2: Moving Forward

X784

Jin was in the midst of an intense training session. The chamber was round, stark and metallic, the walls lined with panels and circuits that hinted at the advanced technology of the Saiyans. The air was thick, making every movement a grueling effort, but Jin pressed on with a purpose born of years of torment and fury.

Eight years had not altered his height, but his body had transformed into a hardened monument of muscle, each movement marked by the strain of increased gravity. His hair had grown long, cascading past his shoulders, framing a face that bore the weight of his relentless pursuit of strength. Wrapped around his waist, his Saiyan tail flicked with every deliberate motion, a constant reminder of his heritage. Shirtless, except for tight shorts and worn boots, Jin's determination radiated through the sweat glistening on his skin, mingling with the rage that fueled every strike.

Jin moved with precision and power, each punch and kick cutting through the oppressive air. Around him lay various pieces of training equipment: weights of different masses, dumbbells of various sizes, and arm and leg weights that added to his burden. Though slightly rusted, they served their purpose.

Scattered among the equipment were old papers and tattered scrolls, displaying ancient techniques and special moves his ancestors had mastered. There were depictions of energy beams, cutting discs, and a power-boosting technique that came at a cost.

His training regimen was grueling. He alternated between different types of push-ups, high-speed crunches, and sprints around the chamber. He practiced his fighting techniques, pulling up video archives of his kin's training sessions, including those of the late Prince. To intensify his workout, he strapped on all the weights he could find and increased the chamber's gravity, feeling every muscle strain under the added pressure.

With a press of a button on the main console, small, round robots emerged, shooting lasers at Jin. He weaved through the beams, his movements a blur despite the crushing gravity. The robots adapted to his speed, dodging his attacks, but Jin swiftly dealt with them, teleporting and firing ki blasts. Just as he destroyed the last robot, the console sparked, and the chamber powered down, abruptly shifting gravity back to normal. Jin's body, accustomed to the crushing weight, could not adapt in time, and he crashed into the wall, pain surging through him.

Breathing heavily, he forced himself to his feet and stumbled to the console. Opening the main panel, he saw the rusted insides, realizing the chamber had finally given out.

"Damn it," he muttered, closing the panel. "That's what I get for trying to go for 50x gravity."

Wiping himself with a towel, he pulled on a black tank top and drank a bottle of water in one go before carelessly tossing it away. Gathering his belongings and the ancient papers and scrolls into a small bag, he exited the chamber and the palace, the ruins of Vegeta greeting him as he stepped outside.

Nature had overtaken much of the former settlement. The ruins were covered in greenery, with vines creeping over the crumbling buildings. The rubble, destroyed technology, and remnants of Saiyan architecture were scattered everywhere. Wild animals roamed the village, including packs of wolves, boars, and large birds, giving the place an eerie, reclaimed feel.

Jin walked through the village, his eyes forward, not glancing around. The light in his eyes was gone, replaced by a void of emptiness. Despite his rigorous training, there was no youthful energy in his movements, only a hollow determination. He blocked out the vivid memories of destruction that haunted him at every step, and he forced his mind to drift back to his discovery of the gravity chamber beneath the palace.

X776, one day after the attack.

Jin's heart raced as he stepped cautiously into the royal palace, its grandeur now shrouded in dust and desolation. Once a place of majesty, the halls lay in ruin, each echo of his footsteps a reminder of what had been lost. The ornate columns, though cracked and crumbling, whispered tales of glory, their former splendor haunting him. His tail, usually coiled tightly around his waist, flicked nervously behind him, mirroring his uncertainty.

"Just imagine," he murmured to himself, the words barely breaking the silence. "I'm actually here... in the palace."

The thrill of exploration momentarily distracted him from the grim reality that had brought him here. As he wandered deeper into the heart of the building, his fingers brushed against the walls, tracing the faded designs that had once celebrated the Saiyan legacy.

"I've always wanted to go here. I thought it would be grand," he sighed, a pang of longing in his chest. "Not like this."

With each step, curiosity began to take hold, urging him forward despite the weight of his grief. Jin walked through the once-proud halls, the shadows seeming to close in around him as if the palace itself mourned its fallen inhabitants. He turned a corner, drawn by a flicker of movement—a sudden burst of adrenaline jolting him. But as he approached a large pile of rubble, his excitement quickly faded into dread.

