Chapter 8: Moving on
Jeran
I could feel him near me, but I couldn't tell quite where. If only the lights had been better, I might have seen him coming. He came up behind me and. As I pivoted to swing my elbow at him, he zanzokened and he was behind me again. I kicked behind with as much force as I could muster in that awkward position. He easily caught my foot and flipped me forward. I fell flat on my face and a fairly familiar elbow greeted me harshly on the back. All the air was knocked out of my body, quite an unusual occurrence considering all my training, but Furion was an unusual person.
After he had embarrassed me, he bent down next to me and whispered, "That's game." I nodded, struggling for air, as he stood up and extended a hand in front of me. I grabbed onto it and he hoisted me up.
"Nice match," he commended, "you've gotten better."
"You too," I struggled out, "thanks for sparring with me." The Namekian nodded and beckoned to his next opponent, the blue haired martial artist known as Cris, who had been waiting for us to finish up.
After the battle in Nedan's deserts, everyone had decided to take a break, each for their own reasons. My usual sparring partner, Nikita, stayed at Jin's bedside since Scipio had put him into a coma. She wasn't alone, though. Jin's mother, Janet, stayed at her long lost son's side as well, and she and Nikita both became better acquainted during their time together. The platinum haired transfer student called Ken was busy running around the ship, upgrading all of the scouters to act as communication devices as well. Aren spent most of his time hunting down Jin's sister for a rematch and likewise, she was trying to avoid him. Cris simply didn't want to fight a girl. Only Furion, and his muscular build, was available to spar. Apart from having a powerlevel twice as high as mine he had the advantage of speed, since his body was used to the 20G's that we sparred under; mine wasn't. As I stood there I tried to imagine him as one of those cute Namekian children, but I couldn't.
"Hey you alright there?" queried Furion, "How's your arm?" I rotated my left arm and gave him a thumbs up.
"Great. Thanks to the Rejuv tank the burn's completely healed," I reassured him. He nodded and then turned towards his sparring partner.
I left the training area and went to my room to take a shower and freshen up. After doing this I headed to the bridge to report in to the headmaster. Soon his worried face came on screen.
"Jeran! Thank Kami! I thought you guys were...." He trailed off, "It's been over a week since the fight. Why haven't you guys reported in?"
"We were sorta trying to get over everything," I replied, sitting at the pilot's console, "Jin's in a coma and Joel..."
"What about Joel?" he asked.
"Well...it's just that he's kept to himself ever since he kicked his way out of a Rejuv tank three days ago. He just went straight to his room and stayed there since. It's not like him to be so... I don't even think he's been eating!" I replied. The worry in my voice must have been amplified by Red's perceptive nature because he smiled suddenly.
"His fight against the aliens was all over Nedan's news networks up until he turned into an Oozaru and still lost. Don't worry about it. He's probably just upset over the loss of his tail. It's a Saiyan thing," explained Red, "anyway, he's alright. Let's just worry about Jin for the moment. He's been in a coma for a week?" I sighed.
"The doctors on Nedan said that it wasn't anything serious. He should be up and about in a few days," I told him.
"That's good. Anyway, you guys just don't forget your assignment. You have exactly eleven months to recruit twenty three more fighters," he stated.
"Oh! I almost forgot! We have three new recruits!" I exclaimed. The headmaster beamed.
"Perfect! Now it's just twenty more. You guys are doing a great job. Keep it up. Oh, and Jeran..." he began. I nodded. "Until Jin regains consciousness, you're in command," he finished, right before his face vanished the screen. Yep, we were just one big happy family, I thought, but Joel...
I rose from my seat and left the bridge, determined to help the Saiyan any way I could. A few minutes later I found myself standing outside his room with a tray of food in my hands. I had previously tried such a tactic but he didn't open the door. He hadn't even answered. This time, however, would be different. I had barely knocked on the door when it flew open.
"Joel?" I called out, taking a cautious step inside his room. The door slid shut almost as quickly as it had opened. Joel's room represented all that was rebellious. On the walls were posters of various heavy metal bands. He had a wicked looking sound system and CD's literally covered an entire section of the floor. Hooked up to an amp was an electric guitar.
