Whooo boy!!!!! This one is a long one! But very important, so pay close attention to the second half of it. In fact, the next five episdoes are going to be longer, desnser, and more dramatic then usual. I promise I'll get back to happier times in the next season. Sorry about the long wait. ~Una
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And if you haven't read the movie yet, READ AND REVIEW!!!!
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******************Episode 42*****************
**Radditz's Mentor; Cole's Plan for Vengeance!!**
Many months passed. Bardock signed off his name for the completion of another mission. He tried to ignore the blank space where Zucina's name normally went, and collected the money. 'Where wa she?'
"Radditz coming home today," asked Tora.
Bardock perked up at the sound of his son's name. "Yup! Finished his first mission yesterday, and comin' home tomorrow!"
Fasha collected hers and Tora's klofshanks. "Don't worry, we'll be back at the landing bay tomorrow morning."
"Thanks!"
"Sure hope I get that acceptance letter, though," said Tora, scratching the back of his head. "Gosh, Bardock! I'm still really honored you considered me to-"
"Don' worry about it," laughed Bardock, slapping his friend on the back. "Who else would I consider to be my son's mentor? And with both mine and Cole's recommendations, yer a shoe in!"
"Wish I had your confidence," muttered Tora. "What if they do a background check and find no father. Bastards don't get pupils."
"I doubt they will," said Fasha. She took her mate's hand and squeezed it lovingly.
Bardock couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. Radditz was born with a power level of 50, indicating him to be a first class! Of all things! A FIRST CLASS!!
When Bardock found himself in bed with Olivia several months before, he became scared and worried; he didn't love Olivia, but he felt he owned it to her to stay for the sake of their unborn child. But when Radditz was born, and a FIRST CLASS, Bardock's heart filled to bursting with pride and hope. If he, the formerly dubbed "Low Level Loser", could produce a first class son, maybe there was a chance for the Sayin social system would fall one day.
Plus the fact that Radditz destroyed a race in near record time didn't hurt!
"Olli-chan is throwing a party tomorrow to celebrate! She's going to be busy preparing a lot of food, so -"
"-So why don't we have a sample," Tora said, finishing his friend's sentence. "We're in!"
"Great!" Bardock turned to look for Cole. "Cole-san! Care fer some early dinner at my place?"
Cole heard nothing, only stared at the check-in list. Bardock followed his gaze to Zucina's name. Bardock closed his eyes, not wanted to look at it. Eight months and no word. The others figured she ran away because she needed to clear her head [after Bardock's mating with Olivia, but they never said this part aloud]. Bardock and Cole, on the other hand, felt strongly that something terrible happened to her. The bond among these three was stronger then most, and their hearts broke at the thought of her hurt somewhere without anyone -
'NO,' Bardock thought, shaking his head. 'I won't think of this again!' He cleared his throat, and Cole turned to face him. "Cole, wanna come over fer dinner?"
"Sure," he smirked slightly. Apparently he was still thinking of Zucina. "As long as you ain't cooking!"
"Naw, dude! You know Olivia's an awesome cook!"
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Olivia finished hanging the banner spelling out "Welcome Home Radditz" in Kraraan, a common language in space. She stood for a moment, admiring her work, and hugged herself contently. Soon, she would also be holding her son again. A FIRST CLASS!!! Just as Uno-sama promised. All she had to do was uphold he end of the bargain, namely teaching Radditz to be a loyal subject of Uno.
She picked up a letter the post delivered earlier that day, and hid it under the cushion of the couch. Her mate would be arriving any moment, and she wanted a peaceful lunch, and that darned letter would spoil it!
"Heya, Olli-chan," Bardock called as he opened the door to their home.
Olivia ran to him and kissed his right cheek.* "Oh, I'm so happy you came here, and not the rejuvenation chamber first! Everything go well?"
"Smooth as Grisg skin!" He stepped aside for the other three to enter. "Hope you don't mind."
"Never," she exclaimed. "I think of you three like part of the family!"
