#“dragon my balls on your mama’s forehead
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Text
Is Elyon a Dragon?
———————————————————————
So by this comment by RSS we could assume that Elyon is deceiving nobles in some way with his business for money. And we know that he has so much money that he wants something money can’t buy. So he likes money, he hoards money, his flower chart says he likes power, and money equals power so that’s why he likes them, he likes the status of being powerful. But also it states Luxury, and what do dragons hoard?
Luxurious items. And like Elyon, dragons are associated with the symbol of Power, and collect wealthy objects in order to maintain that power:
It also makes sense to me, in a creators standpoint, to make Elyon a dragon. Dragons are one of the few creature that can be found worldwide in different cultures and stories. Chinese, Phillipine, Mesopotamian, Greek, Egyptian- they are iconic, and I feel it’ll be a really big miss if they didn’t add a monster so repetitively used and entrenched in so many of cultural history.
#as ridiculous as it sounds#this theory kind of hit me with a dick joke#“dragon my balls on your mama’s forehead#and then an epiphany#touchstarved game#touchstarved theory#touchstarved Elyon#Elyon#elyon touchstarved#ts elyon
159 notes
·
View notes
Text
Preview: Dragon Ball New Frontier: Shroud of Memories
Dragon Ball New Frontier: Shroud of Memories.
Chapter 1: Lullaby
Approximately a year before Goku returned to life for the second time, in another timeline different from the one we know, a Saiyan child struggling to sleep from a terrifying nightmare woke up screaming, which caused Goku’s wife Chi-Chi to wake up. Running towards the child’s room, she quickly ran and gently hugged him to assure him he was safe. She saw he was shaking and terrified as she softly spoke to him. “Shhhh,” she told the child, continuing to comfort the boy. “It’s okay, Goku. You’re just having a nightmare, Kiddo. You’re safe. I’m here, your brothers are okay. We're safe. You're safe…. No one can hurt you…”
The child, Son Kakarot Goku Jr, who was adopted after his unconventional birth through the Dragon Balls and named after his late adopted father, was crying. He tried to explain what he saw in his dream, though Chi-Chi didn't want to hear it. She wanted her son to know he was safe. "Mama, that dream was horrible! I was older, and you and a man that looked like me were taken in front of me! So were Gohan and Goten! And a few shadowy figures and… and…."
Before he could continue, Chi-Chi began to softly sing a tune. A soft song that she had sung to her by her father, the Ox King, when she was a child. And Goku Jr was seen, calming down and slowly drifting to sleep. Her voice was comforting, and whenever she sang this small song, every time, he felt safe. It was no surprise that she continued to sing this to him during his childhood. This was her lullaby. And she, in turn, made it his lullaby. The Saiyan's mother ensured her voice was soft enough to where only he could hear her. His breathing slowed down and became more relaxed as he slowly drifted to sleep as she sang. Though he always listened to the whole thing and slept peacefully afterward.
“🎶Fear no more, what you’re fighting for, Will bring you peace forevermore, Only you know the passage to, The haven in your heart, Courage will keep you safe, Flowing throughout your veins, Please remember all your strengths, Time will tell what our future holds, Cling too tight, the world might fall, This moment now conquers fear and doubt, Please stay strong, don’t go, Raindrops will paint the clouds, Calling all the fairies down, With their colors, they’ll bring dawn.🎶”
Once she finished the song, she checked on her beautiful little boy. Peacefully asleep in her arms. Smiling, she kissed his forehead and gently placed his head on his bed pillow. The Princess of Fire Mountain took a moment to whisper to him softly. “Goodnight, My Little Saiyan Prince of Mount Paozu and Fire Mountain…..” She told her dreaming son. “May you have the sweetest of dreams.”
Many years later……
It has been 55 years since multiple versions of the Dragon team were gathered by the Supreme Kai of Time and all their companions and friends they met along the way. The day that the Time Patrol was founded. For that 55 years, the current Supreme Kai of Time Chronoa and now her predecessor who had been redeemed, Aeos, had kept these Time Patrollers Young physically, so that they could continue doing the work that they do. This became evident with Goku Jr, who, despite physically being in his early to mid-20s, was actually well over 70 and approaching 80. Though he wasn't complaining because he knew everyone he knew vowed to protect all of reality for as long as they had to, which was a most likely eternity.
Although admittedly, things never stayed boring for long in the Time Patrol. Currently, in a reality where Goku did not go by his Earth name and only went by his Saiyan name, Kakarot, Goku Jr was seen using a glider across a very high point. He never truly needed the gliders due to his ability to fly, aside from the fact that he had times when it was necessary to preserve his energy on certain occasions as well as operating stealth missions. Currently, he was dealing with neither. There was something about gliding that gave him this feeling of freedom. He had to thank his brother, Goten, from the Xeno timeline for the idea. Gliding from high places in certain realities and specific locations in them felt liberating to a degree. Plus if he needed to be discreet when patrolling a reality, this was also an excellent method to do so. 'It's like killing two birds with one stone,' Goku Jr thought. Feeling the breeze reminded him of the sensation and freedom he was currently feeling. Though he remembered he was not on vacation. Instead, he was on a small patrol.
Looking around while using his glider to glide through the sky safely, he couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful scenery he was currently looking at—the vast landscape of nature and its beautiful green lushness of land. The grass and trees perfectly lined together. The beautiful mountains, carefully crafted by the artist that was nature. He wished his parents were here to enjoy the beauty he was currently seeing. Goku Jr stopped counting the number of times he and his mother, Chi-Chi, spent hours upon hours talking about the different natural sites they visited together or the number of times he and his father, the original Son Goku, reminisced of the times when they went on adventures and saw so many beautiful worlds forming right in front of their eyes.
He missed them. He missed all his family, in fact. He missed all the times he pranked Goten on a regular basis. The times where He and Xeno Goten watched several movies together. The several instances where he studied with Gohan to find a clue or a puzzle or solve a riddle together. He missed the times he trained with his father, as well as his Xeno and GT counterparts respectively. He missed hanging out with his little niece Pan. All the times he heard his sister-in-law Videl talking about her dojo, or perhaps when he rolled his eyes at GT Goten talking about Velese a lot.
He should reconnect with them all. Work had been hectic as of late, mainly since the Outbound Flight Project but that was going to be pretty straightforward. The chaos was starting to die down again which was a good thing because it gave time patrollers time to rest properly. And the outbound flight mission he was on was one of the most hectic missions he was a part of. And he made a lot of difficult decisions during that duration. It had been 10 years since that fateful day. He could still remember vivid details of everything that happened. Even to this day, there were still nights when he didn't get any sleep due to nightmares. Still, he was glad that the whole fight was all over. Things would be more peaceful without Zamasu around before he showed up again.
It had been 10 years since Zamasu showed up and caused trouble across the entire Omniverse, but Goku Jr didn't want to take any chances with him. He knew damn well that Zamasu could return it any moment. His best guess was that Zamasu was biding his time. But right now, there was not much he could do regarding that man. For right now the small Patrol was what mattered. Still feeling the breeze as he glided through the sky, he drew closer to the ground and still got a good glimpse at Fire Mountain. The beauty of that place always caught his eye no matter which reality he was in. However, he did personally always enjoy Mount Paozu a lot more though. However, that could be a childhood bias kicking in as Mount Paozu was his original home for a large portion of his life. He remembered all the times he spent with his family there—both the good and the bad.
He closed his eyes as he began to remember one memory in particular. It was on Mount Paozu. Everyone gathered to celebrate a birthday around August. The then-18-year-old Goku Jr was sitting on the grass near Mount Paozu. It looked like he was deep in thought, as he looked at the atmosphere around him. Everything was peaceful. The spring wind blew his hair around as well as some leaves of Grass, the river flowing near the Son Family residence, as he sat there contemplating something.
He oversaw his parents, Goku and Chi-Chi talking; the smiles on their faces implied it was something good. Even so, he just sat there and observed them. He also looks to observe his brothers Gohan and Goten along with his sister-in-law Videl, his niece, Pan, his godfather Piccolo, his grandfather, the Ox King, and the father of his sister-in-law Hercule, also enjoying their time.
Goku Jr also noticed his most recently adopted brother, Uub was also sitting down with Goku Jr's friend Puck. He then gave a faint smile as he observed them, but there was one person missing from that whole group. The very person that was supposed to be there. It was Goten's 18th birthday today. But it wasn't just Goten's. It was the second person that was missing who was also a birthday boy that Chi-Chi wanted there. Goku noticed he wasn't around and excused himself from everyone else before using instant transmission.
The moment he got the energy of the person he was looking for, he was gone. This caught the younger Goku off guard he quickly got up and tried to look for him. Only for the older Goku to appear right behind him before speaking.
"You know everyone else is missing you down there, right bud?" Goku merely said a small smile on his face causing Goku Jr to be surprised as he quickly turned to face his father, his tail tensed up a little bit.
The boy let out a sigh of relief when he realized it was Goku."I didn't want to intrude on Goten's special day..." Goku Jr then said, before he then began to look away.
The older Saiyan then noticed this as he made the remark. "It's not just Goten's special day, you know." He mentioned trying to get his son to understand. Goku Jr then looked at his father, somewhat confused but Goku wasn't too surprised. The young Saiyan boy's insecurities and naivety were always his most significant flaws. "Kiddo, I understand you're trying to be considerate to your brother, but you're forgetting one crucial detail."
The Saiyan father then continued. "You may have been created from the Dragon Balls and maybe a clone of me. But you forget that you were a baby when you were born. When Gohan found you, your mom had already given birth to Goten. Hasn't she taken you in ever since?"
The younger Saiyan didn't know what to say. Yes, he was right about that, but why did he bring that up? "Yes, but what does that have to do with today? Goten's birthday?"
Goku then placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "Because all of that happened today, 18 years ago."
This shocked Goku Jr that Goku knew this, but then again he remembered that Gohan and Chi-Chi explained what happened, after Goku came back to life. "Right... So Mom made preparations for me too, but I didn't get it…"
Laughing and rolling his eyes, Goku then placed his hand on Jr's shoulder again as he then got the fingers of his other hand on his own forehead getting ready to use instant transmission. He wasn't going to let Jr be miserable on this day.
