A New Perspective
By Mayumi Takanashi
Goten could not open his eyes. All he could do at the moment was smell. It was a very sweet, fresh aroma. He felt the ground around him, which felt like healthy grass. Finally, his eyes were able to open. The sun shone brightly, almost blinding him. The grass was a deep shade of green, the sky was a soft blue and the clouds were a light and fluffy texture. Butterflies and bumblebees fluttered past and landed on the nearby flowers. Carnations, daisies, roses, and tulips were gathered in bunches throughout the landscape. Close by was a tree with scarlet, juicy apples. The sound of birds chirping filled the air, and Goten felt very calm.
"This must be heaven. But last time I died, I went to the land of the Kais," he thought to himself. "Maybe I was not deemed worthy of that honour again?"
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his stomach growling. He sat up and grabbed an apple from the tree. Seeing the sparkling river nearby, he took a seat on the riverbank and sank his teeth into the fruit.
"I never said you could have my apples!" squealed a voice behind him.
Goten whipped around, ready to fight to the death for his delicious snack.
"But that's okay, I don't mind sharing," said the small girl sweetly. She grabbed an apple from the tree and sat next to him on the bank. Goten studied the girl as she took a bite from her fruit. Long, light brown hair hung like a curtain down her back. She wore a bright pink party dress, along with shiny, black shoes with small buckles. Along with this, she wore pink tights and a small, silver crown dazzled from the glare of the sun on top of her soft, silky hair. She looked like as if she was throwing a birthday party for herself!
"Isn't it a lovely view?" she asked Goten, her big, hazel eyes scanning the landscape.
Goten was so surprised that all he could manage to do was hold the apple in his hand. The girl giggled happily.
"You're an awfully quiet person!" she laughed, her rosy cheeks puffing out.
"Do you know where I am?" he questioned.
"You are in my Field of the Sapphire River," she explained to him.
This did not solve any mysteries for him. The girls bubbly laugh reached his ears again.
"I am Lo-san, the Lady of Innocence!" she said cheerfully.
"You don't look old enough to be a lady yet," he told her.
"Well, that is my title," she sighed.
"Why am I here?" asked Goten.
"To teach you, silly!" she chuckled.
Goten simply stared at the young girl.
"You know, this is a perfect paradise," she said softly. "At least, compared to your world, that is."
"What's that supposed to mean?" questioned Goten defensively.
"The universe is filled with evil," she said with a glazed look in her eyes. "Tell me, what is your definition of evil?"
"Uh, well, I've never really thought about the actual meaning. I suppose it's just another term for bad people, I guess," he replied.
"Evil is not just bad people," she said wistfully. "They are merely the cause of evil."
"Oh..." said Goten.
"Evil can describe bad people, however. Evil is the people who are wicked, harmful, and morally wrong. These corrupt creatures are the cause of pain, suffering, hate, and depression."
"Wow, that's a pretty good definition," agreed Goten.
"But if everyone were to join hands together, if they were to act as one, big, loving family, if people were to do kind things for each other, if they were to respect each other, then evil could be pushed out of the lives of everyone."
"I hate to burst your bubble, but not all people are willing to do that," he said to her. She continued on.
"You do not put faith in others, sir. Not all people are evil. Their wickedness can be reversed. Your father had done that to many people throughout his life. He defeats evil. Many people you know are your friends now because of your papa. He turned them into good-hearted souls."
"Like who?" asked Goten.
"The Namekian, Piccolo. The pair of friends, Tien and Chiaotzu. That Saiyan Prince, Vegeta. The bandit, Yamcha. The list goes on, my friend."
Goten looked down. It was hard to believe that these well-respected men were once evil. This girl seemed to speak of wisdom beyond her years.
"How old are you?" he asked her.
"Oh, about seven-thousand years old," she smiled. Goten's eyes widened.
"Uh, that's cool..."
"There should be more people out there like your father. You just have to find them. You are alot like him, you know," she said, staring off into the depths of the river.
"Yeah, he's a pretty awesome dad."
"Kindness is very infectious, Goten," she explained. "Once one person starts to act compassionate, then everyone else will follow suit. Some may take more than a caring deed to convince to be kind, but in the end they can all be good. There is no such thing as pure evil, no matter what a person may say."
"Not even Kid Buu?" questioned Goten.
"No, he could have been good if anyone really tried. But no one was kind to him. He lead a rough life." she said sweetly.
"Wait a second, is this what you wanted to teach me?" demanded Goten. "To be nice?"
The girl's bubbly laugh echoed in the air again. A soft breeze blew through her hair.
"Just always keep my advice within your heart," she told him. "If you ever forget, this will help you remember."
She pulled off a small locket from around her neck.
"Take this," she said, offering the necklace to him. "This will help you to remember the importance of good, and the Lady of Innocence."
She smiled at him. He smiled back. He fingered the locket that he held in his hand. A little sapphire was encrusted within the heart-shaped necklace. The two of them sat upon the riverbank, eating their apples.