Chapter 36: Everything Goes Wrong

(Opening Theme: Unbreakable by Fireflight)

Cashew Village

Kenshiro looked down at the completed necklace. He had poured everything he had into it all night, trying to make it as beautiful as possible. He had bought some silver ingots from the village blacksmith, Kuroko, she was surprised that he bought them but accepted his money. He had used his superhuman strength to press the silver ingots together along with ki to slightly melt the silver together. He then used a mixture of raw strength and ki power to mold the silver into the shape he wanted. It had taken him all night to mold it into the kanji he wanted. By the time he was done he was exhausted, but happy with the results, no one else from Cashew Village could have made a necklace the way he had with his bare hands, literally. After crafting the charm, he had looked throughout his Grandparent's house to try to find the right material to complete the necklace. In the end he took some black silk cloth that his Grandma had and tightly wove it together until it was as strong as any metal. The necklace was truly unique, black silk thread holding a solid silver charm about the size of two of Kenshiro's fingers molded into the shape of the kanji Eien no Ai, Eternal Love.

Kenshiro smiled at the results and gently placed the necklace into a small black box he had bought before heading to the Hospital. Grandma and Grandpa were finally cured of the Cashew Flu and wanted to go home. He arrived at the Hospital and headed straight for their room. Grandma Kamiki was already dressed in a blue kimono with a red haori while Grandpa Jinbei was finishing getting dressed in his brown yukata while Tsubaki was giving them one last checkup. "How are they, Tsubaki-sensei?" Kenshiro asked. "All good to go, Kenshi-chan," Tsubaki said, then saw the box he was holding. Her lips quivered slightly before she turned to his Grandparents, "Jinbei-oji-san, Kamiki-oba-san, you're free to leave. I want to talk to Kenshi-chan for a minute." "Alright," Kamiki said as she and Jinbei left the room arm in arm. Kenshiro shut the door and Tsubaki looked at him and he at her.

"I…had hoped that everyone was wrong," Tsubaki said. Kenshiro shook his head, "Tsubaki, I've changed, I've been with other women now. I've seen how truly vast Existence really is! I've fought side by side and against some of the greatest warriors to ever live. I'm not the same man you loved anymore." Tsubaki walked up to him and looked him in the eyes. "I know, I just didn't want to admit it. When you came back, I…had hoped it was for good," Tsubaki admitted. "Tsubaki," Kenshiro said, "You'll always be someone important to me. But I don't love you anymore. But I promise, if you ever need my help, all you have to do is ask, and I'll help you however I can." Tsubaki swallowed and said, "Kenshiro, I…I hope that you're happy with Pearl, for your own sake I hope that you love each other forever." Kenshiro put the box down and gave his first love a final hug. "I hope that you find someone who will make you happy," he said before letting her go, grabbing the box with his engagement necklace, and left the room.

His Grandparents were waiting for him at the elevator. They all left the Hospital together, taking a leisurely stroll, to appreciate all they had. "It seems like only yesterday you were learning how to walk," Kamiki said to Kenshiro. "I never thought I'd see the day that you would become someone so important," Jinbei said as they passed the Blacksmith's. Kuroko came out, and said, "Kenshiro! I've finally completed the models!" Kenshiro and his Grandparents went over as she came out, presenting foot-tall statuettes of Kenshiro, Shurayuki, Jade, Bage, Brocc, Amaya, Rachel, and Beate. "Kuroko-san, these are amazing!" Kenshiro said as he lifted the one of his Mother. It looked just like her, and showed her fighting with a sword in her right hand, a dagger in her left hand, and a kunai shuriken in her mouth. He looked at all of the statuettes showing his friends in various battle poses. "This one was the hardest," Kuroko said, pointing a large finger at Jade's statuette. Jade had posed to show her stretching out her right arm for a punch and her left foot for a kick while balancing on her right foot. "For the full-size one I might need to fill the base with lead to keep it balanced," Kuroko said.