"Huh!?" The startled younger Goku jumped a bit from this as he then turned to his father. "Dad!? What are yo-!?"
Goku didn't let him finish as he grinned while saying the following. "Not letting you be sad today, Son!" Goku said. His smile was still there as he said that.
This causes the boy's eyes to widen as Goku uses instant transmission to get back to the family. They were surprised but happy to see that Goku Jr was back.
Gohan then walked over to the first adopted son of the Son Family. "Hey, bud," Gohan said, patting Goku Jr on the back.
"Hey..." Goku Jr said as he was trying to process everything as Goten then was seen as rather tense. But what Goku Jr thought was wrong wasn't actually the case as Goten then began to approach him with something.
"Hey, Goku." The younger hybrid said nervously.
Goku Jr noticed Goten was holding something as his eyes began to widen at it as he looked at Goten before trying to deny it. "Come on, bro you don't have to give me anything! It's your day, after all!"
Goten only shook his head. "Wrong, Goku. It's OUR day…"
Goku Jr couldn't help but notice everyone looking at him as the young pureblood began to fight back tears. He had forgotten all along that his father was right. It wasn't just Goten's birthday. It was also his birthday. He forgot that today was the day he was born as well. Goten had already received all of his gifts earlier, but Goku Jr had left before they could even give him his gifts. They knew he couldn't be far, however. Chi-Chi then placed the gift she had for Goku Jr as well on the table, followed by Gohan and Videl.
The Ox King and Hercule also placed gifts down too. Last but not least was Goku. All of the presents were still wrapped as Goten wanted his gift to be opened first by Junior which was fair considering that Goku Jr did ask for Goten to open his first. Goku Jr began to unwrap it, until he was able to open the box as his eyes then began to widen and he stared at what was inside. It was a picture. Specifically the photo of the two of them at the beach taken by Chi-Chi a few years back when they were both still kids.
Aside from Goku Jr.'s tail, they were completely identical. They still had Goku's hair when it was taken. Even though Jr kept the hair due to being a pure blood. Tears started to fall from Goku Jr's eyes. "Goten...." He said in a nearly broken voice.
Goten only smiled when he saw Goku Junior's reaction. He could tell that he was happy with Goten's gift. Despite their rivalry, the prank wars, and their animosity at times, the two still loved each other. They were still Brothers. That was clear. The last thing Goten said is what caused the other 'twin' to break down, not out of sorrow but out of happiness. Causing the rest of the family to hug him as well. "Happy Birthday Son Kakarot Goku Jr…"
Back to the present, Goku Jr was seen tearing up as he let out a faint smile as he remembered that happy moment in his life. Landing on the ground, that memory reminded him what day it was, so he definitely needs to see his family now. It was his 80th birthday. However, he looked a lot younger than his actual age due to Chronoa keeping him physically in his twenties. Time Patrol really did have its perks as well as its cons. Well, the Omniverse did need protecting, so he didn't really complain much.
Taking a deep breath, Goku Jr then slowly turned on his communicator as he then began to reach out to the Supreme Kai of Time. "Everything's currently normal in this timeline, boss," he told her truthfully. He was clearly making an official report from this and the sooner the better in his eyes as he wanted to be able to enjoy his birthday for a little bit longer. "No distortions or unwanted visitors from another reality currently. Coast seems to be clear."
"Well done, Kaka," Chronoa acknowledged. Her voice sounded a bit cheerful as she said it. "Report back to the Time Nest, and we can call it a day. Also, before I forget ...."
"What is it?" Goku Jr asked only for Chronoa to answer quickly.
"Happy Birthday."
Goku Jr couldn't help but smile from that while he took a deep breath, his mind feeling a little bit at ease as he took one last look at the beautiful scenery. It was also peaceful; he could daydream all of his pleasant memories here if he really wanted to. Remember all the good times. "Thank you, Chronoa…." He told her, and he could feel her smile from behind the communicator.
Once the communication began to end, Goku Jr started packing his things and preparing himself to go back home. The spring breeze felt like a Haven of safety while he did so, and he couldn't help but reminisce about the past as he remembered all the good times. The times when he and Goten looked completely identical if it wasn't for his tail. The times he spent with Gohan and future Gohan. The times his mother caught him studying on the couch or perhaps even when his father trained him and taught him very important lessons that he took to heart. He missed those days. He missed his youth. He missed the simpler times. He missed the times when he didn't have to worry about the world, let alone the entire Omniverse. To be frank, he'd do anything to just for another moment have that back. But on the same token, he knew he couldn't get it back. But that's actually what made those memories even more special.
He was looking at the sunset, idolizing its beauty with the clouds lining up in different colors from the sunlight. The Saiyan was seen smiling as he remembered all the times he spent with Pan as they watched the sunset together. He missed his niece. He loved that girl as if she was his own daughter. She was actually one of the reasons why he dreamed of being a father in the first place. She was innocent and pure at the time when they spent time together. He missed that innocence. But now everything was all in the past now. All he can do now is appreciate what he had. And besides, it wasn't like there wasn't anything that he enjoyed now. He felt free at times, even when he was working. Small patrols like this, even if they were very easy and straightforward for him, gave that sense of freedom—that sense of Liberty. Gliding through the sky as he admired the scenery around him, even though he could fly, felt liberating. And it was because he was doing it purely because he could, not because he had to.
Once all that was said and done, he took one last good look at the sunset before leaving that timeline with a smile. Flying through the vortexes that the time portals always brought, Goku Jr felt himself traveling back to Conton City. Home of the Time Patrol, and the center point of the Omniverse. Every time he went on an adventure or was just coming home, he always noticed himself humming to an all too familiar tune. The tune that always made him feel safe in his darkest of times and always gave him hope. The song guaranteed his smile as he did so.
Flying back to the time nest, the Saiyan admired the beauty of the night sky of Conton City, which was multiple versions of every location that they've been combined into one area. Beautifully lit-up city at night, filled with life and Hope. He observed carefully as communities question acting like communities and actually helping their fellow men. The breeze of the night, long at his hair and touching his skin, made him feel more at peace as of late as he couldn't help but wonder if something else would have. Upon reaching his destination, Goku Jr landed at the bottom of the steps and slowly started walking up them to get to the Time Nest.
Taking a deep breath as he walked up the steps, the Saiyan continued his walk up the mountain's long steps to the time nest, and once he got to the entrance, took a step forward inside. It was always an excellent way to clear the mind when walking up the steps to mentally prepare himself for either a mission briefing or even a report back. Because he knew damn well there was no way to know when something could happen until it actually happens. Walking inside, he then started to walk straight towards the building itself inside the time nest. This was the central part of it. Though he would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy the scenery outside the building. Trees lined up as if nature had a perfect balance with man-made civilization, the reality-distorting atmosphere of the area seemingly having some form of natural order to it as well that he couldn't get his grasp on how he found it beautiful. It was like an artist carefully unleashed chaos upon their work of art. To make the crafted work seem chaotic it is orderly at the same time. And the scenery was constantly changing too. It was a nice change of pace, though.
Walking inside, he saw Chronoa and Aeos waiting for him. Their pointy ears and currently short exterior seemed rather pleased that he came back, let alone so early. "You two look surprised," the Saiyan said in a joking manner causing the two supreme kinds of time to laugh a bit.
"We thought you'd be enjoying the scenery for a little bit longer," Chronoa fired back in a teasing manner, causing Goku Jr to roll his eyes. "At least you didn't experience any complications, and that's all that matters."
At that moment, there was an alarm across the entire time nest as the televisions of Conton City could be heard being turned on randomly, and a voice in the audio could be heard once it was all picked up. What the hell is going on? It wasn't supposed to be an announcement at the moment. Just then, the voice became unfamiliar to everyone as it began to speak. Goku Jr quickly deduced that the one responsible was wearing a mask and even using something to hide the true voice, like a voice changer, for example.
"People of Conton City," The voice could be heard as a mysterious masked figure was seen finally emerging from the holograms and television screens. "I have come to bring concerning news for the time patrollers….. You see, while a certain Time Patroller was currently on a Small Patrol, earlier today, I managed to take the liberty of….. let's just say, sending a forceful invitation to his family, and I do mean the various versions he interacts with on a regular basis ...."
Goku Jr was confused at first, but the more he spoke the more the Saiyan Time Patroller began to realize that the mysterious perpetrator was referring to him. The perpetrator didn't even wait for Goku Jr's reaction as he spoke again. "That is right Son Kakarot Goku Jr." The figure said as he turned the camera to show his versions of Goku, Chichi, Gohan, Goten, Pan, Videl, Hercule, Uub, the Ox King, all of their GT counterparts, and Xeno counterparts, as well as the other two versions of Bardock and Gine that he was familiar with. He even had different versions of Piccolo and Future Gohan. "I have kidnapped the versions of your family you're close to. And moreover, I have Unleashed raiders, Titans, and legendary beasts, across five timelines."
Goku Jr took a moment to figure out what was happening. He hadn't felt this amount of anger towards anyone in a long time. A little over 70 years ago, to be exact. His eyes were closed, and he began to remember that day. All too vividly when he wrongfully lashed out at his father. Only for him to remember two other memories that made him understand his father even more.
It was a dark rainy day. Lightning and thunder could be heard across the background as Chi-Chi could be seen desperately trying to search for Goku. Through the storm, she could hear the crashing and burning all around the area she was in, and she went to investigate. As she wanted to wear the source, she gasped in horror as one of her worst fears came to light. Son Goku, her beloved husband, is seen getting the crap beaten out of him by another Saiyan who looks nearly identical to him except for the fact that he looks younger and has a tail. In her opinion, the younger Saiyan seems to be acting entirely out of character as her heart begins to sink. She was quickly able to tell that Goku was indeed holding back, but not because he was trying to be reckless. He was being desperate. Desperate to reach out to the younger Saiyan, she knew fully why. It broke Goku's heart just as much as it broke hers for him to fight this boy like this.
'How could this happen?' Chi-Chi thought to herself as her heart sank and tears started flowing through her eyes, watching her husband deal with this Saiyan that she knew all too well. Much longer than her husband. But she could also tell that it hurt him just as much as it hurt her for him actually to fight this young Saiyan.
