Blondie and the Beast: Chapter 1

 

Blondie and the Beast

By: KrazyKat001

[email protected]

I do not own DBZ or its characters nor do I own the idea from Beauty and the Beast.

Author’s Notes:

This is a parody of Beauty and the Beast but waaaaayyy different from the movie. However, the plot remains the same. I absolutely love the movie and I suddenly thought of Vegeta and Goku playing the roles. There will be tons of characters from the DBZ.

Also, in this story, Goku will look exactly like a super saiyan which would explain the title.

This is NOT a crossover, just a pure DBZ fanfic.

Another note worth mentioning, this chapter took me nearly two months to come up with events and revisions. I feel really thrilled for how this chapter came out and I am currently working on another chapter—be patient with me, k?

Chapter 1

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a young prince lived in a vast, shimmering castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the prince was spoiled, selfish and unkind. But then, one winter’s night, everyone in the land was invited to the prince’s ball when an old woman beggar came to the castle and offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away, but she warned him not to be deceived by appearances—

Vegeta: Warned? Feh! More like, screeched.

Bulma:[slap!]

Vegeta:[Rubs his cheek, glaring] Hn. You may continue. (Glowers at narrator)

Narrator: A-hem. Where was I?

The prince sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away, but she warned him—

Vegeta:Screeched!!

Bulma: [SLAP!]

Vegeta: WOMAN! Will you STOP doing that?!

Bulma: You’re interrupting the story, bud!

Vegeta: I was merely stating the fact!

Bulma: [SLAP!!]

Vegeta: Grrr . . . do you want to die that badly?!

[Vegeta lurch forward to kill then got held back by the Z fighters. Yelling and cussing is heard in the background. Suddenly, he was freed, aiming still for a kill. The Z fighters unceremoniously dog piled on Vegeta, who shouted even more curses. Vegeta was knocked out cold.]

Bulma: [Looks at narrator, smiling] Don’t worry, he won’t interrupt anymore. You can continue now.

Narrator: [Blink . . . blink, blink] How can I? The story can’t continue without Vegeta in the picture, right?

Bulma: [Giggles] I’m an enchantress, aren’t I? I can do anything. Now go on, tell the story.

Narrator: Uhhhh . . . where was I?

Bulma:“Warned” (wink)

Narrator: [Stares then looks at Vegeta’s lifeless body] A-hem! Right . . .

She warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within. And when he dismissed . . . her . . . again . . .

Narrator: [Looks around] Where’s Vegeta?

Bulma: [Gives a fiery glare] JUST CONTINUE, DAMMIT!!!!

Narrator: *Eeps!*

And when he dismissed her again, the old woman’s ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. The prince kneels as he tries to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart, and as punishment, she transform him into hideous beast, and placed a powerful spell on the castle and all who lived there. Ashamed of his monstrous form, the beast concealed himself inside his castle, with a magic mirror as his only window to the outside world. The rose she had offered was truly an enchanted rose, which would bloom until his twenty-first year. Before the enchantress departs from this land, she had one last message to the prince: if he could learn to love another and earns love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time. As the years passed, he fell into despair,

and lost all hope,

for who could ever learn

 to love . . . a beast?

 

Thunder clashes in the dark, malicious sky. Light beams as lightening strikes around the massive, ominous castle. A heinous tower stands boldly in the surrounding darkness, defying the unnatural atrocious weather. Wild rain splattered on the cracked, stained glass windows of the tower and inside wherein the shadows, a tint of crimson fur snarls venomous as it shreds every last evidence of a handsome man with dark gravity-defying hair, standing full of pride in the portrait. Thunder crashes once more where we see the tinted red fur revealing a huge beast kneeling over, almost crouching, hiding his face from the world.

 

Years later . . .

Somewhere in the distant land, there lies a peaceful village. Beyond the small village lies a narrow path to the small hill. A little, round, white cottage stands happily, smoke dissipating in the clear sky. The door creaks wide open, revealing a bulky, young, blond teen with gravity-defying hair stretching, breathing in deeply of the fresh morning air. He exits the front door and advances forward to town. He is known as Goku.

Goku grins, tilting his head upward. ‘Today, for once, I actually felt like walking. Not sprinting or pacing like every other time.’ He chuckles inwardly to himself. ‘Not that there’s any hurry to greet everyone, really.’ He stares through the endless blue, lost in thought.

What is it like—out there? To fly freely without worry or fear of getting caught? Is there someone like me out there? Is there more than one? Kami, I really hope so.

 . . . What is home, for that matter? Will I ever see it?

True, Goku has a home but he couldn’t help but feel . . . out of place. Goku frowns, sighing. He grew up here, raised here nearly all his life. ‘Heh,’ Goku grins, ‘Papa always speak of home.’ He pauses abruptly in midstep, looking down sadly. ‘Well . . . that’s not exactly true. Papa only said things that remind him of home and nothing more to it. I know I was born there, there’s practically no other place. Heh, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t Papa’s inventions or anything of like to banish us from there.’ He then continue walking, smiling at the sounds of birds chirping. Goku crosses over the small bridge over the river that connects his only path between his home and the village.

Young and old alike scatter about in the village, whether it’s market, shops or dates.

The obese baker appears from his shop carrying his tray of bakery. Suddenly, he stumbles over a pebble. The baker lets out a startled cry as he falls, forcing him to drop his baked goods. Before he realize what’s happening, someone grips him firmly from above. He quickly glace wide-eyed in disbelief as his rescuer catches his baked goods on the tray with his free hand. Cookies, cupcakes, rolls all plop onto one another, the baked goods are completely safe from harm and untainted.

“Careful there, Mr. Mackenzie, you nearly drop these goodies,” Goku jokes. The baker blinks, letting out a relief sigh. Tucking his hat in the right place, he takes the tray from his regular. “Thanks, Goku, mah boy. You really save me the trouble from baking them all over again. Say . . . weren’t you way over there a moment ago?”

Goku, in turn, blinks at the notion. Confused, he asks, “What’d you mean?”

Mackenzie pointed at the bridge, “Y’know . . . over there. I saw you as I came out carryin’ tray ‘n all. The distance has to be at least two minutes walk, how did you get here so quickly?”

Goku tilts his head at the side then laughs, scratching behind his head, “I think you been out in the sun a little too long. True, I was over there then I walk over here. In fact, right next to you when you fell.”

The baker cock his head then raises his shoulders in a confused yet accepting gesture, “Ok, if you say so. I could’ve sworn you were over there somehow.”

Goku laughs uneasily, sweatdropping.

Mackenzie throws him a couple baguettes. Catching them both easily in one hand, Goku stare at his friend. Mackenzie winks, “My treat. On the account for saving my hide.” The baker left to tend his business.

Goku release his breathe in relief. “Whew! Talk about a close call!” Grinning happily, he ate his baguettes within a flash. He walks away from the bakery store. Rubbing his abdomen in pure bliss, his blue eyes widen as his keen ears pick up words while walking through the crowd in the busy street.

“There he goes, the boy’s strange, make no mistakes about it.”

“He’s never a part of any crowd. Shame, really. Those like him die alone.”

“ . . . eats mounds of food like a pig! It’s gross, not to mention unnatural.”

“Can’t you tell, Wyatt? His head’s always up in some clouds whenever we see him. See-there he goes again!”

“No denying he’s a funny lad, him.”

Hurt stung his heart, Goku no longer have the energy to walk anymore. A cart wagon approaches, and Goku hitches a ride by hopping on the back wagon as it wobbles over street stones through town. ‘Must I go through this everyday?’ Goku sighs as he picks up even more words both far from villager’s normal hearing range and irrelevant chats.

“How’s your wife?’

“Good day!”

