The Following Day
Mornings are usually spent however you want to spend it. You could sleep in entirely and wake up later than usual. You could enjoy a nice breakfast with some friends or by yourself. Or you could even just simply relax that whole part of the day without any worries. But for Saiyans, mornings are no different than them spending a whole day training their lives away. In fact, I think that is the norm for the species to incorporate such a daily routine in their schedule. Kuzuku and Goku as of right now is a prime example of this...well more like Goku suddenly showing up at Kuzuku's house in the morning and begging him to train with him for a while. The two didn't seem to hold anything back, training in their strongest form until one would give way to the other. Kuzuku dodged a punched that narrowly struck his face, retaliating with a kick to follow up with. Goku blocked it with his forearm and skidded across the ground. He didn't have time to realize that Kuzuku was still pursuing him after that blow, leading him to be kicked in his stomach. Goku gasped for air before getting another kick placed firm across his face and rocketing him through several pillars of rocks. The hero of Earth flipped himself onto his feet, only to quickly block the punch that was intended to finish him off. A powerful shockwave blew away the area and created a crater beneath the Saiyans. They stared at each other with serious and stern eyes. One orange and the other blue. Two contrasting colors going toe to toe with each other until they both powered down. Kuzuku retracted his fist and let out a sigh.
"I think that is enough for today, right Goku?" Kuzuku smiled.
Goku placed his hands on his hips and smiled as well, "Yeah, I suppose so. Despite me completing Super Saiyan Blue you still have the edge on me in that form of yours.".
"Maybe so but I've noticed you've never used Kaioken in that form. I'd figure that it'd be easier for you to overpower me if you used it in that state since you've completely gotten over the Ki strain of Complete Super Saiyan Blue. You should be used to the concentration problem by now to where it's second nature," Kuzuku noted as he fell onto his back and looked up at the sky. Goku sat down next to him as the two stared off into nothingness. Kuzuku felt a calm feeling wash over him. He closed his eyes, smiling at this feeling. Enjoying the outside world like this and sitting next to someone who's saved the Earth and put his life on the line countless times, without ever so much asking to be rewarded for his efforts...it feels refreshing. The breeze pressing against his skin and blowing his hair in numerous direction and the fact that the only sound they could hear was plant life being rustled and birds chirping.
"You're probably right but I don't feel all that comfortable trying it in sparring yet. Maybe when I get the full hang of this state I could use it actual battle," Goku chuckled.
Kuzuku reopened his eyes at that notation, remembering the main event that was suppose to happen today. He got up quickly and stretched his legs, causing the hero of Earth to blink his eyes in confusion and ask, "Why'd ya get up so suddenly?"
"I have a date with 21 today and I should get ready. I told her I will come by to pick her up at around 12:30 so I better go and get dress," Kuzuku replied.
"Oh, alright. Thanks for sparring with me today, it was must appreciative. I'd normally train in-between work but that type of training isn't enough to satisfy me. I need some serious training or I might get rusty," Goku chuckled.
"Yeah, I feel ya on that one. I've haven't been able to get in any serious training as well. Bulma's been slamming piles of work for about two months since she deemed my team 'incompetent'. I've just now got back into it since I just got everyone back on track," Kuzuku synthesized.
"You to huh? Well, I think I've held you up enough so good luck on your date!" Goku enthused. Kuzuku simply nodded and took off towards his place in a hurry. He was nervous but still, he had already decided that he was definitely going through with this.
Meanwhile With Riley
Riley was at her kitchen counter, chopping up vegetables and preparing breakfast as normally. She smiled and peeled the potatoes happily until she was startled when someone suddenly wrapped their arms around her. She chuckled as she felt the familiar Ki, instantly knowing who it was. Riley looked up and smiled, "Catching me off guard and startling me will not earn you seconds, Zugo"
"Oh? Then will my deepest and most humble apology make amends for what I did?" Zugo teased. Riley turned around and smiled lustfully, the two inching closer and closer to each other while becoming unaware of their surroundings.