They didn't say a word. Cole thought bitterly how Bardock wanted to mate with Zucina, and vice-versa. But he put on a smile and patted her shoulder gently. "Likewise, my dear! Likewise!"
The five ate heartily, mostly talking about Radditz and Cole's stroke of good luck: Sprouta finally passed the time in her recent pregnancy in which miscarriages occurred. "This is the one," Cole proclaimed, slamming his fist onto the table. "I'll finally have a son!"
"I'm so happy for ya," said Bardock earnestly.
"And I want you to be his mentor."
Bardock froze, stunned. A father choosing his son's mentor took place often, but was an immense honor! Bardock chose Tora because, since Cole had been Bardock's, it wasn't allowed, and Tora was definitely the next best choice. But . . .
"Cole . . . Don't you wanna teach the kid yerself?"
Olivia patted her lover's hand. "Don't sell yourself short!"
"I - I ain't ready!"
Cole put his drink down and grinned at his stunned student. "Oh, you're ready alright! I've taught you everything I know, and then some, even the techniques my uncle never mastered! You're much stronger and smarter then everyone I know. You're perfect! Bardo-kun, you're a man now, so that's in your favor!"
Bardock let it sink in as the others congratulated him. Cole calling him "kun" represented an equality. In a sense, he (Cole) declared Bardock graduated from his training! If the action were not so foreign to him, Bardock might have cried!
Fasha, though happy for all of the events around her, felt slightly saddened by them. Of all things she could give to Tora, everything she did to please him like a good mate, she could not give him a son. All this talk about children upset her, and she walked away to sit on the couch.
Curious, Tora followed her, and sat beside her. "What's wrong, Dokutake-chan," he asked. **
She smiled at the nickname snuggled up to him. "Nothing."
Tora put an arm around her. "Aw, c'mon! Tell me!"
Fasha wrapped her tail around his waist. "You'll tell everyone."
"No I won't," he replied, burying his face in her hair, kissing her.
"Yes, you will."
"No."
She shifted her leg to kiss him back, when-
"WELL," exclaimed Olivia in mock outrage. "Am I going to have to turn the hose on the both of you?"
She, Bardock, and Cole roared with laughter. Fasha, so shocked, tripped and flipped the whole couch on her and Tora. They joined in, dusting themselves off.
Fasha stopped when she stepped on paper. "Nani?" She picked it up.
Olivia paled. "No! Not yet!"
Cole snatched it and opened it. "A letter from Ancho," he announced. "Lets see, blah blah blah . . ."
Olivia tried to grab it, but Cole moved away. Tora opened his arms, and Cole passed. They played until Fasha caught it and read to herself. Her face fell. "Oh . . ."
"What," asked Bardock.
"Ancho says that Tora can't be Radditz's mentor because the kid's a 1st class. He must be more elitist."
Tora kicked the ground sadly. "Shit. Not fair!"
Cole sighed. "Man, I hate the political system!"
Bardock sneered. "I don't get it!! Father's choice is ALWAYS the first consideration!"
"'Consideration,'" Olivia pointed out. "Gomen-ne. I didn't want to ruin dinner. I hid it earlier."
"S'okay, Olivia," said Bardock, still fuming about the letter.
"Ano . . .," Fasha spoke up. Her face was a bit frightened, and she side glanced Cole several times. "There's more. Someone else volunteered to train the boy."
"Who?"
Fasha gave one final look at the disgruntled Cole. "Sir Rubaru!"
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===========================================================
[Commercial Break]
* - Just a note for symbolism: Bardock's scar is on his LEFT cheek.
** - Dokutake-chan = "little dangerous mushroom"; Tora is making a playful joke on Fasha's hairstyle and fighting nature.
===========================================================
.
Bardock lashed about the forest. He and Tora searched for Cole, who had stormed out as soon as he heard the news hours before. Roaring like a madman, their normally calm and collected captain took off into the forest.
