Naples, Italy Age 737 Tuesday December 5th 1988
The warm morning sun filtered into the hotel room, gently waking everyone from their slumber. Stretching and yawning, they each rose from their beds, feeling refreshed after a restful night's sleep.
As they started to get ready for the day, the sounds from outside the room caught their attention. They could hear the muffled voices of people passing by in the hallway, and the distant hum of activity in the hotel.
However, another voice suddenly joined the mix, one that was unfamiliar. It was a deep voice, speaking with a confident tone that carried through the walls. The words were slightly distorted, making it difficult to discern what was being said.
Curiosity piqued, the group exchanged glances. They moved closer to the wall, trying to catch more of the conversation. The unknown voice seemed to be responding to someone, but their words were still unclear.
"I wonder who that is," Launch whispered, her blue and blonde hair framing her puzzled expression.
Bulma pressed her ear against the wall, hoping to catch a snippet of the conversation. "It's strange. I don't recognize the voice, and I can't make out what they're saying."
Turles tilted his head, his keen senses trying to pick up any meaningful words. "It's like they're discussing something important. I wish we could understand."
Suddenly, the voice outside the room grew louder, and a distinct phrase could be heard. "thanks…for… help… …assist…pay…back" The other responded they could tell it was . "yes…Secco…need…assistant…hard…you…"
The group exchanged surprised glances. It seemed like got a new assistant named Secco. Their curiosity deepened, and they leaned in even closer, hoping to catch more fragments of the conversation.
the voice faded away again, leaving them in suspense. The hallway outside their room returned to its normal level of activity, with people passing by, their conversations unrelated to 's new assistant. Launch translated what was said to Bulma.
Prince Vegeta folded his arms, a determined look on his face. "We need to find the dragon balls"
Bulma nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Let's keep our ears open and see if we can gather more information. But for now, I think we should finish getting ready and head out."
With a shared sense of purpose, they continued to prepare for the day ahead. They waved goodbye to the receptionist, their thoughts still lingering on the mysterious voice and its mention of the artifact. As they stepped outside into the morning light, the cool breeze greeted them, and they took in the sights of the bustling city.
Bulma took out the trusty dragon radar, her fingers dancing over the screen as she pinpointed the location of the next dragon ball. The destination was Boise, Idaho, a place that held the promise of answers regarding the enigmatic kami. She shared the information with the group, "Next stop Boise, idaho. Should be a long flight overseas. Maybe around 17 hours give or take. I don't know if this battery can last me that long"
The group huddled together, their expressions contemplative as they discussed their options. Prince Vegeta, with a hint of bashfulness coloring his cheeks, offered his help. "If your battery runs low, I can carry you. It's not a problem." His words hung in the air for a moment before Launch broke into a mischievous grin, teasing him in a playful manner.
As they stood there, lost in conversation, the entrance swung open behind them, and a familiar voice interrupted their discussion. "Excuse me, you're blocking the way. My patient needs to go to the hospital." Dr. Cioccolata emerged with a sickly patient, his pale complexion contrasting sharply with the doctor's unsettling demeanor. A mixture of surprise and unease washed over the group as they made way for the doctor and his patient.
"Sorry we will get out of the way." said launch, Launch pulled Bulma aside, allowing the doctor and his charge to pass. "Come along secco it is just a ride away." said motioning the man to follow. They watched as the two figures got into a waiting car and drove off. Their presence left a lingering sense of curiosity, but with their own mission to pursue, the group turned their attention back to their journey.
With determined steps, they set off on foot, heading westward. The path ahead was uncertain, but the thought of the ocean on the horizon and the promise of answers in Boise fueled their spirits. As they walked, the sunlight played on the water's surface, casting a sense of hope and adventure upon their path.
After a while, they paused and exchanged glances. Without needing words, they knew it was time to take to the sky. With graceful movements, they leaped into the air, their bodies becoming one with the wind. Bulma's excitement was palpable as she pointed down at the vast expanse of the ocean with surrounding islands, spotting various sea creatures and explaining each one to the others. Her enthusiasm was contagious, even capturing the attention of the Saiyans who gazed down in awe.
The flight continued in peaceful silence, the only sound being the rush of wind around them. They soared higher, enjoying the sense of freedom that flying brought. However, their tranquility was abruptly interrupted as Bulma's rocket boots began to sputter and falter. Panic flashed across her face as she started to descend rapidly, her propulsion failing her.