"What do you want?" came Joel's emotionless voice. I jumped, turning quickly at the sound of his voice. The Saiyan sat cross-legged on the floor, on the opposite side of his unmade bed. He wore a pair of track pants and his long, spiky hair was unnaturally ungroomed, "Can I help you?" he asked.
"I...um...just brought something for you to eat," I answered timidly.
"Did you cook it?" he queried, eyeing the tray of food. I turned my gaze to the floor.
"Yes..." I whispered, afraid that he might burst out laughing like he usually did when I asked him to taste my cooking.
"Thanks," he stated, liberating the tray from my grasp. I stood there in shock.
"A-are y-you alright, Joel? You usually don't eat my food," I stated. I had to wait until he had finished devouring the food to get a response.
"I was just hungry," he said with a loud belch, "anything tastes good when I'm hungry." He must have known that something was bothering me because he then asked, "What's wrong?"
"Joel, you fought great against Scipio. You should be happy that you were able to last as long as you did against him," I said, causing him to chuckle, "What's so funny?" Joel shook his head.
"You think that's what's bothering me? I couldn't care less about him. I beat him good in Oozaru mode. No, it's not that," he began. I was confused.
"If that's not it, then what is?" I inquired, sitting down beside him. Jin sighed and closed his eyes.
"Jeran, you've never had to wonder about your lineage, your family. They've always been there for you and you knew that because that's what families do," he continued, "I've never known that. My earliest memory is of the academy and the closest thing I've had to family is Jin." He gave a sudden laugh. "Ironic isn't it? My greatest rival is my only real friend. But even Jin has a family, something to hold on to. It was my defining characteristic, my only claim to an identity and now...it's gone, and I'm not even sure it'll grow back. That's what that bald-headed freak, Obsidian, took from me!" I was amazed that Joel, of all people, could be so...deep. I knew that I felt something for him. I'd have to be foolish not to realize it, but I didn't think I should; after all, Joel was supposed to be a monster. He, himself, had admitted the fact. He had sold Jin into a world of pain and agony. His value for the lives of others was almost nonexistent, and yet...he had saved mine.
I sat there, next to him, unsure of how to proceed. I wanted to tell him, I really did, but he would most likely just laugh at me straight to my face. He was that type of person. Yet, there was this side of Joel who actually poured out his thoughts to me. As hard as I tried I couldn't think of a single thing to say about the matter.
"Um...it was really nice of you to fight in Nikita's place," I said, finally, causing him to look at me, "I mean you could have let her fight, but you knew she was scared and decided to fight despite the large difference in power." Joel stretched his legs forward and leaned back. It was only then that I noticed the scar across his chest.
"I only fought because I knew I'd win. I'm a Saiyan. We fight because we were born to. There was no other reason," he said. I smiled at his modesty and he caught himself before he could blush. I rose to my feet, gathering the empty tray in my hands, and looked down at him.
"Joel, the headmaster put me in charge until Jin regains consciousness. I don't think I'm up to it...why don't you..." I started, but he interrupted me right there.
"No, he gave it to you...and I'm a wreck. And besides," he said with a smile; not his usual grin or smirk, but a real honest to goodness smile, "I can't think of anyone better for the job." This time I blushed and I hurriedly exited the room and hurried along the curved corridor before he could see. He poked his head out of the door and gazed after me. "Hey Jeran!" he called in a serious tone, "There's something I have to tell you." I felt a sudden glimmer of hope in me as my heart skipped a beat.
"Y-yes, Joel," I answered, not turning to face him because my face was bright red.
"Your food still tastes like cow manure," he said, with a teasing grin. The heavens bowed before the might of my wrath as I chucked the food tray at him, catching him straight in the face and sending him crashing to the floor. "Oww..." he cried, his form twitching slightly on the ground.
"Jerk!" I hissed, walking away in anger as he sat up and rubbed his nose in pain, "He really hadn't changed a bit."
I went back to the arena and observed Cris and Furion as they went at each other with all they had. Cris was a curious martial artist. He had absolutely no ki attacks; actually, he couldn't use any ki at all, yet he held his own against Furion even better than I could.
After watching them for an hour I decided to go and visit our leader. Julia and Ken had joined Janet and Nikita.
