Tora ditched school for the afternoon to go to the Lookout and apologize to Piccolo and Dende for not announcing her presence sooner. Obviously they already knew, and the two Namekians were told the story of Tapion by Gohan when Tora left in 767. Clearly 'Tights' had chosen this era as it matched the date of the whole situation happening in their world, but it was a blind bet; and wasn't the primary reason why she wanted to come to this era with her child. Tora did comment on how tall Dende had grown, and even had a word about how he looked like the one he met in 787. After briefly catching up (including Tora's age and success concerning the Cyborgs and Cell), Piccolo went straight to the first order of business.
"This creature has no ki."
"Tapion called it a phantasm, so I suppose it isn't a living being."
"And it's not Tapion that appeared, right?" Dende asked to be sure.
"No, it's Minoshia, his sibling. I am uncertain on the path forward to deal with it, because as soon as one half is free, it will search for the other. In my world, Minoshia was killed and the legs searched for Tapion's box. At least that's what Tapion believed."
"So as long as the child is alive, the legs can be locked away…"
"It isn't a sustainable solution, she cannot hold it in forever," Tora sighed.
The three discussed all the possibilities and cards they had. They couldn't keep Minoshia in this temporary status until the other half woke up and killed Tapion. Locking Minoshia away was kicking the can down the road, and Piccolo was annoyed to find himself agreeing with Vegeta of all people.
"Seems like we'll have to rip that bandaid and find the other box, somehow."
"But that will cause Hirudegarn to be complete again, and you know what happens when we let monsters reach their full potential," Tora hissed.
"Can I see it again?" Dende asked and indicated the covered sword. Tora nodded and gave it, letting the Guardian examine it. As a child, he couldn't see everything, but he had grown wiser over the past seven years, perhaps he could find something about its magic.
"Of course, Trunks," Piccolo sighed, remembering exactly how the Cell fiasco went down.
"Please call me Tora, Piccolo-san. As long as this world's Trunks doesn't know about my circumstances, I am someone else entirely."
"Tora, you believe Tapion is alive?" Piccolo didn't beat around the bush.
"I do. In my world, we knew Minoshia had died because the legs roamed free and found their way to his box."
"Perhaps hearing the melody too…" Dende muttered on his own.
"Keeping the kids ignorant?" Piccolo shrugged, he didn't care that much.
"About the melody— Strange thing is that Gohan-san couldn't hear it when Tapion played it, in my world. When Minoshia played, Trunks, Father and myself heard it, but not Goten-kun, nor Gohan-san."
"Well you'll have to bring the kid here so we can study the problem together. Unlike in your world, we are more numerous, stronger and have the benefit of the Dragon Balls."
"Mhmm.." Tora had to agree, lost in thoughts. "I doubt we can brute-force through this problem, but there has to be a solution that isn't sealing it in— Oh!"
"The Mafuba," Piccolo came to the same realization.
Tora beamed, going as far as to take Piccolo's hands in her own, enthusiastically laying out the idea they just had. "It's sensitive to a sealing technique, so that means we can seal it in the thermos, and not in Minoshia's or Tapion's body! We could free them from their curse!"
Piccolo was surprised to see so much enthusiasm and brightness in the teenager he once knew as so serious, and he was somewhat pleased to see hope instead of worried gloom.
"We will need to wait until either Tapion's box appears, or force fate's hand," Dende offered options, sheathing back the sword and giving it back.
They decided to get Minoshia on the Lookout to discuss such things, which is how Piccolo asked Mr Popo to fetch her. Tora, knowing Minoshia was with Trunks and Goten, figured she would call ahead to warn them and that it was alright. She first tried Capsule Corp.
"School called, you're skipping?"
"Well.. yes?"
"Trunks!" Tights scolded on the phone, and Tora flinched a little. "You should take school seriously!"
".. Why should I?"
Tights grumbled and huffed, then sighed. "It's important you socialize with Earthlings and taste normal life, sweetie… Or at least warn me about your plans."
".. Is Minoshia with you at Capsule?"
"No, she's with Goten and Trunks at Chichi's. But don't you go change the subject on me."