"I don't know. But I do know what will...," Riley murmured seductively before placing her lips onto his. The two kissed passionately, becoming unaware of the footsteps coming towards them. Hudo walked in scratching his head while yawning. His hair was pretty messy and he could of sworn that there was still crust fresh in his eye. He rubbed it in order to adjust his eyes to the world.
"Morning guys. What's for breakfast because the food smells goo-," Hudo stopped mid sentence as he saw his friend and his wife making out on the table with one hand beneath each other's shirt. The couple practically froze on spot, unable to make a sound as Hudo stared at them for a moment. He snorted before bursting out into a fit of laughter. Zugo and Riley quickly separated from each, blushing at the fact they were caught in trying to do the deed. Hudo's laughter dialed down as he rubbed a tear out of his eye.
"Sorry guys, *Snorts*. But you two really should learn when it is right to do those things when no one is truly around. Even so, at least get a room," Hudo snickered.
Zugo folded his arms and looked towards the ceiling, "Whatever, she is my wife after all so we can do whatever we want!"
"Sure, so are we gonna eat or not? At least you guys didn't actually do it, otherwise I wouldn't be asking," Hudo asked with playfulness in his voice as he sat down at the wooden table. Zugo grumbled before sitting down with him as Riley finished preparing the food. When she was done, she placed down three plate of hash and eggs on the table, numerous kind meat and rice balls. They began eating, enjoying the food and savoring the taste. Zugo looked at the clock that was on the wall as he chewed his food.
"It's almost time already? Well monkey, good luck to you and make sure you don't fuck it up..." Zugo thought encouragingly. Riley was confused at the sudden smile that had formed on his face as he sipped some coffee. Hudo was about the only one who knew what he had been talking about.
Now At 21's Lab
Kuzuku had already gotten dress and was now about to land in front of 21's lab door. He was dressed in a white button down shirt that had sleeves that reached all the way to his wrist in which one of them had a silver watch wrapped around it. His pants were gray while he also had on some black dress shoes to go with it. All in all, it was a simple outfit but it was still nice enough for a date. He checked his pocket for the box, making sure that it was there and smiled when he felt it. In no time, he made it to the lab door and ranged the buzzer. He waited patiently, remembering everything that he had planned for them today. In no time the door flew open, revealing what 21 was going to be wearing.
"Did I keep you waiting?" 21 asked with a teasing smile. She was in her majin form, probably because she's become a popular scientist and is rather well known among the public so she transformed into it to avoid any interruption. She wore a black sweater that had a diamond pattern to it. Her skirt went down to her knees while her legs were covered with black leggings. 21 also wore small, black heeled shoes to match while she wore a white, glistening necklace around her neck. Her black purse was in hand as her tail twitched around aimlessly. Kuzuku smiled with tenderness at her playful question.
"No, we're actually early a bit. Shall we get going?" The Saiyan asked, extending his hand out. 21 was taken back with his new approach and placed her hand hesitantly on his, blushing at the gentleman like nature. Kuzuku chuckled at the expression on her face. He pulled her in close, wrapping his arms around her waist in which it earned him a yelp that escaped from her mouth.
"Nervous are we? I'd expected you to be comfortable with me by now," Kuzuku teased.
21 instantly turned her face towards his sly face and stammered, "I am! It's just that...y...your not usually like this you know!"
"Yeah but I think today just got me into a good mood. Come on, let's not waste anymore time. We've got a long day ahead of us," Kuzuku snickered at her reply. In no time, Kuzuku and 21 flew into the sky, viewing the luscious vegetation that was beneath them. Eventually they made it to the city and landed in an alleyway, exiting into the streets that were flooded with people. 21 looked around to see the various stores that surrounded them. It was almost overwhelming but at the same time excited her. She felt a nudge on her shoulder before she turned to face Kuzuku.
"Want to go check out the museum over there? I've heard it was the number one science museum in the world, containing all sorts of information and inventions," Kuzuku offered. 21 saw where he was pointing to and nodded, giving him a happy, yet cute smile.