"Hey all," I called, "how's Jin?" The comatose Saiyan lay on his bed, his eyes closed and his breathing easy.
"Resting peacefully," answered Janet, stroking her son's cheek, "He's been making slight movements all day. That's a good sign." Nikita nodded in agreement.
"I just spoke with the headmaster. He's glad everyone's alright, but he feels that we should continue our journey," I told them, "as soon as Jin wakes up we'll leave Nedan to search for recruits."
"I know that Justin will go with you. I wish he could stay for a while though. Knowing my boy's alive will make me miss him even more," stated Janet, sadly. Ken, who had been sitting in a corner fiddling around with a scouter, looked up just then.
"Then why don't you come along with us?" he suggested, "I guess that'd solve everything, after all, Julia's coming as well." Nikita was pleased with the idea.
"Yeah Janet, that's a great idea. I know that Jin would like it," she said. Jin's mother sat silently for a few minutes, considering the idea.
"I think...I think I will!" she exclaimed, "To tell the truth, I was a bit concerned that there are no adults with you all. Well, now that that's settled there are some preparations..." A sound cut her off.
"Ugh...oh," came Jin's voice. We all jumped and hurriedly gathered around the bed as Jin slowly opened his eyes. Nikita appeared to be the most relieved.
"Jin! Are you okay? How are you feeling?" she asked quickly. The dark skinned martial artist rubbed his forehead and we gave him room to sit up.
"I feel...fine," replied Jin. He said it almost as if he were surprised. He turned and hung his legs off the side of his bed. Ken was the first to realize that something was wrong.
"You sure you're alright, bro?" he asked. The Saiyan had a glazed, childish look and he stared at each of us with a quizzical expression on his face.
"I'm fine...but," he began.
"But?" urged Nikita. Jin seemed hesitant to continue.
"I can't seem to remember..." he said finally, "who...who are you people?"
CHARACTERS RECRUITED INITIAL P/LVL
CRIS 10,737
JULIA 6, 691
JANET: nf 2
Nf: Not a fighter.
SOUNDTRACK: INTAKE by Tripped and Falling. (;; Finally my band makes an appearance on the soundtrack!).
Jeran
I could feel him near me, but I couldn't tell quite where. If only the lights had been better, I might have seen him coming. He came up behind me and. As I pivoted to swing my elbow at him, he zanzokened and he was behind me again. I kicked behind with as much force as I could muster in that awkward position. He easily caught my foot and flipped me forward. I fell flat on my face and a fairly familiar elbow greeted me harshly on the back. All the air was knocked out of my body, quite an unusual occurrence considering all my training, but Furion was an unusual person.
After he had embarrassed me, he bent down next to me and whispered, "That's game." I nodded, struggling for air, as he stood up and extended a hand in front of me. I grabbed onto it and he hoisted me up.
"Nice match," he commended, "you've gotten better."
"You too," I struggled out, "thanks for sparring with me." The Namekian nodded and beckoned to his next opponent, the blue haired martial artist known as Cris, who had been waiting for us to finish up.
After the battle in Nedan's deserts, everyone had decided to take a break, each for their own reasons. My usual sparring partner, Nikita, stayed at Jin's bedside since Scipio had put him into a coma. She wasn't alone, though. Jin's mother, Janet, stayed at her long lost son's side as well, and she and Nikita both became better acquainted during their time together. The platinum haired transfer student called Ken was busy running around the ship, upgrading all of the scouters to act as communication devices as well. Aren spent most of his time hunting down Jin's sister for a rematch and likewise, she was trying to avoid him. Cris simply didn't want to fight a girl. Only Furion, and his muscular build, was available to spar. Apart from having a powerlevel twice as high as mine he had the advantage of speed, since his body was used to the 20G's that we sparred under; mine wasn't. As I stood there I tried to imagine him as one of those cute Namekian children, but I couldn't.
"Hey you alright there?" queried Furion, "How's your arm?" I rotated my left arm and gave him a thumbs up.
"Great. Thanks to the Rejuv tank the burn's completely healed," I reassured him. He nodded and then turned towards his sparring partner.
I left the training area and went to my room to take a shower and freshen up. After doing this I headed to the bridge to report in to the headmaster. Soon his worried face came on screen.
