(The Following Two Days On Planet Earth, Open Plains Near Mount Paoz. . .)
Kuzuku wasn't much of a lazy or sit-still type of person when it came to his daily life outside of school inconveniences. A trait that could be attributed to his Saiyan side as lazing around would only lead him to take a nap that'd waste the rest of the day away. That being said, it was quite odd to see him doing what looked to be exactly that in the middle of a grassy field with nothing interesting going on around him. So much so that one would question why he was even wearing his Gi if he wasn't even going to work up a sweat. However, in contrast to those assumptions one would make, he was actually in the middle of his thoughts about training.
"Bulma said the Gravity Bracelets were going to need a few more tweaks and updates on the programming. So there goes portable Gravity Chamber. . ." Kuzuku frowned a bit as he mentally kicked himself. The device was a convenient tool for a useful form of training that he'd adopted from his two senior full-bloods. It was a great way to add extreme weight without needing to use magic or wear heavier equipment. That, and he had a way to avoid using the Gravity Room which in return provided fewer encounters with Vegeta. Being his training partner is more like a death sentence and he couldn't understand how Goku could handle him. The young Saiyan stood up and focused his Ki on the feeling he had recently. Power surged from the depths of his heart and exploded to life as he recalled his near-death experience, his hair spiky up into gold as a match aura's static electricity danced through the grass beneath his feat.
He looked down at his hands as he tried to get a better feel over his new power, "I suppose the next step is the achieve Super Saiyan 3. . ." His eyes narrowed at the initial thought. From what he could remember when Goku showed him the form, Super Saiyan 3's difficulty was leaps beyond most Super Saiyan transformations. Even Super Saiyan Blue was far easier to achieve. For him to gain that would take time. What if he were to have to fight someone much stronger than he currently is? Certainly, there has to be an explosive power that he can utilize to navigate around that issue.
"Explosive like Super Saiyan 2. . .wait that's it!" Kuzuku said aloud to no one in particular, his aura dispersing after remembering the technique, "Kaioken! I completely forgot about that little cheat code!"
However, another thought came to mind quicker than he had brought up the technique, his hand cupping his chin after remembering, "But wait. . .Goku already used that technique with Super Saiyan Blue and nearly messed up his Ki in general if I remember. With my regular forms that don't use the same Ki, I'll likely wind up dead if I tried it. But. . ." He stood there for what felt like ages until someone snapped him out of it.
"Uh. . .Kuzuku?"
Taken aback by the new presence in this vacant field of grass, Kuzuku turned around in surprise: mostly at himself due to him being unable to sense whoever it was coming. But upon first inspection, he relaxed though still confused as to why he wasn't alone at the moment. Abnormally spiky hair that stuck out like a sore thumb, a Gi matching that of his father's trademark orange and blue while holding onto a bag of what appears to be groceries. Kuzuku's face redden a bit out of embarrassment at the face of the man.
"Sen–I mean Gohan!? What are you doing here!?" Kuzuku sputtered.
Gohan chuckled a bit as he raised the bag, "I was on the way home from picking up vegetables from dad's but then I saw you just standing in the middle of nowhere. Figured I'd bring you back to reality before you become too much like Piccolo." Relaxing a bit, Kuzuku sighed.
"If that's the case, you could have just called out to me earlier, you know?" He said
"I did but you didn't seem to respond" Gohan answered matter-in-factly, adding, "Besides, what's got your mind so worked upped that you need to be here?"
Kuzuku blinked for a split second and rubbed his head, "Well, I've been trying to think of some ideas to try out with my training. I've gotten stronger but I feel like pushing myself a bit harder today." A glint of realization revealed itself in the halfling's eyes.
"Oh, you're right. . .that form you are in, Super Saiyan 2?" Gohan asked with Kuzuku answering with just a nod. A proud smile formed on the older male's face, his hand resting on the young full-blood's shoulder, "That's great! To achieve Super Saiyan 2 is quite a leap if I must say so myself from personal experience. Ooooh, and you certainly are a lot stronger than I was a while back. Look at how much you've grown!"
Kuzuku felt his face begin to turn red as he was not used to being bombarded with so many compliments at once. He scratched his cheek and spoke albeit timidly, "Ye-yeah. . .Vegeta made sure that I got the push I needed." Pulling back, Gohan nodded in understanding at the implications of tangling with Vegeta.
"Vegeta, huh. . .? That explains the increased eagerness that differs from how you were before," Gohan noted as he reflected on himself, "It's good to see the willingness and drive for self-improvement. Anyways, what do you have in mind now that you reached that level?"
The young Saiyan shook his head before answering, "Well, I was thinking of trying the Kaioken." Gohan raised an eyebrow.
"Kaioken? But why that? Super Saiyan 2 causes less strain in comparison does it not? Why revert to that?" Gohan said in confusion.
"Not revert," Kuzuku corrected, "But to combine it?"
There was a dead silence that allowed the soft sound of the wind and the flying insects that flew from one blade of grass to another to be heard. Checking once and twice for any signs of a joke, Gohan stood with a blank expression on his face before morphing into a look of disapproval and disbelief, "Are you trying to kill yourself? Dad was lucky to be able to fight again after pulling such a stunt and that was with divine Ki. Trying it with just a regular Super Saiyan form would likely kill you." Kuzuku nervously took a step back but nodded as one thought came across his mind.
"I-I know but hear me out," he pleaded.
Gohan stared sternly but shortly conceded, "Fine, speak." Taking a breath of relief, the pure blood took a moment to take a few steps back to give Gohan some space.