The middle-aged woman smiled as Kenshiro appraised the statuettes. "These are great, Kuroko-san, I'm sure the full-sized versions will be even better," Jinbei said. "It'll take about a month for all of them, but when I'm done, they'll be my greatest work," Kuroko said. She rolled her broad shoulders and cracked her neck, "Well, back to work. You can take these to your friends. I just wanted your opinion on them." "I will," Kenshiro said as Kuroko brought out some straw filled boxes he could put the statuettes in. After collecting them he lifted them up in a larger box and he and his Grandparents set off back to their home. Along the way Villagers all stopped to talk with Kenshiro, shake his hand, offer him some food or to buy him a drink someday, he had to turn them down since he had already still had plenty of food from his Mother's funeral. Some children wanted to see his power, and he obliged by summoning different colored ki balls and making them fly around in different ways before ending by making the ki balls explode in a makeshift fireworks display.

It was time for lunch by the time they got home. Kenshiro wanted to cook one more time but Kamiki was having none of it. "I haven't cooked in so long that I'm afraid I've forgotten how!" she said. "Dear, you'd never forget how to cook," Jinbei laughed, "Even if you forgot everything else, you'd still know how to sew and cook." Kamiki only laughed as she got to work making lunch for her family. While she cooked, Kenshiro packed up his clothes in Capsules. After a lunch of chicken soup, steak, and noodles, Jinbei and Kamiki looked at Kenshiro seriously as he started to go. "Kenshiro, we need to talk, before you go," Jinbei said. Kenshiro sat back down.

"It should be your parents telling you these things, but, the world is not perfect. We know, you are going to propose to Pearl. You chose a good woman to be your wife. But we're telling you now, marriage is not easy. You are sharing yourself with another person, wholeheartedly. Both the good, and the bad," Jinbei explained. Kamiki picked up from this, "Pearl will have to do the same. Embrace all the good things, and accept the bad. She is giving it all to you, her heart, her soul, and her body. Marriage is an exchange between you. You must find the balance to be happy." Jinbei then continued talking, "We know, that we always talked well of Shiro, but he wasn't a perfect man. His body was weak, though his heart was full of love. He could be stubborn and set in his ways. Shurayuki was one of the few who's will was as strong as his, that is why he fell in love with her. Shurayuki was very distrustful at first, it took a while to see through the mask she wore to the person she really was, and wanted to become."

"I understand," Kenshiro said. "Good," Kamiki said, "Life is filled with trials, but, with the right person, you can meet any struggle." Kamiki, Jinbei, and Kenshiro got up from the table and they hugged each other. "You've made us so proud, and we know that your parents are as well, son," Jinbei said. Jinbei and Kamiki gave their Grandson one last kiss each, and Kenshiro gathered his things. He headed out of the house and gave them one last smile before he powered up his ki until it glowed silver. Kenshiro flew all around Cashew Village one last time, etching everything into his memory, before taking off in the direction to Conton City.

Conton City

Kenshiro arrived in Conton City in three hours. He decided he wanted to surprise everyone and lowered his Power Level to about 20000 before flying over the Bamboo District. He saw everyone gathered, watching Pearl spar with Kenji, Pearl in a Ginyu Force White outfit and Kenji dressed in a simple blue gi. Kenshiro watched from above as Pearl attacked Kenji, only for the kid to block and dodge all of her attacks. He focused and heard her say, "That's the way, Kenji-chan! Focus on me, not just with your eyes, but with your ears, your body, your mind, even your nose if you can. Track me with every sense you can." Kenji nodded, "Yes, Sensei!" and the two went at it again. He watched as Kenji used his smaller size to his advantage to avoid the larger Pearl's attacks. Kenshiro could tell that Pearl was holding herself back immensely, it was proven when Kenji tried a counterattack and Pearl dodged it easily. Pearl blocked his next attack and grabbed his leg then pulled him closer into what would have been a face breaking palm strike if she hadn't stopped herself. "Don't focus completely on offense in a real fight. A more experienced opponent can use that to their advantage. Try not to become arrogant either, if your opponent is too much stronger than you, then your attacks will be useless," Pearl said.