".. We'll talk about this tonight," Tora sighed. "Minoshia is with Chichi-san, then? I need to call Chichi-san to warn her that someone is picking Minoshia up. Alright?"
"Alright, but please don't do anything reckless. And call me if you are going to run off to Kami knows where."
"Understood," Tora said, apologetic, then they said their goodbyes.
With that Tora hung up, called Chichi and warned ahead, apologizing for disrupting their afternoon plans and that it was alright to entrust Minoshia to Mr Popo.
Mr Popo promptly disappeared with his carpet, and in the meantime, Tora asked whether and how to inform the likes of Tenshinhan, Chaozu, Yamcha and Krillin, but Piccolo shrugged. He was indifferent, and they were most likely already aware something happened due to Tora's previous energy outburst having been picked up.
Goten, Trunks and Minoshia were exchanging stories about their respective myths and realities, especially concerning the knight caste of Konats (of which Minoshia was a part of, which is why she was armed) and the Dragon Balls, when Mr Popo appeared on his carpet. The boys promptly stood in a fighting stance to defend their new friend, but Chichi came out, having just hung up the phone.
She cleared the misunderstanding quickly and let Minoshia go with the genie, since it was all to discuss a plan with Kami. The kids promised they'd continue their stories later and hugged goodbye.
Mr Popo returned a few minutes later with a very confused Minoshia, but seeing a trusted ally she ran to Tora to grab her leg. The mode of transportation had confused her. Tora was happy to reassure the girl and take her inside the palace to meet with the Namekians.
"Minoshia, these are allies. This is Dende, he is this planet's Guardian. That person over there is Piccolo, he is a knowledgeable warrior."
The little girl stared wide-eyed, mouth open, and exclaimed something about gods and looked distraught. She hadn't passed back the scouter, so the three didn't understand, Tora keeping her close against her, but Mr Popo approached and gave the girl a little pat on the head.
"There. Minoshia speaks and understands Earthling now. Mr Popo did like he did to young Kami."
Piccolo approved the gesture and nodded.
"Oh that's a life-saver, Mr Popo. Thank you," Tora appreciated the help.
"It's the gods! I am not in the box! They will take back the sword and Hirudegarn will be free! I'm sorry! Don't destroy this planet too!" She repeated, distraught.
"Calm down kid." Piccolo frowned, the cries getting on his nerves. He just hadn't realized how young the kid was.
"You didn't do anything wrong Minoshia, we just want to hear everything you know about Hirudegarn so we can destroy him for good and find your brother, alright?" Dende was warmer.
"Nobody is going to do you any harm, I'll kill them if they do," Tora promised, fingers gently pressing on the back of the head, protective.
.
It took a little moment for Minoshia to calm down, they eventually sat down around a small table which Mr Popo promptly filled with snacks and water. Tora was still protective of the child and Minoshia saw parts of her brother in the taciturn older teen, which comforted her further in the truth of Tora's tale. Minoshia sat on Tora's crossed legs, their two swords on their right side, as she snacked and answered questions. Now that she could be understood without passing the scouter around, she had removed it too.
"It isn't ideal because you are so young, but the more information we have…" Piccolo started.
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Minoshia understood what she was there for, and retold the story of Hirudegarn and the warlocks that had summoned it. She went into as many details as she knew, the foundation of the knightly order she was part of, her planet Konats in the Southern quadrant. How she and her brother used their Ocarinas to keep the monster at bay, and the third hero of Konats, Ioka, sliced the monster in half, sealing the halves in Tapion and Minoshia.
"But the seal was not strong enough, we could not stay near each other, we felt it pull. I feel it pull," Minoshia looked down, touching her chest. It was a losing battle, she felt it in her core, and she hated it. "So we were sealed in the boxes… And even then, it wasn't enough. So they shipped us into space."
"It's cruel to sacrifice you like that," Dende felt sorry, but Minoshia disagreed.
"It was an honor to fulfill this duty, it saved many lives and brought peace," Minoshia said, not at all sorry for herself or her brother.
Tora couldn't help but have a call-back to how she had found the story unfair when Tapion told it to her all those years ago, and kept both arms around the little girl, gently hugging. Tapion had also spoken of honorable duty, and despite her feelings on the matter, she knew she had acted according to his values and his wishes.
