Overview: We've finally reached the end of this arc, I'll let you all read it and find out.
Beta: QWERTblues
Chapter 16:
Finale II
A sky full of the evening colors: orange, yellow, coral, even a hint of blue. Each color was set perfectly in the sky bursting with radiance, at least in her opinion. It was just about time for all the tiny stars to come out lighting the sky beautifully, before they come out however, the biggest light of the night was approaching.
Actually the moon ought to be out by now. That must mean they've been out longer than usual, dinner will be eaten late tonight.
Where shall they eat? Inside their hotel, at a restaurant, or will they have a picnic under the night sky? If they will have a picnic, they may have it here, wherever "here" may be.
The ground felt nice, like a flowerbed. Maybe that's where she is, on a patch of flowers. It's very comfy.
What's that noise? Was someone crying? That's strange, Goku hasn't cried since he was a toddler, the crying also sounds feminine too.
Giving a yawn, she stretched her limbs out feeling oddly disoriented. What once felt comfortable, now felt rough under her.
Pushing her body up, she yawns once more rubbing her eyes sleepily. Tired and conscious, Gine gently shakes the small body next to her.
"Wake up Goku."
Gasps rang around along with cheerful screams. "Huh?" Goku sat up groggily.
They blinked at the scene in front of them. They're at the tournament. The audience, including their friends, were scattered and spread all over the place. It seems the place was hit by a hurricane.
"You're alive!" Krillin dashed his way across the arena towards the dazed pair. He wrapped his arms around Gine's neck happily. "We thought you guys died!"
Puzzled at his embrace, though she welcomed it, she returned his hug. "Why?"
Goku stood up, feeling a breeze, "Why am I naked?"
That's an excellent question.
Giggles heard from the audience causes Gine to sigh and rub her head. "I don't know son, we need to get you clothed though."
Mr. Alonsa was more than happy to give them a few minutes to get him some clothes; before he loses his job from the boy's public display.
Krillin was happy to let his best friend borrow his clothing. The boy is just happy to have them alive. "Do your best!" There were many questions he wanted to ask him and even Gine but since the moon was destroyed it wouldn't make much of a difference.
Gine waved at Goku as he returned back to his fight. She then leaned down to Krillin's level asking, "What exactly happened?"
Goku stood across from Jackie Chun, thinking about food. He's hungry. Thinking about food just made him even more famished. The sounds of grumbling in his stomach even made it hard for him to pay attention.
At least, he's in luck. Jackie can't pull another energy attack which means the senior can't fly back onto the stage. This must mean he won!
Taking the opportunity Goku shot out his last kamehameha at his opponent, watching Jackie as he made a dodge before leaping up and giving the old man his hardest kick he could which caused Jackie to have a ring out.
Or so he thought. The old man was very lucky to have struck his foot in the cemented arena. The fight as Mr. Alonsa said will still continue.
~(-V-)~
Krillin had just finished explaining the past events to Gine who was struggling to remember while watching her son fight, "I still don't recall." The last thing she summons up is Jackie Chun placing her son in a trance of sleep. Did he really shoot lightning at her son and did Goku change into the Great Ape again? She should have remembered these things. Why couldn't she?
She stood beside their friends as they watched the fight progress. All of them gave her the same look as they do to Goku when he's having one of his moments.
"You're bleeding!" Bulma took out her handkerchief to wipe off the wound on Gine's head.
Startled she said, "It's already stopped Bulma." Whatever cut she got would have healed by now.
"Still it can get infected! I mean look at—," The teen girl moved the hankie expecting to see a scar but instead saw clear non damaged skin. She shouldn't be shocked. She's seen Goku's head heal seconds after bruising it with her bullets. This shouldn't alarm her anymore than seeing two humans with tails, two humans who have unnatural gravity defying hair, two humans with the ability to turn into an ape under the full moon, two humans with super healing abilities.
Who was she kidding?! All of these qualities are only found in these two and no one else in the world! At least from those she's met and seen.
She moved her eyes to see everyone concentrated on the fight. She shouldn't be doing this it's illegal, yet that doesn't stop her from storing away the blood stained handkerchief. Gine's hiding something from them and whatever it is she wants to know. She could always ask Goku but the kid was practically brainless. Plus she had a sneaking suspicion the kid doesn't know either, unless he was really good at hiding things.
~(-V-)~
No more tricks, energy attacks, or anything that isn't basic martial arts. They'll only use their fists and flying kicks to finish this off. At least that's what the old man said.
Jackie and Goku both rushed to each other with their fists ready to strike. They dodged as many punches as the other threw, blocked kicks aimed, but neither could avoid every attack. They were both exhausted from fighting. Apparently, it's been over four hours and neither wanted to give up.