The forest was small, but still dense. Not a trace could be found of him.
Angered, Bardock paused at Vine Falls, the site of their first training. Cole spent much time there, but even in this likely place, he was no where to be found. Confused and frustrated beyond measure, Bardock struck the ground with both fists. The water rippled from the force.
As it calmed, Bardock sensed the presence of another being. He stood erect, poised for battle, when the rocks began to move. Slowly at first, but quickening in speed, they rolled past the now more confused Sayin and began swirling in a small tornado. Then, as suddenly as they started, they ceased and dropped.
In their midst stood the figure of a man. Tall, thin, and brown in color, the man's arms, which had been raised, lowered amid a chocolate/gold tunic, This revealed a very old face, lined and aged to near decay, yet still possessing a certain vitality. A silver beard hung around and down the creature's face, emanating an unearthly glow. The eyes opened, and glowed bright, brilliant gold.
Fear and awe clamped onto Bardock's throat, and the Sayin teen fell to his knees. What WAS this being!?
The old creature smiled at Bardock. Almost instantly, Bardock knew he could trust the creature. He didn't know how, but he knew. "Wh-who ARE you!?"
"I," the creature said in a powerful, echoing voice, yet gentle to the tone, "am Lord Erutan, an Elemental of Nature, or more particularly the soil." He glided a few feet toward Bardock, flowers blooming in his wake. "Where, dear Bardock, is my friend Cole?"
Bardock gasped, realizing at last that he wasn't breathing. "Y . . . You're . . . the one he talked about . . . the one who helps him with his powers!"
Erutan's smile faded slightly, and Bardock's heart dropped a bit. The power the elemental had included a spiritual hold over those he spoke with. Not many have this gift, and not all mortals sense it. In other words, Bardock slightly felt his feelings. "He is no where to be found?"
Bardock only nodded a reply. The power from Erutan made it hard to breathe, and his awesome physical presence contributed to this affect.
Erutan and Bardock felt a deep wave of sadness. "I warned him," the old elemental mourned. "I continually warned him not to go off. He has sealed his own doom."
"Na . . . Nani?"
"Calm yourself and listen to me." A rock rose from the ground right under Bardock, who yelped in surprise. Erutan also sat on a rock, and lowered his power level. Now able to breathe, Bardock asked, "What do you mean 'his doom'? Where did he go?"
"Listen to my voice and close your eyes."
Still nervous and confused, Bardock did so without hesitation. His shaking hands covered his eyes even tighter, childishly trying to comply in every way possible with this power's wishes.
Instantly, he saw a young man with a much younger (and whole, normal looking) version of Lord Saladus. The men sparred, coached by aliens of different races.
"Many, many zurals ago, before the Tsufuruu War, Sayins were never allowed to associate with other creatures mingling with their adversaries. However, Cole's father, Chile, and his older brother, Saladus, yearned for adventure, and ventured forth into the Tsufuruu cities in disguise. There, they trained under the best warriors of the era, compiling the techniques of each into one master form of martial arts. The form is the very technique Cole has been teaching you and Zucina.
"The brothers were very close, as were their families. Cole had a mate and three children, the youngest being Cole. Saladus had a mate and two children, twin daughter and son.
"During the time of the War, Child and Saladus fought side by side, a feat very odd considering one was a first class, the other a third. Together, and with their perfected technique, they won many important battles for the Sayins. It was they who even suggested the army hold the final attack until the night of the Double Full Moons."
"The battle that decided the Sayin victory," Bardock whispered. He tried to take in the information, watching snippets of the story in his head.
"Correct. And their success hardly went unoticed by the elite. One such young man, Rubaru, demanded Chile to teach him the incredible, flawless art. But, my friend Child understood that Rubaru's intensions for the style were merely for personal gain, and he refused.
"King Vegeta, offered special titles to the two brothers, but Rubaru presented evidence of their former trips to the enemy's cities. Disgraced, the king ordered Chile and his family put to death."