"Piccolo-san and I, as well as a third person, know a sealing technique that might work on Hirudegarn, locking it in a container that isn't a person," Tora said.
"The Ocarina and the sword were given to us by the gods to fight it, mortals cannot fight Hirudegarn, Tora," Minoshia wasn't convinced.
"This is why I am here," Dende smiled. He was God after all, and his senses had grown keen. "Minoshia, could you show us the sealing technique?"
Minoshia thought about it, holding onto the Ocarina closely, resting against Tora. She wasn't sure, she doubted. But then again, this was God…
"Ok, I will show you, but I can only use the Ocarina against evil."
That was.. logical, and yet it was a thorn on everyone's foot. They couldn't just grab a random evil-doer off the streets for their experiment.
".. Vegeta?" Dende tentatively asked.
"Vegeta." Piccolo confirmed and gave a pressing look at Tora.
Tora couldn't help but sigh, she couldn't disagree, and yet…
".. You do know he fought with us against Hirudegarn yesterday… " Tora side-eyed Piccolo and Dende for thinking about using Vegeta in such a way.
"'Vegeta' is the short angry man who understood my language, right?"
"That would be him, yes."
"He has a little evil.." Minoshia wanted to say it could work.
"Ok, fine, I will ask him, but I will not guarantee good-faith cooperation, and I am not cleaning up the mess." Tora had to grumble.
Piccolo couldn't help but smirk and let out what could qualify as a laugh.
.
A phone call later and the promise of a full power fight in the Room of Spirit and Time later, and Vegeta was on the way for a little experiment, as only he was 'strong enough' to endure the technique and not fight back. As they needed to see how the magic worked. By the time he arrived, with just his regular civilian workout clothes, Piccolo had created a new seal for a pot for the Mafuba, so they had one on the Lookout if needed, and Tora had fetched a couple of Senzu beans from Korin.
With Piccolo, Dende and Tora observing, Vegeta stood in front of the child holding the Ocarina and looking far from confident. The girl apologized and being able to be understood directly, asked Vegeta to open his hands if it was too much and that she would stop. Vegeta prepared, fists clenched, barking about getting it over with so he could get on with his heir's promise.
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They all heard the melody fill the platform amongst the clouds as the little girl started playing the instrument, conjuring the sealing spell in those few notes, her body glowing an eerie color. Vegeta hissed, tensed, resisted, and growled as something tore at his essence. His blood boiled, his skin tore, but he didn't open his hands, choosing to endure. He was unable to move freely too. He knew he had to let it happen and shouldn't, couldn't fight back, but the anger and bloodthirst was getting the best of him little by little. Tora was ready to intervene at any change of ki or demeanor, as Minoshia stood right open, eyes focused on her target, but unable to do much of anything but play the melody that enveloped the target and stilled him.
There was no doubt in Dende's or Piccolo's mind that the technique was incredibly dangerous because of how open it left the caster. The two Namekians clearly saw the magic happen, Dende in particular paid close attention to be able to judge whether the Mafuba compared. Minoshia's ki started growing.
It was all going 'well', despite Vegeta unwilling to say it was too much, Tora holding on to the Senzu bean to give it to him as soon as the two Namekians had enough observation, until a tear in reality forced their attention. Tora was quick to react, she tackled Vegeta out of the way before the giant foot stepped through where he once stood, and Minoshia interrupted the spell to start pushing off the monster and re-absorb the energies that had escaped her.
By the time Tora put a Senzu in Vegeta's mouth, and turned sword in hand to fight, the monster was gone, the tear had left no trace, and the aura and expanded ki of Minoshia had retracted.
.
After apologizing for trying to use the technique when something was already locked within her body, which opened the gates, so to speak, Minoshia refused to try again. She explained the spell needs the target to be weakened with the magic sword, and she absolutely refused for this man to be cut just to try. Piccolo shook his head.
"We've seen enough. It is similar to the Mafuba, so it might work with some tweaks."