Goku felt a few droplets of sweat falling from his hairline to his brow. This aged martial artist was a much more difficult opponent than he was giving him credit for. It seems each time he thought he got him; Jackie had another plan up his sleeve. Is he truly all out of tricks or is he just toying with him?
He licked his chapped lips, tasting the salty sweat and russet blood. His heartbeat raced rapidly, the thumping sound continued loudly to his sensitive hearing. He felt his body aching almost as if each limb weighed a hundred pounds more. He was tired, hungry, and wanted nothing more than to lay down and rest for at least a few minutes.
Though, there was no way he was going to give up yet. He might have multiple black, blue, and violet bruising on every visible and non-visible parts of his body, open wounds from the several kicks he's received already, and extreme exhaustion from the hours he had gone without food and non-stop battling. But he still refuses to give up. Maybe it would've been a good idea to stop, but he can't. He felt as if he should keep going, if he still has some fight in him then he must keep going.
"Hey Goku," His eyebrows furrowed; suspiciously he watched the huffing elder. "One last charge? What do you say?"
One last charge? Did he have it in him? Oh course he did! What's Jackie's game plan though? Was he planning to finish him off with this move? He should give it everything he's got then.
"Fine!"
Only one of them was going to remain standing after this.
Gine held onto both Krillin and Puar, unconsciously bringing them closer to her torso. She grabbed them out of instinct to hold onto something when anxious. Neither complained or even noticed as their focus was completely directed at the fight.
Their eyes were flickering from Goku to Jackie Chun as they tried pushing the other back with their various strikes. It seems that each time one was more than half way from the center, they'd make a comeback swinging their fists forcibly to the other, some attacks connected, and others did not.
It was clear they were both drained of energy. Their attacks seemed more slow and sluggish than the last few hours. One of them is going to lose and lose fast.
Her hearing was able to pick up Jackie Chun and Goku agreeing to a final move. They slowly moved back a few paces, keeping their eyes on their rival. Once at a decent distance, both elder and child rushed to the other, leaping to the air with their legs extended ready to deliver one final blow to determine the winner of this tournament.
Both kicks landed on their marks, sending the two skidding on their sides across the tiles.
Mr. Alonsa started the countdown. First one to stand will be declared the winner.
She could hear different voices, some she knew, and others she didn't, calling out for either her son or the opponent to get up. Her grip tightened on Krillin and Puar as she floated inches above the ground. Her baby was covered in more bruises than she ever saw before and his poor tail twitched on the ground as if it was fighting to stay alive.
"Come on Goku!"
"You can do it! Stand up!"
"Get up kid!"
At ten, neither got up. Everyone faced the announcer.
"There is no tie in the tournament. Meaning, the first one to stand and say "Yep I'm the World Champion!" with a smile will be declared the champion! Got that?!"
Oh that should be easy then. "Come on Goku stand up and give us one of your bright smiles!" She called out.
Goku and Jackie Chun could be seen struggling to stand. Each trembled as they supported their weight above their knees. The two could feel the full weight along with what felt added on as they tried to stand and declare themselves champion.
"Ooh Goku stood up!" The announcer calls to the audience.
Gine stood above the crumbled cemented walls, keeping the crowed at bay, she loosened her grip on the two. "Goku give me your winning smile!" She cheered showing him her own smile. "Like this!"
The twelve year old felt dizzy as he stood, "Yep…" He closed his eyes, copying his mother's teeth showing smile. "w…woo…mum" He fell down snoozing on the broken tiles.
She flinches, closing her eyes as she saw her son fall on the floor before finishing the sentence.
"Look Jackie Chun has stood!"
Her head turned to see the heavily breathing elder tiredly staring at the audience. He started swaying falling back on the tile but somehow he was able to gather enough strength to stop himself and happily yell out, "Yep I'm the World CHAMPION!" He moved around the stage, on all sides declaring himself the winner.
Gine felt her tail go limp as she saw her son's first true loss. She didn't feel disappointed but she couldn't imagine how he would be feeling. Loosening her arms completely, Puar rushed tearfully to Yamcha, while Krillin continued to hold onto her hand whispering sadly of her son's defeat.
Sighing, she pulled Krillin along with her as she flew over to the arena. She landed softly on the cracks beside Goku's still smiling face.
"Oh son," She fell to her knees, releasing Krillin. Her hands went to his head, brushing his damp hair away from his eyes.
Goku cracked one eye open. "Did I win?"
"No, you were close." Jackie said from behind.