"So basically, you're right that the regular Super Saiyan forms would pose a greater risk to the user with Kaioken. But that's only because of how our Ki behaves once we transform right? Unlike the nature of Blue's Ki, the Super Saiyan Ki's is meant to be explosive and wild which makes it harder to control in comparison," Kuzuku noted, his hands tensing into a fist, eyes closing in focus as he continued, "That said, it stands to reason that the reason why Super Saiyan Blue rebounded after diffusing Kaioken was that some of the Super Saiyan's nature still lingered. If that's the case, then it's not entirely impossible for me to be able to use Kaioken just like Goku. You and Goku always did say my Ki control was really good."
Gohan nervously bit his lip after recalling him making that remark. Kuzuku during his early training exercises to gain some control over his powers was exceptionally notable at Ki control, almost to the point that they even labeled him as a prodigy in that regard. They just never thought that he'd take it to the point of insanity. Shaking his head, Gohan aimed to do the right thing, "Yes, but—"
"Alright, then it should be worth a shot," Kuzuku interrupted much to Gohan's surprise, his eyes opening as his aura flared, "I just gotta take the process slower so my body can get used to it."
Before Gohan could speak, Kuzuku's aura flared to life, the eruption of energy causing a whiplash of wind to rage furiously around the plains. Welp, those go swaying him away from doing something reckless. Looking onward, Gohan mentally shook his head as he watched the young Saiyan struggle. Flickers of red came and went within the raging gold but each time one revealed itself, Gohan could see the strain that Kuzuku's body was having. He looked down at the bag of groceries in hand, then at the sky, before finally looking back at Kuzuku. For as long as he knew him, Kuzuku had never been one to voluntarily push his training to such length. It was always the "follow-the-instructor-and-you'll-succeed" type of attitude. A mindset that honestly reflected that of his own back when Frieza was out for revenge. Though now, this "Kuzuku" he saw before him. . .he was different. For the first time, he's taking his own strides and putting even his well-being on the line. It's almost as if. . .
"He's finally learned to breathe. . ." Gohan thought to himself. Knowing this as he watched Kuzuku persistently go through trial and error, it'd do him an injustice to stop him now that he's already started. Smirking, he walked a few steps over to the side and took a seat unbeknownst to Kuzuku who was trying to maintain focus. Without a word, he took out his phone and began texting away before sending the message.
"I'll be home late tonight. You can head to bed before me, Videl"-Gohan
Today was going to be a long day.
[- - - -]
(Hours Later On Planet Earth, Near Mount Paoz Forest. . .)
*Bang*
"Damn it, Kuzuku. I told you it wasn't a good idea,"
Banging through the front door, Gohan rushed down the hallway and into Kuzuku's bedroom with the latter draped over his shoulder. It had been a full six hours since he had begun his little "experiment" and to put it bluntly: said experiment failed. . .successfully? Though the definition of success, in this case, was subjective and based on the personal opinions between the two. Kuzuku groaned, his body overheating as steam seemed to ooze off his tense and tight muscles. Regardless, he still manages to speak a bit at least.
"Wh-what. . .I pulled it off, didn't I? Plus, at least I don't feel like. . .I have that Ki disorder thingy. . ." Kuzuku argued, his brain clearly in two different places at once.
Gohan frowned before finally kicking open the door to his bedroom and quickly laying him across the bed. Upon inspection, Kuzuku was breathing heavily, his body in a perpetual state of being hot while each twitch caused him excruciating pain. This pain, however, didn't stop Gohan from scolding him, "You got lucky. If you went any further than just regular Kaioken then you really would have died there. Besides, your current condition isn't normal either. I gave you a Senzu Bean but it seems like your body is still experiencing the pain. . ."
"I'm. . .fine then," Kuzuku assured with a grunt, "Ngh, it's just Lingering Ki Recoil. King Kai mentioned it once. . .hehe"
Gohan nervously watched him chuckle away the pain as he lay in his bed from his recklessness. He knew it was against his better judgment to allow him to proceed but, he couldn't help but think that his father would have done the same. Wasn't that how he managed to defeat Cell all those years back? Though back then, it didn't weigh on him about the cruel reality that this world provides. It was true that his father had lacked the better judgment of his desires, that he didn't want to be the one to fight and defeat others the same way he does. However, that fateful day was a wake-up call. There will be enemies that can't be swayed by logic or reason. Buu was the ultimate testament to that ideal. At that point, the only option left is to fight and he admittedly that he neglected it after years of peace. Even more so once Beerus had arrived.
That's why he was glad that Kuzuku didn't entirely follow down that same road. His path was unique, he could feel it. And this recklessness. . .may serve as an important advancement in his journey. That said, his eyes narrowed down on the younger Saiyan. He was beginning to drift away to sleep, his self-awareness dim as it could be as he began snoring while his tail scratched the side of his ribs. The sight itself made Gohan chuckle lightly enough not to wake him up, "Still though, you are quite the unusual one. To think you manage to come out in this state alone is a testament. I don't even think dad is capable of pulling off what you just did today. . ." As if to respond to that sentiment, Kuzuku began to softly smirk, his breathing easing away.
Seeing that he was now asleep, Gohan decided it was time for him to leave. He had already stayed longer than he needed to and it was already getting late. That said, he turned around and began heading towards the door before exiting with the gentle sound of the door closing behind him so he wouldn't wake him up. He just had to trust in the magical powers of the god saving beans and let him recuperate on his own. However, as Gohan left by taking off into the night, Kuzuku stirred in his sleep. . .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~{Scenery Change: Location Unknown. . .}~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Purple and orange skies were cleared of clouds, a color scheme usually meant for the end of the day yet for this place, it was only just the early afternoon. Down below was a bustling village, vast as a city yet needed to be advanced in terms of infrastructure. Housing was mostly made of solid brick, and the roads were still lacking pavement in most areas. However, life below only seemed to go on as usual as merchants made their trades and children danced and played make-believe throughout the streets. Many watched them with amusement and even didn't bother to hide their chuckle at the pretended heroism of a very loud boy. But in contrast to this, one observer wasn't very amused.