Pearl then stepped back and let loose with a loud kiai, her aura erupting around her brightly, but Kenshiro could tell that Pearl was only using a small amount of her power, he'd say a quarter of the power she truly possessed. Kenshiro smiled fondly, remembering how much his fiancé had progressed. Pearl told Kenji, "Focus all your power and attack me with it." Kenji in response took a deep breath and yelled out as hard as he could, his own aura was strong, but in comparison to all the adults Kenshiro knew that Kenji was the weakest one there. Kenji unleashed a storm of red ki balls in Pearl's direction, all of them hitting her, but Pearl would not act to defend herself. Kenji kept on attacking with all his might for an impressive two whole minutes before finally falling to his knees, gasping for breath. Pearl walked up to him unharmed, "Ki is a powerful weapon, and shield. If your enemy possesses more, or if they have a technique that you're not prepared for, you can't harm them. There are techniques to get around this, such as your parent's Ki no Ken technique, Krillin's Destructo-Disc, or Piccolo's Special Beam Cannon. That said, even they can be useless if the gap between yours and your opponent's power is too great." "I understand, Sensei," Kenji said. "Good," Pearl told him, "We're done for today."

Kenshiro decided that was his cue as he flew down and said, "Hello there." Kenshiro didn't see Pearl coming as she flew right at him, wrapping her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, and her lips on his. They made out for thirty seconds before Brocc and Jade ruined it, "GET SOME SIS!" "WOO-HOO! HANG ON TO THAT ASS TIGHT!" Pearl was blushing as she unsealed their lips, along with Kaoru and Kenshin, who were too shocked to block Kenji's view as he looked at them really confused. "Uh…Well, that's one great way to be greeted," Kenshiro said, as Pearl hid her face. "Come on, don't wuss on us now, man," Brocc laughed. "Knock it off," Barit told the blue skinned Saiyan and dope slapped him. "Thank you, Barit," Pearl said as she let go of Kenshiro. She was still blushing as Kenshiro flew back up to the top of the mountain he had watched her and Kenji from and came back down with everyone's gifts. Kenshiro got the box with the necklace out first and got down on his knees, he had been practicing this, the traditional proposal of Cashew Village.

"Pearl, this is all I am. I put my entire heart into this, as I will in our marriage. No plague, or famine, storm or earthquake will change my love for you. There is no other woman in the world I would want to be there for me in this life. Will you have me?" Kenshiro said. Everyone fell silent as soon as his knees hit the ground as Pearl took up the necklace and said, "I will, forever." Kenshiro got up and helped her put on the necklace, and then she wrapped her arms around him and she kissed him again as everyone around them cheered.

"Oh no! We missed it!"

Everyone turned and saw Glutto, Buudikka, Amber, and Silver floating down. "Mama! Papa! Amber, Silver! WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!" Pearl excitedly yelled as she wrapped her family in a hug. "We were just a minute too late, my Precious Pearl," Glutto told her, "Your Mama forgot the directions." "Just one mountain off! And I missed my oldest being proposed to!" Buudikka said through a tear-filled smile. "Come here Jade, Kenshiro!" Glutto happily said as he stretched out his arms and grabbed him and Jade and pulled them into the group hug. "Welcome to the family!" Buudikka and Glutto both told Kenshiro as their whole family hugged him tightly. The Earthling managed to gasp, "Thank you for having me… Can we stop so I can breathe?" "Oh, right," Buudikka said as everyone let go. "This is a special occasion! We need to go celebrate, make it a Girls and Guys Night out!" Buudikka declared. "But wait! Who'll watch Hirohito and Silver, and Kenji?" Pearl pointed out. "I'll do it," Barit said, stepping forward. "You sure man?" Kenshiro asked him.

"Yeah, after all the stuff we've been through, taking care of three brats shouldn't be too hard," Barit smirked. "Challenge accepted," Hirohito said with an evil smirk. Kenshin and Kaoru nodded and Kenshin said to Kenji, "What do you think, Kenji?" "I'd like to see how strong Barit-san is," Kenji said. "Alright, then it's settled, so, how about we get ready to go out?" Buudikka said, then turned to Kaoru, "Kaoru-san, right? Do you mind if I see what you have to wear?" "Um…we only have what we've bought here," Kaoru admitted. Buudikka got a big smile as she went to Kaoru and wrapped on arm around her shoulders, "Well then, let's fix that!" Buudikka half dragged Kaoru away and Pearl went with her. "Mama, can I come too? I…don't have a lot of street clothes…" Pearl admitted. "Certainly dear. Let's go!" Buudikka said, as they headed out to Killer Klothes.