He shuddered, his breath hitching in his throat as he caught sight of a hand protruding from the debris. Instinctively, he took a step back, fear coursing through him.

"No... no, it can't be," he whispered, his heart racing as he forced himself to look closer. Recognition hit him like a punch to the gut. The hand was unmistakable; it belonged to Prince Vegeta.

The sight brought back memories of humiliation and defeat, of being belittled and scorned. Yet, despite the prince's arrogance and pettiness, Jin couldn't help but feel bad for the Prince's sad fate.

"Even you, huh?" Jin said softly, his tail wrapping tightly around his waist as if to shield himself from the grim reality. "For all your flaws... you didn't deserve this."

He shook his head violently, willing himself to forget the grim sight. With a heavy heart, he turned away from the rubble and made his way to the lower levels.

The air grew cooler, and the corridors darker, but his curiosity kept him moving forward. He stumbled upon the archives, a vast library filled with ancient knowledge. Shelves stood tall, but their contents were neglected, dust covering the spines of countless tomes. Jin's heart raced with curiosity, and he began to scan the titles eagerly.

"Where is it?" he muttered, rifling through the books. "There has to be something about the Super Saiyan here."

As he flipped through pages, the historical accounts of Vegeta's royal bloodline unfurled before him, also detailing alliances with powerful figures from Fiore, including the royal family. His heart sank with each revelation, the realization dawning on him that their legacy was steeped in bloodshed and conflict.

"I mean... I get that we're pretty much mercenaries and all, but... damn..."

He combed through the texts with frantic urgency, his tail swaying behind him as he moved, the excitement of discovery fueling him. Finally, he stumbled upon a book dedicated to the Super Saiyan. His heart raced, but disappointment washed over him when he saw it was simply another retelling of the legend.

"Great... What else is new?" he grumbled, absentmindedly flipping the pages.

But as he continued, a flicker of intrigue ignited within him. The narrative shifted, revealing details he had never heard before.

The Super Saiyan was not just a powerful, kind-hearted warrior; he was a being of ferocity and bloodlust, feared even by his fellow Saiyans. Each word painted a picture of a violent warrior, a force of nature with an insatiable hunger for battle.

"What the...?" Jin's brow furrowed as he read. "Why would they want me to be like that?"

Jin's mind raced, rethinking everything he had been taught. Why had he been bred for such a legacy? The pressures, the expectations—was this truly the path laid out for him?

"Why train me to become something like this? For security? A deterrent? To conquer?" he pondered aloud, his tail twitching with agitation. "I don't want to be feared. I just want to be me."

Unable to fully grasp the implications, Jin set the book aside. He needed to explore more.

Pushing deeper into the palace's depths, he stumbled into a vast chamber that took his breath away.

He flicked on the lights, illuminating the room with a soft glow. The technology surrounding him was surprisingly pristine, untouched by the chaos that had consumed the palace. In the center stood a large console, its buttons gleaming with possibilities. Jin approached, awe mingling with trepidation. His tail danced behind him, eager and animated as he explored this remnant of Saiyan ingenuity.

"What is all this?" he whispered, reaching out a tentative hand above the console. As he pressed a button, the user interface flickered to life, displaying a simple number alongside a bold letter G. His heart raced with anticipation. "What does this do?"

With a mixture of curiosity and caution, he pressed the arrow upward. The display changed to 2x G.

"Okay...?"

Jin activated the console, and the chamber began to hum to life. After a moment, he dropped to his knees, the sudden increase in gravity pressing down on him. He struggled to breathe, his muscles straining against the invisible force as he reached his arm out.

"Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!"

He managed to press the button again. The gravity returned to normal, and Jin collapsed, panting heavily.

As he stood up and reoriented himself, his eyes were drawn to a corner of the chamber where various training equipment lay scattered. Weights, dumbbells, and training gear were all neatly arranged. Jin's gaze darted between the console and the equipment, and realization dawned on him.

"This... this was a training room," he whispered, his tail uncurling slightly as he took in the surroundings. "The Prince must have trained here. Maybe even the King."