A boy with spiky black hair and a noticeable tail sticking out took a bite out of an apple as he sat on top of the roof looking from above. He didn't look any more than 10 years old, his attire being simple in that it consisted of a black colored shirt and white pants held up by a sash knotted together at the side. His black, ankle sandals looked worn out and cut up in certain areas. Ears sharp, the boy listened in on the little play below, his eyes showing a hint of disdain yet mostly discomfort at what he was hearing.
"Take that, vile Saiyan! You'll be slain with this next attack, haha!" one boy said to the other who pretended to cower in fear and beg for his life.
However, one girl who matched their light purple skin and was with them to play as the damsel in distress grew nervous and pointed out, "Umm. . .guys, shouldn't stop for today? We don't want to get into trouble again. . ." The other boy with scruffy brown hair raised an eyebrow as he looked around before noting loudly.
"Why? Everyone else seems to be enjoying it," The boy of similar skin said, "Besides, dad said it was okay to no matter what that old hag tries to say. She'll not be able to do anything so trust m—"
"I won't be able to do what exactly?"
All of the children who were playing turned in fear at the threatening voice. A woman of light purple skin, matching lavender hair along with eyes that reflected the color of rose quartz stood behind them with a dark glare. Her ears were pointing, similar to every other citizen around though she wore what appeared to be a black Clergy dress over similar-colored pants while being buttoned up with gold pins. The children shivered under her gaze before taking off, the boy who was so confident before now screaming out in fear.
"Run while you still can! It's the Lavender Witch!"
Having already disappeared among the crowd, the woman continued to glare at them beyond their sight before relenting her gaze once she realize there was no catching up to them. She looked around and noticed the disapproving stares she was getting, some being just plain hatred. Under normal circumstances, anyone would shrink away at such animosity directed towards them, but for her, when she compares that to someone else, this amount was nothing in comparison. She ignored them and continued on her search before finally spotting the boy who watched from above, her eyes showing relief as she exhale the stress away. The boy frowned and took another bite of his apple in a way to send a message to her that irked her, though, she refrained from vocalizing it.
"Kuzuku, what are you doing up there!? Come down, or you'll get yourself hurt!" She shouted.
The boy named Kuzuku swallowed before stuffing the remains of his apple into a pouch. Without hesitation, he leaped down from the roof using several strings that hung the wet clothes along the alleyway as a means to slow his descent. Once he touched the ground, the woman walked over to him quickly and loomed with disappointment.
"You're in big trouble. What do you think you're doing by sneaking out on your own without me?" She scolded.
"Skipping your lessons?" Kuzuku nonchalantly said much to her dismay before adding, "They're boring and you always make me sit through them. Why do I need to learn how to read and write when I already know how to speak, Nana?"
Nana rubbed the temple of her nose and let out an exasperated sigh, "Learning those little things will help you later, trust me. Look, I don't care if you try skipping close to home but don't go running off into the main city." Kuzuku pouted.
"But that's the whole point. . .if I was at home then you'd find me in no time. . .," Kuzuku complained.
Hearing this, Nana shook his head, "You're too smart for your own good. Come on, we're going home." Before he could protest, she took his hand and began pulling him away from the bustling treats of the large village. The young boy could have easily resisted but refrained from doing so. His strength was. . .abnormal but against someone like her, he always found himself not having the will to defy her. And so, they walked with silence as the constant chatter continued amongst the folks around them. But Nana knew better that it was all just a facade. No matter how much one may hide it, small glances of disdain could always be sensed. It was a common ability among any living being. The instinct that something or someone was aiming to inflict harm whether at the moment or premeditated. Even if it wasn't directed at her.
Subconsciously, she looked down at the boy who seemed to not have noticed those who looked at him but she knew better. Kuzuku was a sharp child despite his unwillingness to sit down to read just one chapter or to answer simple questions on the chalkboard. She knew that he could tell by the hostility directed towards him that he was the outcast. . .someone that everyone commonly hated. As for why he probably had deduced it already. He doesn't look a single bit like them and his tail standing out should have been a dead giveaway. Everyone on the planet, from nick to cranny, hated the Saiyans. History already had told the stories. Rummaging and pillaging of their resources before the times of being under Frieza left their civilization to take several setbacks throughout the years. Due to this, history was retold from generation to generation by ancestors of the demonic apes who crave destruction and in return, created prejudice. A one-sided prejudice at that.
"Kuzuku. . ." Nana began, her tone of voice earning a hum in response. She sighed as she recalled what happened earlier, "You were watching those kids down there, right?"
Kuzuku nodded, his tail slumping against the dirt, and began drawing a straight line as he walked. His lips pressed together as he held back from creating an outburst but replied with as much control as he could, "What of it. . .?" Yup that didn't come out right but the message said it all. Nana sighed as she looked forward, the hateful eyes around them beginning to become less hidden as they continued down towards the more. . .aggressive part of the village.
"Listen, don't let those sorts of things get to you. It may be hard to ignore but—" Nana began before getting caught off.