Three Hours Later

Satan City

"I'm not sure about this," Kaoru said as they were about to get out of the car. Buudikka had decided that the best kind of Girl's Night Out would involve mani-pedi's, going to a nice bar for dinner, and then work off the dinner at a Nightclub. Kaoru and Pearl had agreed to this at first, but now they were actually heading out, and they weren't too sure, the evening dresses Buudikka had picked out were a little more revealing than they were used to. "Come now, there's nothing to be ashamed of," Buudikka insisted, she had on a shoulder baring little black dress and heels, "You're both beautiful, you should show the world." "Come on! We don't have much time to get our mani-pedi's!" Amber pointed out, she had on a blue dress with slits down the sides to show off her legs, but was also wearing sneakers. "Kaoru, come on, nothing's gonna happen," Jade said, she was wearing a red version of Buudikka's outfit, only with one long sleeve on her left arm as well, "If any guy grabs your ass, just break his arm, or toss him a few miles, you can do that now." Megumi also came, deciding to wear her usual blue kimono and said, "Kaoru, hurry up. I'm curious about what this city is like!"

Amaya was standing aside, she was in a very tight bodysuit that bared her shoulders with green markings running and crisscrossing all through it, when Bage had seen it his jaw dropped, and Pearl swore he was starting to get a nosebleed, especially as Amaya was walking away. Pearl swallowed, "Well, I guess it's now or never, Kaoru-san." "Alright," Kaoru said, taking a deep breath as they came out of the car. Kaoru was wearing a modified green kimono that bared her shoulders and with a skirt that was above her knees, but she felt was too revealing, though when Pearl saw Kenshin's reaction she was sure that he liked it. Pearl however was talked into wearing a purple dress with a neckline that plunged to just above her navel, prominently featuring her engagement necklace, and a long skirt with slits long enough to show her legs, almost enough to show her underwear. "Alright, let's go!" Buudikka said as she confidently led them to the manicurist.

After they left there, Kaoru felt more confident, and was admiring her fingernails, they were painted blue with pink camellias, as they headed to the bar Buudikka wanted to go to. Amaya looked at the sign when they arrived, "The Pink Elephant. Well…it's honest about what you'll see…" "This was my favorite place to go after a tournament. I wonder if Old VT still remembers me," Buudikka said as she confidently walked in. The other women followed her in. Everyone was staring at the new arrivals as Buudikka went to the bar and said, "Hey, Rocka!" The bartender turned around, he was a big black man with half his ear missing and a scar that seemed to split his face in half diagonally from left temple to right jaw. He smiled wide when he saw Buudikka and said, "Buudikka! Where've you been!? It's been, what, ten years?" Everyone sighed as they sat down with her. "Yeah, sorry Rocka, but tonight's a special occasion, so me, my daughters, and our lovely friends decided to come here," Buudikka said.

"Oh, I remember seeing you girls on TV! Pearl, Amber, and Jade," Rocka said, "And who are you three?" "Amaya Zou," Amaya introduced herself. "My name is Himura Kaoru," Kaoru said confidently, "I am Doctor Takani Megumi," Megumi imperiously introduced herself. "Nice to meet you all. So, what'll it be, and what's the occasion?" "I'm engaged," Pearl said, and let him look at her necklace. "Congratulations! Man, I am old! It feels like yesterday when Buudikka first came in, ready to take on the world," Rocka said as he took their orders. Jade and Amber had to settle for Shirley Temples, while Kaoru had a small jar of plum sake that she was sharing with Megumi, Amaya ordered a Long Island Iced Tea, Buudikka had a powerful concoction called a Headsplitter that was so strong Pearl could smell the alcohol from right next to her, and Pearl decided to get a fruitier cocktail called a Mixed Berry Long Island Sweet Tea. For food Buudikka was paying, Kaoru decided to just have fries while Amaya got onion rings and a steak kebob, Pearl ordered fries and a chicken club sandwich while Jade and Amber ordered a Deluxe Double Burger Combo that looked like it could feed a whole family, Megumi settled for beef soup, and Buudikka ordered a whole rack of dry rub ribs.