“I need six eggs!!”

“Too expensive!”

“How’s the family? Better yet, how’s my lovely girlfriend?”

[POW!] “Lips off my daughter!! HEY?! WHAT DID I JUST TELL YA?!?” [KONK!!]

Folding his arms on the rail of the cart wagon and resting his head upon it, Goku watch the everyday lifestyle unfolding before his eyes. Silently mumbles to himself, “There must be more than this life. There has to be more than just . . . silly daily prattle. Sometimes I wonder what it’s like to have someone appreciates me instead of having to whisper behind my back. No one telling me rude things or retreat to whatever they’re doing at the slightest strangeness? Man . . . I’m lucky no one notices it so far.”

Spotting a familiar building, Goku paste on his eager, grinning face then hops off the wagon. He rests his hand on the knob, reading an all too familiar sign: Son Gohan’s Dojo- Enter as ready.  Goku chuckles wryly at the message. ‘This brings memory . . .”

 There used to be lines of fighters wanting to train under the famous martial arts teacher in the past, Goku was nothing but a kid when he entered.

 

{Flashback}

A chibi version of Goku came with his father to the market one day, feeling bored stiff for standing in one place for so long. His father was speaking to a strong tech seller. The little blonde kid tugs his father’s black gi pant. The tall man in wild, back hair spiked in all directions with a deep scar aligned down to the side of his face blinks curiously before looking down, wondering what his brat wants. “Papa, I wanna look around. Can I puleeeaze??” The father gulps as he stares into the puppy eyes of his son. Sighing exasperatly, “You may.” Voicing with much stern, “But only within ten feet, understand?” Nodding animated eager, Goku hops away. The father chuckles at the sight until the tech seller’s voice pulls his attention away. “You sure that’s your son? Don’t get me wrong, he’s . . . different from you- likes ‘n’ all.” The father glowers deadly at him then resume the conversation where he left off, ignoring the question all together.

Goku peering around, spotting a few bulky teens using their own style of gi as they walk pass by to the door behind the tech seller’s cart. Watching the trio laugh at the sign, he overhears them betting each other on becoming Gohan’s first pupil. Apparently, they weren’t the only ones. From what Goku heard from the others, there were many other fighters like them failed in the past and this trio seems very confident. With a one-track mind set dead in his mind, Goku walk up to them when the tallest of the trio, the one with three eyes, sneers at him, “And where do you think your going, hm?”

“In there,” the chibi replies, pointing at the red door.

The second tallest with long, curly, black hair and scars on his face spoke up gruff, “Oh really? How old are you, kid?” Goku looks down, counting his fingers, “Um . . . I’m six!” Proudly presenting his fingers at the trio. The three fighters pause before breaking out in laughter. The short cueball with dots on his head, shakes his head in mock sadness, “Sorry, kiddo. You don’t stand a chance! Not against this guy anyway.”

The blonde kid fumed, shouting out his petite anger. “I bet I can too!”

The fighters gawk then roaring out in laughter again.

The father looks up concern written on his face. Goku shakes his head violently, gripping his fists at his side. Mentally relieved when his father face back to the tech seller.

Goku swift back ferociously to the spot where the trio had been. Now he notice them missing. Sounds were heard behind the red door.  Goku press his ear to the door, listening closely. Punches were exchanged, yelling, kicking; massive thumping rumbles around inside then even more yelling and punches shortly afterward.

A long moment of silence passed.

The door opens, revealing three heavily bruised fighters leaning on each other as they limp outside.

“Whoa! They’re covered in black and blue! All that within . . . seconds? Man, even their clothes look worn out,” the chibi exclaimed in awe. Blinking in disbelief, he kept watching the trio struggle in each step. The scarred face’s pants suddenly dropped to the ground and cried out as he dragged the trio along face flat on the muddy dirt. The blonde kid sputters, tightly covers his mouth before tears starts to crawl from his eyes.

Goku fall down, rolling over, letting out a huge howl of laughter for the world to hear.

Goku’s father and along with the tech seller  stare at the laughing blonde chibi pointing at the pathetic trio. They roar in laughter. Pretty soon everyone laugh at the scene. The trio blush crimson, mortified as they tries to get away a far as they can, wincing in each step. Laughter died down and everyone resume their business.

Grinning from ear to ear, Goku stands up. ‘Well, those three won’t show their faces for awhile, that’s for sure!’ He frowns curiously as he walk up to the door, reading the sign: Son Gohan’s Dojo- Enter as ready. Goku blinks. Shaking his head, ‘No wonder they were all beaten up.’ He turns the knob, his body tenses alert as he enters.

The door closes on its own.

The blonde kid eyeing side-to-side, absorbing his surrounding in the dim light. A heightened sense warns him of a presence approaching quickly. From . . . above!

Goku nifty dodges the kick then uses the turnabout kick as he swiftly aims the head of his fiend. The fiend blocks it an inch from his masked face. The chibi retreats flipping backward in the air, landing on the ground, and dutifully put up his stern fighting stance.

The fiend clapping echoes throughout the room. Confused, the kid blinks but didn’t move from his stance. “Well done, young one,” an aged wise voice called out, “Not many would’ve caught on as you. ‘Enter as ready’, not when, and you did. You’ll be pleased to know that you are the first.”

Goku long releases his stance, putting his hands behind his head, no longer viewing him as a threat.  His blue eyes widen in childish wonder. “First of what?”

The stranger let out a startled grunt, “Oh, why my first pupil, of course! Didn’t you know?”

The kid shakes his head. The stranger releases his bunny mask, revealing a friendly old man with a white beard. “Well, now you know,” he grins, “My name is Gohan- Son Gohan. And who might you be?”

The blonde chibi fist his arms in the air, “I’m Kakarott! Although everyone suppose to know that I’m Goku.”

Gohan went wide-eyed at the statement then smile generous, “You’re new here, aren’t you?”

“How did you know that?” Goku exclaimed.

Gohan walk up to him, “You say you’re Kakarott but suppose to be Goku. I’m guessing you’re not suppose to tell people your real name, hm?”

Goku clasps his mouth, “Oopsy . . .”

Gohan chuckles, “I’m guessing there’s a good reason for that.”

The blonde chibi nods sorrow, “Yeah . . . dad said we come from a place where—he never told me a name but it’s a place where lots of people are afraid of and our names are a dead give away ‘cuz it’s not anywhere except from that place.” Rolling his eyes in thought, “Ummm . . . if we do give our names, people will either get mad or afraid that they would either banish us or hunt us down. At least that what dad says and we never stays in one place very long to found out either of the two options.”

Perplexed, Gohan stares at the fidgeting chibi with shocked and amused feelings as he muse deep in thought.

Extended moments pass by.

 Bending over, Gohan whispers, “It’ll be best if you don’t tell this information freely, understand?” Goku nods. Gohan then smiles, “As I understand correctly, you have your father and never stays in one place for too long. Is it because it was too close to civilization?” Another nod. “Is your father around?” A nod. “Can you get him for me? I believe I know just the place.” Goku’s blue eyes widen at the statement, laughing out of delight, “You bet, mister!” He sprints out of the room.

Gohan chuckles to himself then just as he was about to turn away, he heard a loud crash outside. “Oh? Didn’t realize he was this close,” he muses wide-eyed at the colorful curses shouting ‘brat here’ and ‘brat that’. The door bangs open as the kid drags his father inside. Clearly, the father was flustered with anger and embarrassment.

“Here he is, mister Gohan!” Goku gleams. “Sensei will do.” The father, clearly confused with the whole arrangement, looks back and forth between his son and Gohan. He blinks madly at the two, “Waitaminute! Hold on, sensei?? How did— Grrr . . . it was those rotten brats, wasn’t it, Goku?!” Goku smiles sheepishly. 