"WHY ONLY CHILE," Bardock screamed in horror. "And how did Rubaru know?!"
"Remain silent, Bardock. I will finish.
"Saladus tried to stop them from killing his brother, but took on a near-fatal blast himself. Due to his high rank, the king spared Saladus but ordered his 'women' killed also. The executioners killed Chile, Cauli (his mate), young Chile, Plantzu, Orani (Saladus' mate), and Anichi. But, instead of killing Cole as they meant to, they mistook young Saladus for he, and killed him.
"In an attempt to resolve any dispute that inevitably occurred, King Vegeta appointed Saladus to become headmaster of STP, and Sir Rubaru as his deputy. Knighted for his discovery, Sir Rubaru accepted graciously, but Saladus only accepted as long as his 'son' became a member of Captain Snoino's team.
"As you may remember, Captain Snoino was Rubaru's father. It was on that day that both family's swore vengeance against the other, as long as the king never found out.
"Once Cole rose through the ranks at a young age, it became apparent to Snoino and Rubaru the child was taught the flawless technique. Still, the boy refused to divulge the powerful technique.
"Then, of all the Sayins that could have crossed his path, he started teaching Zucina. The girl held the proper passion, the love of the art and not power, as well as a respect for her mentor. And then you came along, so full of potential, deep insight, and intelligence. He made the hard decision of teaching you two the treasured techniques. Your first lesson was here, on this very spot.
"Fearing such an event, Snoino ordered the three of you split up. Thus, you went under Rubaru's watchful eye, Zucina's potential lay to waste in beauty school, and Cole banned from proper mentorship.
"Yet, Cole played it slowly, and finally killed his captain a zural later, giving the appearance of an accident. Lady Zucina escaped her parents, reuniting with you, and you won the tournament, proving to him that you two were destined to learn such a monumental fighting art.
"Back under Cole's teaching, and after the Amazonian incident, Rubaru grew restless and killed Saladus. Cold insisted he end the vendetta there and then, but Una-sama insisted that more bloodshed will occur if such an event takes place. For you see Rubaru has an Elemental on his side, too."
Erutan sighed. "Terrancein, Elemental of Metal, and I never have gotten along. After I befriended Chile, he befriended Rubaru. If the two fight in mortal combat, they will each use our powers to their advantage. Because of their fragile mortal bodies, one or both will die from such a battle.
"But there is even more at stake. Cole, being a creation of Uno-sama, has been fated since birth to go to Hell. I fear that, if he dies in this battle for blood, his fate will be sealed!"
Bardock opened his eyes, taking in the information. His head hurt just thinking about the gravity of what Erutan told him. If Cole knew all this, it meant his pride meant more to him then his soul. It also meant that Rubaru wanted to involved Bardock's son in his plot against Cole.
He hit his forehead. Why didn't he ask Cole about all of this before!? Up until that moment, the history of his mentor meant nothing to him. Of all the stupid . . .
Erutan made a sudden glance toward the sky. "It is done," he announced to no one in particular. "Cole has been caught. If he survives a trial by Sayins, he will challenge Rubaru." Erutan stood up. "You must try to stop this! At least delay the inevitable! Please, Bardock! He has grown to trust you more then he has me! He loves you like a brother! Hurry!" With that, the old elemental disappeared.
Mind full to bursting, but nerves on the edge, Bardock pulled out his scouter from his hip-pack, and pressed a few buttons. "Tora," he barked into the scouter, "do you know where Rubaru lives?"
"Yeah, but-"
"Meet me in the air! We're headin' over there, right now!"
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
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Yo peoples!! Tora here!
I don't know everything that's going on, but Bardock and I have to stop Cole from fighting with Rubaru. I don't get it? The captain has always been so smart before, so why isn't he listening to me? Has he found out who I really am? And who is that figure dressed in a red velvet cloak watching us? The ki seems familiar . . .