While waiting for their food a slick looking guy in a suit came over saying, "Don't get a lot of girls like you here." His cologne too strong, and his red hair was a mess, and Pearl thought she saw the telltale signs he was wearing a girdle under his suit too. "Thank you," Buudikka said. "So, how about we all come over, I can show you to my Hotel," the guy said. "Sounds cheap," Jade said. "Not really, since I own it," the guy said, his hair turned oh so slightly askew. "Can't, married," Buudikka said, showing her wedding band, "I'm married too," Kaoru said, "Engaged," Amaya said, "Ditto," Pearl said, "I got a boyfriend," Jade said, "You're old enough to be my grandpa!" Amber said, while Megumi was even more blunt, sticking up her nose and said, "You look like an orange toad." "So?" the guy said, just as the food arrived, "I got enough money to buy you girls anything you want!" "Bud, knock it off now, before you get hurt," an older woman said, she had a torn denim jacket on and her grey hair was short. "Thanks, VT, we can handle this," Buudikka said, "By the way, how's Trace?" "He's fine, him and Brody headed out West, they write from time to time," the old woman, VT, said.

"Hey! Don't ignore me!" the slick guy said, grabbing Buudikka by the shoulder. Buudikka got a look on her face as she took his hand, "Listen, you got shot down. I suggest you leave." "Or what?" the slick guy said. "Take it outside Buudikka if your taking that hand," VT said as she went behind the bar, "Blood's a bitch to get out of wood." "Got it," Buudikka said. "I suggest you let her go now, Donnie," an old guy with a beard and arms covered in tattoos said, "In case you don't know, that's Buudikka, the four-time Tenkaichi Budokai Champion!" Buudikka decided to emphasize this by grabbing Donnie's shirt and lifting him up high. "Hey! Let me go! I'll sue!" Donnie said before Buudikka dropped him like a sack of potatoes. "Fuck you, bitches!" Donnie said as he stormed out. "Business guys," VT said as she poured a shot for Buudikka and herself, "Think their money makes up for their lack of balls." "Oh well," Buudikka said as she and VT drank their shots.

"Um… Mama, who is this?" Pearl finally asked. "Oh, sorry, this is VT, she used to be my landlord before I met your Papa," Buudikka explained to her daughters. "Yeah, young thing like her, someone had to look after her. I remember when she'd make some cash by arm wrestling the roughnecks that showed up. Had to kick a few out because they were sore losers," VT said. "Yep," Buudikka said. "So, where's your men at? Too scared to come over?" VT asked. "They're having a Guy's Night Out in Parsnip City, to celebrate Pearl's engagement," Buudikka said. "You don't say. So, Pearl, who's the lucky guy?" VT asked. "His name is Kenshiro," Pearl started, "He's the nicest, most down to Earth guy I ever met. He's always been there for me, helped make me strong and he's just…amazing!" "Plus he's hung like a horse," Jade said, spreading her arms out. "JADE!" Pearl blushed. VT just laughed at this and poured a shot for Pearl, "Drink up Sweetheart. If he's half as good as you say he is, you're a lucky girl, and if you're anything like your Mama, he's a lucky man!"

"Thank you," Pearl said as she drank her shot. It seemed that the liquor hit her hard then. She started to feel dizzy, and her body felt hot all over. Pearl shook her head then, but the feeling persisted, and the warmth moved down between her legs. "Hey, I'm going back to Conton, I wanna see if Kenny's back yet," Pearl said. "Awww, are you sure?" Buudikka asked. "Mama, it's been weeks since I last slept with my boyfriend, now fiancé. I'm not waiting anymore," Pearl said, surprising everyone. Jade and Amber laughed along with VT who said, "Go get him girl!" "You guys can stay out and enjoy the night your way, I'll enjoy it my way," Pearl said as she Instant Transmitted to Conton City. She arrived near the lake and looked down to check how she looked. She thought she saw a purple aura for a split second, but then the feeling persisted. All her frustration seemed focused then, as she looked around, trying to find Kenshiro.

Unknown Dimension

Shadlyn smiled as Yuu looked confused. "So she's horny, so what?" the vampire said. "You idiot, what's the one thing people like to see? It's to see a Perfect Little Princess turn into a skank," Shadlyn said as she focused more power. "Brocc is there now. Just grab something and enjoy the show," Shadlyn told Yuu.