Images of his village's destruction, his parents' deaths, and the menacing form of Acnologia flashed through his mind. Jin clenched his fists, his resolve hardening with each passing second. He could feel the fire within him reigniting, a burning need for strength and vengeance.

"Okay, then."

His tail lashed out behind him, reflecting the fierce resolve in his heart. This chamber, this place of training and discipline, would become his sanctuary, the crucible in which he would forge his strength.

Stepping back to the console, Jin's eyes blazed with renewed purpose. He pressed the button again, feeling the weight of increased gravity settle over him.

"Guess it's my turn!"

Snapping back to reality, Jin arrived at the remnants of his home, which, though mostly intact, showed signs of damage and decay over the years. The walls were cracked, and debris littered the floors. Cautiously, he stepped inside, making his way to his room. Unsurprisingly, it was the most intact room he had seen apart from the gravity chamber.

His room looked almost the same as it had eight years ago. This time, however, an armor rack displayed his father's Saiyan armor, slightly dirty with dried bloodstains. His desk was cluttered with papers, books, and scrolls from the Saiyan archives, including a map of Fiore and data about the outside world. A family picture and individual portraits of his parents sat on the desk, and on the wall was an evidence board that compiled everything he had gathered about Acnologia, with a crude drawing of the black dragon at the center, and a knife stuck in its head.

Jin sat at his desk, staring at the map laid out before him. A red circle marked a specific location southeast of Vegeta, past the mountains and just off the coast. His heart ached with a profound emptiness, his expression devoid of the youthful energy he once had.

"I can't just keep staying here," he muttered to himself. "There's nothing left for me here. Should I really…?"

Peering out the window, he took in the ruins of his village. The final words of his parents echoed in his mind, bringing a tear to his eye.

He wiped it away, took a deep breath, and pulled out a piece of paper. He began to write, his resolve hardening with each stroke of the pen.

Morning light filtered weakly through the clouds as Jin trudged through the ruins of Vegeta, his every step marked by the crunch of debris beneath his boots. He was cloaked in somber attire: a long black cloak with a hood shadowing over his head, a brown high-collared tunic that concealed the lower half of his face, brown pants, and dark boots. The pack slung on his back was filled with essentials and the remnants of his life in the village.

As he approached the Saiyan gravesite, his steps faltered. His hands twitched violently at the sight of the mass grave. Memories flooded back with each step, and he froze as the reality of the scene before him sank in. He had buried them all—the villagers, his kin, the only family he had left. A tremor ran through him as he fought to steady himself against the pain that clawed at his insides, swallowing hard and forcing himself to move forward.

He made his way through the rows of graves until he reached two simple markers side by side.

"Mom... Dad..."

The sight of them, the finality of it, broke him. Jin fell to his knees, his shoulders shaking with sobs. His hands clutched the earth as tears streamed down his face, wetting the ground beneath him.

"I'm sorry…" he whispered, his voice cracking. "I'm so sorry…"

For a long time, Jin wept. He let out all the pain, the sorrow, and the grief that had been festering inside him for eight long years. When his tears finally subsided, he sat back on his heels, wiping his face with the sleeve of his cloak. Despite the lingering ache in his chest, he managed a small smile.

"Hey, Mom... Dad," he began. "It's been eight years since... since everything changed, but… I've been training hard. You wouldn't believe the things I've seen, the things I've learned. I found this old chamber under the palace, and I've been using it every day. It's tough, but it's helped me become stronger. I can't say I'm the same person anymore, but I'm trying. I miss you both every single day."

His fingers grazed the rough surface of the gravestones, and he felt an emptiness in the pit of his stomach.

"I wish I could just... talk to you; ask you what I should do. I'm leaving soon, and…" He trailed off as he looked up at the sky, searching for answers in the clouds. "I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. I don't know where I'm going or if this path is the right one. What do I do now?"

The wind rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, carrying with it a sense of calm. Jin closed his eyes, feeling as if his parents were right there with him, guiding him. He could almost hear his mother's gentle voice and his father's firm encouragement.

"You're right," he murmured. "I can't keep wallowing in the past. It's been too long."

With newfound resolve, Jin carefully placed the letter between the two graves.

"I love you both... with all of my heart," he said more firmly. "Watch over me, okay?"

He stood up, tucking his tail into his clothing. Jin took one last look at the gravesite, then at the village around him.