Next time on DragonballBC: Stop this Cole!!! Death's Two Marked Victims
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Fun Fact - Erutan (my brother's fav elemental of this generation) is based on an African folktale I heard. His costume, appearance, and connection with nature come directly from mythology.
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And if you haven't read the movie yet, READ AND REVIEW!!!!
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******************Episode 42*****************
**Radditz's Mentor; Cole's Plan for Vengeance!!**
Many months passed. Bardock signed off his name for the completion of another mission. He tried to ignore the blank space where Zucina's name normally went, and collected the money. 'Where wa she?'
"Radditz coming home today," asked Tora.
Bardock perked up at the sound of his son's name. "Yup! Finished his first mission yesterday, and comin' home tomorrow!"
Fasha collected hers and Tora's klofshanks. "Don't worry, we'll be back at the landing bay tomorrow morning."
"Thanks!"
"Sure hope I get that acceptance letter, though," said Tora, scratching the back of his head. "Gosh, Bardock! I'm still really honored you considered me to-"
"Don' worry about it," laughed Bardock, slapping his friend on the back. "Who else would I consider to be my son's mentor? And with both mine and Cole's recommendations, yer a shoe in!"
"Wish I had your confidence," muttered Tora. "What if they do a background check and find no father. Bastards don't get pupils."
"I doubt they will," said Fasha. She took her mate's hand and squeezed it lovingly.
Bardock couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. Radditz was born with a power level of 50, indicating him to be a first class! Of all things! A FIRST CLASS!!
When Bardock found himself in bed with Olivia several months before, he became scared and worried; he didn't love Olivia, but he felt he owned it to her to stay for the sake of their unborn child. But when Radditz was born, and a FIRST CLASS, Bardock's heart filled to bursting with pride and hope. If he, the formerly dubbed "Low Level Loser", could produce a first class son, maybe there was a chance for the Sayin social system would fall one day.
Plus the fact that Radditz destroyed a race in near record time didn't hurt!
"Olli-chan is throwing a party tomorrow to celebrate! She's going to be busy preparing a lot of food, so -"
"-So why don't we have a sample," Tora said, finishing his friend's sentence. "We're in!"
"Great!" Bardock turned to look for Cole. "Cole-san! Care fer some early dinner at my place?"
Cole heard nothing, only stared at the check-in list. Bardock followed his gaze to Zucina's name. Bardock closed his eyes, not wanted to look at it. Eight months and no word. The others figured she ran away because she needed to clear her head [after Bardock's mating with Olivia, but they never said this part aloud]. Bardock and Cole, on the other hand, felt strongly that something terrible happened to her. The bond among these three was stronger then most, and their hearts broke at the thought of her hurt somewhere without anyone -
'NO,' Bardock thought, shaking his head. 'I won't think of this again!' He cleared his throat, and Cole turned to face him. "Cole, wanna come over fer dinner?"
"Sure," he smirked slightly. Apparently he was still thinking of Zucina. "As long as you ain't cooking!"
"Naw, dude! You know Olivia's an awesome cook!"
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Olivia finished hanging the banner spelling out "Welcome Home Radditz" in Kraraan, a common language in space. She stood for a moment, admiring her work, and hugged herself contently. Soon, she would also be holding her son again. A FIRST CLASS!!! Just as Uno-sama promised. All she had to do was uphold he end of the bargain, namely teaching Radditz to be a loyal subject of Uno.
She picked up a letter the post delivered earlier that day, and hid it under the cushion of the couch. Her mate would be arriving any moment, and she wanted a peaceful lunch, and that darned letter would spoil it!
"Heya, Olli-chan," Bardock called as he opened the door to their home.
Olivia ran to him and kissed his right cheek.* "Oh, I'm so happy you came here, and not the rejuvenation chamber first! Everything go well?"
"Smooth as Grisg skin!" He stepped aside for the other three to enter. "Hope you don't mind."
"Never," she exclaimed. "I think of you three like part of the family!"
They didn't say a word. Cole thought bitterly how Bardock wanted to mate with Zucina, and vice-versa. But he put on a smile and patted her shoulder gently. "Likewise, my dear! Likewise!"