Gohan inspects the father. ‘Tan, bulky, strong- clearly a fighter, a scar trace down his left cheek, black hair spiked in all directions . . . everything his son is not. How odd . . .’ He decidedly steps forward, “Yes, I’m Son Gohan. It’s no surprise that you’re new here as well, otherwise you would’ve heard of me as well.”

The father was shocked, didn’t know what to say to that.

“Normally I’m a private man by nature. Didn’t want to know anyone’s business ‘til your son came along. Heheheh . . .”

The father tenses up.

Gohan waves hand in assurance, “Now, now . . . there’s no need to worry. I heard you’re looking for a place close but away from the population, am I right?”

The father looks very uneasy, peering at his son as he nods slowly once.

“I’m not sure whether you noticed when you entered this village but there happen to be a cottage on the hill. No one is living there so I’m sure it’ll live up to your expectation,” Gohan spoke curtsey.

“I was told someone’s living there, “ the father snarls disrespectfully.

“Ah, yes, yes, yes. However, I’m not living there- wasn’t happy with the distance, you see. Haven’t visit the place for months though I’m sure it’s covered in dust by now,” he replies thoughtfully.

The man looks down, furrows deep in the thought then he raise his stern eyes. “Why are you doing this?”

“Good question. Hm . . . seeing how I haven’t had a pupil in years- many years, mind you. And your son is the best I’ve had since I came to this village. So, I thought to myself, here is a pupil worth training and yet he doesn’t seem to live in the village. What are the chances of finding another pupil like him? It’ll be such a shame to watch him go . . .”

The father quirk up a smirk at the notion. “So I’m assuming you want to teach my son?”

“You guess correctly,” chuckles the old man.

“Well, thank you, Gohan. It’s perfect, just what we need.” The man smirks wryly.

“Well . . . there are no window shutters, I’m afraid. The moon won’t be full for another few days,” Gohan said hastily.

The father hitches a breath. “You know?” Gohan nods smiling. “And you don’t mind?”

“Wouldn’t care either way,” Gohan grins.

“Thanks . . . come on, Goku.”

“Kakarott!” Goku complained. The father stumbles at his son’s outburst. He stares at the martial arts master and rubs his head sheepishly. “He knows about that now, hn?” He mutters to himself, straying his eyes away.

“Has been for awhile now, I’m afraid. If I had mention it earlier, you would no doubt take your son and run out of the village before I can finish,” the old man explains.

“Yeah . . . no doubt.” He ushers his son as he turns to leave.

“What’s your name, if I may ask?” inquired Gohan.

“ . . . Bardock.”

The blonde chibi pips up. “Papa! Papa! Isn’t it great that we came here? We have a home now!”

Bardock smirks, rolling his eyes. He shakes his head as he laughs quietly, “And it’s all thanks to dumb luck.”

{End flashback}

 

The tall warrior beams at the memory then replace it with a serious expression as he opens the door.

The townsfolk hovers around the windowless building, wincing at each noise. Bam! Dong! BOOM! . . . WAM! Clang~ CRASH! Doom~~ “ . . . r . . . t?” The townsfolk squish their ears against the wall to listen better. Silence . . . BAM!!! Townsfolk ran away with their tails between their legs.

Few moments ago . . .

Goku flash out of view. Fists meet fists. Bam! Sensei threw a dagger at him. Dodging it easily, the dagger went through the after-image and hits the gong. Dong! Goku releases an energy ball at his opponent. BOOM! Sensei put up his hands; palms open as sparks of spidery web-like energy came out from it. The energy ball slow velocity as it enters the field. Gohan coughs violently, breaking his concentration. The energy ball plummets him, (WAM!) throwing him flying across the room and hitting the wall in impact. CRASH! The wall rocks crumbles upon him. Doom~~

“Sensei!!” Goku flash over, pulling the piles of boulders off his teacher. He frantically cried out, “Speak to me! Are you alright?!”

Gohan’s upper body pops out of the pile then coughs harshly. Goku help him up, patting his back, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t get carried away.” The blonde warrior sadly frowns.

The old man wheeze out laughing, “M’boy don’t ever be sorry. My old age is catching up with me, that’s all. Heheheh . . .”

Son Gohan sat down on the chair nearby. Sensei glares at the wall irritably. He powers up his fist then bang it against the wall, warding off any unwanted gnats. Goku watches the display before turning to the floor with interest as he walk over and sat before his teacher.

“You think it’s time, eh?” Gohan smiles weakly, “Retirement, hm?”

The warrior starts to protest but Sensei cut it off with a wave. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve been holding it off far more than necessary. You are one of the finest students a teacher can have. We used to fight for hours time and now . . . I can do no more than a morning’s warm-up, hm?” Goku stare hard at his sensei.

“You’re serious about this, aren’t you?” The old man gravely nods once. Feeling down, he whispers, “What can I do if you retire? Fighting’s my passion. It’s my life . . . I know you meant well when you told me to be the town’s protector but sometimes I couldn’t help except wonder, isn’t there something better- more grand than fight against nothing? Sensei . . . all my life I lived here, not once have I seen the village in danger. With you in retirement, what can I really do?”

Son Gohan sighs deeply. “Seems you’ve given this a lot of thoughts. Well . . .” He ponders thoughtfully, “I do not have all the answers for you, Kakarott. Life has its funny twists when it comes to fate. If you feel like you’re fated other than this life, do it. Listen to your heart.” The old man taps his student’s chest, “All that matters when it comes to your heart. It is your life, your happiness and . . . your love.”

Blue eyes widen in shock then blinking in wonder, “Ummm . . . have you lost your marbles, sensei?”

Wheezing laughter rang throughout the room. “Not yet, m’boy, not yet. Heheheh. Think about what you want for a few days, ‘k? If you want to head out, then head out! Don’t feel burden because of me. I’m just an old man who lived his life just as happy.” Goku nods understandably as he stands. “Oh, and one more thing, Kakarott,” Gohan said, handing out a black box.

Curious, Goku takes the box, lifting the lid to reveal a shining, orange orb with four red stars in it. He was overwhelmed. Lifting his head slightly to his teacher, his voice breaking, “Sensei . . .” Gohan sat smiling at him, “I saw you spying on it from time to time and I know very well how much you admire it. It’s yours . . . think of it as a graduation present. Take good care of it.”

The tall warrior sniff, bowing before sensei in respect and gratitude. “Thank you, thank you very much! I promise I’ll take great care of it.” Goku leaves the building, tucking the black box under his arm. He grins his lop-sided smile for the world.

Chattering amongst themselves, the blond warrior’s keen ears pick up what they’re saying:

“Look! There he goes, that boy is so peculiar.”

“Wonder what’s in that box? A ring perhaps?” [SLAP!]

“You dolt! That box is too big to be a ring!”

“ . . . behind that fair facade, he’s an oddball, I tell you.”

“He fights like a maniac. Fighting each day, every hour, one would think that if he stops fighting, he’ll die . . . ”

“He’s nothing like the rest of us.”

Overhead, geese fly by without a care in the world. A small ki blast through one of the geese and it plummets to the ground.

Snickering came from the shadow in front of the dark building. Three set of eyes peer to the busy street. The leader, one with three eyes, sneers, “Well, well . . . it seems Goku came out with a special prize.”

“Don’t you think it’s about time Goku let us in his secret? We came up to Gohan fair and square ‘til he beat the shit out of us. Yet, the little scum has been given the chance to be his first. Heh, wouldn’t call it fair. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind giving us a quick peek, hm?” Yamcha said courtesy as he brushes his hand along his gi, inspecting it.