"You'll get him next time," Gine placed her hands under his arms pulling him up. "and by then you'll be even stronger."
"Really?"
Gine nodded feeling her lips turn upward.
"Hey Mr. Jackie we can fight again right? The next time we meet I'll be even stronger. You can bet I'll be training! Just ask mom!"
"Why, yes of course."
Giggling at her son's eager expression she ruffled his hair. "Get in line Jackie, Goku's already got me in his list, again."
"You bet I do!" Goku almost shouted in excitement.
Goku and Krillin both gripped one of Gine's arms each, as they started leaving the tournament from the back entrance. Gine slowly swung both boys. "Hmm we should go find the others, I'm hungry."
"Yeah let's go find Master Roshi and get something to eat!" Krillin said, dropping to the ground.
Goku followed his lead, dizzily agreeing. "Food!"
"Okay son why don't the two of you have a race up ahead, I'll catch up." Krillin didn't question and already started to run. Goku on the other hand stared at her with unfocused eyes. "The faster you find him then the faster we can eat." She reminded him.
The twelve year old finally got his head clear of all wooziness. Normally he would've gone without question but he's been bothered since the beginning of his fight with Jackie. Whatever she was thinking of was concerning him, he doesn't want to ever see her depressed. It's unnatural to see someone who's even happier than he is become unhappy.
"Will you tell me why you were sad?" He asks her. She told him earlier it was just memories, but what memories could make her unhappy?
The mother felt her eyes widen, "What do you mean?" he couldn't have noticed, could he?
Goku lightly kicked a pebble. "I saw you," He faced her with a determined expression, "Why?"
Gine gazed at her son with a guilty expression. "I'm sorry for making you worry," She thought back briefly to her earlier thoughts. "Bad memories were coming up when the tournament began."
Bad memories? He knew it! Why the tournament though? He wanted to voice his thoughts but his stomach decided to rumble loudly for both to hear.
"I'll tell you later son."
He gave her one last look before rushing ahead, catching up to Krillin.
Gine watched him disappear as he turned a corner before sighing, "Maybe I'll have to tell him…about the two of you." She whispered as her thoughts flickered to the two who dominated her thoughts earlier.
She shook her head ridding her mind of thoughts for a moment. "For now though," Gine faced the shrubs. "Jackie Chun?" She floated above to see him changing back to Master Roshi. "Guess it is true."
Master Roshi froze in the middle of pulling off his wig, "EH!?" He felt his eyes pop out as he stared at one of his students staring at him with a raised eyebrow "Oh…ah…hehe."
~(-V-)~
Goku sat on the ground beside his friends with his short legs stretched out and his arms crossed. He had a starved expression as he looked around for his mentor with the others.
His mother hasn't come back either, she's most likely looking for Master Roshi too or maybe she went to the girl's bathroom. He fell to the ground clutching his hungry stomach as he waited for them to come back.
"Hey kids," Goku looked up to see the purple-haired lady. "Where's Gine?"
"She said she'd catch up." He answered with a groan as his stomach protested of being empty.
Ranfan had redressed to a violet loose blouse with a green skinny belt, dark blue wash jeans, and forest green heels. She had her backpack on one arm and a relaxed expression shown on her face. "Is she going to be long?"
Everyone shrugged. "Damn and I really wanted to talk to her before I leave."
She looked at her watch, "Four minutes." She mutters.
The violet haired woman stood beside Goku as she and the others looked around for either Gine or Master Roshi.
"Do any of you know where Nam is?" She asks, if her earlier thoughts were right than maybe wherever one was, the other would be too.
"He left before Goku and Jackie Chun's match." Krillin told her.
"Oh man and here I was thinking that Gine and him were going to hook up."
Goku turned his head towards her. "What do you mean?"
"Hook up…you know get together?"
Bulma, seeing Goku's puzzled gaze, told him, "Become a couple, Goku."
"A couple?" Where are they going with this? "What for?"
Yamcha, hearing the conversation, said, "Wait you think Nam and Gine like each other?" The disbelief in is voice was evident.
Ranfan rolled her eyes, "Duh."
"No way." The ex-desert bandit scoffed at the idea. He didn't see either giving even an ounce of hint of liking the other.
"Now wait a minute," Oolong stepped in, "Maybe the chick's right."
Puar floated to the group's conversation, "How?"
"Mama Ape likes fighting. Indian-Man likes fighting. They both appear single."
"Is that really your logic?" Yamcha asks with his arms crossed.
Oolong rolled his eyes, "It's more than what the two of you had." He pointed out.
"As much as I hate to agree with him," Bulma spoke, "He might be right."