In an instant, Prince Vegeta's instincts kicked in. Without hesitation, he surged forward and caught Bulma in his arms, his powerful body halting her fall. Her heart raced from the sudden scare, but the firmness of his grip and the warmth of his presence reassured her. She looked up at him, a mix of gratitude and surprise in her eyes.
"Are you alright?" he asked, concern etched into his features. Bulma nodded, her voice momentarily escaping her due to the rush of emotions. Prince Vegeta's lips curved into a faint smile, a rare display of his softer side.
"Thanks, Vegeta, the battery is dead, we still have 9 hours to go" she finally managed to say, her voice tinged with both relief and admiration. As he gently set her down, they exchanged a momentary glance that spoke volumes – a connection forged by trust and shared experiences.
With their brief airborne ordeal behind them, they took a moment to steady their breathing before resuming their journey. Prince Vegeta carefully put Bulma on his back, her arms wrapped around his neck for support. The sky stretched out above, and the ocean shimmered below as they continued flying. The Saiyans took this opportunity to describe their home world to Bulma and Launch, painting vivid pictures of their culture and experiences.
As hours passed, the North American continent gradually came into view. Snow-covered landscapes stretched out beneath them. Bulma and Launch exchanged uncomfortable glances, clearly not accustomed to such cold environments. The Saiyans, on the other hand, seemed right at home, their bodies adapting effortlessly.
Just as they were contemplating the upcoming cold front, Kira's cryptic presence appeared, his laughter echoing through their thoughts. "Your crushes are going to get frostbite if you don't do something about it. Unless you want me to take their souls. all according to kei-ka-ku." said kira appearing and disappearing cackling. They stopped, hovering outside the storm before it could get worse. They thought for a moment. Raditz summoned his stand Action! not words. He pulled parkas for everyone. Better be safe than sorry he thought. He distributed them as soon as they appeared. Bulma carefully put on hers without falling. They continued flying bulma thanks raditz for providing the parkas. They see a sprinkle of lights go by. Bulma spoke up. "I think it would be fun to throw snowballs." Tarble and Cabba cheered at what she said. The mention of throwing snowballs brought forth a playful spirit among the group. As they descended into the snowy terrain,
As they ventured into the snow-covered town, the group's playful side emerged. Tarble and Cabba energetically fashioned snowballs, initiating a friendly snowball fight. Bulma joined in, ducking and dodging as the snowballs flew through the air, the exhilarating laughter of the Saiyans filling the frosty atmosphere.
Realizing that she and Launch were gradually becoming casualties of the escalating snowball battle, they retreated to higher ground on a nearby hill. From there, they watched the scene unfold below, the Saiyans engaged in spirited combat, their laughter echoing against the snowy backdrop.
The commotion attracted the attention of the locals, curious faces peering out from windows and doorways. The laughter and joy shared among the group seemed to spread, as if their presence had ignited a spark of warmth in the midst of the wintry landscape. Amidst the snowball fight, a young girl, red-haired and full of curiosity, approached and sat beside Bulma and Launch. Their surprise was evident, yet they warmly greeted her.
"Hello," the girl greeted with a shy smile.
"Hi, my name is Bulma, and this is Launch," Bulma introduced, gesturing toward Launch.
"M-my name is suno. We don't get any visitors, Ay. where did you come from, maybe from the next town over. Where is your mama or papa?" said suno.
"They are at home, we snuck away. We are going to be in so much trouble," Launch admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of worry. Bulma nodded in agreement, fully aware of the potential consequences.
The snowball fight began to wind down, the Saiyans gradually ceasing their energetic antics and dropping to the ground, catching their breath. As they trudged up the hill, slipping on parkas to combat the cold, Turles expressed his enjoyment of the experience, his fingers cracking as he did so. They approached Bulma and Launch, ready to continue their journey.
Feeling the encroaching darkness, Bulma checked the time and suggested it was time to leave. They bid farewell to Suno and lifted off into the sky, leaving the astonished locals behind.
Their journey carried them out of the snow-covered region, and soon enough, they encountered a long line of vehicles waiting by a building. Raditz inquired about the scene below, to which Bulma explained that it was likely a border check, necessary for entry into the USA. Nodding in understanding, the Saiyans prepared to continue their journey.
The transition from the icy landscapes to the lush greenery brought a refreshing change in the weather. The "Minnesota" sign marked their entrance into the USA, and beneath them, sprawling subdivisions and small towns passed by, a glimpse into the heart of the country. The landscape changed rapidly as they moved over North and South Dakota, leaving behind the clusters of civilization for the vast emptiness of Wyoming. Eventually, the sight of green trees welcomed them into Idaho.