The 17-year-old Saiyan didn't budge, however. Lunging at Goku out of pure anger, he transformed into a wrathful state, punching Goku right in the gut, causing the older saying to cough up blood. He went as far as kicking Goku in the face before Goku could recover as he flew towards a rock before catching himself. Struggling to catch his breath, Goku was seen with a pained expression as the younger saying looked at him with pure rage and resentment for some reason. "Kaka…." He said, trying to reason with the boy.
"Save it!" The younger Saiyan yelled. Clearly, having no intention of hearing him. "All these years, you always favored Gohan and Goten over me!" Those words sounded like venom when he said that. It was like Goku had a knife plunged into his heart by the boy.
"JUNIOR!" Goku tried to explain to the younger Saiyan. "You know that's not true!" It was at this point Goku was pleading with the younger Saiyan. Begging even. Trying to get through to the boy. This was very personal indeed.
"Then how come you were harder on me!?" The younger Goku then declared. "How come you and Mom let Gohan and Goten have it easy compared to me!?" The younger Saiyan's blood was boiling at this point. Before Goku could say anything else, the younger saying then leaps towards Goku and then kicks him square in his stomach. The power he put into the kick was enough to catch Goku back as he was still trying to reach out to the boy.
Goku couldn't help but feel his heart being smashed into a million pieces from this ordeal. How could he have let this happen? How could he have failed this miserably? How could this boy have so much resentment toward him? He couldn't give up on the boy. 7 years he missed Goten and this boy, 7 years he could never take back. And he was a lot harder on Goku Jr because he was trying to prepare him for the hardships that would come in his life simply for being his biological clone. But he didn't see him as a clone. It was what he thought was the only way he could protect. "Kiddo… Please…. I don't want to hurt you…."
"It's too late for that…." The younger Saiyan responded with. And before Goku could react again, the team fired a massive energy blast toward him. Goku had no choice but to form an energy shield to block the attack as he quickly tried desperately to stay on the defensive as he then couldn't help but wonder what caused him to feel this way.
Was Goku too harsh on him? If so, how could he not have noticed? What's the fact that he was trying to ensure he didn't endanger himself? What did the boy expect him to do if that was the case? How could he allow this boy, his son, to get himself killed? He would never forgive himself if he did that. He already felt immense guilt for the amount of suffering his other sons went through and the suffering that Goku Jr was going through. But he wasn't going to give up. He refused to fail him. He had to get through to him. He just had to. He wasn't going to abandon him. Clone or not adopted or not, he was still his son. He never wanted to play favorites. And he would take as much damage as he had to to get through to this boy.
"If you truly feel that way," Goku said, a hurt but determined tone could be heard in his voice. Chi-Chi watches this unbeknownst to both of them. "Then do your worst…" still holding back so that he didn't harm Goku Jr, he then entered a fighting stance with his son doing the same. The rain poured upon them as the two transformed into their most potent forms.
Chi-Chi had no choice but to watch as the two charged at each other, with Goku remaining on the defensive and only countering Goku Junior's attacks, as the boy was still lashing out in anger. The bitterness was evident in his eyes as he continued desperately to lay a punch as the two began to remember some of the moments they had together with much more clarity.
One memory, in particular, was 4 years ago. Goku Junior was doing a training exercise with Goku. Goku was making the training extremely difficult by placing weights on Goku Jr while also making all of his clothing weighted clothing. Increasing the consequences every time ensured that it would never become easy for the boy. As the boy tried desperately to continue to push forward, the more complicated it became, and he struggled more. The young boy then started to doubt himself to the point where he beat himself up, believing himself to be worthless. It hurt Goku to see him like this. It was never his intent, and he then tried to talk, but the boy would refuse to listen. Goku was losing his patience with Goku Jr as he couldn't bear to look at his son beating himself up over something difficult intentionally because of Goku. He then began to speak. "Kaka, you have to keep trying! You won't succeed until you push yourself!"
Goku Jr couldn't believe his father. Why was he hard on him all the time? He's always been harder on him over Gohan and Goten, but he doesn't realize it's because he was a pure-blooded Saiyan, so Goku had to be hard on him. He didn't need to be with Gohan and Goten. Goku Jr didn't see it that way. "Dad! This is nearly impossible!" The boy said as he tried to make a case. "Most of the people we fight Aren't nearly half as good as Uncle Vegeta, or you, or Gohan, or even Uncle Piccolo!"
"That's the point!" Goku said. Goku Jr looked away, but the father then continued. "Look, Goku; I know it's hard...." Goku Jr budged when Goku continued. "But I want this to be difficult for you..." This caught his son off guard. How could he think of that? But he began to understand as Goku continued. "This training is about life and death, kiddo. And as your father, it's my responsibility to protect you. But there will always come a time when I won't be there to do that. The same applies to your mom, Gohan, and Goten. The best way that I can protect you is by teaching you how to protect yourself." This shocked the boy. He didn't know what to think. "And if you can always keep up with me, your brothers, Vegeta, and the others, you'll always be ready for anything."
Goku then sighed. He was making it clear that he was now explaining his actions as of late."I know I've been harder on you than I am with your brothers. But the only reason why I am is that you're a pure-blooded Saiyan. If I'm not hard on you, you won’t be able to handle the hardships that come from being one. I want you to be able to take it." Goku only continued. "Your mom wouldn't be able to teach you in the way that I'm teaching you now. This is how you need to learn. Your mom won't be able to be this hard on you, Kaka. You're not like your brothers. That's why I have been disciplining you." Goku Jr then began to understand his father more. Goku only continued, though. "I have to make sure you're prepared for when your mom and I aren't there to help you. When we won't be there to help take care of you. To protect you." The older Saiyan gently placed his hand on the younger Saiyan's head and rubbed it as a father would towards any of his sons. "Besides, you may not notice, but you're improving. You're getting better at this. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll go far...." It was Goku's last words that caught the younger Saiyan off guard. "I'm proud of you, bud."
Goku Jr stood there in both shock and disbelief. He wasn't expecting his father to say that but seeing the genuine smile he always saw, he knew his father was telling the truth.
Back in the present, Goku Jr could be seen taking a pause for a second when he remembered that moment. Was he misunderstanding his father? Was his anger clouding his judgment? No, it couldn't be. Clearly, there was more to this. All he wanted was his father's respect. All he wanted was for his father to accept him for who he was and not who he wanted him to be. It's all Goku Jr ever wanted. That's all he could have asked for. And in his mind, Goku didn't give him that. Lashing out again, he then charged at Goku and tried to attack him repeatedly. Goku was only blocking, countering, and dodging his attacks as he did so, and the more Goku did this, the angrier and more frustrated Goku Jr became. He was charging a massive Kamehameha wave. The boy is clearly over-exerting himself as he does so, much to both Goku and Chi-Chi's dismay.
"Kaka! Please!" Goku continued to plead. The desperation in his voice as he tried to reach out to his son could be heard. "You have to stop! You'll kill yourself if you keep over-exerting yourself like this. Whatever you're going through, let me help you through it!"
"And let you view me as a disappointment!?" The younger Saiyan responded. "No! I'll continue doing whatever it takes to ensure I'm not viewed as such!"
"What do you hope to get from this!?" Goku shouted the confusion in his voice as he desperately tried not to hold back tears.
"YOUR GODDAMN RESPECT!" And as soon as the boys shouted that, he fired the massive energy wave towards Goku, forcing Goku to catch it and try desperately to push it upwards so that it didn't cause any more damage. It was a struggle, but he could do so, and much to Chi-Chi's dismay, only Goku Jr to punch him in the face. This time Goku didn't get back up when he fell. He just lay there looking his son in the eyes. He could see the anger still there. "I just want to be accepted as your son!" Clearly, he was holding back tears as if something was causing him to believe that Goku didn't see him as such. "I just want you to see me how your mom sees me, Dad! As your son! Just like how you see Gohan and Goten! I don't want you to believe you only have two sons…."
Goku was shattered by this, and so was Chi-Chi. How could he view this about himself? How could he believe that Goku didn't see Goku Jr like this? He did all the discipline when he came back to life with this boy, he raised this boy, even trained him. He made sure he studied as Chi-Chi requested him to. He made sure that he went through all of this. Why would he believe that he wasn't seen as Goku's son?
"Son Kakarot Goku Jr!" Chi-Chi said, causing both the sayings to be caught off guard and shocked as they turned to see her there with tears in her eyes. Her heart had been broken by her son feeling this way, and she could tell Goku was also heartbroken by this as he started to get up. "Your father may have been harder on you than he was on your brothers, but that's because he felt that he needed to be. Not because he favored Gohan and Goten more than he favored you. He loves you just as much as he loves your brothers. You are not an outcast as you believe yourself to be. You are already part of this family, and you always have been."
Goku Jr then turned to face his father, and he saw the same tears lying down his face as Goku then said it. "I did most of the discipline with you because I needed to make sure you could deal with the hardships that came with life as a Saiyan kiddo! I never wanted you to be jealous of your brothers. I have three sons. And you're one of them. What made you think that I felt differently?" Goku Jr was quickly able to tell the concern in Goku's voice when he asked that last question as he showed that he genuinely cared about how Goku Jr felt at the moment. That feeling of being worthless to Goku was a feeling that Goku had seen him have repeatedly throughout his childhood. Something that he saw that he still needed to help overcome. Something that he would have to help him gain was that sense of self-worth. "Was it the tournament?"
It took a little bit to answer Goku's question as Goku Jr was processing everything happening. Everything you were hearing and being reminded of was all finally coming back to him as he began to remember one of Goku's heart-to-heart with him a couple of years back. It was an apology if he remembered correctly. He closed his eyes and dug deeper into that memory to try to remember it vividly.
It was in the middle of the day. Saturday, to be exact. Goku was having Goku Jr take a break from training to enjoy being a kid. He could be seen looking off to the mountain tops of the forest, but the two of them were in as he reflected on his life choices. Everything he had done in the past. Every accomplishment and mistake he made. Everything he could have done differently. Especially with Gohan, Goten, and Goku Jr., he missed a lot of time, and he did regret it. Though he would never openly admit it. There were many things that Goku regretted, many things he felt he would never be able to make up for.
