Mina stood by the tranquil riverside, where the gentle ripples of the water mirrored the fading hues of the sunset. A soft, cool breeze danced through her hair, yet her thoughts were tumultuous, as a wave of self-reproach washed over her. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that perhaps she should have paid more attention to the Chief's ominous warnings regarding those two enigmatic individuals. After all, in hindsight, it seemed wise to maintain a safe distance from beings known for their monstrous reputation. As she stared out over the shimmering surface of the river, her mind swirling with doubts and reflections, a sudden disturbance splintered her concentration like glass shattering on stone.
Without warning, a figure emerged from behind her, seemingly materializing out of thin air. Startled, Mina spun around with practiced agility, her instincts flaring to life as adrenaline coursed through her veins. Instinctively, her hand moved towards the holster at her side—only to hit the cold realization that Tarkor had confiscated her firearm earlier, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed.
The figure before her was nothing short of extraordinary. He radiated an ethereal presence, his skin glowing with a delicate lavender tint that seemed to shimmer in the dimming light. His serene blue eyes held a calmness that was almost otherworldly, contrasting sharply with the tension crackling between them. Draped in vibrant robes of crimson interwoven with deep blue, the fabric flowed like liquid fire and shadow, adorned with intricate golden ornaments that caught the light like tiny stars. In his hand, he wielded a staff that pulsated with a soft, inviting glow, sending gentle ripples of warmth through the otherwise chilly evening air. Despite the initial flicker of fear igniting within her, there was an inexplicable profundity to his presence that compelled her to hesitate.
"Who are you?" Mina asked, her voice shaking slightly as it wrestled with the combination of trepidation and curiosity whirling in her chest. Her hand remained poised by her side, hovering nervously over the place where her firearm used to rest. "Greetings," the figure replied, his voice melodious and reassuring, each word rolling off his tongue as if crafted from pure intention to placate her spirit. "I am Whis, an angelic mentor, of sorts. I sensed your distress and felt compelled to offer my assistance. Please, allow me to elucidate the nature of those two Saiyans you have encountered."
Mina narrowed her eyes, suspicion still lingering like an unwelcome shadow as the twilight deepened around them. Yet, despite her wariness, an unshakeable allure drew her towards the calming aura that enveloped Whis, a warmth at odds with the chilling apprehension of the moment. "Go on," she urged, her tone a careful balance of guardedness and intrigue. Whis began to elaborate, his voice smooth and rhythmic, weaving a tapestry of understanding with his words. He delved into the mystical transformations that Saiyans underwent during the full moon, describing how their bodies responded to the lunar light, morphing them into magnificent yet terrifying Great Apes. As Mina listened intently to this unfolding revelation, her initial fear began to ebb away, replaced gradually by a dawning comprehension that unsettled her. The concept of transformation, once so alien and daunting, now bloomed in her mind like a dark flower unfurling its petals under the moonlight.
"So, they transform under a full moon?" Mina echoed, her skepticism lacing her words like threads of doubt. "And they become… those massive, uncontrollable beasts?" Her mind whirled in confusion, struggling to fully grasp the implications of this eye-opening revelation. Whis nodded with a knowing demeanor, his expression imbued with a quiet wisdom that cut through the tension. "Indeed. This unique ability is both a blessing and a curse. The Great Ape form grants Saiyans formidable power, yet it simultaneously unleashes a primal ferocity that can overwhelm even the most rational minds, clouding discernment and compassion."
A tempest of thoughts surged through Mina as she processed this sobering information. The brothers' prior actions, which had seemed so cruel and malicious at first, began to take on an entirely new light, casting shadows of understanding over her perceptions. A chill crept down her spine as the weight of Whis's explanation settled over her like a cold blanket, the implications spiraling out like ripples in the water. "So, they couldn't control themselves and ended up trying to hurt me," she murmured, her voice trembling ever so slightly as the reality of the situation pressed down on her. The mixture of horror and empathy coursed through her veins, sending her heart racing in erratic patterns.