"Watch over me, too," he said to the silent graves of his kin. "I won't let you down."

Turning away, Jin took a step back from the graves, and as he walked away, a weight lifted from his shoulders. The village, once filled with the echoes of laughter and life, now stood as a somber reminder of what had been lost.

He paused a fair distance from Vegeta, taking one last look at his former home. The remnants of his past felt lighter, as if he was finally letting go of the vengeance that had consumed him for far too long.

"Goodbye."

With a steady breath, he turned his gaze forward, focusing on the path ahead. The direction marked with a red circle on the map beckoned him, and he began to walk southeast, step by step embracing the flicker of hope that now guided him to his new destination:

Magnolia.

For two days, Jin traversed the diverse landscapes of Fiore, alternating between soaring through the skies and walking through the settlements he encountered.

His first major stop was a town not too far away from Vegeta called Rose Garden, a city bursting with magic so potent that it shimmered in the air like an aurora. As he flew overhead, he marveled at the bright-colored buildings and bustling streets below, where the hum of life and magic was palpable. Descending to the cobbled streets, Jin found himself engulfed by the vibrant energy of the town.

"Incredible," he whispered to himself, feeling the magic pulse around him. "So this is magic energy?"

People bustled around him, laughter and chatter filling the streets. Shops overflowed with enchanted items, and street performers dazzled crowds with magical displays. Jin wandered through the streets, his eyes wide with curiosity. He watched as a young girl used a levitation spell to make her toy float, a group of wizards practicing their spells, and even a vendor selling potions that sparkled like liquid rainbows.

"This place... it's like a dream," he whispered to himself, feeling a pang of longing for a life he never knew.

Jin soon left the warmth of Rose Garden behind, flying towards the Silent Glaciers. The transition was abrupt; the air turned frigid, and the landscape became a frozen expanse of snow and ice. The towering peak of Mt. Hakobe loomed in the distance, its slopes infested with the notorious Vulcans.

Despite the biting cold, Jin felt no discomfort. He soared over the mountain range, the icy winds whipping at his cloak. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional distant roar of a Vulcan.

"No time to waste here," he muttered, speeding up to leave the treacherous terrain behind.

His journey brought him to the small town of Shirotsume, nestled not far from the mountain range. The town was quaint, with narrow streets and modest houses. Jin heard whispers of Duke Everlue's recent arrest as he walked through the town, a topic that seemed to dominate local gossip.

"Just my luck," he thought wryly, overhearing a group of villagers discussing the Duke's downfall. "Always seems to be something happening wherever I go."

Shirotsume had a serene charm, and Jin took a moment to appreciate the simplicity of the town before consulting his map. Magnolia was close, and he was eager to reach his destination.

Finally, after days of travel, Jin soared towards Magnolia, bypassing other towns to save time. The sight that greeted him was a bustling, lively town, more extensive and more vibrant than any he had seen so far. The buildings were an eclectic mix of old and new, with a large cathedral at the center of the town standing as a proud monument.

Jin touched down discreetly, and he walked through the front entrance into the streets. The population seemed vibrant and lively, people chatting and laughing as they went about their day. Despite the lively atmosphere, Jin felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach. This was his destination, but the uncertainty of what lay ahead gnawed at him.

"Is this really it?" he muttered to himself, glancing around. "Where do I even start?"

Jin wandered with a cautious curiosity. The vibrant life around him was a sensory overload—an orchestra of laughter, the clinking of dishes, and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

"Is… this what normal feels like?"

He watched a baker set out freshly baked bread and children chasing each other in play. There was a warmth here, a sense of community that he had never experienced before.

The comparison to his old home was night and day. Vegeta was a place of prideful warriors, rigid castes, and isolation. Magnolia was a world away, filled with warmth and community. Jin couldn't help but feel a growing sense of hope as he walked among the townspeople.

However, as he walked, a strange sense of déjà vu washed over him. Magnolia felt familiar for some reason, but he couldn't place why.

He stopped by a small park, where children played a spirited game of catch. Their laughter echoed through the air, a sound so foreign yet soothing. Jin's gaze lingered on them, his thoughts drifting back to a childhood spent in unending training, where such carefree moments were a distant dream.