Goku Jr was seen reading a book she gave him simply because she felt he would like it due to his love for adventure. The Hobbit, to be exact. She was right. He loved reading the book. It was one of the few things he would enjoy doing besides fighting and training. He read a few chapters before he saw his father still staring out into the world as if his head was in another place. This caused quite a bit of concern for the boy as he couldn't begin to imagine what was going on in his father's mind. He then began to approach his father as he then began to ask.
"Dad? Goku jr said, raising an eyebrow. “You've been staring off into space for a little bit now. Is something bugging you?"
"I'm just reflecting, kiddo. On Life choices, to be exact."Goku quickly answered. The tone in his voice shows that he had been deep in thought for a while now. The boy was obviously confused. He didn't expect his father to say that, but he could tell it was bugging him. He didn't know what to think.
"What do you mean by that, Dad?" Goku Jr asked his adoptive father, confused. He never saw his father like this. He never seemed this bothered before by anything. Goku could see the confusion in his son's expression. He may be a pure-blooded Saiyan like him, but Goku then remembered that he and Chi-Chi raised him as if he was their son. As Goten's twin brother, even if he wasn't a twin. He then took a deep breath.
"Kiddo, I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. Some of them because I was an idiot at that moment, other times when I thought I was making the right decision only to find out that it was a mistake after I made that decision." The father answered his son honestly. There was clear regret at that moment. Goku's voice implied this in his tone. He wished he was there for his sons more, but he wasn't. He was venting at this point in a way that was clearly an apology to Goku Jr and maybe even Gohan and Goten. Something had to have caused him to think seriously about this, but Goku Jr couldn't exactly understand what it was. However, his father only continued.
"If I could go back in time and rethink that decision and choose differently, I certainly would. But I can't...." Goku continued as he tried to hold back some tears to stay strong for his son. "
What are you saying, Dad?" Goku Jr asked, even more confused.
"I'm sorry, kiddo." Goku then said. "I've been a pretty lousy father at times. No other way for me to put it. I've messed up a lot, and there's no excuse. I've been selfish to some extent too. I should have been there for you more. Same with your brothers. Your mom even."
"But you're here now." The boy tried to explain. He did understand how Goku being around now wasn't good enough, but Goku knew that his son still had some naivety at his young age. He still had a lot of growing up to do. Goku envied his son's naivety.
"It doesn't make up for the times that I wasn't, kiddo," Goku explained as he thought about this. "I made a lot of mistakes. Made reckless choices." Goku only continued as he was admitting his flaws."I'm always going to love fighting, and I'm always going to save the world, but even so. You guys deserve better. I may not be the most patient, understanding, or loving father, but damn it, kiddo... I do care."
Goku Jr was shocked by his father's words. Goku only continued. "I only have one wife and three sons... At least right now, when it comes to children... But to be honest... I wouldn't have it any other way....." Goku only smiled as he finished that last part, then hugged the younger Saiyan, who couldn't hold back light tears. Goku Jr was touched by that moment when his father reflected on his choices. There's something about those words that got to him. He would carry on that moment for the rest of his life. One he will never forget with his father.
Snapping back to reality after remembering it, tears of regret started to fall down his face as he began to place his hands on his head and realized what he was doing. He was lashing out at the world and taking his anger out on his father, the man who didn't deserve it. He never felt more ashamed of himself for letting his insecurities get the better of him. His jealousy. How could he let this happen? How the hell could he have blamed his father for all of this? Chi-Chi couldn't help but hug her son to try to comfort him; while Goku placed an arm on his back to do the same.
"It's okay, bud." He said to reassure his son. "Let's head back home, and you can vent to us. You need to let all of this pain out."
Back to the actual present once more, Goku Jr opened his eyes, a small tear of pain and regret seen on his face, though the perpetrator wouldn't be able to notice. Goku Jr then wiped tears from his eyes and slowly began to make the next move knowing that he felt the man would demand something. "What the hell do you want for their release?" The Saiyan then asked. He could try to make a negotiation and convince the person to come up with an agreement. "I'm sure we can negotiate an agreement for something you would want in exchange for their safe return…."
The masked figure only laughed as they then continued. The more he did so, however, the more it became clear that they were putting the Time Patrol in a position where they could negotiate. "You think I want money, power, or technology? If I did, I would not have gone through so much effort with this elaborate plan; I haven't even mentioned the last crucial detail. The fact that I planted bombs in 16 different realities that once detonated would instantly destroy them." The three people in the Time Nest eyes widened as they realized how mad this terrorist was. And here, he hadn't even demanded anything yet. "Oh no, I don't want any of what you might have to offer. Oh no Son Kakarot Goku Jr. All I want is you….."
Goku Jr's eyes were wide even more as he couldn't begin to fathom what this person could have wanted from him. But now it became clearer to him that this wasn't a simple terrorist across the Omniverse trying to cause chaos for the sake of Chaos. This was a personal vendetta. So you don't know what he did. "W-what!?"
"It's simple, Saiyan," the figure responded as if he heard the shock and Goku Jr's voice. Their tone and posture ensured they were leaving no room for debate or negotiation. "You and you alone will go to these five timelines where I have five raiders and fifteen Titans, and twenty five legendary "monsters", I have carefully placed in each of those five timelines, wreaking havoc and terror, you will defeat every one of them, and you will face them without the assistance of the Time Patrol, after that, you shall face me in combat. Each timeline and each warrior that I have unleashed on the world of each one carries clues to my location. You will use them to find me."
The figure then quickly held a detonator as they slowly began to position themselves to where they could press a button within the detonator. "Because if you don't, I have 16 bombs dedicated to a respective timeline that I will detonate, completely eradicating them. And to prove that I'm not bluffing," they said before pressing one of the buttons, causing a massive rumble in the Time Nest Chronoa and Aeos looked at the scrolls and then began to look back at Goku Jr in horror. "That was timeline 2374b - 1907. I suggest you follow my demand unless you want the blood of 15 more realities on your hands, boy….."
The figure then placed the detonator back down onto a dish that he had it served him on. And before he ended the communication, he then spoke again. "Clock is ticking…. Your destiny is calling you….."
And with that, the communication was gone. Goku Jr was now horrified as he could tell from his superiors' faces that the person responsible for kidnapping his parents did destroy that reality and that they were holding his family hostage. That was enough to know he was not bluffing about anything he just said. This was not someone that he could negotiate with. He had to go after them. He had to stop them. He knew deep down that this was a trap. But what choice did he have?
"I'm going after them…." Goku Jr gravely said, knowing that they would try to object, but given their situation, he knew they would eventually back down.
"Are you crazy!?" Aeos tried to convince Goku Junior not to do what he was planning on doing. "Whoever this is, they are doing this to get to you! If you do this, you're giving exactly what they want. They know this personally drives you because they made it personal by kidnapping your entire family."
"And that same bastard just blew up an entire timeline to prove a point!" Goku Jr countered by reminding them of the bombs. "We know there's 15 more. You need to find where they are. The rest of the Time Patrol needs to focus on that."
"But Goku…." Chronoa tried to point out to him though she was a bit hesitant to do so. Despite this, she pointed this crucial fact out. "...You know that this is a trap……."
"I know it's a trap!" Goku Jr told her bluntly. "But what choice do I have?" He then took a deep breath and began to process everything that was happening before he finally finished his thought. "Besides, that bastard has my family. And I intend on getting them back."
At that moment, the Supreme Kais of Time could no longer argue with him. Signs of defeat from both of them; they knew damn well that they were walking into dangerous territory.
"If you're going to face whoever this is on your own," Aeos started with hesitancy in her voice. "Then to go visit the homes of the family members first and grab all of their gear. You're going to need all the equipment and tools you can carry. And I suggest you get whatever gear you have at your place."
Goku Jr nodded in agreement. He knew deep down that he was going into enemy lines. And he was going in alone. He was walking into a trap, so he shouldn't be stupid. He had to get all the weapons and equipment he could carry. There's a difference between courage and stupidity, after all. And just at that moment, he then began walking away. Once he exited the time nest, he quickly flew to his apartment to grab the first set of weapons and equipment that he would need because he was going into a fight and might as well be adequately equipped for one.
Entering his apartment, he slowly went to a safe he had been holding from ever using unless there was an emergency. Well, now was a good time to be considered an emergency. Placed his hand on the handprint security thing and then allowed the safe to scan his eyes; the safe slowly opened; upon completing the process and lo and behold, inside with three fully customized pistols. Pistols could fire rounds that more normal firearms were utterly incapable of. He was going in for the fight of his life on his own; he could be equipped with stuff that would allow him to preserve his energy and deal as much damage as possible with all of them. They're also other equipment, such as the various traps he had seen survivors use. And even decoys, Senzu beans, healing items, smoke bombs, and airstrike requests, the Saiyan pod could be called upon, among many others. Those will come in handy as well. Placing them into a capsule, Goku Jr closed the safe and quickly started heading out onto the rooftop.
He felt the wind blowing at his hair and onto his skin as he cried out for an Old, reliable friend that wasn't even alive, or at least from how most people would have seen it. "Flying Nimbus!" He called out, and he saw the all-too-familiar yellow cloud flying toward he could imagine himself smiling at the all-too-familiar cloud, and for once, he was glad it was around. Once it reached where he was, he quickly climbed on top of it and started heading towards the Son Gohan residence. There was one particular piece of equipment that he was going to need from Gohan. And besides, since Gohan was recently abducted, Goku Jr assumed that poor Gohan would have no problems letting his soon-to-be rescuer borrow his weapon, in order to do so.
Upon arriving at Gohan's house, Goku Jr quickly reached out to his pocket with a spare key given by his older brother to unlock the door. This allowed him to walk closely toward the armory of Gohan's house. Gohan only really used the armory as a display of some kind to help him remember the old days. Goku Jr wasn't too concerned about that. He was only here for one thing and one thing at the moment. Reaching the armory and entering, the saying began to walk towards the very thing he was looking for, which was on Central display at the other end of the room. Gohan's old trusty sword during his training with Piccolo. Goku Jr was originally not going to take it, but considering that he was probably going to need all the gear he could get, he reconsidered it; taking a deep breath, Gohan's younger brother was seen taking the sword as well as a scabbard for it, to begin getting everything ready to go and putting them in a concealed bag that was capable of carrying a massive amount of weight.