Goku, hearing everyone speaking about his mother, butted in, "I'm still not getting it, guys."
Krillin elaborated, "They're saying your mom and Nam might like each other."
"Well of course," Goku stood up, "Who doesn't like my mom? And mom doesn't ever dislike anyone. They're probably good friends already!"
Everyone face-palmed. "That's not what we mean Goku!" Bulma loudly declared.
"Then what?"
Ranfan sighs, "Kid do you have a dad?" Maybe that shouldn't have been the question asked. She should've said, "Are your parents still together." Before she could correct herself Goku answered.
"No of course not." He said it without an edge to his voice.
That's strange, everyone thought. "Does your dad and mom ever talk to each other?"
"Lady, I already said I don't have a dad." He scratched his head wondering why she wasn't paying attention.
Bulma tilted her head to the side, "Goku everyone has a dad."
"Well I don't." He didn't sound angry or sullen.
Ranfan, who was currently in graduate school, training for marriage and family therapy, had an idea of what was going on. Goku is going through denial, his father most likely wasn't in the picture growing up and his mother must have babied him too much. His mind is set on being the only male his mother shall ever need.
He feels that he'll need his mother to give him all her attention to him and only him. Once a single parent starts dating, the child will usually feel non-existent and urge their mother or father to stop seeing other people. This was mostly seen in divorced parent's children after the age of ten. By then the children will be too used to seeing their parents together that they couldn't imagine either of them with another person.
Though, at some cases, like Goku, having been raised by a single parent will lead the child to be much more cautious and protective.
"Kid don't you think your mom is ever lonely?" She asks slowly. She's had five years of schooling for this, currently on her sixth to earn her masters.
"Why would she be lonely? She has me!" Goku told her confused.
She's right on this little guy. He is going through denial and it seems he wasn't aware. Most kids weren't aware though.
"Goku your mom one day might find someone for you to call daddy." Bulma said to her friend.
The twelve year old crossed his arms with narrowed eyes, "I don't have a father guys and mom doesn't need to find anyone. It's just her and me, has been since grandpa died." There is no possibility his mother will ever want to give him a father. She never gave anyone more attention than she has to him. Besides his mom isn't lonely she has him and always will.
"Hey guys!" The group turned their heads to see Master Roshi walking towards them with Gine by his side.
"Where have the two of you been?!" Bulma asks from her spot.
Facing the teen he said, "We went to get an autograph from Jackie Chun! You wouldn't believe the line!"
Bulma looked doubtfully at them. She looked at Gine to confirm his answer, "Really?"
The mother cocked her head to the side as if thinking about the answer, "Well Master Roshi did get his autograph." She then turned to the other woman. "Ranfan! I though you left already."
"I'm about to but I wanted to say goodbye first." She told the older woman. "I also wanted to say let's keep in touch." Ranfan found Gine pretty interesting and her son too.
"Yes let's do!" Gine agreed happily, grabbing her hands and shaking them.
The two conversed for another moment before it was time for the twenty-four year old to leave. Ranfan for the first time experienced a true bear hug or would death hug be better? As soon as the other woman's arms circled around her she could feel the grip of a bone crushing, suffocating embrace. "I'll…miss…you too!" She managed to choke out from the lack of oxygen.
Gine let her go, placing her hand behind her head with an innocent expression. "Oops I guess I don't know when to stop!" She let out a nervous laugh.
Ranfan waved it off before leaving everyone till next time.
"Now why don't we all go to dinner to celebrate our first successful tournament?" Master Roshi asks.
"Dinner!" Goku yells out forgetting everything said. His only worry now was food. He could feel saliva pooling in his mouth at the thought of the tasty chow this city has to offer, "Can we go NOW?!" His drool fell like a waterfall as images of different platters came to mind. Everyone besides his mother took a step back in disgust and shock at the amount of saliva he released.
Gine giggles at him, "May we? I'm feeling much like how Goku is now!" Even though she wasn't drooling excessively her stomach still rumbled loudly for any one passerby to hear. The group jumped as they heard her stomach growling much like a tyrannosaurus or saber tooth.
~(-V-)~
"Munch"
"Crunch"
"Chomp"
"Crunch"
The mother and son duo feasted on the meal as if they've been starved for the past year. This of course isn't true and the group sitting around them knew of their large appetite but that didn't help them from staring with incredibility and repulsion.
Even the young monk who ate at a large quantities with them in past, from their exhausting training sessions, stared with bewilderment. Had he actually been eating like they currently were? He'd hardly paid any attention to his eating habits but now, with the presence of new friends, his manners taught from his early days at the temple came out full force.