"I know. . ." Kuzuku interrupted, the woman's eyes widening a bit. The child's eyes began to grow a bit distant, threatening tears held back by a god who knows what. It was either resolve or pride. One or the other, it was eating away at him, "I'm. . .not very liked, that much is obvious and it's probably because of my appearance. But, I don't want to think about it. The more I do, the more I ask myself why. Why do they hate me so much. . .what did I do to them. . .it makes me mad just from not knowing anything. . ."
Nana could see his hand clench harder and the one that she held grow tighter. She hissed in pain but refrained from letting him know. It'll only fuel the fire that had already started as he continued, "That's probably why I was never adopted, right. . .all the other kids are picked in a heartbeat. Sometimes, it makes me wonder if my life ever had any value or will ever have value. . .was I even deserving to be bo—" He stopped the moment Nana turned and knelt to grasp his shoulders. The two locked eye to eye, one firm and the other surprised.
"Don't even finish that thought," Nana said sternly, "All life has value. Nothing is ever useless even you. No matter how much the people around you think you are a demon, never let that define you for who you are."
Nana smirked, her hand finally being released from the tight grip but yet she still held on genuinely despite the pain, "Kuzuku, be strong and live. The people of this planet are stuck in an old view of those of the past and refuse to see the bigger picture. If that's the case, ignore them and grow into a person that'll save them from their hatred and change their views. Become a hero."
"Hero. . .like the ones in those books you read me?" Kuzuku's eyes brightened and showed signs of excitement.
Nana nervously chuckled before standing up to pull the child Saiyan to continue walking, "Hehe, sorta but not exactly what I'm going for. I guess you're still too young to understand what I meant. But don't worry, big sister will make sure you walk you along."
Her reassurance was heartwarming as they continued to walk through the crowd of darkness. To Kuzuku she was his light growing up. No matter how much trouble he caused her she was one of the only ones who didn't seem to give him that look of resentment. While others looked at him with contempt, she would always somehow block it out. While there are times when he'd get bombarded with insults, her presence alone tuned it all out. Even now, the words the villagers "mumbled" loudly enough for him to hear. . .
"Tch, it's that thing. . .why does Lady Nana even bother?"
"I know, such a murderous creature with her as a caretaker? Disgusting."
"We should be allowed to kill the damn thing for what it has done."
"Better, it should finish itself for Redemption and end their species line now. It was never going to live a fulfilling life anyways. . . "
All those words struck the child's heart like an angry drum that fueled his emotions. He wanted to lash out but each insult only made Nana's grip around his hand grow tighter and was her way of quietly saying, ignore them. Confliction was one hell of a concept. She expected him to help these people? To change their views on him? So far, it sounded impossible but the confidence and faith in her voice made it seem possible. Perhaps she was right, he was too young to fully understand but. . .there were only bits that he could figure out. To show them he wasn't some demon craving violence. To show that his existence is just as real as theirs. To live a life that is just as fulfilling as theirs. For someone with abnormal strength and the concept of heroes engraved in his mind. Saving them from their insecurities and anxiety by disproving the labels they placed on him, would be an act of heroism. Instead of a demon meant for destruction, perhaps saving them from some monster would prove them wrong. But going about such a thing. . .he didn't know. The child's concept of heroes was based on epic tales of slewing monsters and fighting against some threat to the masses. Such a moment rarely ever occurs.
Though such a thing wasn't going to deter him. He wanted to live up to that expectation placed on him by Nana and prove that he was worth being kept alive. For the woman who suffered so much to protect him from reality, this was his only option. . .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~{Scenery Change: Current Time, Night. . .}~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nighttime was always a time when hardly anything happened. For it was the time when many would rest and take refuge in their homes to hide from the dark. But those without homes learned to adapt to that cold concept that made them alone while others found shelter together with others in similar situations. But even then, there will still be those among the rest who still felt that loneliness. That was what it was like to live in an orphanage for so long. A monastery-like a building made of brick and kept up to date with many rooms and a large courtyard guarded by a gate. Inside, children of all ages slept due to curfew and were obedient to not overstep their boundaries against their headmaster: the one who bore the title of "witch" due to how scary she could get when provoked.
However, one child didn't mind that persona and opted to stay awake by reading one of the epic tales that Nana would read to him when she caught him staying up. All the other kids were kinda jealous but they somewhat knew he was a special case. From kids who come into kids who've been around for at least a year, all knew about one boy who had never left for his entire life. A Saiyan protected by the will of the monastery. It was almost like a blessing, the leniency and trust that Nana had for him were like no other. A connection that no other child could hope to foster during their time there simply because they knew each other for too long. A sibling relationship. Hence why many of the kids except for a select few had distanced themselves from the boy and even though Kuzuku didn't mind, it still hurt in some shape or form.
Seeing them all playing games and enjoying their youth to the fullest while he was mostly by himself made him lose out on a lot of things. It was always to attend mandatory lessons, eat, nap, and sleep. This cycle repeats over and over to the point that he wonders if he was truly alive or not. He'd assumed that he'd never find that answer. On this planet filled with a race that wanted nothing more for him to not exist, forming bonds and connections was nigh impossible. Those that he did form would be severed as easily as a pair of scissors cutting a string. It was always when one kid is peer pressured by the others or one is adopted and taken away to live a family life: those being the ones that hurt the most when he sees them not even a day later and doesn't bat an eye.
Thus, his only favorite past times are to dive into fantasy and indulge in epic tales. Stories of heroes being born from nothing and rising to glory through their pure unselfish drive. It was intoxicating and the heroic efforts acknowledge to the point that even gods respected them. Such tales served as motivation on this peaceful night as the words earlier today resonated once more.