Vegeta looked pissed and ready to retaliate, shoving Tora out of him once he had eaten the Senzu and promptly ordered his heir to go into the Room of Spirit and Time. Piccolo and Dende had agreed for them to use the room for a friendly spar, but they didn't lock the door as to not lock Vegeta in since he had already used his two years. This way they could benefit from most of the strange dimension properties, except for the time wrapping one.
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Tora hadn't planned to fight, so she left her sword, jacket and whatever was in her pockets on the table where they shared meals a few months or years ago depending on perspective. She put the Senzu pouch where Vegeta could see it before walking into the void to make good on her promise.
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The following fight was brutal, Vegeta's frustration pushing him to externalize and beat something up, but Tora was just as frustrated and needed to let steam out, and truth be told, Vegeta was safe, even if she had no resentment against him anymore, she wasn't afraid to go all out.
While once she had had the upper hand, Vegeta had grown more powerful, mature and refined than ever before, and if her understanding of her father was to be believed, more eager. His control over the form was far from perfect, but Tora was quick to understand how frustrated Vegeta had been with peaceful life. Gohan had told her how little they fought full force, and they hadn't seen each other in over a year at that point. She knew deep down Vegeta couldn't just not fight at all, and profoundly related to her own sense of unrest.
A mean hook and a slew of insults about her guard on his part later and Tora had to get a grip and properly focus instead of thinking. They both tapped into Ascended super Saiyan afterwards, and their exhaustion came soon after.
Tora decided to shower at Capsule Corp, but she did clean up the blood and cuts with a wet towel after they had come back and eaten a Senzu. By the time she was done properly retrieving all of her belongings, Vegeta had washed up as well and they left the Room of Spirit and Time. For the first time in months and years respectively, they were both relaxed.
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By the time they came out of their session, Piccolo had demonstrated the Mafuba for Minoshia to see and feel, and some tweaks started being made so the technique could potentially work on Hirudegarn.
Gohan had joined them when he went home and was told Mr Popo had taken Minoshia to the Lookout as per Kami's request. When Vegeta and Tora left the Room of Spirit and Time, Vegeta squinted his eyes at Gohan and huffed something before going back to Capsule Corp, now his services were no longer needed and had been paid in full.
Tora offered a welcoming and worn smile to Gohan, and a glance and invitation later, a close hug was given. There was something soothing and comforting in being held by Gohan, and Tora couldn't help but notice the similarities with her own Gohan and the one she met in 787. He had grown so tall. She whispered her gratitude and appreciated his calm heart for a minute before they caught him up to speed.
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As dusk started to change the colors of the sky on the Lookout, they all more or less agreed that the best course of action was to keep Minoshia safe and on Earth while Piccolo and Dende worked on tweaking the Mafuba to work like the Konats' sealing spell.
They would have to discuss using the Dragon Balls to find Tapion's box or perhaps ask Shenron for information, but they weren't active as someone used them about ten months prior, if things didn't change by then.
Tora, Gohan and Minoshia thanked the Namekians and Mr Popo for their hospitality and got on their way.
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Tora flew with Minoshia to Capsule Corp, taking her time as Minoshia wasn't as fast as she was.
"You aren't carrying the sword right," Minoshia eventually scolded a little.
"I have an easier time drawing it from my back than from my hip, but I should learn. Will you teach me?"
"Ok! But you have to tell me about my big brother in your reality. Mrs Tights told me you used something like the Time Scrolls to travel here?"
"It's a deal," Tora smiled. "We will find a solution, Minoshia."
It was interesting how Minoshia was willing to hear the story of how Tora killed her brother in another world, but Tora had been too young to realize how Tapion valued his own life in comparison to his duty and honor. She would understand that later that night when retelling the story, earnest and openly to the girl before she fell asleep in her magical box. Trunks was invited to listen as well, but he fell asleep much earlier in the story, as fighting all afternoon with Goten had exhausted him.
Tora fully realized she had made the right decision by trusting Tapion's choice concerning his own life and his values, and by killing him per his request, she had truly respected his wishes. He did die a hero, and left her his sword to claim victory. She had mourned, and had no remorse left.