The five ate heartily, mostly talking about Radditz and Cole's stroke of good luck: Sprouta finally passed the time in her recent pregnancy in which miscarriages occurred. "This is the one," Cole proclaimed, slamming his fist onto the table. "I'll finally have a son!"
"I'm so happy for ya," said Bardock earnestly.
"And I want you to be his mentor."
Bardock froze, stunned. A father choosing his son's mentor took place often, but was an immense honor! Bardock chose Tora because, since Cole had been Bardock's, it wasn't allowed, and Tora was definitely the next best choice. But . . .
"Cole . . . Don't you wanna teach the kid yerself?"
Olivia patted her lover's hand. "Don't sell yourself short!"
"I - I ain't ready!"
Cole put his drink down and grinned at his stunned student. "Oh, you're ready alright! I've taught you everything I know, and then some, even the techniques my uncle never mastered! You're much stronger and smarter then everyone I know. You're perfect! Bardo-kun, you're a man now, so that's in your favor!"
Bardock let it sink in as the others congratulated him. Cole calling him "kun" represented an equality. In a sense, he (Cole) declared Bardock graduated from his training! If the action were not so foreign to him, Bardock might have cried!
Fasha, though happy for all of the events around her, felt slightly saddened by them. Of all things she could give to Tora, everything she did to please him like a good mate, she could not give him a son. All this talk about children upset her, and she walked away to sit on the couch.
Curious, Tora followed her, and sat beside her. "What's wrong, Dokutake-chan," he asked. **
She smiled at the nickname snuggled up to him. "Nothing."
Tora put an arm around her. "Aw, c'mon! Tell me!"
Fasha wrapped her tail around his waist. "You'll tell everyone."
"No I won't," he replied, burying his face in her hair, kissing her.
"Yes, you will."
"No."
She shifted her leg to kiss him back, when-
"WELL," exclaimed Olivia in mock outrage. "Am I going to have to turn the hose on the both of you?"
She, Bardock, and Cole roared with laughter. Fasha, so shocked, tripped and flipped the whole couch on her and Tora. They joined in, dusting themselves off.
Fasha stopped when she stepped on paper. "Nani?" She picked it up.
Olivia paled. "No! Not yet!"
Cole snatched it and opened it. "A letter from Ancho," he announced. "Lets see, blah blah blah . . ."
Olivia tried to grab it, but Cole moved away. Tora opened his arms, and Cole passed. They played until Fasha caught it and read to herself. Her face fell. "Oh . . ."
"What," asked Bardock.
"Ancho says that Tora can't be Radditz's mentor because the kid's a 1st class. He must be more elitist."
Tora kicked the ground sadly. "Shit. Not fair!"
Cole sighed. "Man, I hate the political system!"
Bardock sneered. "I don't get it!! Father's choice is ALWAYS the first consideration!"
"'Consideration,'" Olivia pointed out. "Gomen-ne. I didn't want to ruin dinner. I hid it earlier."
"S'okay, Olivia," said Bardock, still fuming about the letter.
"Ano . . .," Fasha spoke up. Her face was a bit frightened, and she side glanced Cole several times. "There's more. Someone else volunteered to train the boy."
"Who?"
Fasha gave one final look at the disgruntled Cole. "Sir Rubaru!"
.
===========================================================
[Commercial Break]
* - Just a note for symbolism: Bardock's scar is on his LEFT cheek.
** - Dokutake-chan = "little dangerous mushroom"; Tora is making a playful joke on Fasha's hairstyle and fighting nature.
===========================================================
.
Bardock lashed about the forest. He and Tora searched for Cole, who had stormed out as soon as he heard the news hours before. Roaring like a madman, their normally calm and collected captain took off into the forest.
The forest was small, but still dense. Not a trace could be found of him.