Conton City

Everything was a blur for Pearl as she looked for who she wanted in Conton City. She was burning inside and only He could quench the fire. She found Him, and after that everything was a blur. She didn't know how they ended up on a bed or whose it was, she didn't care. She only cared about the arms tearing her dress off, the lips that captured hers, the teeth that bit her body as her nails scratched his. It was all a blur of lust, and need that had to be sated. She lost track of time, she had no idea for how long it had been, things only started to clear up when she was riding Him, she on top, moaning as he filled her up, before suddenly, like a tide of ice cold water rushing through her she heard Kenshiro's voice, "Pearl…"

A fog seemed to lift through Pearl's mind as she saw that she was not in her apartment, and that Kenshiro, Barit, and Jade were all looking at her from the doorway. She looked down as her orgasm hit her suddenly and she groaned involuntarily before realizing the one she was on top of was Brocc! Pearl looked down at him, confused and horrified, and he looked at her with the same expression as they both looked at Kenshiro and Jade. Jade's eyes filled with tears as she ran away, while Kenshiro's eyes grew dark. "Kenny…" Pearl said as he turned his back on her and left. "Kenny! Wait!" Pearl yelled, covering herself with a blanket as she ran after him. Kenshiro kept on going, out of the apartment building, his eyes seeming like two hollow amber pools. "I…I…" Pearl tried to stop him, but he ignored her, that same blank expression as his ki aura flared around him as he took off faster than a rocket. "KEEENNNNYYYY! I'M SOOOORRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYY!" Pearl screamed after him, tears streaming down her face. "Pearl!? What happened!?" she heard her parents yell. Pearl looked at them horrified as she tried to cover herself.

She didn't know what to do. "Pearl, why are you naked?! Where's Kenshiro going!? Why is your sister crying!?" Glutto and Buudikka both asked. Pearl looked at them and swallowed, she didn't know what to say to them, what could she say to them? She ran away, as fast and as far from them as she could, straight for her own apartment. She ran in and locked the door behind her. She ran into the shower and set it to as hot as it could go, furiously washing herself off. "Oh no…" Pearl said as it finally hit her what she had done. She curled up into a ball as the scalding hot water washed over her. She didn't know for how long she sat there, she only turned the water off after she heard the door unlock and someone come in. She dried herself off and wrapped a towel around her then went out of the room, hoping it was Kenshiro so she could try to beg forgiveness. Instead it was Barit standing there, a dark scowl on his face and his arms crossed.

"Get dressed. Get your things. And get the Hell out of my apartment," Barit told her. "Barit…please…I didn't know what I was doing!" Pearl begged. "You betrayed my best friend. I don't need to hear your excuses. You have ten minutes, now go," Barit told her. Pearl teared up as she went to hers and Kenshiro's room, and packed up everything she had. She dressed in her old clothes from when she first arrived, black shirt and pants with black sneakers. After packing everything in Capsules, she went to the living room to see Barit holding the Interdimensional Cable Box. Pearl took it, and Barit angrily yelled, "What the Hell is wrong with you!? Do you know how much he loves you!? Half the time we were alone with you on your missions he'd talk about what sort of future he wanted, with you! He told me that he knew how much you wanted kids, how he'd find a way for it to work! He loved you as much as anyone ever loved someone, and you spat on that!" "Please, let me explain…" Pearl tried to say, only for Barit to tell her, "GET OUT!" Pearl ran out of the apartment, and flew away from Conton City, as fast as she could.

She only stopped when she found a Hotel, she didn't know how far away it was, and checked herself in. When she finally got in her new room, she threw herself on the bed and cried into her pillow. She felt the necklace he had given her and took it off, reading it, Eien no Ai, Eternal Love. Pearl looked at it and hugged it to her chest as she curled up into a ball.

Everyone hates you! The Voice said.

"Go away!" Pearl yelled aloud.

You're nothing! Just a girl that everyone knows is a skank who fucked her sister's boyfriend! The Voice continued. "No…" Pearl groaned, clutching her ears, but nothing could halt The Voices inside her head.

Everyone hates you!

Everyone!

(Ending Theme: Whispers in the Dark by Skillet)

Author's Note: Consider this the conclusion to Season 2 of Pearl's Adventures in the Xenoverse. I'm going to try to do as my friend yoshi3000 does and try to write more than one story at once. Chapter postings could get sporadic. Next Season promises more drama, more thrills, and hearts healed. Thank you to everyone who has read from the first chapter to this one. I cannot tell you in words how much I appreciate your support.