A ball suddenly rolled to his feet, snapping him out of his thoughts. He picked it up, inspecting it curiously.

"I… I don't think I've ever played a game of catch before," he muttered, a hint of sadness at his own realization. "This is…"

"Hey, mister! Can you throw the ball back?" one of the children called out.

Jin glanced at the ball, then at the eager faces of the children. He nodded and gently tossed it back, careful not to use too much strength. The children cheered and thanked him before resuming their game.

Jin stood there, an unexpected wave of warmth washing over him. He looked down at his hand, a small smile forming on his lips. This simple act of kindness felt... good.

He continued to roam the streets of Magnolia, feeling a gradual warmth seep into his guarded heart. The town's energy was infectious, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and comfort as he wandered through the bustling streets.

"Oh, crap. I just realized," Jin muttered to himself, forcing himself to a halt. "I should find an inn, or something."

With that thought in mind, he began to quicken his pace. He scanned the bustling streets for a place to stay, but his attention was suddenly drawn to a large bulletin board at the town square. He moved closer, intrigued by the colorful posters, job requests, and a newspaper pinned at the center.

The headline caught his eye: "Fairy Tail Fire Mage Responsible for both Duke Everlue's Arrest and Destruction in Port Hargeon!"

"Fairy Tail," he murmured, recalling snippets of conversation he had overheard in the town. Apparently, one of their teams embarked on a mission through the train station earlier, and Jin's curiosity grew. "Who are these people?"

"THAT'S SO COOL!"

Just then, he heard the animated voice of a man nearby that was interviewing a local with an enthusiastic energy that was hard to ignore. Jin returned his focus to the bulletin board, scanning it for more information about Fairy Tail when a tap on his shoulder made him turn around again.

The energetic man from before stood before him, grinning widely. He had blond hair sticking up in the middle, a pink shirt, blue jeans, and sunglasses perched on his head. A white satchel hung at his side, and a black camera was slung around his neck, ready to capture every moment.

"What do you want?" Jin asked in a guarded tone.

"Hey there! I'm Jason from Sorcerer Weekly. Can I have a moment of your time to talk about Fairy Tail?"

Jin pulled down his hood and lowered the collar of his tunic, revealing his face. His expression was cautious, but he nodded.

"I'm... looking into Fairy Tail as well. What do you want to know?"

Jason's eyes lit up with excitement. "I heard they were involved in some serious action lately, like the arrest of Duke Everlue and the destruction of Port Hargeon! Isn't that amazing?"

Jin's brow furrowed slightly. "Destruction? What do you mean?"

Jason beamed, undeterred by Jin's guarded demeanor. "Oh man, you haven't heard? Natsu Dragneel, one of their mages, totally wrecked the place! Isn't that just the coolest thing?"

Jin blinked, confusion knitting his brow. "Cool? You think causing destruction is... cool?"

"Of course! It shows how powerful they are! And it's not just that! They also helped take down Everlue. How cool is that?" He bounced on the balls of his feet, clearly unable to contain his excitement.

Jin's ears perked up. "I actually just came from Shirotsume. I heard about Everlue's arrest, but I didn't know about... the other stuff."

"You were there? No way!" Jason exclaimed, flailing his arms. "That's incredible! So you know about Natsu being involved too, right?"

Jin felt a pang of interest at the mention of Natsu again. This guy seemed to be everywhere right now.

"I didn't hear his name, just that Everlue was arrested. I didn't know he was even involved in that whole thing."

Jason almost jumped with enthusiasm. "He sure is! I wish I could've seen him kick butt!"

Jin steadied himself. Jason's energy was infectious, but he knew he needed more concrete information.

"You seem to know a lot about Fairy Tail. What can you tell me about them?"

Jason paused, then smiled brightly. "Oh, it's your first time in Magnolia, isn't it?"

Jin nodded. "Yes, it is."

"Fairy Tail is one of the strongest and coolest guilds around! Their mages are powerful and they're always up to something exciting! The guild is rowdy, and fights break out often, but it's a great place once you get used to the chaos."

Jin felt Jason's energy seeping into him, yet uncertainty tugged at his mind. "I see. So... where can I find this guild?"

"You're in luck!" Jason pointed down the main street. "Just follow the path past Kardia Cathedral, and keep going straight! You can't miss it! They're at the very end of the road!"