"Jeran! Thank Kami! I thought you guys were...." He trailed off, "It's been over a week since the fight. Why haven't you guys reported in?"
"We were sorta trying to get over everything," I replied, sitting at the pilot's console, "Jin's in a coma and Joel..."
"What about Joel?" he asked.
"Well...it's just that he's kept to himself ever since he kicked his way out of a Rejuv tank three days ago. He just went straight to his room and stayed there since. It's not like him to be so... I don't even think he's been eating!" I replied. The worry in my voice must have been amplified by Red's perceptive nature because he smiled suddenly.
"His fight against the aliens was all over Nedan's news networks up until he turned into an Oozaru and still lost. Don't worry about it. He's probably just upset over the loss of his tail. It's a Saiyan thing," explained Red, "anyway, he's alright. Let's just worry about Jin for the moment. He's been in a coma for a week?" I sighed.
"The doctors on Nedan said that it wasn't anything serious. He should be up and about in a few days," I told him.
"That's good. Anyway, you guys just don't forget your assignment. You have exactly eleven months to recruit twenty three more fighters," he stated.
"Oh! I almost forgot! We have three new recruits!" I exclaimed. The headmaster beamed.
"Perfect! Now it's just twenty more. You guys are doing a great job. Keep it up. Oh, and Jeran..." he began. I nodded. "Until Jin regains consciousness, you're in command," he finished, right before his face vanished the screen. Yep, we were just one big happy family, I thought, but Joel...
I rose from my seat and left the bridge, determined to help the Saiyan any way I could. A few minutes later I found myself standing outside his room with a tray of food in my hands. I had previously tried such a tactic but he didn't open the door. He hadn't even answered. This time, however, would be different. I had barely knocked on the door when it flew open.
"Joel?" I called out, taking a cautious step inside his room. The door slid shut almost as quickly as it had opened. Joel's room represented all that was rebellious. On the walls were posters of various heavy metal bands. He had a wicked looking sound system and CD's literally covered an entire section of the floor. Hooked up to an amp was an electric guitar.
"What do you want?" came Joel's emotionless voice. I jumped, turning quickly at the sound of his voice. The Saiyan sat cross-legged on the floor, on the opposite side of his unmade bed. He wore a pair of track pants and his long, spiky hair was unnaturally ungroomed, "Can I help you?" he asked.
"I...um...just brought something for you to eat," I answered timidly.
"Did you cook it?" he queried, eyeing the tray of food. I turned my gaze to the floor.
"Yes..." I whispered, afraid that he might burst out laughing like he usually did when I asked him to taste my cooking.
"Thanks," he stated, liberating the tray from my grasp. I stood there in shock.
"A-are y-you alright, Joel? You usually don't eat my food," I stated. I had to wait until he had finished devouring the food to get a response.
"I was just hungry," he said with a loud belch, "anything tastes good when I'm hungry." He must have known that something was bothering me because he then asked, "What's wrong?"
"Joel, you fought great against Scipio. You should be happy that you were able to last as long as you did against him," I said, causing him to chuckle, "What's so funny?" Joel shook his head.
"You think that's what's bothering me? I couldn't care less about him. I beat him good in Oozaru mode. No, it's not that," he began. I was confused.
"If that's not it, then what is?" I inquired, sitting down beside him. Jin sighed and closed his eyes.
"Jeran, you've never had to wonder about your lineage, your family. They've always been there for you and you knew that because that's what families do," he continued, "I've never known that. My earliest memory is of the academy and the closest thing I've had to family is Jin." He gave a sudden laugh. "Ironic isn't it? My greatest rival is my only real friend. But even Jin has a family, something to hold on to. It was my defining characteristic, my only claim to an identity and now...it's gone, and I'm not even sure it'll grow back. That's what that bald-headed freak, Obsidian, took from me!" I was amazed that Joel, of all people, could be so...deep. I knew that I felt something for him. I'd have to be foolish not to realize it, but I didn't think I should; after all, Joel was supposed to be a monster. He, himself, had admitted the fact. He had sold Jin into a world of pain and agony. His value for the lives of others was almost nonexistent, and yet...he had saved mine.