Angered, Bardock paused at Vine Falls, the site of their first training. Cole spent much time there, but even in this likely place, he was no where to be found. Confused and frustrated beyond measure, Bardock struck the ground with both fists. The water rippled from the force.
As it calmed, Bardock sensed the presence of another being. He stood erect, poised for battle, when the rocks began to move. Slowly at first, but quickening in speed, they rolled past the now more confused Sayin and began swirling in a small tornado. Then, as suddenly as they started, they ceased and dropped.
In their midst stood the figure of a man. Tall, thin, and brown in color, the man's arms, which had been raised, lowered amid a chocolate/gold tunic, This revealed a very old face, lined and aged to near decay, yet still possessing a certain vitality. A silver beard hung around and down the creature's face, emanating an unearthly glow. The eyes opened, and glowed bright, brilliant gold.
Fear and awe clamped onto Bardock's throat, and the Sayin teen fell to his knees. What WAS this being!?
The old creature smiled at Bardock. Almost instantly, Bardock knew he could trust the creature. He didn't know how, but he knew. "Wh-who ARE you!?"
"I," the creature said in a powerful, echoing voice, yet gentle to the tone, "am Lord Erutan, an Elemental of Nature, or more particularly the soil." He glided a few feet toward Bardock, flowers blooming in his wake. "Where, dear Bardock, is my friend Cole?"
Bardock gasped, realizing at last that he wasn't breathing. "Y . . . You're . . . the one he talked about . . . the one who helps him with his powers!"
Erutan's smile faded slightly, and Bardock's heart dropped a bit. The power the elemental had included a spiritual hold over those he spoke with. Not many have this gift, and not all mortals sense it. In other words, Bardock slightly felt his feelings. "He is no where to be found?"
Bardock only nodded a reply. The power from Erutan made it hard to breathe, and his awesome physical presence contributed to this affect.
Erutan and Bardock felt a deep wave of sadness. "I warned him," the old elemental mourned. "I continually warned him not to go off. He has sealed his own doom."
"Na . . . Nani?"
"Calm yourself and listen to me." A rock rose from the ground right under Bardock, who yelped in surprise. Erutan also sat on a rock, and lowered his power level. Now able to breathe, Bardock asked, "What do you mean 'his doom'? Where did he go?"
"Listen to my voice and close your eyes."
Still nervous and confused, Bardock did so without hesitation. His shaking hands covered his eyes even tighter, childishly trying to comply in every way possible with this power's wishes.
Instantly, he saw a young man with a much younger (and whole, normal looking) version of Lord Saladus. The men sparred, coached by aliens of different races.
"Many, many zurals ago, before the Tsufuruu War, Sayins were never allowed to associate with other creatures mingling with their adversaries. However, Cole's father, Chile, and his older brother, Saladus, yearned for adventure, and ventured forth into the Tsufuruu cities in disguise. There, they trained under the best warriors of the era, compiling the techniques of each into one master form of martial arts. The form is the very technique Cole has been teaching you and Zucina.
"The brothers were very close, as were their families. Cole had a mate and three children, the youngest being Cole. Saladus had a mate and two children, twin daughter and son.
"During the time of the War, Child and Saladus fought side by side, a feat very odd considering one was a first class, the other a third. Together, and with their perfected technique, they won many important battles for the Sayins. It was they who even suggested the army hold the final attack until the night of the Double Full Moons."
"The battle that decided the Sayin victory," Bardock whispered. He tried to take in the information, watching snippets of the story in his head.
"Correct. And their success hardly went unoticed by the elite. One such young man, Rubaru, demanded Chile to teach him the incredible, flawless art. But, my friend Child understood that Rubaru's intensions for the style were merely for personal gain, and he refused.
"King Vegeta, offered special titles to the two brothers, but Rubaru presented evidence of their former trips to the enemy's cities. Disgraced, the king ordered Chile and his family put to death."
"WHY ONLY CHILE," Bardock screamed in horror. "And how did Rubaru know?!"
"Remain silent, Bardock. I will finish.