"Munch"
"Munch"
Only the sound of their chomping and chewing could be heard, the sounds of their breath were silent compared to the loudness of teeth crunching on the food and utensils hitting plates as the food was quickly devoured.
Everyone at the restaurant couldn't help but ask in their minds, "How much food could they take into their mouths before swallowing?" Both of their cheeks were puffed with food stuffed inside.
"Gulp"
"Gulp"
Is it alright for the friends of the Son's to question their dynamics? It just seems strange how alike mother and child were, considering said child is close to enter his rebellious years. Then again this young boy isn't your everyday kid and he proves it to them time and time again. Just like his mother, she isn't your typical mother. He might not even go through any rebellious phase, not like anyone can predict the future.
As time passes the customers in the restaurant would either stare until becoming sickly green or leave upon arriving. Apparently the ingredients were all being used to feed a small army…at least that's the rumor going around.
Minutes before closing time did the group of eight hear two identical burps from the tailed pair. Goku leaned back unashamed of his belch, his mother at least tried to cover the last bit with her hand.
"Hey can we have more?" Goku asks the waiter.
Gine nodded licking her lips of the creamy soup she had. She loved the food they've eaten so far. "Maybe more of these sweet rolls."
Her son agreed though sweets are mostly her favorite he'd never complain about eating sugary treats.
Everyone around the table including the waiter fell over from hearing the request.
Master Roshi crawled up muttering, "What are they? Monsters?!"
The waiter with a hint of happiness told the two, there are no more ingredients left in the entire restaurant.
"Aw well we should be watching what we eat!" Goku said.
Gine told him, "We should have some ice-cream before leaving the city!"
Everyone fell down in disbelief again.
At the register, Master Roshi is worriedly staring at the numbers being placed in and adding up.
"That'll be 940,000 zeni."
With all of his prize money at hand and checkbook he gave it to the cashier. Unfortunately he had to take out more than half of his retirement money—eventually he'll go into—and took his leave muttering, "There goes my money."
~(-V-)~
The next day, the group of eight stood bright and early beside their car. Yamcha had asked them, if the three turtle hermit students were going to continue their training.
Goku, Gine, and Krillin had nodded assuming they had to get back to training when Master Roshi interrupted them, "No, no, the three of you had earned a break before the next phase of training. It's time you've learned some lessons on the greatest scholar of all: life."
"Great! Then we can look for Grandpa's four star dragon ball!" Goku told his mother.
Last night they spoke briefly of what they wanted to do for future sake and finding their family's dragon ball was number one.
"What's the rush?" Oolong questioned the eager child and parent.
"Yeah there's plenty of time, are you guys sure you want to look for it now?" Bulma asks. She didn't get to question either of them yet.
Krillin asked with confusion, "What's a dragon ball?"
"An orange sphere full of magic," Gine told the teen. "It belonged to my papa and he gave it to us after his passing."
"Oh." That makes sense…he thinks.
The old hermit told the two, "Maybe the two of you should go with others. It's not safe for a kid and his mother to be out alone."
"Yeah he's right." The swine agreed.
"It's scary." Puar nodded along.
Gine shrugged along with Goku, "Safe or not as long as we're together it'll be fine."
"Yeah what she said!"
"Krillin would you like to join us?" She asks him. Gine couldn't help but feel close to him, they've been training together for practically a year. He's had a distinct personality to her son but something about him called to her. He's almost like another son. It seems they keep adding on.
Krillin shook his head. He had a taste of their lifestyle at one point in the past and there is absolutely no possible way he'd be able to survive like that, who knows how long till they find their dragon ball. "Nah I'll just join Master Roshi in his island."
Their trainer seemed to want to argue but shut his mouth after seeing Gine direct a glare at him. Fine, he won't say anything. Besides she seemed to have grown close to the boy, she'll visit and while he waits he still has Launch.
"What about you guys?" Goku asked his other friends.
"We'll just go back to West City." They all thought it would be a nice drive home.
"Master," Goku turned around, "Does that box have our things inside?"
Roshi felt like hitting himself. Maybe he should've taught the boy more vocabulary. "Yes and it's called a suitcase!"
"We learn something new every day huh?" Gine said out loud as her son rummaged through the blue case.
Krillin could almost feel the annoyance from their master and he advised the two, "You guys really should go out more. It'll do you two some good."
"Maybe we can visit the Ox-Kingdom," She wondered. "I bet Fasha, Ox-King, and Chi-Chi would be so happy to see us again!" Gine really did want to see them again; Fasha and her had finally become friends and the Ox-King wasn't that bad of a guy. It would also be a good idea if Goku and Chi-Chi got to know each other more. While she is excited of the two being engaged, she'd like it if they knew more about the other instead of marrying as complete strangers. The two should know what the future would hold once in union.