Two places down, one to go. Two if you count one of the houses there as a separate house entirely, but they were so close together that it was more of a home when they were together. Goku Jr then slowly walked out of the house and, after locking the door behind him, climbed back onto the nimbus and flew off to Mount Paozu.
It only took him a couple of minutes to get there. But he quickly started to walk towards the house to open the door soon. His best guess was that Goku and Chichi were taken when they were at home if the door was unlocked. In this case, it made his job a lot easier. And granola nails, without a doubt, put those homes under surveillance for now. Walking into the house, you couldn't help but bask in the memories he had spent there. All the time, he was studying for school or training with his father. All the pictures in the house of him and his family. Specifically, Goku and Chi-Chi were in a photo with the whole family. And in the dead center in front were then 11-year-old Goku Jr and Goten. The two would have looked completely identical had it not been for Goku Jr's tail and the different choice of clothing. Goten wore Chinese-style outfits similar to Gohan, while Goku Jr wore a blue martial arts gi that his father passed down.
He then turned around and saw another photo of him and Goten when they were 17. Goku Jr had already had his growth spurt, and Goten's hair had already started to change. He couldn't help but remember some of those memories. Closing his eyes, Goku Jr took a deep breath as he remembered this day.
Goku waited for his father to show up at the World Martial Arts Tournament stadium. It had been a while since the two had spoken. Traveling across the Multiverse and all. He waited patiently as a young man all too familiar with the boy. walked up to him, thinking that he was THE Son Goku.
"Wait, Dad, I thought you were with Mom at the moment doing some shopping for Goku's return home from his adventure." The boy said. This caused Goku to cock an eyebrow. He immediately recognized the younger man, but then he remembered that he had his growth spurt while he was off-world, so Goku was about to surprise this young man, which would be a pleasant surprise.
"Dad? Wow, guess that growth spurt made it hard to tell me apart." The Saiyan casually said. He then began to show his tail which was still around, causing Goten to widen his eyes. Making him realize that this wasn't his father. But he recognized who it was.
"Goku!? I barely recognized you, bro!" Goten said with a smile on his face.
"Not surprised. I was away when I had my growth spurt. It's almost scary how much I look like a younger version of Dad."
"Well, to be fair, you are biologically a clone of him." Goten lightly remarked. This only caused the two of them to laugh as the two brothers clearly were bonding again after not seeing each other for a while now.
"How are Mom and Dad, by the way? How's Gohan, Vidal, and Pan?" Goku asked his brother with a smile on his face.
"They're doing okay," Goten answered honestly. "They all missed you, though. You have gone for a while, and I'm sure there's a lot that they want to talk to you about."
The pure-blooded brother couldn't help but smile from that as he then turned to Goten. "Oh, I bet!" Goku then told his brother as he couldn't contain the excitement in his voice or in his expression. "And I have a lot of stories I want to tell them about my adventures away from home. I'm waiting for Mom and Dad right now. They'll be here in a few minutes."
Several hours later, after a massive family reunion that ended quite pleasantly, Goten and Trunks were waiting by the door to the living room of the Son Family residence, looking at the kitchen while Goten gave a mischievous grin.
"Goten? Are you sure that pranking your brother is a good idea?" Trunks were seen showing some bit of concern.
"It's fine!" Goten casually said. "What's the worst Goku Jr gonna do? Prank me back!?"
Goku Jr was walking around when he headed towards the fridge, only to be hit by a fine to the face. "Very funny, Goten," he said in an unamused tone. "Got my just desserts, haha. You just wasted a perfectly good pie, I hope you know that, Goten!" He continued as he tried to find paper towels, only to find they were not where they were supposed to be. "Really? Hiding the paper towels? How mature, bro...." The Saiyan said sarcastically as he tried to find the other paper towels to wipe his face. As he did this, however, another pie was launched in his face, and he fell on his butt. Goten could be heard laughing in the background. That was the last straw for Goku Jr, but they no longer let this stand. He made the declaration of war. "Ohohohoho... It's on!"
Thus another family tradition between two brothers began with the typical son-brother style Saiyan Prank War....... Some things never change......
Snapping back from memory lane, Goku Jr then continued to look at the photo a little more. A bit, he couldn't help but let out a sigh of pain and even a hint of regret. "I wish this never happened to Goten," Goku Jr said to himself softly. "And to make matters worse, you were also kidnapped. The truth is I could use your help right now, Brother. I would never have succeeded in defeating Zamasu ten years ago if it wasn't for you."
That was true. If it wasn't for Goten, Vegeta Jr, and Trunks assisting him, he might as well call himself a goner. Zamasu, or Goku Black as he was better known as, would have probably killed him or, worse, tortured him as he did before the final battle. But this time, here he was being forced to go rescue his brothers from three different timelines as well as his parents, his niece, his sister-in-law, his brother's father-in-law, his adopted maternal grandfather, his paternal grandparents, and his surrogate uncle and godfather from various timelines as well. What made it worse was that he had to do it alone.
Sighing, he then reluctantly turned away from the photo as he headed towards his parents' room. He took a small minute to look around before opening the closet and noticing what he was looking for. He reached out and grabbed it. Taking the box, he breathed before staring at his reflection. It was terrifying how much he looked completely identical to his father. If it weren't for the fact that he still had his tail, he would have looked completely identical to his father. The second Earth Saiyan then sided and stared at the photo of his father, Goku on the vanity stand of his mother. She loved that photo. But there was something else that he didn't notice until now. It wasn't just that photo anymore. He took a deeper look, and his heart arched a bit. Not at what he was looking at but at the circumstances that he was currently in. It was a picture taken on his 21st birthday with him and Goten drinking.
He remembered a lot of times when he spoke with his mother. And he couldn't help but remember when he spoke to his mother 56 years ago. After the first mission of the first two versions of the Dragon Team, who joined the Time Patrol and became its first members, it was a quiet day at Capsule Corp after their timeline was merged with Conton City's world. This also included the different versions of the various timelines connected to it. The day before, there was a very dangerous mission that left a lot of people shaken when it ended. Demigra was threatening every plane of existence of the entire Omniverse. Demigra was defeated at the end of the day, but it wasn't an easy victory.
Bulma wanted to throw a huge celebration with all the different versions of everyone they joined forces with, and there was a huge party as a result. Everyone was seemingly happy. That was when one particular younger pureblooded Saiyan, that looked nearly identical to Goku, except that he had a tail, started to walk out of the building and lean towards the end of the balcony. He originally thought no one would notice or care, but he was wrong.
A woman noticed. She was wearing more of a teal-colored Chinese dress this time around and had her hair in a bun with her bangs showing. She was wearing an outfit better suited for fighting earlier, but she didn't feel the need to wear it now. When she noticed this young man walking out suddenly too, this caused her to raise some eyebrows but not out of suspicion but concern. Concern for the boy's well-being in her eyes. This was Chi-Chi, Goku's beloved wife, and Gohan and Goten's loving mother. And apparently, she was close to this young Saiyan as well. How so? Well, she made it very obvious when she approached him as he stood over the balcony looking at the sunset. Something was bothering him, as she noticed.
She was overbearing at times, but at least she overcame it. There were also instances where she was justified or, at the very least, understandable. As she approached him, she then remarked. "You know it's rather lonely out here, Karrot." She remarked in a teasing manner as the younger Saiyan then responded to her.
"Mom... You know I don't like that nickname. I never did.."
Chi-Chi only rolled her eyes as she walked over to stand beside him. This saying was someone who meant so much to her. This was her little boy. But he was all grown up now. It broke her heart to see a little Saiyan warrior like this, especially with what she had seen him go through with his depression. She could easily say something was bothering him. She wasn't angry with her approach but rather direct, making it clear that she wasn't going to leave him alone until he opened up. She always had to take a similar approach to her husband. "All right, kiddo, I'll bite. What's wrong?" She said in a tone that showed her willingness to listen to him. Part of her knew that the young man struggled to find the words to describe it.
"It's just... This whole Time Patrol stuff, it's not something I'm used to. It's all new to me."
"This is new to all of us kiddo. Your father is still getting used to saving things beyond Earth, let alone a whole Multiverse, or, nowadays, the entire Omniverse." Chi-Chi pointed that out, knowing her adopted son would open up more. She always made it to where he opened up.
Despite adopting him due to the circumstances that led to his birth, which is why he was a pure-blooded saiyan, to begin with, she always saw him as her son, nothing more, nothing less. Bringing up Goku was obviously the best course of action whenever she needed this boy to vent. Goku Jr then looked at her in surprise, but she only continued. "I was heartbroken that he wasn't brought back, but Gohan brought you home. My heart couldn't let you be abandoned with nowhere to go. No home to come to. I spent years raising this little Saiyan Boy. Something I never thought I would ever expect to do. But I raised a pure-blooded Saiyan, nonetheless. I named you after your father because I knew deep down that you were like him. Not just from looks, either. You were so innocent...."
This caused the Saiyan to be surprised. She noticed this and only continued.
"And when your father returned seven years later, he accepted you with open arms. Alongside your brother Goten. We both ended up seeing you grow up. Going from this little boy to a little man." Goku Jr only listened to her. It was clear that she was being genuine with the way that she was speaking to him.
"And that little man ended up being so ready to take on the world no matter how cruel it can be. To see this big world for what it was." She only continued. "And that big world had been cruel to him. That big world made that little man, my little boy, sometimes feel powerless. I've seen him at his worst. So has his father. And I've seen him multiple times the way you are now... Afraid of the unknown."
It was at that moment Goku Jr realized that she was describing him. He remembered all the times Goku trained him. Even the times Chi-Chi had as well. Remembering all the times she saw him pushing himself too hard, even times where he had injured himself. All the times he had pushed himself so hard, he ended up with bloody knuckles from his injuries. Chi-Chi then only continued.