As they soared through the sky, their eyes caught a tall pillar in the distance, stretching up into the sky. Intrigued, they descended, their curiosity guiding them towards the mysterious structure. As they descended, a dense forest and a cabin came into view. The base of the pillar stood a couple of miles away.
Landing gracefully on the ground, they found themselves amidst the tranquility of the forest as the sun began its descent. Suddenly, the cabin's door swung open, revealing a tall Native American man armed with a gun. His stern demeanor matched his weapon's readiness.
"Who goes there? This is private land. This is also the sacred land of Korin," the man announced, his gaze unwavering as he aimed the gun. His words held a mix of caution and protectiveness.
Bulma stepped forward, her voice laced with urgency. "We don't mean any harm, we just want to know about this pillar. That's all," she explained, her tone sincere and imploring.
The man lowered his gun, a glimmer of understanding crossing his eyes. "Well, I was just scaring you. Who would I kill a couple of kids anyway? Come inside, it's almost nightfall," he replied, his stance relaxing as he gestured towards the cabin.
Following the man's lead, they walked past him and entered the cabin. The fading daylight cast a warm glow through the windows, creating a cozy atmosphere. The man introduced himself as Bora, and with a welcoming smile, he invited them to make themselves at home.
As the darkness outside deepened, Bora's voice took on the captivating rhythm of a seasoned storyteller. "I will share with you a bedtime story, a tale woven in the fabric of our land — the legend of Korin," he offered, his words carrying an air of mystery and eager anticipation. The group settled in, their attention fully captured by the promise of a timeless story.
"Long ago, in the annals of our history, a guardian was born among my people," Bora began, his voice holding the weight of tradition. "He watched over my ancestors, safeguarding them from troubles and perils. In return, it was our duty to be stewards of this land. That pillar you see outside? It stands as a monument to that guardian's legacy, a symbol of our connection to the past and our responsibility to the future."
Bora's narrative continued, weaving a tapestry of history and reverence. "The pillar is known as the Korin Tower. To our tribe, it holds profound significance. For generations, this tale has been passed down from one storyteller to the next. But even as time marches on, we patiently await the arrival of one who can pass the ultimate test."
Curiosity danced in Raditz's eyes, prompting him to ask, "What test are you referring to?" Bora acknowledged the question with a nod, appreciating the group's eagerness to understand.
"In our lore, it is said that any individual, regardless of their background, can attempt to climb the tower alone," Bora continued, his voice rich with tradition. "At its peak, they will find the noble guardian awaiting them. This guardian will offer a cup of cold water to drink. And with that simple sip, the climber's abilities will be transformed, heightened beyond imagination."
Eyes widened with wonder, and a chorus of voices echoed in response, "Really?"
Bora's smile was both warm and genuine as he responded, "As incredible as it may sound, my people hold this belief close to their hearts. It's a tradition that has endured through time. I once attempted the climb myself when I was young, though I never reached the summit. There's a tale of one person who succeeded, but some consider it more of a myth."
In the gentle flicker of the cabin's firelight, Bora looked around and noticed that the story's spell had woven its magic, lulling everyone into peaceful slumber. As the night embraced them, the legend of Korin continued to live on in the realm of dreams.
With the arrival of morning, the cabin was bathed in the soft glow of sunlight as slumbering forms stirred awake. Bora, however, was conspicuously absent, leaving the room to its sleepy occupants. As consciousness returned to them, the remnants of Mr. Bora's story lingered in their minds like sweet echoes.
"Do you believe the legend might actually be true?" Raditz voiced the question on everyone's mind, his curiosity lacing his words.
Tarble's excitement was palpable as he nodded vigorously. Cabba, joining the conversation, couldn't contain his enthusiasm, his energy radiating like a beacon. The anticipation had taken root, and its tendrils wrapped around their thoughts.
The door swung open, revealing Bora outside, engaged in chopping wood. The saiyans, their eagerness undiminished, filed out, leaving Bulma and Launch inside to change. Their eyes were drawn to the distant pillar that had now become the focus of their journey.
"So, it's a climb without any aids whatsoever?" Prince Vegeta questioned, his tone a mix of determination and inquiry.
Bora's wood chopping halted momentarily. "Indeed," he affirmed, his voice carrying the weight of tradition. "The climb must be unassisted to truly reap the benefits of the water." They walked out to it and looked up. "How tall is it?" said raditz while Bulma let out a whistle. Bulma thought for a second. "Can we belay up there? There is no way we can hold on for that long while resting." said bulma. Bora thought for a moment. "That is a good question. I haven't thought of that. But the answer is still no. Just to be safe, then sorry." said bora.
