The Hidden Heart
Original Concept by: JacobKingston10
Written by: LastationLover5000
The Wilderness, Outside the Western Capital; Earth
It was early in the morning. A crisp mist had fallen over this forest, but it was an example of nature, pristine and untouched. Deep within this forest, nestled atop a grassy hill, overlooking a sparkling lake, was a log cabin. It was a good two-stories, constructed entirely from wood, with a balcony overlooking the lake itself. It was hidden away within the woodland, but from this spot, one could enjoy the beauty of Earth as it was meant to be.
And this was where Gokū Black had stationed himself. It was a recently procured abode, having been forcibly acquired when its previous tenants had been removed. And say what he could about the humans, he had come to enjoy this little cottage. It wasn't anything like his planet, and he'd never bothered to acquire a home on other worlds — their inhabitants had been eradicated within a day or two — but Black would take his time with Earth.
It's an odd feeling, Black thought to himself, walking out of the cabin after enjoying a cup of tea. It was an old, ingrained habit, and he hadn't been able to rid himself of it. Fortunately, the humans of Earth seemed to enjoy tea as much as he. Now that I'm here on Earth, I feel a sort of familiarity. He cast a look out onto the lake, and took in the sight of its waters which sparkled and reflected the luminescent sun. Why do I have this feeling of...of homecoming? He was wondering if he was taking his time with this planet due to Trunks — and he knew that this was part of it — or the fact that his body knew this world.
With a flourish that would embarrass others, Black discarded the top of his gi, and left it on the railing outside the door. He would take a note to wash his clothes later; these were training garb, after all, and it would not do to damage his clothing. With some satisfaction that this was in fact all that Trunks had managed to damage, the man moved towards the lake, sitting by its shimmering surface. Looking over at his reflection, he saw his body again; the muscled build that had been acquired through many years of training, and the paradoxically thin frame that was due to his own influence. But it was still his body.
And with this body, I will take the steps needed to cleanse the Universe, he thought to himself, feeling the cooling breeze of the Earth and savouring it. It was proof that this planet was alive, and proof that his actions were justice. As he merely relaxed, and enjoyed this moment to himself — a sort of peace he hadn't had since those days with his teacher — the man heard a rustling noise. Reflexively, he braced himself for a battle, but what he saw made him lower his guard.
A deer had wandered out of the taiga forest, and was making its way timidly towards the lake. His expression and body language instantly relaxed, and a peaceful smile crossed Black's face. "Merely an animal, hm? Come then, join me," he said openly, and the deer — a red deer, a doe specifically — sensed Black's intentions, and it approached him cautiously. When the animal had come up next to the Saiyan, it knelt down for a drink, and Black stroked its back.
It didn't flee, but instead relaxed, and Black felt himself relax as well. Simple creatures, but it is precisely because they are simple that their existence is pristine. They aren't like the humans — these creatures that live their lives without spoiling the beauty that the gods create. It was precisely because of these creatures that humans must be brought to justice. They war, fall, rise, and war again. They take wantonly from their planets, besmirching natural beauty and needlessly killing without a second thought. And I will be the one who corrects this mistake. As his thoughts turned to aggression, Black's hand instinctively tightened in a vice grip.
There was a horrible CRACK, and the deer fell to the ground.
It was dead.
Black looked at his hand, and then down towards the animal, and let out a sigh. Regret crossed his face, and he let that hand fall limply to his side. A voice lectured him in the back of his head, one that he knew all too well, about the importance of restraint and control.
"So you intend to haunt me forever?" He muttered, almost as if in reply, but stood up, and lifted the body of the animal. He supposed handling the remains were in order, and then mental discipline; how would he illustrate justice to these humans — to Trunks — if he too fell victim to their flaws?
A lingering apology for the death hung in the air, and Black proceeded towards the back of the cabin.
A/N: A short chapter for the fourth installment of the Future is Black! This chapter, short as it was, got across exactly what I wanted, and it is JacobKingston10 approved! Enjoy this, and I'll see you all soon!