"You bet!" 21 chirped. The two began walking, with 21 wrapping her tail around Kuzuku's waist, which was new to even him but he let it slide. As they entered the museum, it didn't take long for them to be wondered by the marvelous attractions that were inside. The numerous models that have explanation of various theories created by many bright scientists. The inventions that essentially were groundbreaking and life changers were displayed among the vast hallways of the building. The history of those scientist that were written down of stands for those who were wondering about the type of life those brilliant minds had. It was interesting for the two as they walked around aimlessly after paying for the visit. 21 was marveled by it all while Kuzuku was intrigued as well but didn't want to be anywhere near the biology section for personal reasons. Time passed quickly as they enjoyed each other's company but before they left, 21 stopped in front of a particular painting of one of the historical scientist in this world. Kuzuku stopped next to her and looked up at the painting as well, instantly recognizing who it was.
"Hilbert Collenstein...," Kuzuku muttered, gaining the attention of his girlfriend.
"You know of him?" 21 bewildered that anyone would know of this particular scientist. Kuzuku nodded as he continued to stare at the portrait, recalling all the information that he knows about him. 21 let out a breath, turning her glance back towards the portrait as well.
"He was a once in the life time scientist. A genius among most of his colleges and was regarded as the father of all knowledge. Though he was a oddball and socially weird, he never stop his pursuit for knowledge," 21 noted. Kuzuku already knew where she was going with this. He read about this man once and his life story was tear jerking. He also knew that the moment that 21 looked at his portrait that it was going to bring up some bad memories about herself and make her depressed again.
"However, the government used his brains to invent what would be known as the most powerful force on Earth at that time. A missile that generated a absurd amounts of kinetic energy through the use of power vibrations generating inside of the device while splitting a atom in two. The destructive force was catastrophic to the world and was the sole reason for numerous deaths during the time of war. He was heartbroken from what he created. He never expected that his knowledge would be used to cause so much death and destruction, eventually driving him to become mad. His family scrutinized him for continuing his work on creating deadly devices eventually leaving them to abandon him along with taking his daughter away...," 21 murmured. Kuzuku gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing with a pain expression on his face.
21 felt a few tears linger but held them in, "After realizing what he had been doing, he tried his best to repent but no matter how much he tried, it didn't work. His family ignored him and he had nothing left but his research. It lead him to...". She was interrupted when Kuzuku pulled her into a hug. Her eyes widen as Kuzuku forced her to bury her face into his chest.
"21 please...don't compare yourself to him. You're passed that remember?" Kuzuku whispered.
21's was shivering, cursing herself for becoming depressed over a portrait. She couldn't stop herself from saying, "But...". In one fell swoop, Kuzuku grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the museum. She couldn't help but notice that it was dark out. Were they really in there for that long? Faster than the eye can literally see, Kuzuku flew them both into the sky and directed them towards a specific location.
21 was confused by his sudden action and was waiting to see where he was taking her. They landed at their destination in no time, a hill that was surrounded by flowers of various colors. The sky seemed to be clear as the stars were clearly visible. 21 was so lost by her surroundings that she didn't notice Kuzuku standing towards the edge of the hill. She quickly snapped out of her trance and motioned her way towards him, only stopping just behind him. She didn't know what, but she became hesitant, as if she was unworthy. Kuzuku sighed and looked up at the sky, the wind blowing his hair that was hiding his expression.
"21, do you remember the conversation we had after the feast that took place after the whole Janemba thing?" Kuzuku asked, calmness filling his voice. 21 knew full well of what he was talking about but didn't answer his question. Kuzuku turned his attention towards the numerous flowers that were moving around happily as the wind continued blowing.
"Yeah, you were so distraught that day because of a certain someone causing you to remember what you used to be...similar to what is happening now. I made sure that wasn't a problem anymore but now, I don't think that's really is the case, is it?" Kuzuku said. 21 was confused as to what he was talking about. Does he see something that she doesn't know about herself? Kuzuku turned his body to face her with determined eyes.