The smallest one pips up darkly, “Yeah, I’m sure we can ‘persuade’ him to ‘lend’ it to us.” The trio laughs venomously while watching the blonde warrior pass through the crowd with bright innocent blue eyes.

Krillin prowls and lurks around the crowd, stalking his prey in his sight with malicious ease. He came very nearly upon his target when . . .

“GOKU!” a feminine voice screech out. Gravity-defying blonde hair hunch, wincing in pain at the sound. He pauses in midstep as he tilts his head uneasily to the source.

There stands the most beautiful and yet ferocious woman in the village. Long, black hair rivals the likes of a raven. Her face dead-set scorn as she stares needily at Goku. Sweatdropping, Goku gulps at the sight of Chichi’s recent victim, a small monk twitching in pain beneath her feet. She narrows her eyes in suspicion, “Who gave you that box?! Or . . .” Goku twitches his eyebrow in annoyance as Chichi fasten onto his arm. “Is it for me?” She asks sweetly, batting her eyes while she’s at it.

Goku snatch himself away from Chichi’s griping hold. He clears his throat, looking away from embarrassment. “S-sensei gave this to me.” The raven-haired woman stimulating hurt expression as she croons her curiosity, “Oh? Why?” Still avoiding her intense gaze, he tries to hide his pain. “Because . . . he’s retiring and he wants me to have it.” She tips closer, “Can I see it?” Goku shook his head then walks away.

Chichi stared after him filled with hate and envy for his sensei, the rubbish old man, and with an inner newfound determination. “You’re mine, Goku. You’re destined to be mine. Can’t you see that we’re meant to be together?”

Krillin brush the dust off, cracking his jaw in its proper place. He walks to Chichi. “Why bother? He’s blind to the likes of you. Feh! He’s not worth it!”

“No beast alive stands a chance against him . . . and certainly not by the LIKES OF YOU!” The raving woman shriek when she turns on Krillin.

Krillin backs away, holding up his hands in surrender, he complains, “But he’s the inventor’s son!”

Chichi clasps her hands together up to her dreamy face. “He’s the one!” she exhilarated said softly. “The lucky man I’m going to marry.”

Krillin scratch his bald head, “Don’t guys usually ask first? Chichi, there’s no way he’s going to marry--”

Chichi rounds up on him, spitting venom, “HE’S GOING TO MARRY ME WHETHER HE LIKES IT OR NOT!!”

“But he’s--”

“The most beautiful man in town,” she interjected.

The cueball downright pouts, “Heeyyyy . . .”

“And that makes him the best suitor I could ever ask for.” She nods to herself then she demands, “And don’t I deserve the best?!”

Krillin stammers, “Well, of c-course. I-I mean y-you do, but I m-mean--”

Chichi ignore him sternly, turning away with glittering diamonds in her eyes, “From the moment when I first saw him, I knew right then it was fate that made him come. I said to myself, ‘He’s simply gorgeous’ then I fell both figuratively and literally in love.” She sighs passionately. “Here in this town, only he is equally beautiful as me. ” She gesture her beauty proudly, “It’s a beautiful combination. I have plans to woo and marry Goku and he will never leave my side forever and ever.” She hugs herself, swoon under a loving gaze after her retreating love.

Krillin fell silence, gaping as he saw his efforts to convince his crush was futile. Chichi snapping out of her gaze hurries to catch up with her ‘fated’ love.

Yamcha, who never budge from his spot, saw the village most beautiful woman ran pass by. He breath heavily love struck against the wall when he caught a whiff of her perfume. “Be still, my beating heart. You’ll get your beloved soon enough,” the scarred face warrior whispers, clenching his heart as his eyes lidded with desire.

Goku strides easily through the busy street of people in the town, striding with ease. Meanwhile, Chichi struggles to catch up after him with many crowd obstacles in the way, “Please let me through!” Her voice strains out as she pushes yet another obstacle away. She growls as more people huddle together in its place.

The tall, blonde warrior walks through the crowd as he lifts his head to gaze above with eyes filled for longing. “There gotta be more than this life, there has to be . . .” he murmurs almost in distress.

‘This is the LAST straw!’ Chichi thought angrily as her obstacle is replaced with yet another one. Determined, she knocks one jerk out of the way one at a time, yelling with all her might, “I’m going to make Goku marry me, just you wait!!” Townsfolk, hearing an all too familiar voice quickly stand out of her way. Feeling with much satisfaction and smug, she tidies herself before prancing upon her non-too-secret crush.

Krillin having to finally catch up bends over to gather his breath after playing as a ping pong ball in the busy street while rushing after Chichi. 

The raven-haired girl giggles, grasping Goku’s attention as they walk. “Hullo Goku.”

“Hi,” he shyly replies.

Chichi frowns, as he said nothing else. ‘How rude!’ She glace at the black box. Grinning deviously ‘This bounds to catch his attention.’ Snatching the box away as quickly as the eye can see, the blonde warrior was startled by her action. “Chichi! Hand it back, please! It’s very precious to me.” Chichi’s smug expression, delighted to see his fear. Instead, she mischievously responds sly, “No, I don’t feel like it.” Her eyes widen in curious excitement, “Can I take a peek?”

In a raging panic, he shouts the first thing that came to his mind.

“NO!!” He dives for the box but Chichi easily put it out of reach.

Goku stumbles as he saw Chichi uses that very opportunity to sneak a peek inside. She was then set aback; stiff surprised then snorted, “Is that all there is?! I assume there was something better than this!” She tosses the box in the air above the fresh pile of mud. The tall warrior caught it just in a nick of time.

He releases a breath he had unknowingly held then he gave a dark, malice glare at Chichi. She spoke in a high-pitch manner. “Goku, it’s about time you get head out of those ridiculous fighting you obsessed over everyday and pay attention to more important things,” she shrills while twirling around, putting on a predatory gleam, “. . . like me. You know . . . the whole town’s talking about it.” He paste on a confused look but knows fully well what she’s referring to. Chichi continues as she edge closer, trailing her finger from his chest and slowly move downward, “It’s not right for a man to spend his life fighting each day. Who knows, pretty soon that man would starts to get violent . . . savage . . . and perhaps even primal.”

“Chichi . . .” he exasperate, “it’s really none of your business and, besides, fighting is who I am. It’s my passion.”

Chichi rolls her eyes, nearly snorting at his soon-to-be lover defying her. ‘Soon . . . soon, he’ll be mine. Then I’ll have him wrapped around my finger obeying my every will.’ She mentally crackles. Shaking her thoughts away, she clings on him like a love struck gal using false sincerity, “That’s sounds nice. Why don’t you come over to my tavern and you can tell me all about it, hm?”

Blue eyes widen in concern at what Chichi’s might have in store for him. The chance of coming and leaving, the odds don’t look good. He gathers his weight back, freeing himself as result. “Chichi, I can’t,” he said softly as she fumed, “I have to get home and help my father.”

Krillin, who had been silent, let out rounds of laughter, “Hahaha, eheheh, HAHAHA, that crazy old loon? He needs all the help he can get!” Chichi stifles a snicker then joins with the midget, laughing quite hysterically.

Goku held back a snarl, turning red in anger, “Don’t you talk about my father that way!”

They both immediately shut up. Chichi unleash her anger out on Krillin, kicking the hell out of him, “Yeah! Don’t you dare talk about his father that way!” Then she suddenly conks him on the head. Krillin shouts out in pain, wincing as he rubs his scalp.

The blonde warrior is fired up. He had to protect his father’s honor! “My father’s not crazy, he’s a genius!”  A loud, rumbling explosion roar behind him. Surprised, he tilts his head over his shoulder to see massive smokes coming from the cottage. He turns back to see the two down on the ground laughing harder than ever, heaving breathlessly. A tint of pink blush over the bridge of his nose. ‘Father . . .’ He sprints back to the place he called home.