"But I also saw that little man take back his life. Took the world head on and, even when the odds were against him, faced it with a smile." The Younger individual then began remembering all the times he had fought impossible odds. All the times he nearly died. Majin Buu, Frieza, Zamasu, Moro. That's just a few names then he could think of as well. Chi-Chi then continued. "Now this little man is doubting himself again because now he's coming to terms with the fact that he is in a much bigger world than he realized."
Goku Jr was shocked by everything she just said because it was true. She was always that wise. He couldn't hide anything. "That's exactly what it is. How are you always this wise?" She could only chuckle as she then said.
"Goku, I am your mother. I named you after your father to clarify that you are my son. That you were your Father's son." She only smiled as she continued she had to get through to him somehow, and yet there was something about her son that always made her feel like she did right. "You are one of the kindest and most courageous people I've ever met. And I'm proud to call you my son." She smiled more as she finished her last bit. "And like your father, you're also fearless, and it's not because you don't have fears; it's because you're willing to face your fears head-on even if the odds are against you. The world is scary, but as long as you still have the courage to face it, you'll be fine."
Goku Jr then gave a faint but genuine smile; he could see why his father loved her. He couldn't help but simply respond with the following. "Thank you, Mom... For everything...."
Returning to the current moment, Goku Jr escaped from his memory again and took another deep sigh. He then started to open the box revealing a key to something. Luckily he knew what it was and where to find it. But before leaving the house, he took a deep breath and looked at the pictures again. "Mom…. Dad…" he said. He was fighting back the tears. He was afraid. Afraid of losing his family. The only family you ever knew and ever will know. "Gohan… Goten… Videl…. Pan…. Everyone…. Wait for me….. I'm going to bring you all back home. I promise!" He said when he made that last declaration. He then began to walk out of his parent's bedroom. Slowly leaving towards the door, he will take another look back at the house, letting all the memories kick in while he exits, but not without locking the door behind him.
As soon as he left the house, he walked towards another building nearby, the wind blowing at him. He felt the breeze touch his skin. He couldn't help but feel the fear slowly turn into resolve as he quickened to steps. Before he knew it, he slammed the door open, but not enough to break it. Carefully walking towards something that Goku pretty much kept tied away, the first adopted son of Goku took a deep sigh, before he started to take a large chest out from Goku's hiding place. Looking at the key for a minute, the Saiyan inserted it into the lock and turned it. Once the chest was unlocked, he opened it and found exactly what he sought. His father's bo staff. The power pole. As well as the Bansho fan, there are some other things like different forms of clothing and furs. That is definitely what he was looking for. And before anyone knew it, he took everything he had already acquired from the other places and started to equip himself with everything he had just gathered. Right there in his father's adopted grandfather's house.
He started with the clothes. Strapping pieces of armor on his shoulders, knees, elbows, and wrists added more layers to the gauntlets that he now wore. He's additional armor platings on his boots, reinforcing them. Next, he holstered all three of his pistols in the holsters that he had also strapped on to his clothes, then strapped the scabbards of the swords before slowly putting the swords in the scabbards to avoid hurting himself in the process. He then carefully placed the Bansho fan on the bottom part of his back before putting the Bo staff on his back. And now that everything was equipped, at least everything he knew about which, he assumed that he was going to get more equipment over time as well on this journey purely because he was going to need it, he then slowly began to head out. He received an unknown text revealing the location of the timelines that he needed to go to. Whoever tried to get him to take the bait was serious about this.
Calling for the nimbus again, he knew damn well where to go now—flying towards a good area to start heading towards his next destination through the Time Patrol wormholes. As he continued, his fears purged from his mind and were replaced with his resolve. The next thing he knew, he was no longer in Conton City. Traveling through those things with the nimbus was something he never imagined himself doing, but here he was, armed to the teeth and flying his family's nimbus, off to fight who knows what danger he was about to face. Ironically to save 20 timelines and his family.
The more he thought about it, the more he remembered what his mother had said. All those years ago. How he was so much like his father, and the more he thought about it, the more he remembered it and realized that she was right. So willing to go into danger no matter how cruel the world could be. He was still willing to take on the world. And not only that, he was now willing to face whatever dangers and fears he would be forced to face alone.
Upon arriving at the first reality, a timeline where Goku went by Kakarot, similar to the one he was previously in, Goku couldn't help but notice something was different in this reality somehow. At least different from the reality he was in. Perhaps he should check on the history of that place once he landed on the ground. Soaring through the sky more, he felt his courage overcoming his fears and his resolve giving the strength to push on his new quest. The quest to save his entire family. His determination sparked by his memories of his family and he also had a gut feeling that those same memories were somehow going to help him through this quest.
No, Son Kakarot Goku Jr wasn’t going to allow this bastard to win. As long as he still has a fight left in him, he will find a way to defeat him. Whoever this was, they just started a damn war with the saiyan. He took a moment to pull out something out of his pocket, he pulled it out and revealed something that was all too familiar to him. It was a red bandana. The head band, one of the versions of Bardock, had given to him as a gift. He took a moment to think back on it before opening his eyes and slowly putting it on his forehead and tying the back to keep it in place. Now fully ready for battle, he flew the nimbus to his first destination.
Meanwhile, in an undesignated location, Goku Jr was being observed for the footage as a couple of folks could be seen observing as the two then spoke. “It seems The saiyan has taken the bait,” the one closest to the door said. “The Time Patrol will most likely be looking for the bombs and wouldn’t be able to help him.”
The masked figure then spoke, and now that the mask was removed, the voice of a male could be heard from where he was sitting. “Excellent,” the man in the chair said. "The son of Goku and Chi-Chi rushed into danger just as we convinced him to. And to make it worse for him, he's going to have to face us and all of our forces might do whatever it takes to keep him from finding us, alone. Granted, he would have to destroy them anyway, in order to acquire the clues to our exact location. Although you do have to admire his courage."
"But sir," the other man tried to protest. "He's armed to the teeth. Has all the various weapons that his family has used and more."
"And did you really expect him to go after us with nothing but his brute strength and powers?" The leader mentioned. "There's a difference between courage and stupidity, Mr Haruto. The fact that Goku Jr took the time and effort to get the equipment that he felt he would need on his journey as well as a means to provide him support should he need to preserve his energy and power, should not be credited against him. In fact, he should be praised for his resourcefulness. And I'm also certain that he's going to grab more gear throughout the journey too. As well as potentially look for leads that could get him to where he needs to be. Either way. He's following the bait. And he will get stronger, no doubt. I'm simply curious how strong he will be when he reaches us."
Haruto took a bit of a moment to pause and process everything he just heard. None of this didn't even seem to make sense until he remembered that he was speaking to another Saiyan. "You actually want to face him yourself….."
"Correct," the man said as he then slowly began to get up. "Though I don't want to make it too easy. Oh no. I want him to go through all of hell and back just to get to me. The only two reasons why we drugged his family rather than attacked them head on was because if we were to fight any version of Goku or Gohan, we would have certainly lost. Baking this whole plan obsolete and pointless. Another reason why we put restraining braces that prevent all of them from using their abilities as long as they wear them. And they can't take them off without the proper codes."
"But sir," Haruto began to point out. "You haven't mentioned the Bounty Hunters, inquisitors, WarChiefs and Captains."
"All on purpose," the Saiyan responded with. "We don't want to make things too easy for him, now do we?"
"No sir," Haruto answered. "But don't you think he will be dealing with more than enough of this Army? He could potentially use each battle and his training to surpass you through his zenkai boosts."
"A risk we must be willing to take," Haruto's master responded. A smile was seen on the man's face as he then continued to walk towards Haruto. Revealing spiky but messy hair but he wore a different type of armor. He wore Saiyan armor as well but it was heavily modified, and he had military grade earth pants underneath the armor too that was baggy. His grin was that of a devilish smile. Seeing Haruto look at him nervously also allowed him to know that he could easily keep the human in line. "It will only be a matter of time," he said. A hint of confidence could be heard in his tone. "Let's see just how strong this Saiyan can become."
A few hours passed as Chi-Chi was seen leaning towards Goku while he held her in her arms. The two seemed rather calm, all things considered. Their counterparts as well as the different versions of their sons, Goten and Gohan, their daughter in law Videl, and their granddaughter, Pan were surprisingly calm as well. Though this shouldn't be a surprise considering how long they've been in the Time Patrol at this point. So they couldn't help but feel worried. Goku Jr was out there, most likely risking his life to save them. Though it was always easy to put faith in him whatever he was needed, Goku couldn't help but worry for the boy he raised and trained. And Chi-Chi had the same worries too. Always more concerned for his safety than theirs.
Still, it's not like they were in a position to do anything about it now. Taking a deep breath, Goku softly whispered to his wife as he tried to reassure her that everything was going to be fine. "He'll find a way to succeed," he told her. His voice calmed as he did so. "He's as strong as I am, as smart as you are, and he's as stubborn and patient as both of us combined."
Chi-Chi gave a faint smile from that remark. "Just like his brothers." She told him back. She held him tighter as her smile faded. "Still…. That's our boy, risking his life for us."
Goku understood that she was still worried for Goku Jr's well being. He couldn't blame her. He was worried too. That was THEIR son out there. Sure he wasn't biologically their son, due to him being a clone of Goku but they raised him. Raised him as if he was their own flesh and he loved them both. The boy cherished them. "I know," he told her. "But right now, all we can do right now is trust him. Have faith in him."
Chi-Chi nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly. She understood that Goku Jr was able to hold his own but she hated the idea of her children running into certain danger. Especially if family is involved. "I know, but Goku….. Kaka is walking into a trap…" she told him softly. And technically, she wasn't wrong and Goku knew this.
"I think he already knows that….." Goku told her. He knew his son too well. Always running straight into danger. Just like him. All too much like him, if he was going to be honest. Chi-Chi could tell her husband was trying to not only be calm, but also put faith in his son. And was their ability to use their ki not available to them right now, due to these damn bracelets, he has to. They all did. He was worried about his son, just like the rest of the family was, but deep down, he also knew that he was worried about them too.
Thinking about that reminded him of the time Goku Jr was 21. They just finished planning everything for the farm so they decided to get some training in for a little bit. Goku Jr had tried various tricks to try to catch his father off guard, only for it to backfire on the younger saiyan. Hours upon hours passed of no talking, just sparing before the two just got tired, I even ended up panting and laughing together.