"Alright, got it," Jin replied, glancing toward the direction Jason indicated. Before he left, he turned back. "By the way, I don't think I caught your name earlier."

"Jason!" he replied, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "And you?"

"Jin," he said, a small smile creeping onto his face. "Thanks for the help, Jason."

"Wait, one more thing!"

Jin turned back to Jason. "What now?"

"Are you planning on joining Fairy Tail?"

Jin paused, glancing away as his mind raced with possibilities. The idea of being in a guild—perhaps a new family—was both thrilling and terrifying, but joining them could be the new start he needed.

"I'm considering it," he finally said, a small smile forming on his lips.

"That's so COOL!" Jason cheered. "You're gonna love it there!"

Jin couldn't help but laugh softly. Jason's positivity was indeed infectious.

"I'm gonna take your word for it. Thanks again, Jason."

"Good luck, Jin! I hope to see you there!" Jason waved as Jin took his leave, a sense of purpose guiding him toward his new destination.

Jin followed Jason's directions, weaving through Magnolia's lively streets towards Kardia Cathedral. The grandeur of the cathedral, with its towering spires and intricate stained glass windows, was breathtaking. But as he neared his destination, a large building came into view in the distance—the Fairy Tail guild hall, its unique design standing out among the other buildings.

His heart pounded in his chest, each step toward the hall feeling heavier than the last as doubts began to creep into his mind.

"What if Jason was wrong? What if Fairy Tail is as destructive as that Natsu guy?" he wondered, his mind racing with apprehension.

His heart pounded in his chest, the fear and anxiety threatening to overwhelm him.

"Can they really accept someone like me? What if there's a hierarchy here too, and I'm just another outsider or a low-class nobody?"

He came to a halt, staring at the guild hall. The sense of dread and loneliness he thought he had left behind began to resurface. His mind flashed back to his youth in Vegeta, the pressure of living up to a legend, the constant training, and the isolation. The thought of repeating that life filled him with dread.

Taking a deep breath and clenching his fists, Jin tried to pull himself together.

"This isn't Vegeta," he muttered to himself. "No Saiyans. No low-class nobodies or elites. No… no legend. People are just... living their lives."

Just then, he overheard a conversation from a nearby group of locals.

"A dark guild shut down train operations…" one of them said, worry evident in their voices.

Jin's head perked up at the mention of trains. He remembered that a team from Fairy Tail had used the train station for their mission, and his mind raced. If they were caught in trouble, they might need help. But his doubts resurfaced, causing him to hesitate. The guild hall was right there. He could set up there and then decide what to do. At the same time, however, they might need immediate help.

Remembering his parents' words, Jin firmed his resolve. This was his new life, and he couldn't waste this chance to make a difference and make a good first impression on the guild he had been curious about since his arrival here.

Jin approached the locals. "Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear. What's going on with the train station?

The locals exchanged glances before one of them spoke. "If you're planning to use the trains, don't bother. A dark guild is causing trouble at Oshibana station, and the train system is closed for now."

Jin nodded, processing the information. "Where's the train station?"

"Magnolia's train station is over there." They pointed him toward Magnolia Station, their reluctance evident. "But still, I wouldn't bother if I were you. Could be dangerous."

"I need to see for myself," he insisted, urgency propelling him forward. "Thank you."

With a quick nod of gratitude, Jin turned on his heel, realizing he needed to head back the way he came. But he couldn't ignore the pull of the situation. He sprinted toward the guild hall, hiding his pack at the side of the building, a smirk on his lips.

"Keep an eye on my things for me, will ya?" he joked lightly with the structure, a brief moment of levity amidst his rising tension.

Taking a sharp breath, he steadied himself and launched into the sky, the wind rushing past him as he flew toward the train station. The ground fell away beneath him, and excitement bubbled within, mingling with his adrenaline.

"Alright, Fairy Tail. Help's on the way."

As he soared above the landscape, following the tracks from above to Oshibana station, Jin felt a thrill unlike anything he had experienced in years. He was no longer a boy buried under expectations; he was a warrior with a purpose, ready to carve his own path. The excitement coursing through him pushed aside the remnants of fear, leaving behind a flicker of hope for the future.