"Saladus tried to stop them from killing his brother, but took on a near-fatal blast himself. Due to his high rank, the king spared Saladus but ordered his 'women' killed also. The executioners killed Chile, Cauli (his mate), young Chile, Plantzu, Orani (Saladus' mate), and Anichi. But, instead of killing Cole as they meant to, they mistook young Saladus for he, and killed him.
"In an attempt to resolve any dispute that inevitably occurred, King Vegeta appointed Saladus to become headmaster of STP, and Sir Rubaru as his deputy. Knighted for his discovery, Sir Rubaru accepted graciously, but Saladus only accepted as long as his 'son' became a member of Captain Snoino's team.
"As you may remember, Captain Snoino was Rubaru's father. It was on that day that both family's swore vengeance against the other, as long as the king never found out.
"Once Cole rose through the ranks at a young age, it became apparent to Snoino and Rubaru the child was taught the flawless technique. Still, the boy refused to divulge the powerful technique.
"Then, of all the Sayins that could have crossed his path, he started teaching Zucina. The girl held the proper passion, the love of the art and not power, as well as a respect for her mentor. And then you came along, so full of potential, deep insight, and intelligence. He made the hard decision of teaching you two the treasured techniques. Your first lesson was here, on this very spot.
"Fearing such an event, Snoino ordered the three of you split up. Thus, you went under Rubaru's watchful eye, Zucina's potential lay to waste in beauty school, and Cole banned from proper mentorship.
"Yet, Cole played it slowly, and finally killed his captain a zural later, giving the appearance of an accident. Lady Zucina escaped her parents, reuniting with you, and you won the tournament, proving to him that you two were destined to learn such a monumental fighting art.
"Back under Cole's teaching, and after the Amazonian incident, Rubaru grew restless and killed Saladus. Cold insisted he end the vendetta there and then, but Una-sama insisted that more bloodshed will occur if such an event takes place. For you see Rubaru has an Elemental on his side, too."
Erutan sighed. "Terrancein, Elemental of Metal, and I never have gotten along. After I befriended Chile, he befriended Rubaru. If the two fight in mortal combat, they will each use our powers to their advantage. Because of their fragile mortal bodies, one or both will die from such a battle.
"But there is even more at stake. Cole, being a creation of Uno-sama, has been fated since birth to go to Hell. I fear that, if he dies in this battle for blood, his fate will be sealed!"
Bardock opened his eyes, taking in the information. His head hurt just thinking about the gravity of what Erutan told him. If Cole knew all this, it meant his pride meant more to him then his soul. It also meant that Rubaru wanted to involved Bardock's son in his plot against Cole.
He hit his forehead. Why didn't he ask Cole about all of this before!? Up until that moment, the history of his mentor meant nothing to him. Of all the stupid . . .
Erutan made a sudden glance toward the sky. "It is done," he announced to no one in particular. "Cole has been caught. If he survives a trial by Sayins, he will challenge Rubaru." Erutan stood up. "You must try to stop this! At least delay the inevitable! Please, Bardock! He has grown to trust you more then he has me! He loves you like a brother! Hurry!" With that, the old elemental disappeared.
Mind full to bursting, but nerves on the edge, Bardock pulled out his scouter from his hip-pack, and pressed a few buttons. "Tora," he barked into the scouter, "do you know where Rubaru lives?"
"Yeah, but-"
"Meet me in the air! We're headin' over there, right now!"
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Yo peoples!! Tora here!
I don't know everything that's going on, but Bardock and I have to stop Cole from fighting with Rubaru. I don't get it? The captain has always been so smart before, so why isn't he listening to me? Has he found out who I really am? And who is that figure dressed in a red velvet cloak watching us? The ki seems familiar . . .
Next time on DragonballBC: Stop this Cole!!! Death's Two Marked Victims
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Fun Fact - Erutan (my brother's fav elemental of this generation) is based on an African folktale I heard. His costume, appearance, and connection with nature come directly from mythology.