"21...you remember the question you asked me before right? You asked me whether or not you're entitled for forgiveness or not. I think that question isn't what you are truly seeking but the real question was whether or not your deserving of happiness at all. Or perhaps...are your actions in the past inescapable." Kuzuku revealed, stunning the majin. Did she really think that way? Was it really about softening up her guilt in a way so that she can feel deserving of happiness? Did she really want to try and run away from her past entirely? Could she even become a new person like she said she would? She's couldn't stop but think about the worse case scenario for her. That's why the question she asked before was whether or not she was entitled for forgiveness. She'd hope that would clarify things but forgiveness doesn't equate to her real question.
Kuzuku took a step forwards, startling the girl a bit, "In reality, those actions of your past will stick with you forever, no matter how much repenting you do.". Her eyes widened with pure shock. She just heard what she feared the most being said by the one she loved.
"But, just because you can't escape from it, doesn't mean you can't strive towards happiness. If you repent but also constantly worry about what you did prior to that then can you truly move on? Even if that weren't the case, you've saved many lives and helped countless people with your knowledge. You helped us in many battles before and never showed fear despite the situations we are in. All you need to do is focus on the you that is standing here now and on what you desire now." Kuzuku asked.
"Yes but...," she was cut off yet again when Kuzuku walked over to her and pulled her into another hug. It was calming, so much so that it stopped her from shaking.
"Remember this, your past action don't truly determine your future. I won't let you drown yourself with your guilt because we've been through so much since we've gotten together. You've supported me through times that I thought I'd eventually would become another person. You comforted me in times where I thought that I would never get over my trauma. 21, you are easily the most precious thing to me and the thing that I will never surrender, even it costs me my life. Without you, life would probably be lost to me...," Kuzuku confessed. He pulled back to see her expression bewildered yet lost in his words. She was blushing indeed but also on the verge of crying. Kuzuku didn't back down though as he knew this was the right time to ask her. He smiled as he got onto one knee, confusing her.
"What are you...?" 21 muttered.
Kuzuku reached into his back pocket and pulled out the box as he spoke, "21, if you take my advice seriously and strive for happiness then I want to be there for you. I want to stay by your side for as long as we exist. So may I ask...". He showed her the box and opened it, revealing a ring that had small, amethyst crystals in it. It reflected off the moonlight as 21 was shocked at what he was going to say next. The next four words came out slowly as her mind was processing the situation.
"Will you marry me?"
She stood frozen, not even realizing that the ring was already placed onto her finger. She looked at her hand, admiring the design of the ring with a surprise expression. Kuzuku blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his head at what he had possibly done to the girl but he stopped as he was starting to get worried that something may be wrong with her.
"21, are you okay? If you don't like the idea, we could...," the Saiyan stopped mid sentence when he heard a sob coming from her. Her tears were overflowing as her eyes started to well up. She held her ring hand towards her chest, as if her heart was threatening to explode. Kuzuku was wondering if he had upset her until he realized they were tears of joy when she gave him the most warm and loving smile that'd he will probably see in his life. She laughed in-between sobs as she tried to wipe the tears away.
"Yes...my answer is yes...*Sniffs* Kuzuku!" 21 sobbed. Kuzuku's heart felt like the weight of the universe had finally lifted itself of it's shoulder. He could only smile at her uncontrollable sobbing before he got up and pulled her into a hug.
"You don't know how happy I am right now. I'm...overjoyed," 21 muffled.
Kuzuku closed his eyes, taking in the success in the air as he rubbed her back, "I know, I'm pretty happy myself.". The two pulled away from each other, staring into each other's eyes before kissing deeply. It's been a long journey for them and hardships stood in their way but now...that journey is over and it's time for them to embark on another one. It was a long wait but safe the say that their relationship from here on out will be one of happiness down the road.
A/N: It took literally seventy-nine chapters but aye, they've finally are engage. About damn time though :P.