Goku finally found his power-pole and their bags in the suitcase. He jumped to her side, "I also want to learn how to fly!"
"We should find an open area…with a soft ground and no sharp objects around first." That shouldn't be hard. There are plenty of open fields.
"All right!" He makes a fist pump. "Let's go then! NIMBUS!"
The yellow cloud came to the spiky haired boy, stopping right in front of him, "Hi there Nimbus!"
Krillin turns to Oolong asking, "Hey is searching for those what-cha-ma-call-it-balls hard?"
"Yeah, really hard!"
"Hey on second thought can I come?!" Krillin shouts as the Nimbus rose with Goku, and Gine floating beside the cloud.
Feeling a grin appear, Gine went back down, "Come on Krillin let's go on an adventure together!" She leaned down grabbing his suit clad body. As soon as they get to their first stop she's making him change, the more comfortable the clothing the better for travelling.
She floated over to the teens, "Bye kids have a nice drive back home and watch out for strangers!" She then leaned over to the two shape shifting animals. "Be good and stop arguing. All of you appear so much better when you're all getting along." Finally she turned to Master Roshi. "Tell Launch I'll see her later!"
"The dragon radar will lead you to the dragon ball. You guys know how to use it right?" Bulma asks.
Gine nodded, "Yep I've seen you use it plenty of times already!" She floated back to Goku's side, "Ready?"
"Yup!"
"Hold on Krillin!" She told him as they raced off to who knows where.
The five that were left on the ground stood there for a few more minutes before piling in the car. Not even an hour after Gine told them, not to argue, they were all bickering on the way home.
Yamcha sighed as he drove, already regretting not joining his other friends.
Past:
"Hey"
Startled by the voice, the young girl screams, forgetting about the giant for a moment. Her yell however was cut off by a rough and filthy hand. Her face scrunched up as she could feel the dirt on his hand pressed against her lips. She could also detect the syrup oozing from the trees mix in.
The hand was tanned, like most kids, pudgy at the palm but with long thin fingers. She raises her eyes to see a boy around her age, possibly a year older, glancing below the ground and using his other hand to coordinate his scouter. Her only guess, he is trying to see if the Akuma is still near.
Her eyes widened as she realized that her yelp could have easily captured the attention of the beast. Next to sense of smell, sound is a close second to the blind creatures.
After a bit more the boy removed his hand from her mouth with a grin, "You sure are loud."
Gine blushed slightly, but hid it while wiping the filth off her face with the back of her hand.
"Hm...60? That's more than what I was expecting," He spoke with a hint of humor, "You look more like a 3 or 5 if I'm being honest."
Is he speaking of her power level? Her mouth slacked open, as he spoke to her as if they knew one another for years. He bluntly insulted her while joking, even if it's true, at least her friends don't comment.
The young boy who was now on her branch stood up pulling on her arm at the same time, "I'm Tora."
Wincing at the grip he had on her arm, she asked, "May you let go of me?"
He looked confused at her cringing form before letting go. As soon as he did he felt realization dawn at him as he saw bluish and violet marks start to appear, "Wow you really are fragile!" He whispered.
While rubbing her arm she glanced confusedly at him. Are there really rumors already of her lack of strength? Her frown made the boy grin again.
The twelve year old nodded slowly to his direction, "Um, well I'll be going now." She turned around fully intending to avoid this saiyan, as she tracks her friends.
Slowly she climbs down from the tree, on the last branch she grips it tight with her tail, hung upside down with her palms facing down to the ground. Very carefully she lessened her grip on the bark, "What are you doing?"
Startled she lost her concentration, falling onto the ground. Luckily she had her hands ready to maneuver her body to turn to the side, and wobbly stand on two feet.
He stood with arms crossed and wore an amused expression, "Well?" He just saw the girl climb down and hang upside down from a tree, using her tail. That's just strange, and unnatural why would anyone even want to use their tail for such ways?
Furrowing her eyebrows, Gine raised her head to face the boy again. She opened her mouth to respond but stopped. Something about Tora seemed familiar; did she meet or see him before? His hair and uniform seemed oddly familiar to her.
While Gine thought of this, Tora felt surprised at her appearance. She was a tiny thing, smaller than his best friend-and that's saying a lot. Her eyes were a strange color, instead of onyx like the rest of their kind, they were a light, very bright color of brown. They were shaped like few of their kind, an exotic way if he described them. Her skin appeared smooth and almost pale, as if was untouched, fragile like he'd seen. The armor she wore is feminine dress like, as if that would shield her, he snorted silently.