"Become a hero"
He became fixated on that simple-sounding request. To him, he thought it fit him perfectly and through following that path, it'd lead him to his ideal self drawn by fiction to slay some epic beast for the sake of others. An ideal yet naive dream that only a child could think of. Such an opportunity presented itself rarely. For that to happen. . .
*BOOM!*
Startling and sudden, a loud explosion erupted and shook the orphanages and everyone else awake. All of the children went wide-eyed, including Kuzuku who was awake this entire time. Confusion was all they felt at first before fear and terror crept their way around the corner, the screams of people outside echoing throughout the night. The children shivered, fear petrifying them to their spots while Kuzuku was about the only one brave enough to at least peek through a window. A mistake that he wishes he didn't make.
Before his very eyes through the glass protection of the world was an inferno. A wild one at that and large enough to engulf the village in flames that looked like they came straight out of hell. Kuzuku's skin grew cold, his stomach churning and his hands shaking so much that his grip on the book he held had loosened and fell to the floor. From what he could see: people were dying. . .lots of people. In ways that honestly were going to make him puke. Just a single portion of the street said it all, bodies scattered and skewered by what looked to be crescent scepters made of black with masked figures dressed in red and black garments covering their entire appearance.
Who were they? Why are they here? Why would they do such a thing? Those sorts of questions rummage through his head like a vicious cycle. However, between his fears and those behind him, he knew he had to act soon. Who knows when they'll come here too or whether they spared children or not? He swallowed nervously before turning to the children present, "Everyone. We have to get out of here!"
"But. . .it's too scary. . .why not wait for big sister. . ." One of the younger girls said.
"We don't have time to wait! Nana was—!" Kuzuku paused mid-sentence in realization. Nana. . .his big sister. . .his one light. . .she went out for late night shopping. Panic and fear washed over him as he took another glance at the smoldering city through the window. He couldn't—
"Become a hero"
He gritted his teeth, his mental self beating down the selfish desires that he had before continuing, "She'll be alright. We just have to find safety first and wait for her. . ." He reassured her, however, it was mostly a ploy into tricking himself. He wanted to sprint out into the flames in search of his elder sister but he knew if Nana was here, she'd prioritize the safety of the children first. With her currently missing, that responsibility falls on him.
Building up his courage, Kuzuku leads his group of children through the hallways of the monastery, their feet treading carefully to not make too much noise in the darkness. They'd come across strays or kids who hadn't left on their own and added them to the group before continuing to move swiftly into the backyard.
Though the action itself made it quite confusing for many of the other kids with one boy noting, "He-Hey! This isn't the emergency exit!? It's back the other way!" Kuzuku ignored him and gestured for him to keep his voice down.
"Shhh, trust me," Kuzuku assured as he pushed apart a gap between the bushes. The group of kids looked over his shoulder to notice a pathway cut through the bushes that were small enough for even the biggest kids among them to fit through. Chuckling a bit despite the situation, Kuzuku noted, "I had this secret exit made for my next getaway that leads over to a cool lake I found. Just don't go blabbering about it to Nana after though."
Without a word, Kuzuku pulled the girl over from before and allowed her to pass through first. Soon enough, one by one, the kids took the exit without much trouble until he was just about the last one left to go. But. . .he didn't take that chance, not now at least. He turned around and looked over to the dark smoke that rose over the monastery. He swallowed and took a step forward before feeling a tug at his sleeve behind him. Turning, the girl who was terrified to even move was still there with concerned eyes.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
Kuzuku for one didn't recognize her from the common faces he knew around the orphanage. She had to be new and didn't have a lot of friends. So since he was pretty much the leader, he was his lifeline. . .but knowing that Kuzuku still had other desires that overwritten the urge to be that lifeline, "I'm going to look for Nana."
"But didn't you say we should wait. . .?" She questioned further.
"I did. . .but, you all should be the ones waiting. Unlike you, I'm. . .well. . ." Kuzuku took a moment to think about how he should phrase his next words. Even if she was ignorant and wasn't playing him, even just thinking about his abnormalities made him feel self-cautious. He didn't know why but. . .he simply refrained from speaking the truth as he remembered Nana's words, "I'm just strong enough on my own. Don't worry."
Noticing her hands was dirty, he took out a spare, orange sash and handed it to her as he knew that the path was certainly muddy. Without any further exchanges, he turned and began to sprint off to give her no choice but to head on without him. The wind whipped passed his face as he made his way around the orphanage building and over the fence where he was sure he wouldn't be seen. His feet tapped the ground lightly before slipping into an alleyway to avoid direct contact with any of those cloaked people.
Although, part of him felt a tinge of regret. The flames for one made it rather tricky to maintain his breathing while making things difficult to see within all of the smoke. For most of his wandering around, he had to shield his eyes which slowed his progress in making ground. But what made him regret even more wasn't the dangers of the fire. . .no, it was the things he saw when he dove straight into this hell. No matter how long he wandered or how many turns he made, corpses were all he saw. The only variety he got was the way they were presented.
Charred bodies due to be unfortunate enough to not be able to escape whatever explosion had happened. Pools of blood where someone had been crushed to death, some even being children. However, the most common ones were those who were laid out on the ground and bleeding to death due to sustaining a serious injury. . .with some even being still alive but suffering. Each time he heard a groan, he'd run over to save them yet it was all the same. They had lost way too much blood, their body's limp and practically on death's door. God only knows where the doctors are or if they are even alive and he was no doctor. Although, what nearly sent him over the edge. . .