Eager to embrace the challenge, Tarble and Cabba darted forward, already scaling the base of the tower. Bulma, burdened by the battery and her recent purchases, muttered about her forgotten charging needs. A makeshift backpack fashioned from grocery bag straps emerged, loaded with their supplies.
"Wait up!" Tarble's ascent paused as he turned to face the others, and Bulma took the opportunity to reorganize the load. A collective realization of the weight dawned on them. "This is quite heavy," Cabba admitted, struggling under the load.
Tarble, echoing his brother's sentiment, contemplated their father's training regimen. "Wouldn't Father say a few weights are nothing to complain about? He'd carry them while getting stronger," Vegeta mused.
With determination etched into their expressions, they one by one began their climb, each carrying their burdens. The tower stretched toward the heavens, the pillar of their hopes and aspirations.
Time flowed like a determined heartbeat, and after three days of challenging ascent, the culmination of their effort was the apex. The wind, gentle and secretive, caressed their ears as they stood at the summit, surveying the expanse below. Their physical journey intertwined with a deeper, metaphoric path that had brought them to this sacred point. As they reached the pinnacle, a building rose from the pillar, its architecture an enigma that seemed to echo with possibilities.
With newfound strength coursing through their veins, they entered the structure, their energy levels eclipsed only by their rumbling bellies. Inside, they discovered three pots, each sealed with a lid. A primal need stirred within them – water, life's sustenance – and they gravitated toward the vessels with a singular purpose.
Eager hands lifted the lid of the middle pot, revealing its contents. "Look at the water," Turles exclaimed, but their intrigue was interrupted by an unexpected sight. Before their eyes materialized the figures of their acquaintances – Fasha and Mr. Jotaro – seemingly aboard a ship en route to confront Dio. "Look, it's fasha and , give me the ability to see if people have stands," said tarble. "They can't hear you," said bulma. They could see fasha look around while jotaro looked concerned. They shouted louder.
Tarble reached out, but the vision slipped away like mist. Not disheartened, they turned their attention to the right pot. The water held a mirror to the past – Suno engrossed in a household game, the sounds of joy and camaraderie filling the air. people were shouting and Suno walked outside to see snowballs fly in the distance.
In a moment of revelation, Prince Vegeta voiced their realization. "It's the past," he announced as the water evaporated. Bulma, catching onto the pattern, offered her insight, "Which means that the last must show the future…" Their curiosity guiding them, they unveiled the last pot, revealing visions that intertwined time and space: Mr. Polnareff hugged what seems to be what's left of his sister as he spoke but they could read one word "sherry." a shadowed figure atop a staircase, Kakarot stirring within an incubation chamber the glass was shaking, and a young Namekian in the woods.
"Kakarot!" Raditz's exclamation echoed through the chamber as his hand reached for the ethereal vision, but like the others before, it dissipated as the water vanished. "Poor Mr. Polnareff, do you think we should revive his sister?" said bulma. They all agreed.
Their hunger and weariness persisted, the pots having revealed both wonders and enigmas. Then, a familiar voice resonated within them. "Hey, can you hear me? This is Korin. Why don't you come up? There should be a door that leads to where I am, meow" the voice beckoned.
With determined steps, they ascended the winding stairs, the playful wind tousling their hair as they spiraled upward. Reaching the apex, they found themselves in a vast, open chamber, encircled by imposing pillars that supported the lofty roof. In the center of the chamber stood a solitary pedestal, upon which a tantalizing bottle awaited their attention.
Curiosity propelled Bulma to break the silence. "Hello, where are you?" she inquired, her eyes scanning the enigmatic surroundings. Tarble, always eager, surmised the bottle's purpose and leaped over the pedestal, his outstretched hand reaching for the prize. Yet, in an instant, something invisible seized the bottle and vanished from sight, leaving Tarble bewildered and performing a somersault leaving him sprawled on the floor,
Prince Vegeta couldn't help but sigh, his expression revealing his exasperation. He extended a hand to help Tarble back onto his feet. "I knew it wouldn't be that easy," he muttered under his breath.
Bulma, undeterred by the invisible challenge, ventured a query. "Where are you? Is this where Kami resides?" The group moved cautiously, warily scanning their surroundings, seeking the elusive voice.
Then, a surprised voice pierced the silence. "What! How?" it exclaimed. All eyes shifted upward, where a white cat perched in a nook, beside it the coveted bottle. The cat's gaze bore into them with intensity, emanating a menacing aura. In response, the Saiyans swiftly assumed protective postures, forming a circle around the humans.