He could easily see why his friend took an interest in her, even if he refuses to admit it.
Finally, Gine realized where she saw Tora. He's the boy who was dragged along with Bardock by the woman. Then that would mean the two knew one another.
"I have to go." She told Tora before she started to walk away.
She needed to think, find her friends to make sure they are alright or find another hiding spot? Hiding would only do her good and her friends would be worrying for her, they respected her father too much to just give up. If she looks for them, then she'll need to be careful in locating them. If by a chance they are with the people of this planet then...then what?
Sighing, she tapped on her scouter, if she knew how to operate it completely then she could try to communicate. All she knew was how to turn it on, and it's on auto for capturing data along with detecting power levels. Maybe she should have asked her dad or Zukkini, the two operated their scouters on a daily basis. Though before yesterday, she never really thought of ever having one.
"Where are you going?" Gine almost groaned as she realizes Tora was following again.
She wanted to ignore him but the polite side of her refuses to be rude to the boy, "I'm going to try and find my companions."
"Why?"
"Because we were separated."
"And you can't just send them a transmission?" He asked as if was the most easiest and obvious choice.
Gine flushed in embarrassment before admitting in a whisper, "I don't know how."
The other boy gave her an incredible look, "We were given a basic explanation in our pods."
Turning a deeper red color she twiddled with her fingers muttering, "I kind of fell asleep on the ride here."
He stared a moment longer before bursting out in laughter, "Damn and I thought it was impossible for anyone to sleep in those things. At least not until they install a narcotic."
Huffing she hurried her steps again, "Wait, wait, look my friend knows how to fully operate a scouter. Come with me and he'll help you." Actually he knows exactly how to operate them too but he thinks it might be more amusing to bring her along.
Tora saw how his friend helped her, before the departure. He saw how his eyes would dart to the girl from a distance. Heck, he joked with him about it too. He knew his best friend, and he could care less about some damsel in distress. He'd raather ignore than deal with one.
"Okay." Gine thought it over and decided it might be her best option. The faster she can tell them, the faster she can get away.
"Alright then let's go!" He started flying up but stopped when he noticed the girl stare at him with a sickly expression, "Don't tell me you can't fly?!" Shouldn't they all be learning to fly at this age?
Gine clenched her fists while calling out, "The average age to become an expert flyer is fourteen!"
Tora face palmed as he grumbles, "I'm thirteen, Bardock is twelve and we've both been flying for a couple years."
She didn't comment looking anywhere but at him, her eyes met his though when she heard his chuckles. Shaking his head as if to rid his thoughts he called out, "Alright I'm carrying you then." He swooped down, carrying her with his hands under her knees and arms around her back.
"What? No wait!" Gine only ever let her dad, and on the rare occasions Borgos and Shugesh, carry her. The latter two were only just beginning to learn, scared she'll fall her arms wrapped around his neck with her nails digging in.
The teen swore, muttering of her display. He could feel her shaking slightly and winces as her nails started breaking skin. Another way he could tell she doesn't train; her nails are long meaning they haven't been used in any type of combat.
They flew for a while, occasionally Tora would stop to locate his friend's signal and see if he was going in the right direction. He could have checked his exact coordinates but then she would know. It's the long, dull way but if finding humor in the two meeting again will amuse him in the trip then it'll be worth it.
She really wanted to look up instead of hiding her face but flying terrifies the young saiyan. Her father attempted to teach her some time ago, knowing some learned earlier, but as soon as he tried to drop her from the sky she felt panic consume her and cried in fear of dying. After that he didn't bother to teach her again.
"Bardock!" Tora called out, grabbing Gine's attention again. He flew them down landing rather quickly.
Quicker than anyone thought possible; Gine got away from Tora taking quick, steady breaths.
"My flying isn't that bad." She chose to ignore that comment. Already she regretted coming. Steadying her breath, the young girl realized the two boys were speaking silently; the shorter of the two seemed annoyed. Gine started walking around, giving both boys privacy, taking in the sights around.
Like before the area is deserted at least that's what she thought. The ground dry and cracked from the denial of water, and it seems like it's been a while. She couldn't exactly tell if midday has passed or not, but it seems this place only sees dryness and heat, not even a wink of a breeze could pass unnoticed.
Silently she skipped by some of the sharp edges, unlike the spots she's seen already this place had many broken objects. Her boots luckily prevented anything from piercing her dainty feet. It's odd how each spot she's seen in this planet is different yet none has revealed what her kind has come for, "Prurp I found before entering that jungle, then the Akuma showed but for something that big why is it we didn't spot it earlier?" From what she's seen there isn't enough vegetation to reside that kind of beast, that is if that's his natural habitat.