*Thump!*
Kuzuku looked down at the feeling of bumping into something, his dreary eyes from the smoke obscuring his vision garnering some delay in his processing skills. He was far too distracted by what was around him that he didn't see what was in front of him. Once he realized this, he nearly keeled over and threw up right on the spot. Beneath his feet, a bisected body of a soldier was what he saw. . .time froze and for a moment, his breathing hitched. He saw many gruesome sights through this search but this was by far the worst. Simply because the shocked, lifeless eyes of the soldier were staring right back at him. It was honestly disturbing and it caused him to take a few steps back until he heard it. . .
"Someone! Anybody please, help!"
A desperate cry snapped him out of his stupor and immediately began looking around frantically for the source of said plea. After several attempts, his eyes locked onto what appeared to be collapsing building that was held up by only a few pillars that were giving way under pressure. But faintly, underneath where the door should be, a man who looked to be in their forties was desperately reaching out and trying to pull himself from the pile of collapsed furniture. Kuzuku acted on impulse, his feet kicking off into a dash to where the man was trapped before skidding to a complete stop in front of him. A large couch with a clock on top of it. . .that was what was weighing him down. Simple except that both had frames made of metal with flames surrounding both of them and accelerating the collapse of the house. He didn't have time. . .
"Become a hero"
Bracing himself, Kuzuku squatted down and gripped the bottom of the couch, his hands feeling the burns from the heated frame which made him whimper. However, he persevered and used his gifted strength to lift the layered objects just enough for the man to crawl out. Seeing that this was their only chance with the pillars of the house creaking away, Kuzuku barked, "Hurry! Move now while you still can!" Taking advantage of the situation, the man hurried and crawled onto his feet despite the pain. Once he was free, Kuzuku quickly released his grip and leaped away as the house finally gave way a collapse, his breathing heavy as his now redder hand shook in pain.
"That. . .was close. . ." Kuzuku noted to himself.
"Wait. . .you're. . .?"
Kuzuku turned around to see the man he had just saved. He stood in disbelief as he finally got to process who his savior was. Half-expectedly, the young boy was already getting ready for the look of disdain and disgust he'd normally get. If this were any other day, he'd maybe stay to hear it but he didn't have time for that. Nana was his priority. He turned around now that his little task was done but stopped at the vocalized phrase that he'd thought he'd never hear.
"Thank you. . ."
The child Saiyan took a moment to look behind him, his only sight of the man being him limping away to safety. It caught him off guard even though it sounded like he was forcing himself to say it. Even so, it sparked something in him and despite all the horrors he saw, it made him smile. The act of saving just one life in this hell. . brought more satisfaction to his life than he'd even thought would imagine. Such an act was able to turn even the most hateful person guided by prejudice to at least give him gratitude. He looked down at his hands, his eyes brightening as they were the ones that allowed him to do such a deed. They were burnt a bit, the pain lingering on but that pain served as a reminder. If he can continue like this then—
"Kuzuku. . .? KUZUKU!?"
The sound of a familiar voice made him jolt. Before he could turn around, he was scooped up from his feet, the world around him beginning to grow dim as the woman's embrace grew tighter. It held so much emotion in them that he couldn't help but blush a bit when they separated, his eyes locked onto hers as she was on the verge of crying.
"I'm so glad you're okay, but why aren't you with the others who evacuated. . .?" Nana said tearfully.
Kuzuku froze a bit before answering, "I was looking for you. I didn't want to escape until I knew you were safe. . ." Nana took a mental step back. He was looking for her. . .part of her was flattered but to think that he'd grown so attach that he'd risk his own life just to be near her. . .she couldn't help but feel responsible. With that in mind, she eyed him head to toe, his clothes and face dirted by the ashes with hands partially scorched. She grimaced at the sight of them but her reaction didn't go unnoticed.
"Oh this. . .?" Kuzuku noted albeit too eagerly, "It's okay, it only hurts a little bit. But guess what! I saved someone today, isn't that cool!? They even said thank you too! I never thought I'd get one of those outside of the orphanage! If I continue to save more people like that then I'll definitely change their view of me! Right, Nana!?"
Despite the crackling flames and burning buildings collapsing around them, Nana couldn't hear it all except for what had been said. He. . .truly believed her words literally? That it was okay to sacrifice himself or even put himself in danger for recognition? Even if it disregarded his well-being. . .that mindset was dangerous and far too self-destructive. If he remained here on this planet then he'd be living a life that'll be easily manipulated and used. He'll be misguided by others who not only despise him but want to utilize his Saiyan strength for their own personal gain. How long could she protect him from those types of people? A year? Two or five? Hell, if they survive this hellhole then it could very well happen in just a few days. All that just for some gratification? And she was the one who lit that torch. That was the final straw. With all things considered, both known and unknown, this instance finalized her decision.
Kuzuku tilted his head in confusion as Nana was trapped within her thoughts, her frown reflecting that of guilt and sorrow, "Nana. . .? He didn't get it. Wasn't this what she wanted? He was doing the right thing, right?
"Kuzuku. . .I'm sorry. . ." Nana voiced shakingly as she tried to not let her composure break.
The child Saiyan felt a bit concerned and was even about to question her further but time was ticking. She scooped him off his feet once more and began sprinting along the trail that led to the large forest at the opposite end of the village. The world became nothing more than a blur and Kuzuku's voice hitched as Nana began to explain, "Kuzuku, please listen carefully to what I'm about to say. . ." His perplexed eyes looked up at her steeled face that only focused on moving faster. Before long, they reached the forest and sprinted through the trees and grass under the crescent moon.
"The reason why all this has happened is that the great elder was confronted by some shady men. . ." Nana informed before adding, "They showed up pretty much out of nowhere, all dressed in red cloaks that held weapons molded in a strange black material. At first, they didn't seem aggressive but during the meeting, they demanded one thing that started this whole atrocity."