The days passed, and Tora sporadically went to school, but mostly focused on keeping an eye on Minoshia and the two boys who, even if they liked their new friend, couldn't be asked to be on watch at all times. Minoshia was skilled when manipulating the sword that was made for her size, and she noted that Tapion's sword was a little too big for Tora; which was why the half-breed had to wear it on her back and not at her hip like Konats knights used to. When Tights and her retold in detail their encounter with Tapion, honestly and openly, including what Tapion and the older woman shared when Tora was just a child, there was no doubt in Minoshia's mind that Tora was a legitimate owner of that sword. After all, if she hadn't been, she wouldn't have been able to cut the legs. And so, she was not reluctant to help Tora learn how to use it a little more formally in the gardens of Capsule Corp.
Minoshia was especially grateful to be able to play with kids her age, and while she was mature when it came to her duty as Hirudegarn's jailer, she enjoyed toys, food and all sorts of games, some of which she taught the two boys. It took them a few days after someone finally used female pronouns that the boys realized it was indeed a girl, and Trunks subsequently withdrew from sleepovers in the weird magic box in which Minoshia slept. It felt weird being that friendly with a girl, and he didn't want to get all stupid like Gohan, but he still liked playing with the girl and Goten. As long as they weren't alone together…
Tora, checking it was alright with her mother, decided to take over sleepovers with the girl, especially when she wandered into the music room at the wee hours of the morning when she practiced one of Tapion's melodies.
"This was me and that version of your brother."
It was important for Tora to make sure Minoshia knew the Tapion she met and the one that was indeed her brother were different people, for all intents and purposes. The legend of the time scrolls helped.
Minoshia observed the digital photo with interest, and nodded, recognizing his brother in those weird Earthling clothes.
"You were tiny, like me," the child observed.
"I was seven, like Trunks," Tora confirmed. "The songs and melodies were important to him, so the little time we had together, we played. I mostly know this instrument, the piano…"
She proceeded to show what she could do with the music sheets and transcriptions she had of the few 'alien melodies' she had.
"I also know the melody you play on the Ocarina to seal Hirudegarn."
"It has few 'notes'," Minoshia agreed.
"Tapion told me I could not cast the spell because I do not have any magic in me, but I could still play the melody," Tora played with her right hand after checking if it was alright for her to play it.
"You know it well," Minoshia nodded, hearing the loop twice.
And while the Ocarina was magical, it could be played as a normal instrument as long as the spell wasn't the spell played. Minoshia sang with one of the melodies and they appreciated the moment connecting her to her culture, while Tora appreciated learning a little more about it, and using what little knowledge she had from over ten years prior.
Tights was particularly attentive to her daughter's wellbeing, and school was given a 'family issue' as an excuse for her absences. As much as she wanted her baby to socialize properly with other Earthlings, she knew she couldn't really go against her alien nature and needs.
She caught Vegeta late at night, when Tora was asked to sleepover with Minoshia (freeing her from her clingy daughter, finally), to try and see whether her sentiment with her daughter's issue was correct. They had started bickering when he saw her and called her vulgar, which led them to talk and Tights, finally having more than one or two words out of Vegeta, wanted to try and get advice from him. Or at least bounce ideas out of him, as clearly this was a Saiyan issue. She invited him to share some coffee while on break from a project in the lab, she hadn't even removed her pink engineer overalls and a tight braid, while Vegeta walked in his workout 'house' clothes.
"Without strong challenges, a Saiyan will always be restless. My— Our heir was bred and raised in bloodthirst and violence, it's not surprising," he huffed over coffee.
"That's why.. Like you.." Tights sighed.
She knew how young Vegeta had been when he was given as a political hostage to Freeza, how he lived under constant pressure, surrounded by violence and blood, and used spite to carry on. Like her daughter.
"Hmpf," he confirmed, reluctant. "The runt and that thing won't keep us busy forever. Boiling Saiyan blood doesn't calm down so easily, especially since the brat doesn't seek power."
Tora was aimless. Tights understood the distress was because her daughter was aimless, as all that had mattered was to kill the Cyborgs.
"I will have to think of something challenging once at home, then," Tights had a couple of ideas, and would go over them at a later time.