I sat there, next to him, unsure of how to proceed. I wanted to tell him, I really did, but he would most likely just laugh at me straight to my face. He was that type of person. Yet, there was this side of Joel who actually poured out his thoughts to me. As hard as I tried I couldn't think of a single thing to say about the matter.
"Um...it was really nice of you to fight in Nikita's place," I said, finally, causing him to look at me, "I mean you could have let her fight, but you knew she was scared and decided to fight despite the large difference in power." Joel stretched his legs forward and leaned back. It was only then that I noticed the scar across his chest.
"I only fought because I knew I'd win. I'm a Saiyan. We fight because we were born to. There was no other reason," he said. I smiled at his modesty and he caught himself before he could blush. I rose to my feet, gathering the empty tray in my hands, and looked down at him.
"Joel, the headmaster put me in charge until Jin regains consciousness. I don't think I'm up to it...why don't you..." I started, but he interrupted me right there.
"No, he gave it to you...and I'm a wreck. And besides," he said with a smile; not his usual grin or smirk, but a real honest to goodness smile, "I can't think of anyone better for the job." This time I blushed and I hurriedly exited the room and hurried along the curved corridor before he could see. He poked his head out of the door and gazed after me. "Hey Jeran!" he called in a serious tone, "There's something I have to tell you." I felt a sudden glimmer of hope in me as my heart skipped a beat.
"Y-yes, Joel," I answered, not turning to face him because my face was bright red.
"Your food still tastes like cow manure," he said, with a teasing grin. The heavens bowed before the might of my wrath as I chucked the food tray at him, catching him straight in the face and sending him crashing to the floor. "Oww..." he cried, his form twitching slightly on the ground.
"Jerk!" I hissed, walking away in anger as he sat up and rubbed his nose in pain, "He really hadn't changed a bit."
I went back to the arena and observed Cris and Furion as they went at each other with all they had. Cris was a curious martial artist. He had absolutely no ki attacks; actually, he couldn't use any ki at all, yet he held his own against Furion even better than I could.
After watching them for an hour I decided to go and visit our leader. Julia and Ken had joined Janet and Nikita.
"Hey all," I called, "how's Jin?" The comatose Saiyan lay on his bed, his eyes closed and his breathing easy.
"Resting peacefully," answered Janet, stroking her son's cheek, "He's been making slight movements all day. That's a good sign." Nikita nodded in agreement.
"I just spoke with the headmaster. He's glad everyone's alright, but he feels that we should continue our journey," I told them, "as soon as Jin wakes up we'll leave Nedan to search for recruits."
"I know that Justin will go with you. I wish he could stay for a while though. Knowing my boy's alive will make me miss him even more," stated Janet, sadly. Ken, who had been sitting in a corner fiddling around with a scouter, looked up just then.
"Then why don't you come along with us?" he suggested, "I guess that'd solve everything, after all, Julia's coming as well." Nikita was pleased with the idea.
"Yeah Janet, that's a great idea. I know that Jin would like it," she said. Jin's mother sat silently for a few minutes, considering the idea.
"I think...I think I will!" she exclaimed, "To tell the truth, I was a bit concerned that there are no adults with you all. Well, now that that's settled there are some preparations..." A sound cut her off.
"Ugh...oh," came Jin's voice. We all jumped and hurriedly gathered around the bed as Jin slowly opened his eyes. Nikita appeared to be the most relieved.
"Jin! Are you okay? How are you feeling?" she asked quickly. The dark skinned martial artist rubbed his forehead and we gave him room to sit up.
"I feel...fine," replied Jin. He said it almost as if he were surprised. He turned and hung his legs off the side of his bed. Ken was the first to realize that something was wrong.
"You sure you're alright, bro?" he asked. The Saiyan had a glazed, childish look and he stared at each of us with a quizzical expression on his face.
"I'm fine...but," he began.
"But?" urged Nikita. Jin seemed hesitant to continue.
"I can't seem to remember..." he said finally, "who...who are you people?"
CHARACTERS RECRUITED INITIAL P/LVL
CRIS 10,737
JULIA 6, 691
JANET: nf 2
Nf: Not a fighter.
SOUNDTRACK: INTAKE by Tripped and Falling. (;; Finally my band makes an appearance on the soundtrack!).