Banging the door open, Goku flashes left to right all over the smoke-covered room. Concern evidence on his face, “Father? Father! Where are you?!” Smoke were everywhere, he cover his mouth as he coughs harshly. He pull the collar of his gi over his mouth as he search.

A sound, which he silently thank Kami for his hypersensitive hearing, picks up rustling downstairs. ‘The basement . . .’ Blues eyes stares narrow as he quickly recall. He rushes down the basement where the rustling became louder. A grumbling, he notices, from the left.

“Good damned! In the name of the King, I’m going to blast you for defying logic and what’s not! (Mumbles) (Curses) Shit!”

Clouds of smoke lifted bits by bits. Bardock, who hadn’t sense him yet, pulls the sticky tapestry off along with his pants.

 Goku had to swallow his laughter, covering his mouth tightly. ‘Oh wow, I had no idea no idea Papa love pixy hearts!’

Amused, he watches Bardock cussing madly as he jerk his pants back on then wrapping his tail tightly around it to secure its hold. He stares momentarily at the tail, loss in thought. ‘I used to have that . . . a long time ago. Don’t know exactly how I lost it or when for that matter . . .’ The blonde warrior clears his throat, “Papa?”

Bardock whisk toward the source both alarmed and alert. He narrowly glares for a while, “How long have you been standing there?”

Goku cocks his head to the side, looking up innocently. “Oh, around the part where I now know what kind of boxers you wear.” He laughs shameless, rubbing the back of his head.

“Shitmatta!” he cussed. Rubbing his face exasperatedly out of frustration, the older man glowers harshly at his invention.

Goku inspect quietly at his father’s body signals. “You all right, Papa?” he whispers.

Snarling out of rage, Bardock kicks the machine none too gentle. “I’d just about had it!” He yelled out, striding across the room and slamming onto the stool. “I’m about ready to give up on this piece of crap!” He wave roughly toward to the invention he’d spent years working on. It looks dented, round, white giant pea pod with enough space to fit at least one person inside the hallow space. There’s a door, which opens, automatically with an encased round window tinted in deep blood red.

The inventor’s son chuckles inward from amusement while shaking his head as he near his father, “You always say that.”

Bardock huffs in arrogance. “I mean it this time!” He barks at his son, “I’d never get this damned bone-headed contraption to work!”

Goku stands behind his father, kneading his tense shoulders as he speaks, “Yes, you will. You’ll win first prize at the fair tomorrow.” Bardock snort loudly. “And become the world’s famous inventor . . .” the blond said, trailing off with huge childish wonder glinting in his blue eyes.

Bardock narrow his eyes as he raise an eyebrow, tilting his head back to get a better look at his son. “You really believe that?” he asks with guarded suspicion along with a speck of hope. Goku genuine broke out a huge grin, “I always have.”

Bardock dash up, knocking the stool away in impulse. He boastfully exclaims, “What are we waiting for?! I’ll have this damned thing fixed in no time!” The inventor’s face transform with great amount of stern perseverance. Goku chortle as he observe his father slide into the pod machine and began welding parts of the pieces in place. The blonde in orange clad sat on the chair, resting his head on his crossed arms over the headrest as he watch him work.

“So,” the rough voice said abruptly, “did you have a good time in town today?”

Goku sharply exhale, making the inventor pause in his work and peer over to his son. Bardock mentally shrug and began working again. The blonde warrior scratches the back of his neck uneasily, “Well, I received a graduation present from sensei.”

“That’s nice,” Bardock said absently.

“And . . .” Blue eyes stray away guilty, “sensei is retiring.”

A sharp pang of silence rang out in the room. Bardock backs up as he inspects his son with a newfound worry. “Gohan’s retiring?” Blue eyes still avoiding him when his son nods sorrow. “I’m sorry to hear that. I know you were close to him,” Bardock said sincerely as he resumes his work. “ ‘S alright. He said he’d been pulling it long enough,” his son mumbles. “A guy at his age shouldn’t be surprising . . . I suppose I should have seen it coming,” the inventor sighs. Thinking nothing more to say, he concentrates on his task.

Blue eyes watches as he muses deep in thought, “Papa, do you think I’m odd?”

“My son? Odd?” The rough voice sputters. He appears from the pod, glaring at him with an expression of concern. He nimbly scratches his left cheek where a long, diagonal scar traces down his face, his wild black hair spiked in all directions, defying laws of nature. “Now why would you say that? Where in the hell did you get an idea like that?!”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Goku spoke sarcastically, counting off his fingers, “I run faster than lightening. I eat mountains of food. I fly while no one else can. I hear where no one else can. I love to fight. I-I . . .” His father stare at him. “I’m not sure I fit in here. There’s no one I can really talk to . . . well, no one around my age, you know?” His father sighs sadly.

“Sorry, son, I can’t really help you there. There’s no one else like us out there.” Goku opens his mouth in protest, “What about our home—“

“What about that gal,” Bardock purposely interrupted, “Nnnn . . . Chichi! She’s pretty, why don’t you talk to her?”

The uptight blonde warrior let his head roll back, groaning, “Oh, she’s all right! She’s deprived, clingy, disrespectful, vociferous, and . . .” Even descriptions alone wasn’t enough to describe Chichi’s true terror! Shaking his head at the thought, “Papa, she’s not the one for me.”

The father laugh genuine, “Perhaps, you don’t have to worry about it, brat. This invention’s going to be the start of a new life for us!” He crawl out of the pod and walk over to stand beside his son who looks up in question. “I think it’s ready. Let’s give it a try, shall we?” Goku blinks then smiles, nodding. Bardock smirks modest returning a stiff nod. He search in his tough leather shirt and brought out a little thin device as he stares through his invention. He push a button.

The pod loudly whirs, beeping noises rang in the room then sending out massive blast of wind gusting around the area- blowing the males’ hair sideways as they witness the overgrown white pod slowly lift itself above ground.

The blonde male gape at the invention out in awe. He couldn’t believe it could work yet it was happening right here! In front of his eyes!

Goku laugh wildly, grasping the sides of his head, jumping in joy. He shakes his father by the arms, crying out, “Papa, you did it! It works! You really did it! Good Kami!” He releases him, laughing ecstatically at the sight of a flying invention. Bardock stood shocked, feeling flustered at the gesture, he scoff at his son’s naïve thoughts, “ ‘Course it does! Don’t ever do that again, got it?!” The son nods vigorously, not really caring at the moment, “Papa! You’re going to win the prize for sure, then people will travel vast distances in a matter of seconds!” “Yes, well, it needs a test run but for now this’ll have to do,” the father mutters under his breath.

 

“Giddy-op, Zambinee, old girl,” the father commands mildly while he petting his life-long horse. They set off their journey, hauling along the large, round invention tightly covered under the layer of quilt in the wagon

“I’m off to the fair!” Bardock shout as he fist in the air, his way of telling good-bye.

The inventor’s son grins, waving farewell animatedly. “Good bye, Papa! Good luck!” He solemn watch them disappear into the evening sunset. ‘Be safe, Papa.’ With that quiet thought, Goku retreated back inside, settling into his home.

The inventor grumbles darkly while he glowers at the map, holding a lantern in close proximity. Light had long ceased into darkness and they weren’t even half close!

“We should’ve be there by now,” he grumbles, narrowing his eyes around the area. “Maybe we missed a turn or something. I knew I should have taken a . . . wait a sec.” He tears his peering eyes to the heavily decay signpost, by some strange force, kept standing hiding in the darkness.