Whis's gaze remained steadfast, calm and unwavering as it met hers. "You are correct," he confirmed softly, his voice imbued with an ethereal strength that seemed to resonate deep within her heart. "Their actions, while harsh and frightening, were not born of hatred; they arose from a power they could not control. In that primal form, they are unable to distinguish friend from foe, rendered wild and unruly, like the chaotic winds that sweep through a storm."
Mina's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding as the profound implications of Whis's words settled heavily upon her. The realization that she had been an unknowing witness to a force of unrestrained nature, one that could not be reasoned with or tamed, coiled tightly around her chest like a vice, leaving her momentarily breathless. It dawned on her that she had stood in the tumultuous wake of their transformation, and for the first time, the monsters she feared began to take on a more complex reality—one that transcended mere horror, leading her to a place of deeper understanding.
Seeing the turmoil in Mina's eyes, Whis, with his serene demeanor, felt compelled to assist in easing her troubled mind. With a graceful flick of his ornate staff, the air shimmered around him, and a small, elegant table materialized at the riverside. A captivating hot pot simmered gently atop the table, sending tendrils of aromatic steam curling into the crisp air. The scent of freshly brewed tea—earthy and floral—wafted toward her, offering a soothing balm to the tension that had weighed heavily on her heart moments before. "Come," Whis beckoned with a gentle smile that radiated warmth and understanding. "You need a break. Let's share a moment over tea, and I can enlighten you about the Saiyan race." Mina hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing her features, but after a deep, grounding breath, she settled herself across from Whis at the charming riverside table. As she lifted her cup, the steaming tea enveloped her senses with a cozy embrace, allowing her mind to unwind as she readied herself to delve into the mysteries of the enigmatic Saiyans.
Whis began weaving a tapestry of history, his voice smooth and rhythmic, captivating her attention immediately. "The Saiyan race, known once as an indomitable warrior people, flourished on their home world—Planet Vegeta," he detailed, his eyes sparkling with the reflection of ages-old stories held within. Mina leaned in, each word drawing her deeper into the narrative, allowing the shadows of her fears to fade momentarily. "However," Whis continued, a hint of gravity settling in his tone, "the Saiyans were notorious for their fierce aggression and combat prowess, ever seeking conquest and the expansion of their territory across the vast universe." As he recounted their tumultuous past, Whis's expression darkened, conveying the weight of the sorrowful tale. "Their society was riddled with discord and power struggles, ultimately aligning themselves with a tyrannical conqueror named Frieza, who exploited the Saiyans as his elite force."
Mina gasped, her eyes round with disbelief. "That's dreadful! To think that so many of them were wiped out in an instant!" she murmured, feeling a wave of empathy wash over her. Whis nodded solemnly, his gaze distant. "But Frieza, sensing the Saiyans' growing strength and potential for rebellion, took drastic measures. He orchestrated the annihilation of Planet Vegeta, extinguishing most of the Saiyan race in a devastating blow." "Only a handful survived the cataclysm: Prince Vegeta, Nappa, Raditz, and an extraordinary warrior named Goku, who was dispatched to Earth as a mere infant," Whis elaborated, his voice laced with both reverence and sorrow. Mina's curiosity sparked anew. "Goku?"
"Indeed, Goku, known by his Saiyan name, Kakarot," Whis confirmed, his tone lighter now. "Raised on Earth, he emerged as its most valiant protector. Goku is kind-hearted and has grown incredibly powerful. Alongside Prince Vegeta—initially his adversary, but later a steadfast ally—they have defended Earth and its inhabitants against formidable threats."
"Together, Goku and Vegeta triumphed over myriad foes through their exceptional abilities and resolute determination. Yet, perhaps most importantly, they cultivated a deep understanding of compassion, friendship, and the duty to safeguard what they held dear: their newfound home." Whis's gaze softened, as he added, "It is their legacy of courage and strength that has endeared your two new acquaintances, Brakkar and Tarkor, to them so profoundly." Mina sipped her tea, feeling a sense of ease begin to seep into her being. The tale painted before her had gifted her a fresh perspective on the struggles of the Saiyan brothers and their intricate ties to a proud, complex heritage. She began to comprehend that their presence on Earth wasn't merely a twist of fate; it was a mission born from a rich history that linked them to something far greater than themselves.