"I still can't believe that after all these years, I still can't compete with my old man," Goku Jr jokingly said. His laugh was still lighthearted as ever. But then he'd notice Goku absolutely staring at him. "Dad?"
Goku looked at Goku Jr and he couldn't help but not shake off the feeling that he was staring down at a younger version of himself. Memories overwhelmed him as Goku jr tried to wave his hands towards him.
"Dad!" Goku Jr said, trying to reach out to his father. Goku couldn't help but snap back to reality as he saw his son showing a small hint of concern as he then began to ask.
"Dad, are you okay? You spaced out for a good minute there!"
Goku only smiled. "Yeah, I'm okay kiddo. Just noticing just how much you look like me."
Goku couldn't help but snap back to reality as he saw his son showing a small hint of concern as he then began to ask.
Goku Jr cocked an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're okay?" He asked and Goku could easily hear both the confusion and the concern in his son's voice.
"I'm fine." Goku reassured him. "You just remind me of myself when I was your age. That's all...."
Looking back at it now in the present, Goku could tell that his son was very much like him indeed. "The truth is Junior inherited our heart dear," he softly told Chi-Chi. "He cares about us. We're his family. We raised him. He grew up with his brothers in his life. He would rush in to save us. Because he thinks we would do the same." He took a deep breath before finishing. "Because he KNOWS we would do the same for him."
Chi-Chi reluctantly nodded. She knew he was right but that was still her son. Their son, in fact. She didn't care that he was adopted, or the fact he was a pure-blooded Saiyan. That was still her little boy. She raised him from the very beginning and it's something that only became easier when Goku came home. She loved him as if he was her own flesh and blood. Even with his more wild nature. Strong appetite and the ability to tap into her husband's abilities up until his death against cell, mainly due to the wish that resulted in his birth, allowing him to do so. She was lucky Gohan and Goku were both there to help raise him.
"I know he'll succeed Goku," she told her husband. A pained smile formed on her face for a little bit before he faded. "But if he's anything like either you or any of our other boys, he will suffer before that happens…" Tears could be seen falling down her face when she came to that realization. He was no longer the naive innocent little boy she sang lullabies too, however she also understood that throughout all the suffering that he went through, Goku Jr slowly and surely went from being that naive little boy to that wise man charging into danger. But knowing this fact actually made her genuinely smile. "But…" she said softly as she placed a hand on her chest, thinking more about it. "He'll become a much wiser man because of it. His suffering will only make him stronger… after all, we're the source of his resolve…"
Goku held his wife tighter, gently kissing her forehead as he whispered softly to her. "That's right," he told her. "We made him the man he is now, and with how much he's grown, I can't be even prouder. But none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for you, the first 7 years of his life."
That last remark caught Chi-Chi off guard but she couldn't help but smile from it. Sure Goku did most of the discipline when it came to raising Goku Jr, because he felt that he had to, but for him to acknowledge the 7 years that he wasn't there, due to being dead. And was such gratitude, well it meant the world to her. She always knew he meant it of course, through him always telling Jr to go easy on her and to cut her some slack. Or the times he took the helm with discipline in Goku Jr's case, to make it easier for her. Or even times he gave their adopted son advice. All those heart to heart moments they had. It all helped Goku be an even better father than he already was. It also helped Goku Jr become the courageous man he was now.
“We just have to have faith in him,” She finally said, resting her head on his chest. “I know he’ll find a way. After all, he’s a lot like you.” she felt her husband's smile for her remark as he gently wrapped his arms around her.
As all of that Goten was looking at the ceiling as he thought about who their abductor was. Whoever they were, clearly had a personal vendetta against Goku Jr. He could tell that much. Staring blankly at the ceiling above him, he couldn't help but wish they could do something aside from waiting for his "twin" brother to come to their rescue. But what could their abductor want from Goku Jr? What did Goku Jr do to pissed that bastard off, this badly? The thoughts continue to swirl in his mind as he tries to decipher what could possibly be the reason. Well, he guessed he was about to find out with everyone else as they all then heard footsteps approaching them.
"Kinda took a cowardly approach, knocking each and every one of us out the way you did," Goten told the people approaching, as if he was calling them out.
"Hard to be honorable when you know you're going to lose in a straight up fight, which would ruin the whole point of a plan," the person responded. "I understand none of you would necessarily agree with that, but I could care less about fighting any of you."
"Of course not!" Chi-Chi said sardonically. "What the hell do you want from my son!?" A hint of her protective Instinct was kicking in, despite her current situation.
The man being questioned couldn't help but be intrigued by the family he abducted. He could see why a strong Saiyan like Kakarot would want to be with a woman like Chi-Chi. Even if she was a human. Her fiery passion and conviction, her stubborn personality. And her feisty attitude.
"Son Goku Jr?" The Saiyan outside of the cell asked. Already knowing the answer. "It's quite simple really. I just find it interesting that there's a Saiyan Clone that has his own personality." he said. "And to think he was a clone of your husband….."
Goku felt a hint of anger build up inside him before Chi-Chi placed her hand on his chest, letting him know that their captor was trying to get under their skin.
"There's a lot of things you underestimate about him," Chi-Chi declared. Her confidence unshaken as she got up and walked up to the bars. "My third son is stronger than you know. He isn't going to allow you to win. He's stubborn, determined, persistent, patient and most importantly, a fighter who refuses to give up, just like his father …. And his brothers….." She didn't even let him speak. She continued to taunt him, despite her situation. She clearly put her faith in her son. "Your mistake was making Kaka go on this quest. Because now he's going to get stronger. Stronger than you can possibly imagine. He's one of the strongest, bravest, and fiercest people I know. Only my Goku here has shown the level of tenacity that my son shares." She then grinned. Not out of malicious intent, but out of pride and confidence. "You're mistake is underestimating MY son! You are right about one thing only. Son Kakarot Goku Jr is going to come to you! He will come, and when he does, he will defeat you! Underestimating him WILL be your undoing!"
The captor paused. He didn't know how to make what he just heard. He then tried to get under her skin. "Do you really think he will defeat me…. Mrs Son?"
"I KNOW he will!" Chi-Chi countered.
The masked individual then slowly took off his mask, revealing the Saiyan in question. This shocked everyone. He looked EXACTLY like Goku and Goku Jr. Nearly identical in every way. His grin shows malus and arrogance. His voice sounded like the two as well. "I'm looking forward to it…." He said before walking away. The others remained silent until he was gone and they were the only ones present.
"That was not what I expected…." Xeno Goku said as he tried to process everything that he just witnessed.
"You said it" Xeno and GT Goten said simultaneously as they also tried to put all the pieces together.
Goten then remembered what he just thought about. The apparent personal vendetta against Goku Jr. The fact he kidnapped everyone except him. And now the fact that he looked like him. Could it be? No. It couldn't, could it?
"What are you thinking about Goten?" Gohan asked, breaking Goten's train of thought as a result.
"Huh!?" Goten responded with, showing he wasn't expecting Gohan's question. "Oh! I'm just thinking about who this person might be. I don't know if this is actually the case yet, but… I think he could be Goku's counterpart…." Everyone knew he was referring to Goku Jr. That was who he always referred to when he said Goku's name.
"What makes you think that?" GT Goku asked. The confusion seen on his face. "Most versions of Goku Jr aren't a clone or son of Goku. That's a rarity.."
"I know that…." Goten said. "Maybe he's from a rare timeline. One where that version of Dad was either cloned or had a son who looked identical. It's the only theory that makes sense as to how." It was clear he had been thinking about the possibility the entire time they were here.
"Regardless of the reasons, he kidnapped us all," GT Chi-Chi pointed out. Her voice and posture are calm and rational, like Chi-Chi's. "And with these brackets preventing us from using our abilities, we're sitting ducks. All we can do now is wait. Have faith in Kaka. We know damn well he has what it takes. Not just strength…" a faint smile formed as she continued. "But also his courage, resolve, patience and compassion. And if this person is who Goten thinks he is, then chances are he's hurting. He must be in great amounts of pain. Just like Kaka went through. So if anyone can understand enough to try to reach out, it could be him. If we can find a way to communicate with Kaka, we could maybe help him. Find out who this Saiyan really is. Let Kaka know that he's never truly alone. Then maybe, just maybe…. He can help this damaged soul."
The others took a brief pause of this. They were clearly thinking about what could be done. Goku then turned to Xeno Gohan. "Could you find a way to override the bracelets?" He asked. "Enough to avoid suspicion and with the codes needed for them? If we can disable them without attracting suspicion, maybe we could have a way to contact your brother."
Xeno Gohan nodded. “It’s tricky due to the tech and people coming in and out, but yes. It can be done.”
"Do what you have to do," Xeno Goku told him. "They can't suspect a thing."
Xeno Gohan nodded and quickly got to work. Doing absolutely everything in his power to disable the bracelets, with some override, without getting caught. Everyone else could be seen keeping their eyes out for anyone who could walk in, to give him a signal to stop.
Elsewhere……
Goku Jr was seen flying on the nimbus, navigating with a map he had to try to search for leads, while also learning more about this timeline. Goku went solely by Kakarot but to his knowledge, Kakarot didn't come to Earth. At least that's what he thought. But then, he knew he could be wrong. That's when he remembered that he was in the timeline six years ago. But he didn't interact with many people there so he could have missed some important details. Then he actually decided to use his device to learn more about the timeline. At this point, the more he knew, the better. He could potentially learn more about the timeline while also being able to navigate through it as a result. That's when something he found interesting came up.
It seems Kakarot actually crash landed on Earth. It has actually been a while since it happened. Apparently he already met Chi-Chi and things have been tense at times. Apparently there was a lot more to this timeline than he originally realized. Raditz turned out to be alive and Planet Vegeta was still intact? Clearly a curious development indeed for a timeline. Though if this was all the case then it was probably best for him to avoid all of those people as much as possible. He wasn’t sure how they would react to him. So it was best to not encounter them if possible. Now looking for potential leads on the monsters, titans and raiders, which he also labeled as breakers. Goku Jr sored through the sky on the nimbus as he looked for a nearby town where can get some information. Flying towards the nearest village, he hid his tail around his waist and had the nimbus park a few feet away from the first village before sending it off for a little while.