Curious, he lifts his lantern higher, illuminating the signpost, which points two directions under a dim glow. Left- Tuffle Village, 36 miles. Right- Vegeta Valley, 14 miles. “Hn,” he muses, staring between the map and the two directions. “This way, Zambinee, let’s go.”

Zambinee snorts, stepping back a bit. She glances at the right, which shows the dark, sinister, overgrown path, and to the left showing a more gentle, inviting route. Mind made up, she nudges toward the left path. Bardock, annoyed, leashes his horse roughly to the other path. “Zambinee! It’s a short cut! We’re heading this way and that’s final!” Zambinee bows her head guilty from her master’s tone.

The inventor rides on the horse, inspecting the road and sinister woods surrounding it as they walk through the morbid, ill-omened darkness. Dreading feeling left the dark-haired man unease with everything—the road, the woods, and the unnatural silence. “This can’t be right . . .” he murmurs to himself. He reins his horse backward with intent to turn around.

Howling abrupt suddenly close by, frightening Zambinee as she quickly neighing in panic. She rapidly backs both the startled man and the wagon cart wheeling hammering against the boulder.

Countless tiny red eyes pops in the darkness above.

Pitches of screeches resonance throughout the unfriendly woods. Swarm of bats flying scatter around the forest. Bardock blindly swat the bats out of his sight. Zambinee stands hobbling upright in the air, neighing out in fright then lands as she frantically sprint away from the nightmare along with a brink, startled master and a heavy wagon thumbing rashly behind. Piercing bats chases after them. The horse nearly avoided everything from stumps, trees and ditches until she screech to a halt, catching herself over the edge of the cliff.

“Whoa! Whoa, hey, hey, hEY!” Bardock tries to regain control of the situation. “Zimbinee- back up! Back the HELL up!! DO you want us to get killed or what?!” Breathing out shakily in relief when his horse finally obliged. He rubs his face, breathing harshly, frowning when the horse starts up again. “Steady, Zimb. Steady, ol’ girl,” he grits his teeth as Zimbinee sputtering neighs in panic, in hurry to get away. Keeping her in firmly in place, he became furious with her, “Steady! STEADY, ZIMB, DAMMIT!! WHY DON’T YOU EVER LISTE—“

Howling came again, much louder this time. Yellow gems appear in the menacing, dark hills, growling came from it.

The horse widen in fear. The growing need to escape magnify ten-fold than before. Earsplitting neighs rang out as she jumps on her hind legs, unintended bucking her raving master off and flee away, leaving Bardock alone on the cliff.

Astonish came first as he watch his loyal horse takes flight farther away.

Anger came next when the inventor stomp onto his feet, “What the FUCK?! You have GOT to be fucking kidding me!” He brushes his hair with his hand, raging every curse he knew. Little did he know, wolves were sneaking closer until one let out a malice snarl. Bardock swiftly turns to the source. “Oh fuck. Didn’t even know . . . nice doggies.” The pack leader growls as he drew closer. “Nice doggies,” he whispers uneasily.

The pack leader pounce, snapping his jaws on his prey. Bardock cried out in pain then grip the wolf’s neck, crunching the vertebrae. He then whips the wolf across the forest floor. The other wolves, not a bit fazed, starts hunching.

The dark-haired warrior exclaimed in shock. He ran before the wolves pounce. He ran blindly, hearing the howling of the hunt begin. “Chased by mangy dogs!” he pants irritatably, “This wouldn’t happen back in—damn it! I didn’t think it was this bad!!”

Snapping jaws bit the edge of his leather coat. “Fuck!” He twists his body around as he leaps in the air and slams his fist on its head hard then finish turning and continue to run in the same direction. His keen ears heard the body thump on ground.

Barking drew closer than ever. He spotted an ominous fog ahead. ‘Finally, some coverage.’ Bardock ran into it, hearing the wolves follow him in each new direction he took. ‘Shitmatta! How could I have forgotten their sense of smell?!’

He looks back in the pitch scattering white until he hits against something firm. He fell down painfully hard on his ass. Peering up through one eye as he winces, he gasps.

Before him stands a long iron bar gate as tall as a tree, beyond that stands a mighty castle with beautiful yet horrific designs. It looks vastly huge, stretching as far as an eye could see. Its ominous energy resonance with malicious acrimony.

‘Never had I seen anything like this,’ he awe, ‘or so big . . .’ He clasps on the iron bar gate, shaking it. ‘Locked! Who the hell locked this gate?!’ Howling, long and piercing, is not far behind. Bardock whip his head back to the sound then face the gate, shaking it harder. “HEY!! HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME, PLEASE!!!” Snarling there to the left, barking from behind. Bardock looks back in fear, gulping. He face them, closing his eyes tightly, waiting for the pain to come clashing down.

Creaking whines rang out as Bardock felt the solid bars slowly drift off his back.

Seizing the stroke of luck, he ran in and slammed the gate in the wolves’ foaming, snapping jaws. Bardock put his hands on his knees as he laughs wryly at the wolves, “In your faces, you bloody stupid hellhounds. You’ll never take me alive. Never.”

Heavy rain shower upon Bardock as he looks up mildly surprised. He rushes to the castle’s massive door, pounding on it. Not really expecting anyone there, he was suddenly taken by shock as the door creaks opens. Finding or sensing no one there, he peers in cautiously, hesitating before taking a step inside.

The dark-haired man looks around, still finding no one. “Hello?” The voice echoes around the vast, open yet seemingly empty room. “Hello??” Nothing answered. Nothing except rain drizzle pass by him along with a violent wind.

Faces hidden in the shadow near the entrance. Two pair of eyes spy on the inventor as he strains to nudge and close the creaking, massive door back to its place. One pair is midnight black, the other is violet.

“Poor unlucky dude must’ve got lost,” whispers the one with midnight black eyes.

The other hisses sharply, barely whispering, “Shut the hell up! If we stay hidden, maybe he’ll go away. I’d rather not deal with this whole shit! Especially not when it involve him!”

The midnight black eyes turns to the other, “I’m not scared of-“

“Well, you should be!”

“But he looks so much like me. Except for the scar, that is.”

“I don’t give a fucking damn! Just keep quiet then maybe I’ll—“

“Is someone there? I know you’re around here somewhere . . .”

The two stray from each other’s eyes to stare the stranger in shock. There’s no way he could’ve heard them!

The violet eyes glare dead into the other’s, whispering harshly, “Not a word. Notone fucking word!”

Bardock heard voices nearby, hearing bits and pieces of the argument with his keen hearing. Not wanting to frighten his hosts, he attempts to lure them out instead. “I don’t mean to intrude your petty argument but I lost my horse, chased by the bloody hellhounds on the way here and . . .” he growls, looking down in anger, “I’m lost. I need a place to stay for the night.”

The midnight black huge eyes turns to the other looking like a sad, lost puppy. He whispers exasperatedly, “Oh Trunks! Have a heart, will you?”

“Shush shush shhhhh!” The violet eyes clasp his hand over the other’s mouth, turning to the stranger in fear of being heard. The midnight black eyes narrow to glare at Trunks from the corner of his eyes then promptly created a small ki ball and put it over to his captive mouth.

Trunks’ eye twitches then began breathing rapidly, “Ow ow Ow OW OW OUCH!!”He snatches back his blackened hand, frantically blowing on it.

The midnight black eyes glints as he turns to the stranger. A young, eager voice called out, “Of course, mister! You’re welcome to stay here!”

Bardock looks around the room in confusion. ‘Damn echoes, always messing with my hearing!’ He turns around, looking for the source in vain. “Who said that?” he asks, staring dead ahead, his ears perks up for any slightest sound.

“Right here!”