The voice of Kami resonated in their minds, a calming presence. "Stand down, Korin. I requested their presence, so be hospitable to them." With Kami's words, the ominous aura surrounding Korin dissipated, and the cat agilely descended from pillar to pillar, finally landing gracefully on the ground.
The Saiyans remained vigilant, their caution unwavering, as Bulma, displaying a blend of fascination and uncertainty, ventured forth from their protective circle. She approached Korin, her hand tentatively extended toward the cat. Korin, once formidable, now appeared docile, nodding in acknowledgment as Bulma began to gently pet him.
Bulma, inquisitive as ever, ventured into a discussion of the extraordinary. "I've never seen an intelligent cat before," she remarked softly, her voice tinged with curiosity. Korin purred contentedly, offering a response to her unspoken questions.
Korin's story began to unfold, his voice carrying hints of mystery. "You see, a strange thing happened about 2038 years ago when an arrow impaled me." He paused, his enigmatic aura temporarily lifting.
Bulma, ever the scientist, connected the dots. "So you have a magical ability called a Stand," she asserted. Korin, genuinely surprised, responded with a bewildered "What, how?" Bulma's retort was confident and laden with knowledge. "Do you think you are the only one with a Stand ability?" As if to emphasize her point, Science Blaster manifested on her shoulder, an embodiment of her understanding and mastery of this mysterious power.
"I showed you mine, now show me yours," Bulma challenged. The cat exhaled deeply, enveloped in an aura. A small cat-like flower materialized above the pot, which levitated under the control of the flower and gently landed on the pedestal.
"My Stand is called Stray Cat, for obvious reasons. It granted me human intelligence and an impressive lifespan whose end remains unknown to me," Korin explained.
"Give us the water and take us to Kami," Prince Vegeta demanded.
Korin, recovering from his initial shock, replied, "You're not ready for the water just yet. First, you must take it from me, one at a time. However, I will lead you to Kami as he has requested."
Tarble, his Saiyan appetite not to be ignored, inquired, "Do you have anything to eat?"
"Yes, it's called a Sensu Bean. It should satisfy you for the next three days," Korin replied. He walked toward the exit, leading them down the stairs, and they followed. In a small jar atop a cabinet, Korin pushed the jar over, releasing six Sensu Beans. They tried to catch the jar but fumbled it, and it tumbled out of Korin Tower. Each person picked up a Sensu Bean. The Saiyans eagerly consumed theirs, enveloped in a radiant aura that seemed to signify increased strength.
"I feel strong and full," Prince Vegeta proclaimed. The humans, more cautious, rubbed the beans on their clothes before consuming them. Their stomachs were sated, but no aura surrounded them as it had the Saiyans.
Korin led them up the tower, stopping at a landing where they saw a set of rungs affixed to the side of the roof. Raditz questioned, "Can we fly up, or do we have to climb?"
"I don't care," Korin replied nonchalantly. With that, they took to the sky, Bulma riding on Prince Vegeta's back. As they ascended, exhaustion still weighed on them. Higher and higher they went until they beheld a floating structure above them.
The structure grew larger and nearer as they approached, revealing itself as a floating ball, or rather, a half-sphere. Perched atop it was a building, its perimeter adorned with trees. The group, utterly drained from their ascent, collapsed onto the surface. In the midst of their weariness, they heard the creaking of a door and the approach of footsteps.
"Are you all right?" inquired a concerned voice. Blinking their eyes open, they found themselves face to face with a genie, his hand extended in a gesture of assistance. Bulma, gathering her strength, replied, "Yes, but we're completely exhausted and desperately in need of rest."
The genie, nodding sympathetically, gestured for them to follow. "Right this way, we have rooms prepared for you. My name is Mr. Popo, and it seems you've brought along a few guests," he introduced himself. With Mr. Popo leading the way, the kids peeled themselves off the ground, noticing the segmented tiles beneath their feet. They followed Mr. Popo into the building, descending down a labyrinthine hallway.
Eventually, they reached a door, which Mr. Popo swung open, revealing a spacious room filled with beds. "Boys on one side and girls on the other," he instructed kindly. The children eagerly scrambled into the room, collapsing onto the beds in exhaustion. As they dozed off into slumber, Mr. Popo quietly closed the door, dimming the lights.
Turning around, he addressed a figure that had appeared beside him. "Ah, Kami, our guests have just fallen asleep. Now, we wait," he informed Kami, who leaned on his cane in contemplation.