She turned the corner and found herself in front of a vine wall covered in moss. Although, the obstacle didn't deter her and only served as a path she needed to take as she began scaling the walls with Kuzuku holding on, "They wanted a certain child. But not just any child. We don't know how they know of this information or why they would go to such lengths, but the child they described was a boy who had a monkey's tale and different skin color from our species." Upon completing her sentence, she climbed over the ledge and onto her feet before continuing her haste through the forest.
"A boy with a tail. . .then they are. . ." Kuzuku's repeated with innate fear.
"Yes," Nana affirmed for him, "They are after you. After the elder refused despite the council's one-sided insistence to hand you over, those men. . .took drastic action. They are dangerous, and personally, there is no telling what they may do to you if they find you. . ."
Her steps slowed as the wind began to blow past her gently. The tree leaves rustled and detached themselves from their branches under the dim light of the moon. Kuzuku shivered a bit due to the lack of clothing but soon noticed the reason why they stopped. Standing just feet away, a rather decently sized pod was built for the size to accommodate living necessities for a small family. As Kuzuku awed at the ship, Nana walked over and opened the latch, the interior mirroring what she had remembered. A circular space with a control panel facing the window. A couple of accommodations looked to range from a stove, fridge, and sink while also having a however that held little to no privacy for anyone else aiming to live there. However, the most notable part was a small incubator with a red glass casing and a sign etched into its frame.
"What is this place. . .?" Kuzuku wondered as Nana walked him over to the control panel and placed him down before punching in coordinates.
Her hands typed furiously as she struggled to work the machine she barely had time to figure out during her free time. Still, she answered his question truthfully, "This is where you were born. . .well, I think. We found you as a baby after there were sightings of an object falling from the sky. Fortunately, my father was the one who found you first and brought you in despite the village's protest." After some trial and error, she finally managed to get a good lock on the coordinates as Kuzuku was processing what was said. However, she couldn't help but feel something approaching.
"This sickening aura. . ." Nana noted to herself in a cold sweat. She wasn't a warrior but like her father who was a previous guard for the head elder, she too learned a thing or two from him. That's why the creeping murderous attempt was so noticeable to her.
She was beginning to panic but didn't want to break her composure. Whoever it was, it wasn't someone she knew. No one would dare to come here of all places without her being followed. Cursing to herself, she quickly improvised and knelt to the open cabinet connected to the control panel. The ship would have to soft-start after a long time of being unused. She needed to buy time. Her eyes shifted to the Saiyan child who was oblivious to the situation at hand. Seeing him now made her heart twist and turn but her resolve was enough to make her next set of actions with a level head.
"Kuzuku, everything will be alright. . ." Nana smiled.
"Huh, what do you mean by—wait!" Kuzuku began to ask before being shoved into the cabinet beneath the panel. Before he could escape, she closed it shut and muttered a few incantations. Unorthodox markings wrapped around the surface of the panel before glowing briefly and fading away.
Then, the panel violently shook from the constant banging against the cabinet door, yet it made no sound. Not even a hint. She knew that this was the sort of reaction she'd get but this was her last bet. Whether she made it out of this or not, it didn't matter. At this moment, she had won. . .
*WHOOSH!*
A strong breeze filled the room with the sound of the door opening behind her being the point of entrance. She turned around slowly, her hands slightly shaking yet her face remained firm at who she saw. A man in a similar cloak yet his hood was down. His hair was sickly gray, and his dark purple eyes had bushy, feathered brows with one having an X-marked scar over his right eye. His skin was tanned in color though his ears were pointed with two black earrings that looked like crystals swayed in with the wind. He didn't say a word but was stern with his first set of words.
"A ship in the middle of the forest? Such an obscure spot to hide someone. . ." He noted, his eyes darting left to right in search of something. But nothing stood out and with that, they locked onto the woman who stood before him, "Where's the boy. . .?"
Nana shivered under the pressure, her breathing ceasing as he directed all of his malice toward her. But, she couldn't help but mentally laugh in the face of it. All this, just to take Kuzuku? And for what? For someone who everyone on the planet had hated. . .this was the most amount of care someone other than herself had directed towards him. It was so ironic that she couldn't contain it. She chuckled, the reaction causing the man to raise an eyebrow, "This is ridiculous. You'd slaughtered so many for a single boy and would even come all the way out here." The man narrowed his eyes.
"It's because he's of great importance. You bugs don't know how valuable he is," The man remarked.
Nana's smirk faltered, her expression shifting to a more solemn look, "Of course we do. Kuzuku is the last of his kind of race gifted with great strength. It'd be understandable that someone out there who found out about his existence would try to groom him for whatever plans they may have. . ." Her eyes narrowed, reminiscence of the treatment he had to endure.
"Despite that fact, the child had to endure so much. He was aware of it all yet still wanted to find avidity and gratitude in a life deemed unnecessary by everyone around him. It was so saddening to watch and it made it hard to sleep just thinking about it because. . ." She lamented quietly as she thought back to his injured hands, "We all were to blame. . ."
The man's patience was thinning, "You're blabbering sounds ludicrous. Just tell me where the boy is. . ." He raised a single finger that pointed straight at her. It didn't take a genius to figure out his intentions behind what looked to be a simple gesture. He was threatening to kill her.