Bardock fell back, startled at the very person who pops out of nowhere right in front of him! ‘What the FUCK?! How?!’ The figure looks exactly like him, minus the scar and the tan!

The youth looks at him blankly then smiles generous at him, “Allo! My name’s Goten. What’s yours? Why do you looks so much like me?”

Bardock glowers stiffly. “That’s MY question!!”

“Now you’vedoneit!” The purple-haired teen glare murderously at Goten as he, too, pops out of thin air.

Bardock scoot back away in awe and baffle, “Oh, great! Not another one! How is this even possible?!” Then as soon as his outburst came, so did shock. He stares speechless at the wiggling appendage Trunks unleashed, whipping side-to-side in agitation and frustration.

“Splendid!” Trunks shouts, “Just fucking damn peachy!! Couldn’t just waited ‘til he was GONE or even DEAD?!? But nooooo, you had to let him in and break the rest of the rules awa—OW!” He finds his tail being pulled by the hands of the stranger. “Goten, stop him!”

Goten stares, marveling with interest. The stranger did nothing more than gently pull his friend’s tail and staring at it. ‘That’s weird . . . it almost like he’s trying to be careful with it.’ “GOTEN!!!” He kept watching, doing nothing.

“Incredible! How is this possible?” Bardock mutters as he inspects the purple tail, wiggling his fingers along the length of the tail.

The purple-haired teen laughing hysterically, tears pouring from of his eyes, as his tail is assaulted by tickling fingers.

Curious, Bardock looks up to the other teen who sniggers at the sight of his captive laughing under his hands and behind him beholds a black tail waves around in a slight playful manner. Bardock turns back to the purple tail and squeeze it gently. Laughter was replaced with agony then, as quickly as he squeeze it, Bardock unleash his grip on it but not releasing the tail itself.

‘Unbelievable. He shows all of the signs. I didn’t even think there was any others . . .’ he muses deep in thought.

Trunks fall to the ground, “Ah! Owww . . .” He then glares at the stranger and snatch his tail away from him, “Do you mind?!”

Bardock stutters in shock from the teen’s annoyed rage, “S-sorry.” He scratches his head, looking confused. “I-just never seen-a tail on . . . a person . . . before?” he nearly halt each words as he said them.

Trunks blink, momentarily forgetting exactly whom he’s talking to here. ‘Man, the way he touch my tail was unnerving enough as it is!’ He watches him wary.

Bardock feels an itch worsening with each breath. “Ah . . . ah . . . aaAh-hem!” The teens stare at him questionly. Bardock felt a red tint across his nose. “WAH-CHOO!!!” Startling teens jump in the air. The older man sniffles, indicating the cold he has caught from being in the rain. ‘My pride would never stoop to something this low . . .’

Goten could not help but pity the man. “You’re soaked to the bone, mister. Come with me, you can warm yourself by the fire.” Trunks giving him looks, urges pleading not to do so. Goten ignore him, walking with destination in mind. Trunks groans, gripping his purple hair then walk along with the duo.

“Thanks, brat.”

Goten, a bit surprised, turns to look at the stranger for apology but instead, he listen his sniffle chat. “You know something, brat? You remind me of my son.”

“A son? Heh. Didn’t know you have a kid, mister.”

The stranger chuckles, “No, not a kid anymore. He’s older than you, brat.”

Goten widen his eyes in shock, “Older than me?!” Trunks eyes perks with interest.

“By a few years, I reckon.”

“WHAT?!?” Both teens cry out. They stood in front of the stranger with wide eyes.

Bardock looks at the two, inhaling sharply. ‘Seems they didn’t know anything about prolong life at all. How can this be? . . . Or maybe they’re not what they appear to be.’

Trunks recover quicker than Goten. “Exactly how old are you, mister?” he inquires very suspiciously.

Bardock sniffs as he closes his eyes. “Somewhere around sixty and seventy.”

Trunks’ jaw slams the ground, eyes bigger than plates as he stare incredulous at him. Goten gape at him then rant, “HOW CAN THAT BE?!? YOU DON’T LOOK AN AGE OVER TWENTY!!!”

Bardock’s suspicions were confirmed. He huffs, closing his eyes before unleashing his wrath upon them, “I don’t have to answer to the likes of you! My business is mine alone! You got that brats?!”

They both immediately nodded.

Bardock nods firmly once. “Good. Now I ah-aH-ATCHOO! (Sniff) want you to take me to the fire now!. . . pleaze?” Gritting out the last word.

Goten nods and began walking then he grins, speaking to the stranger, “You weren’t taught with very much manners, were you, mister?” The stranger punches him hard on the head. “OW!! What was THAT for?!” Tears threatening to pour over as Goten’s hurt expression glance at him.

Bardock said nothing. Sore spots appearing over his head.

Trunks glance at Goten then looks away. “Hn. You deserve it, Goten.” Goten bare his fangs at him. Unfazed, he also bonks him on the head, “And that’s what you get for letting a stranger here.”

“Owwie yowwie ow yow,” Goten whine, rubbing the hurt.

Goten and Bardock enters the den. Trunks fall behind, standing at the doorway looking left to right in hesitantly in fear.

In the shadow above lies an overhead walkway.  A crimson appendage bangs against the tiled floor out of spite. A sharp, clawed hand-paw clenches the railway in abhorrence. Drawing fangs in view, he snarls at the sight of the newcomer. The beast flash out of view as the trio enters the den.

Goten let the stranger takes a seat in a large, comfty chair in front of the roaring fire.

Trunks widen in fear, whimpering, “No, not his highness’ chair!” Something flashes by Trunks with a speed to put a bullet to shame.

Playful growls nudge his head against the stunned stranger.

“His name’s Icarus. He’s saying hello,” Goten chortles.

Bardock buries himself in the chair, edging away, watching ‘Icarus’ let out a long purring growl as it rest his horned head on the armrest, watching him with huge, round eyes. “W-what is he?”

“A good friend when you need one,” the young teen replies gently.

Bardock hesitantly lifts his hand to pet the young creature. Rumbling purrs resonance around its body, liking the gesture. Bardock relaxes then nimbly smiles.

Trunks stared in disbelief. Icarus is actually letting a stranger pet him! He wouldn’t do that with—swifting his hands to cover his eyes, “I’m not seeing this, I’m not seeing this!” He peeks, still seeing the forbidden scene then immediately cover them again, shaking his head, “I’m SOOO not seeing this!!”

 A robust man with brown hair spiked one gravity-defying direction also wearing a small ponytail enters the den and politely removes the leather jacket off the stranger who, in turn, stare at him as if he’d seen a ghost.

Bardock couldn’t believe his eyes! He blinks, blink again. Stubborn refusing his eyes, he rubs them then he looks at the robust man again. ‘He couldn’t be . . . I saw him die in my own hands! What in the name of the King is going on here?!’ Inquisitive, he rasps, “Who the hell are you?”

The robust man faces him, looking up in surprised. Amused, he bows his head in respect, “My name is Toma, good sir.” He look up and examine the leather jacket sowed together by multiple strings, looking troubled as he notices a crescent mark. He turns back to the speechless stranger. “Good sir? Are you hurt?”

Bardock gulps audibly. Eyes still unblinking, he replies roughly, “Bitten by a damn bloody hellhound.”

Showing bright concern, Toma search the stranger’s body from where he stands before coming across the blood trailing up to his bicep. “You are hurt, I’ll be right back.” As he turns to leave, the stranger grips his arm. Toma looking back in question, he heard his whisper, “You will be back, right?” Toma nods and was released. As he heads out of the den, the stranger gruffly called out, “Bardock. The name’s Bardock . . .  You had better be back, you hear?”