Vegeta, who agreed with the conclusion about the need for challenges, had his own idea of what could constitute a challenge worthy of his heir, but he wasn't asked, so he didn't volunteer.
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Vegeta went back to his routines and mostly ignored the girl with the pointy ears, even giving her the side-eye every now and then. She gave him back the scouter with gratitude when she came back from the Lookout, since she could now communicate without it, and Vegeta shrugged it off as a worthless waste of time.
There was a night when his mother and Tora were sharing some coffee, and Trunks had left his bedroom to get water. Ever since Minoshia was there, he had learnt to keep his energy suppressed, one of the first actual lessons his father had given him when they started training. Tights was busy helping Minoshia clean up (they had found out Konats needed less sleep than Earthlings), and Vegeta was still training. Trunks stopped in his tracks as a few words reached his ears and he started eavesdropping on the conversation.
"He's looking more and more like you." His mother's voice was playful.
"You say that as if it were surprising, Bulma-san." Tora was more embarrassed. "More coffee?"
"Please. But his personality is nothing like yours. Vegeta's influence, certainly."
"Oh, our personalities are different, yes, I was far worse at his age," Tora chuckled. "Trunks will mellow out. You have raised him well."
His mother giggled at the compliment and subsequent insistence on its factual nature.
"He's my wonderful baby boy, and without you, it wouldn't have happened at all," Bulma sighed.
Trunks knew that sigh, the dreamy one. The nostalgic one. He heard noises behind him and walked in as if he was just coming out of the stairs, rubbing his eyes acting as if he had just woken up.
"What is it, Trunksie?" His mother welcomed him warmly, and Trunks could see the two adults had been sharing coffee and tobacco in the kitchen counter. Tora kept quiet but observed with kind eyes.
"Just thirsty," Trunks walked over to the fridge, trying to not face either of them and let his eyes betray he had overheard it all.
The adults were none the wiser, made a mention of Trunks' cowlick with a playful tone, and Tora walked him out back to bed after he's had his drink.
"And don't forget to go to the toilet before bed!" Bulma reminded her 'boys'.
Trunks knew his mother was right, even if he wanted to protest the comment. He made a stop to make sure his bladder was empty before going back to bed.
Tora came into the bedroom with him and helped him into his bedsheets, kneeling in front of his bed and staying.
"Uncle Tora."
"I told you I'm not that old," Tora corrected.
".. You're weird," Trunks pouted.
"I guess I am," she moved some cropped hair out of his face and gently touched his cheek. "I have had a complicated life."
"You're an adult, but you go to school with Gohan," Trunks noted the inconsistency and puffed his cheeks when the index touched him. "And you were already an adult when he was a kid."
"Mhmm. I stopped school when I was your age, so I have a lot of things to catch up to. Your writing is even better than mine," Tora explained earnestly.
"You really knew me when I was a baby…" Trunks needed confirmation, he had seen the pictures, he had recognized Tora playing the piano, he needed to hear it from the guy himself.
"I did. I even saw your first steps. You used to pull my hair and I could carry you inside my jacket. You held onto me like glue." Tora spoke softly, as if they were important and cherished memories. Tora spoke with love, even, Trunks believed.
Tora, knowing how her version of Gohan had taunted her about diapers and drooling, didn't inflict that shame on this child-version of herself, and smiled as the boy was already dozed off. She wished him a good night and left the bedroom.
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As the days went by, however, Minoshia started having nightmares and waking up in cold sweats as the phantasm called for her, pulling at her core. The other half of Hirudegarn was close and hopefully so was Tapion.
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Btw we're in early May 774 (Tora and Tights arrived in early April)
I'm using the straight up roman-version of Tapion's sibling (Mi-no-shi-a) instead of the regular Minotia. I think it's prettier :pbr /
And while one (1) mention of Minotia in the movie has them addressed by Tapion as 'little brother', considering how unimportant the character (as a character) is, I decided to make her female. Doesn't change much with the story but the little it changes is necessary for my Plan :p
I am still in twitter jail so please make sure to tell your friends (those who don't have an account for instance) about the release of the new chapter! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter, let me know what you think ^-^