"Typical. . ." Nana thought. Her eyes looked down at the cabinet behind her. Even though the spell she cast blocked out all noise made inside, it didn't block out any noise made outside of the object. Kuzuku could hear everything and she could only imagine what his face looked like at this moment. But time was ticking and she needed to make her next move with courage. Smiling, she faced the man's threat and took a step forward with confidence, "You want me to tell you, huh?"
She looked out the window that reflected the fading crescent moon, "He deserves to live a life free from the chains that are meant to please those around him. To live just for the sake of living. To develop his own morals and commitments. That way, he can smile in the face in the end. . ." The engine of the ship began to power on and initiate. The man's eyes widened in shock before turning into a scowl.
"That's where he is going. A place where people like us won't be able to catch up. Where he can make his own choices. . ." Nana answered, her head turning towards him with a smug smirk, "For that, I'll gladly play the role of 'decoy'."
The man bellowed, "You damn witch. . .you intended to drag me to space with you so the boy can flee somewhere else on the real ship! Tell me. WHERE IS THAT SHIP!?" The dark energy shrouded him and transferred to the tip of his finger. This was her last warning.
"You got five seconds. . ." He growled.
However, Nana only laughed playfully, the wind whipping her hair across her face before settling little by little to a stop, the dim light of the fading black sky illuminating her face with her next few words, "Then, you're wasting your time counting. . ."
*BZZZZZ!*
A brief flash of darkness was all she saw before the pain in her chest made her gasp for air. Her eyes widened as a beam of energy shot across the room and pierced right through her heart before hitting the reinforced window. It dissipated shortly, her feet staggering a bit before she fell onto her back with the man still at the door's entrance. As the pool of blood began to form, the man scoffed with disdain.
"I'll admit, you had me fooled but just know your efforts are futile. . ." He remarked as he turned away, "I will get what I want."
Wasting no further time, the man hopped out of the ship and flew off in search of what he sought. Automatically, the ship closed its doors as it prepared for lift-off, the engine heating itself up faster and faster. Then, in just a couple minutes, the ship took off and began rocketing itself to the atmosphere that shifted in color. The night was fading away for the planet as black turned to red and indigo.
With the dwindling life force of the caster approaching its end, the spell cast to contain what has inside faded away. Due to that, the sound of an opened cabinet door slamming against the panel echoed through the ship. Eyes dimmed in color and breathing slowed with each second, Nana cranked her neck to the direction of the sound. On their knees, Kuzuku stared at her in disbelief, her blood staining the knee portion of his pants as the pool grew bigger. Despite the fact she was dying, she couldn't help but genuinely smile out of relief. She had won.
"Ku-Kuzu. . ." She weakly spoke, her voice barely even matching the same volume as a whisper.
The young child quickly crawled over despite the blood, his shaky hands itching to do something, "Na-Nana. . .you'll be okay, right?" Kuzuku tried to force a smile.
"You said everything will be fine, right?" He added, "Just tell me what I can do and I'll do it. . ."
Nana shook her head. She knew what she was about to say was going to break him but. . .that was reality. This was going to be his first taste of the darkest parts of it, "There. . . isn't anything you can do. . ." Kuzuku took a mental step back, his desperation surfacing into the form called denial.
"That can't be. . .there. . .THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING I CAN DO!" Kuzuku shouted, the room of the ship growing darker as they approached the vacuum of space. His hands twitched, the desire to act there but his mind still thinking of methods. However, everything leads to the same outcome. Nana, his big sister, was going to die. He hated it. He hated it so much that his tears were already spilling out and the will to not scream out of rage was becoming increasingly hard to hold back. However, to calm him, Nana weakly reached out to cup his cheek, the touch pulling him out of it. Her hands were cold yet all he could do was think about how she was still calm. He hissed, his frustration still evident as he repeated, "There. . .has to be something. You. . .you can't die. It's not fair. . ."
Nana continued to comfort him. He was still a child after all and leaving him to fend for himself without her was painful. Very painful. But till the end, she had to be strong, "I. . .know. It. . .hurts me deeply as well. If everything went as planned then. . .we could have started anew. Ju-just you and me, perhaps by a lake somewhere secluded. I'd teach. . .you'll play. . .the two of us happy." Her words were beginning to fade as the task of speaking was sapping her energy. Yet she continued.
"But. . .I knew. I knew . . .that was asking for too much. I was. . .already given a lot. I'm grateful for that. . ." Nana admitted, her strength fading as tears trickled and mixed with her blood. The last bits of light were already becoming nothing more than a speck, her hands threatening to slip away, "So. . .all I can ask now. . .to the one who blessed me. . .with so much is. . ."
Her hand slid off his cheek, the child's eyes widening as everything he perceived was as if the world was slowing everything down. Everything from her hand descending with her touch fading. Her lips opened and closed into a final smile while the words processed through his brain so clearly that it nearly shattered his mind.
"Kuzuku. . .Li-live. . .please. . .I ~~~~ ~~~"
*Thump*
Slowly, her eyes closed and the room became pitch black. The silence waited patiently to be filled but it didn't wait long. Just moments later. . .screams filled the ship in the void.
[- - - -]
(Returning Back To Planet Earth, Kuzuku's Place Near Mount Paoz. . .)
The morning sun came shining through the windows of the dark room. The sounds of the birds pecking away at his window faded from his ears as the Saiyan high schooler was wide awake. Yes. . .eyes wide with tears streaming down his face in a stupor.
A/N: Phew finally got this done! Honestly, I expected this particular chapter to be shorter. Though when writing it, I wanted to do it justice considering this chapter is an important one for the future remastered chapters of the story. But yeah, this chapter was meant to be uh. . .a tear-jerker? I believe I'm not good at something, but I hope it was executed well. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Until we meet again ^_^!