Goten cries out in delight, “Hey! You told us your name! That’s great, mist—Bardock, sir.”

“Hn. What great service I’ve got . . .” Bardock mutters sarcastically. Goten, totally misunderstands, pips up chirpily, “Thank you very much, sir Bardock. We do our best in what we do.” The older man rolls his eyes at the teen’s naïve working mind. ‘First, tails then ghosts. What’s next, hn?’

Trunks stressed out, fuming, “Ok, this has gone FAR too long. I’M in charge here and what I say, go—“ BAM! Trunks’ leg twitches, footsteps evidence on his back.

“How would you like some nice spot of tea, sir?” A feminine voice said from Bardock’s side. “No . . . thanks,” the man said roughly. Goten whispers to her disapprovingly, “He wasn’t taught with very good manners, Cel. I doubt he even knows what ‘politeness’ is.”

Bardock’s ear perks up. Sore spot appears. Goten backs away, laughing uneasily.

Trunks flash up, warning them, “No! Absolutely NO tea!!”

“I guarantee it’ll warm you up in no time, sir, I insist.”

Bardock stare at the roaring fire. Purposely halting each word, “I. Said. No. Thanks.” “Aw, don’t be a such spoilsport, Bardock.” His ear perks up; looking over to Toma who already appear started cleaning his arm. Toma glance at him, beaming, “It’s been too long since we had any guests and, besides, you could use a drink. You didn’t sound well before.” Bardock fell back into the chair in ease, “I always sound this way, Toma, you know that better than anyone.” Toma looks up, perplexed. “Drink, Bardock. It’ll do you good.” Rolling his eyes in resign, “Hn.” He hands out for the cup, still ignoring the female.

The china hot cup of tea was placed in his hand but wasn’t freed from the female’s hand. Bardock glance up, working up a scowl then stops. “Fasha?” The female tilts her head to the side in question before shaking in decline, “No, Celipa. My name’s Celipa.” Turning pale, he quietly accepts the tea and drinks it.

“Say, who’s Fasha?” Goten asks.

The man said nothing. The spiky-haired teen pouts. Icarus purrs on. Trunks, well . . . you know how he is. “There, finished.” Toma exclaims, “Now, I won’t have to worry about you having an infection.” Bardock grunts indifferent. Toma laugh quietly.

“Momma, momma!” A long, spiky-haired child ran over Trunks as he enters the den. Trunks’ leg twitches in the air. Goten sniggers at his poor, unlucky friend.

Bardock look over the side of the chair and all at once, he feels faint. “Don’t I have enough ghosts as it is?” he quietly talks to himself.

“Momma, momma, he’s coming! You’ve got to get out now!!”

The doors to the den burst open. A strong gust of wind blows into the room, extinguishing the fire in the fireplace. The whole room darkens with heavy malice atmosphere.

The room went quiet. Everyone tenses, looking behind the child except for Bardock. The kid peers fearfully over his shoulder, “Uh oh.” The child then takes refuge behind his trembling mother.

The sinister yellow eyes glows menacing in the darkness glowering around, as he visually crouches on all four on the marble steps, whisking his dark, crimson tail behind him. His form is covered with the aid of the pitch-blackness. He growls feral, “There is a stranger here.”

Small, minuscule balls of ki light dimly in the den magically created from Goten’s palm. The wild-haired teen looks up meekly, speaking in a rush, “W-well, y-yessir. He got lost and cold and wet, not to mention sick. I couldn’t very well leave him out there to die—“

Thunderous, deafening growl drown out the teen’s voice, along with the small sparks of hovering ki. Goten’s midnight black eyes looks down, dejected.

Trunks stand up, wiping the fake dust off. Clearing his throat, “Your highness, sir, if I may?” Gleaming narrow golden eyes glare murderously.

Trunks gulp audibly. “I would like to mention . . .” he started out calmly.

“I HAD NO PART OF THIS MADNESS!! GOTEN WAS THE ONE WHO ORCHANSTRATE ALL THIS, IGNORING ME FROM THE VERY START!! I tried to stop him- them! But did listen? NoOoo—“

A long, thunderous roar rang throughout the den. Trunks falls down from the upbringing noise. Everyone shakes, knees buckling in fright, not daring to look him in the eye.

Bardock, who didn’t utter a sound, heard nothing but silence. He didn’t dare speak. ‘What the fuck was that?! What is this horrible feeling . . . ?’ Gripping the armrests, he peers over his shoulder. His vivid night vision sees nothing but stiff figures. He faces front, drawing confusion then he turns to look over his other shoulder with intent to demand Toma just what the hell is going on here. Then, he stares into a glowering face from hell, never feels more horrified than be the one to see it.

Yellow, predatory orbs glare down, baring its fangs. “Who are you?! What are you doing here?” the deep voice demands distinguishing with authority and malice. A red tail snaps to the side. Long, heavy mane-like hair stands upright, defying the law of gravity, along with a powerful built body covers in crimson fur except for his strong-looking, bare chest and power abs. “I asked you a question, you baka peasant! Answer NOW!!”

Bardock backs away in the chair, terrified, from the advancing beast. Eyes widen in fear, “Ay-ay-I w-was lost in t-the woods a-an-and I-“

“You’re NOT WELCOME here!” The beast advances, not missing a beat, until he was face-to-face as he stares down hard at the cowering man. Yellow orbs narrow, hissing harsh, “What are you staring at?!”

Bardock’s pupils dilated then stray his eyes away from his horrible vision. He spies the doorway in the dark and rush hastily for it. The beast appears before his second step, blocking the entrance with astonishing speed. A dark, scratchy voice lowers in volume, masked with hatred, “So, you’ve come to stare at the beast, have you?” The inventor’s eyes scrunch at the words. “What? . . .  NO! That’s n-not true!” The beast chokes him, lifting his whole body in the air, creating a red ki, molding in its free hand. ‘No! This can’t be happening!’ He choke out the words that may be his last, “I . . . guh! Came in  . . . peace. Ai-I . . . meant no . . . harm.”

Only snarling answers.

Squeezing his eyes tightly shut, “I . . . only want-a . . . place to stay-gah!”

The beast yellow orbs glisten in amusement. “Oh? You want a place to stay?” Raspy laughter as he keeps sneering, “Don’t worry, filthy mongrel, I’ll give you a place to stay . . .” With that, he snarls at the man, choking him still, “in oblivion!!” He aims the ki lit hand to Bardock. Pausing at the last second, listening with interest as he hears the man’s last words.

Watching as white dots appear in vision, he thought of his son back home. ‘Why did I not tell him? About home? His heritage?’ Vivid memory appears. Blue eyes turns to look at him filled with hope and bright innocence. Laughter when he learned to fly. His brat filled with joy as he tells him of his training with sensei. Tears later forms in those bright eyes when young, blonde chibi discover the loneness- forced to hide who he is from the world. ‘Oh . . . I never meant for you to suffer, my son. I only wanted what’s best for you. To live as a free saiyan. I’m sorry. I should’ve tried harder as a father. Kakarott . . . forgive me.’ Bardock let his hands fall, surrendering to the darkness.

“My son . . . I’m sorry. Ka-kar-ott . . . for-give . . .me.” The beast stares at his still prey, musing awhile longer. He drops the man none-too-gently. He glares at the man he strongly despised, rolling him over for a better look. “Hn.” Then he snatch Bardock’s strap and plop him over his shoulder. “You can rot for all I care. Heh.” He sneers, shrugging careless. “Who knows, you might turn out to be useful,” he laughs fiendishly.

The beast turns his yellow orbs to his servants, giving an unspoken promise of death. As soon as the message was crystal, he leaves, slamming the door. The den enshrouds along with the rest into the endless darkness.