, be glad that you lost with such honor!"

Berter had won his bout with flying colors, as did his friend Tage, but by different means. (His opponent couldn't stop laughing, so he had to forfeit the match.) The two of them, along with a few other Tokage, sat around a sort of campfire and roasted skewered fish.

"All right! Free rooms and easy prey! Couldn't be better!"

"You're right. It couldn't be better. If you like thin futons and charred fish on sticks, that is…"

"Bah." Berter yanked a fish that was completely cooked and practically inhaled it, tossing the orts back into the river. "You're so spoiled, Tage. This isn't some tavern in the Industrial Region, so it's best not to complain." Tage simply 'humphed' and downed his meal in discontent.

"You had better eat all you can. They'll be calling us in to retire soon."

"I'm going to find something else to eat. There's bound to be a few monkeys or bush rats lurking about. I'll return shortly."

"Alright. I'll have some fish waiting for you in case you don't catch anything." As his friend departed for the nearby bush, Berter picked up the sounds of strong splashing coming from further down the river. Curiously, he got up and moved toward that area. To his surprise, it was a female—one of the three he was earlier that day—in a vain attempt to catch a fish. He watched as the girl kept her head down, eyes following the fish's movements, then comically chasing after it like a child would after a stray ball. Stifling a laugh, Berter called out to her.

"They didn't teach you girls too much about fishing, did they?"

The sudden shout-out startled the girl, making her stumble forward and fall into the water. Sputtering and coughing, the Tokage female cried out, "What business do you have spying on me?!" She snorted out between coughs.

"I'm sorry! I wasn't spying! Truthfully! Do you need assistance?"

"I can get up myself! I don't need any help from you!" Standing up, and obviously in a huff, the Tokage female wrung out the bottom half of her frock, the creases from where the cloth had been twisted together more than visible. Muttering under her breath, she continued to try to catch some food.

"Here. Let me show you the right way to do it." Crouching down and placing his large hands in the water, Berter proceeded with the lesson. "Now, watch me." Remaining inert, the Tokage male watched the water patiently. Cocking her head to one side, the female spoke up.

"When are you actually going to do something?"

"Ssh. Just watch."

As if on cue, two fish cautiously swam up to Berter's hands. Not seeming to consider them a threat, they went about the usual business of swimming. Suddenly, he snatched both of them up in either hand, water splashing up all around.

"Our hands were made for fishing. That's why they're as wide as they are. All you have to do is keep still and quiet, and the fish will come to you. Here. These are yours."

Holding out both hands, he presented to her the catch of the day. Reluctantly, the female took the fish, the slimy texture of their skin not bothering her in the least, for such a thing was expected. But it was clear that something else wasn't. A look of puzzlement ran cross her face. For whatever reason, the Tokage male had his sights fixated on her, and was grinning witlessly, to boot.

Quirking an eye ridge, the female spoke up. "Why are you staring at me?"

Having been snapped out of whatever trance he had been in, Berter apologized. "Please, pardon my rudeness," said he, abashed. "Greetings. I am know as Berter."

"Neizu. Neizu of Roderin. I'd gladly talk to you further," she threw in a sarcastic cough. "but I want to train some before tomorrow." Turning on her heel, she began to walk off.

"Hey, wait!" He quickly sprung up from his crouched position and trotted up to her. "Would you mind if I accompanied you?"

"Yes, actually," she replied haughtily. "Thank you for the fishing lesson. I suppose I'll see you tomorrow, eh? Goodbye, Barter."

"It's Berter, and you're welcome." Waiting till she was out of sight, Berter kicked at the dirt, hissing through his teeth and swearing inwardly. What a obnoxious girl… It's a shame her personality isn't as good as her looks… I'd feel sorry for the poor male that ends up with her for a mate…

Elsewhere…

"You know, you did very well today. I'm glad you were able to make it as one of the finalists. I'm very proud of you."

"You doubted me?"

"Of course not," he replied, pulling her closer as she nestled into his side. "Brother, could I ask you something..?"

"Feel free," the Tokage replied, trailing his forefinger along her neck. He was swiftly rewarded with a soft coo of sorts, letting him know he was doing okay.

"What happens… if we both reach the same rank tomorrow…. and have to be paired up as mates?"

"I don't know. It's been known to happen, so we wouldn't have to worry about being ridiculed. If anything, we might be congratulated, for it will show that we carry strong blood."

The male could see a bit of worry in her eyes. "Don't frown. You look so much prettier with a smile on your face." Sighing dispiritedly, she rested her head on his broad shoulder. "You want to take me as a mate, don't you..?"

Not really having anything to say to that, he turned his head. The female cocked her head and tugged on his cassock. "Are you all right?"

"Don't concern yourself with my feelings. It doesn't matter. Just know if fate deals us that card, I'll be the best mate I can be to you."

"Many thanks. I love you, Jerin."

"And I love you, Rico, my dearest sister."