It couldn't be…could it?
"Pru! Pru!" Her ears picked up the sound of that small creature. She lost her train of thought as the image of the tiny mammal planted itself instead.
She stopped running, her scouter announcing the creature along with its power but where was the Prurp?
Her head cocked as she listened, staring at the ground. Squinting, she knelt down brushing her fingertips on the land. Very slowly she repeated the action, pausing when she felt multiple differences. Gently blowing on the dirt, the loose clay moved away, barely revealing there print alongside another one which was more noticeable.
One print is long and slim, thicker palms with five fingers. Four of these fingers were short but the fifth is double in length. She knew this mark belonged to the people of this planet; they like her kind have tails, though unlike hers, their extra appendage hung loosely the entire time creating the curve-like marks.
She measured with her hand, seeing the paw prints were only two fingers away, "How strange." Gine mused.
Crawling ahead, she softly felt around for the marks, "There are only paws now." Backtracking, she searched trying to feel around for the marks even using her tail to brush around.
Sitting now, she crossed her arms as she thought, "It's like they're separated…" The thought that the two avoided one another was possible, but why?
The purring sound came from behind, "Prurp?" She turned around to see the small bundle scampering happily to her and jumping onto her lap.
"Now why would anyone want to avoid you?" She cooed wondering if she could somehow bring it back home. Everything in her just felt like letting go and relaxing. This happened the first time it purred at her but the feeling washed away when her friends tried to get her away,
"I bet dad would just adore you."
The Prurp snuggled closer to her as she petted him, swaying his tail with each breath, and its antennas lowering to the sides.
*Beep, beep, beep*
Freezing she slowly turned towards her right then left, stuttering, "H-He-llo is-is someone there?"
"Fillasss."
The little hairs on her arm stood up along with fresh goosebumps prickling around her body. Shakily she stood up with the still sleeping Prurp in her arms, "Guys is that you?" she took a step back then another, "Shugesh?" he likes pranks is this one of them?
"Fillasss."
"Borgos?" Maybe he grew a funny bone.
"Tummsss fillassss."
"Tora?" Gine's praying it's that silly rude boy.
One breathless chuckle sounded then another, and another. Closing her eyes she tried to pay attention to the sound. If she's not mistaken it sounds as if it's coming from…below? That's impossible the ground here was practically hard as rock.
"There you are!" A warm hand clasped her shoulder, squeaking in surprised she took her free hand biting the knuckles to stop her shrill from inviting any unwanted visitors.
His left eye twitched as he crookedly grinned, "Is this really how we'll be greeting from now on?"
Gine had the urge to pinch the boy's cheeks just to wipe that grin off his pretty face, "Perhaps if I'm not taken by surprise each time." She forced a smile almost forgetting there's a third person present.
Said person extended his hand speaking up, "Let me reprogram that thing." He faced away from her scowling at the space between the two ignoring him moments ago.
"Reprogram?" She asks while removing the scouter.
He took it out of her hands immediately taking it apart "It's clear the programming isn't set right, you shouldn't be on auto it should be set to voice command." His voice was low and croaky.
"See I told you he knew all about these." Tora points at his green scouter.
Bardock glanced briefly at his friend, muttering, "You should've known or at least suspected the problem."
(This chapter has an outtake)
Next chapter is the beginning of the Red Ribbon Army Arc and saga! Finally the real changes will start to show—not that I don't love canon. For the next Arc the story will be more focused on Goku's pov, occasionally other characters but most of them won't have a complete chapter.
Since Goku will mostly be focused on, the flashbacks will stop. The prequel though will deal with BardockxGine (Prequel up!)
Did anyone capture the hints of what's to be expected?
The characters Crown (OC) and Tights will soon be introduced and neither will be major characters for DB but still pay attention to them they'll be playing key roles for future events.
Recommendation:
Story: Lessons From My Father
Author: Xiomari
Why: The main character is Bra and come on how many of us wondered what her character could have actually been like and more likely? The pairing is strange I won't lie but after you start reading chapter by chapter it's almost like…well I'll let you decide.
Character Profile: Ranfan
DOB: 726
Height: 168 CM
Mother: Jeri
Father: Kuso
Stepfather: Zusu
Siblings: N/A
Specie: Human
Power Level: 80
Hair Color: Violet
Eye Color: Blue
Occupation/Allegiance: N/A
Other:
I. separated at young age
II. father comes from old money
III. Studying for marriage and Family Therapy
IV. Interns at Wukong Hospital
V. has yet to meet her future partner
~Happy Halloween~