‘Best to travel on foot for a bit’, Goku Jr thought to himself as he then started to head to the village. He felt an overwhelming amount of people staring at him. Possibly due to him being an outsider, armed to the teeth or possibly both. Walking markets, he noticed many of the people were looking in with malicious intent but rather curiosity. This village also somehow had a familiar aura to it. But he couldn’t put his finger on it. Though he also really thought that it was more of a city than a simple village.
Wandering around the markets, he then decided to start asking around about rumors that may have recently occurred. Walking towards a merchant, the Saiyan then began to calmly ask the man for information on said rumors. "Excuse me," he said, modestly, which caught the merchant off guard. "Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if there was a place you know of that would talk about rumors that may have recently popped up."
"Best bet would be to head to the fire mountain inn then, young man," the merchant said in a polite manner. "You adventurous folk tend to go there. And I can tell you're looking for an adventure."
"You could say that, my good sir," Goku Jr responded back in a polite manner. Best not to disclose the real reason why he was there. "Would you mind telling me where this inn is?"
"Oh sure thing lad," the merchant said with a chuckle. "It's a few blocks from the town square, to your right, once you pass the clock in the square, you should be able to see the big sign to the place."
"Thank you so much," Goku Jr said as he gave the merchant some Zenni. This caught the merchant by surprise. "Here's some money for your trouble."
"Much appreciated lad," the merchant said, looking at the handsome amount of ten thousand Zenni. "But…. It's not necessary."
"Please, I insist," Goku Jr responded. Showing that he was genuinely giving him the money. Causing the man to accept the reward. Money wasn't an issue for Goku Jr. Him ensuring his family's safety was all that mattered at the moment. As well as saving the 20 other timelines dragged into this madness.
"Thank you," the merchant said, taking the money. "Mighty generous of ya."
"It's no trouble at all," Goku Jr told him before, following the directions the merchant gave him. The crowds were browsing the wares of the markets where the square was. Musicians were seen playing music in the square, no doubt to get money from people. walking around mord, Goku Jr could see all kinds of people in the area. Merchants, wealthy commoners, nobles, aristocrats, you name it.
The Saiyan couldn't help but feel a sense of uneasiness around him. There were a lot of people, too many people for his liking and far too many guards and police around it seemed. He walked cautiously to the tavern and carefully went inside, trying not to rub law enforcement the wrong way with his mere presence. Once he was in the inn, some of the weight was now off his shoulders. Music was playing all around, with a hint of a mix between western, medieval and even Celtic music.
Walking towards the counter, Goku Jr took a deep breath before sitting down as a bartender was seen walking up to him, what surprised him was the fact that it looked like the bartender was a female Saiyan from the looks of it. Possibly from Universe 6. "What can I get ya mister?" The bartender asked in a polite tone.
This also caught Goku Jr off guard, though it might be best to play along for now. "This might sound like an idiotic question, considering the name of the place," he said but continued cautiously. "But would you happen to have Fire Mountain Ale, Liquor or Brandy?"
The bartender smiled at the modesty. "Surger, we have all the Fire Mountain alcohols, ale, liquor, brandy, whiskey, red and white wine, beer, rum, bourbon, ya name it. I'm surprised you're so modest about it though."
Goku Jr cocked an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?" He asked as if he wasn't expecting it.
"Well you know our kind" the bartender responded with a smile, confirming his suspicions about her. "No matter if they are from universe six or seven, most of us Saiyans can be a bit of a beast to tame. Out of all the universe 7 Saiyan customers this bar has, you're our most modest." Goku Jr could tell he was being teased by the girl before she began introducing herself. "The name's Celia by the way. What's your name?"
Goku Jr was taken aback by this but then decided to return the gesture to be polite. "G-Goku. Son Goku."
"Odd name for a Saiyan," Celia said. "I like it though. Something tells me it really suits you."
Goku Jr chuckled a bit while he blushed a little, due to being embarrassed. "Awww shucks…. hehehehehe…."
Celia smiled, eyeing Goku Jr, she couldn’t help but feel there was something different about him. Something most Saiyans lacked from both universe six and universe seven. Something about him that makes him different. Unique for the most part. She didn’t find him attractive. At least she didn’t think she did. But something piqued her curiosity. “So what brings ya to these parts, Mr.Son?” she asked with a hint of her curiosity.
“Just looking for some adventure and glory,” Goku jr answered, though not completely truthfully. He couldn’t tell her the truth. It would only cause complications. “Ancient temples and dungeons that may need exploring, legendary monsters and titans that need slaying, and villages that need saving. That sort of thing.”
“Well now,” Celia responded with. “If you're looking for adventure, there are several rumors of “Monsters” terrorizing the folk around earth and namek. Titans residing in temples running the show and four big “WarChiefs” leading them all.”
'WarChiefs? She must mean the Raiders,' Goku Jr thought in his mind. At this point, he figured there was only one way to find out. "Where can I find them all?" He asked. "Perhaps I could deal with them for all of you."
"Well…." Celia started as she eyed the Saiyan in front of her. "The "monsters'' won't be too hard to find. They are wreaking havoc anywhere they can, so finding them will be easy. The Titans on the other hand will be more difficult. They each reside in a dungeon or temple. I don't know all of the locations, but I know at least ten of them. I'll jot them down for ya."
"Much appreciated," Goku Jr said, thanking the girl in the process. "How can I repay you?"
"Ya could take me with ya on your adventure," Celia told him with an excited tone. "My adopted brother told me that I can always come back and tell him all about it if I go on one."
"Well…." Goku Jr said as he slowly put some thought into it. On one hand it would probably be too dangerous for her, but on the other he could use the extra help. "All right, fine. You probably know a way into the dungeons anyway."
Just then a few explosions and screaming can be heard coming from the market areas near the bridge that lead into the city. Upon hearing this, out of instinct, Goku Jr rushed towards where it was coming from. Struggling passed the panicking crowds, go to Junior uses this to use his telekinesis, to slowly but surely and carefully, putting together pieces of old devices he used to use of his old equipment, to build some type of weird handle-like device, well also forming a large portion of his energy and then reforming it into two crystals of some kind of a sapphire color. Once the crystal was created the metal pieces got it around it. Little did people know his "guns'' had a similar "energy crystal". Once the strange object was created, Goku Jr then grabbed it and strapped it onto his side. As he continued to push through People to the action, he remembered a similar situation during his second year in the Time Patrol.
It was a mission where Goku and Goku Jr were sent to defeat a version of Cell, Frieza, Buu, and Vegeta, along with Nappa the Dodoria, Zarbon, Spopovich and Yamu. They were causing chaos in a timeline where Goku stayed dead after Buu. These raiders were causing chaos wherever they went and Goku and Goku Jr split up to defeat them all. Goku Jr fought Spopovich, Yamu, Nappa, Dodoria and Zarbon, while Goku fought Vegeta, Frieza, Cell and Buu.
Goku Jr was forced to face his targets in a village, all at once, which wasn't ideal for time patrollers for a variety of reasons. One they didn't want to attract unwanted attention to themselves. Two, they didn't want to worry about collateral damage, and three didn't want people to get hurt in the crossfire. Upon reaching them, the younger Goku could be seen entering a fighting stance, and mentally preparing himself for battle as the others charged at him. Quickly dodging all of their attacks, Goku Jr could easily try to launch a quick counter attack but the amount of people attacking him at once, that would probably not be a wise decision.
Continuing to evade all of his enemies in just his base form, the young Saiyan male was seen mentally preparing himself to launch a counter-attack. He just needed to find the right opening and then.... Just then he noticed Nappa was wide open, giving the young Goku Jr the opportunity he needed.
Just then, Goku Jr then raised his right hand and fired a massive ki blast at Nappa, blasting him a few feet away, before he then delivered a massive left roundhouse kick, hitting Yamu, and nearly knocking him out in the process. He then delivered a flurry of kicks from both of his legs upon Dodoria, and then a flurry of punches as well, and a few other different fighting actions in regards to martial arts, such as open palms attacks, tiger claws, and various other techniques that he had learned over the years. Is it that moment where all of his opponents started losing their patience and started targeting the people around them causing Goku Jr to look back in absolute horror. How could he have screwed up with this!? How could you allow himself to get this cocky!? Quickly transforming into a Super Saiyan, he then did everything in his power to deflect all of the blasts, and even some of the saibamen that Nappa planted. Dispatching each of them was one punch. Nappa, Yamu Spopovich Dodoria and Zarbon on the other hand would not be that easy. And before he knew it a lot of the people in the village got hurt, some even killed because of his reckless actions.
This sparked a great amount of rage in the young Saiyan. Not just the enemies he was currently facing but also at himself. How could he have been so reckless!? How could he be this fucking foolish!? Before he knew it, he then began going all out but this time going Super Saiyan 2. Though he wasn't actually going all out in all of his transformations he figured Super Saiyan 2 would be more than enough to take them down at this point. And besides he wanted to end this as soon as possible now. Quickly punching a hole right through Yamu's stomach, he went through the same hand, fired a ki blast through Spopovich before sending it back to hit Dodoria who is currently in the sky, causing a massive explosion resulting in his death.
Three down, right then and there. And before Nappa and Zarbon could do anything about it, Goku Jr then charged at Nappa and delivered a massive punch, killing him instantly. Zarbon did transform but it didn't really do much when Goku Jr punched a hole through his stomach somewhere similar to how he punched a hole through Yamu's, before firing a massive energy blast to the sky through Zarbon's stomach.
And just like that all of his enemies were done for. But he couldn't even imagine how these people viewed him due to the fact that he was cocky when he started fighting them before he quickly used instant transmission and left. Never realizing how grateful those people were for his help. If it wasn't for his actual efforts they would have actually died. Hours have passed and it is now nightfall. Goku Jr was seen, on a rock, observing Mount Paozu. Hints of sadness in his expression along with guilt, anger, resentment, and so many other negative emotions. Son Goku, who had just managed to find him after his fight, was seen sitting down next to him and quietly looking at his son.
"It wasn't your fault kiddo," Goku tried to say. "All of those people would have been dead, if it wasn't fo-"
Before Goku could even finish the clone and adopted son of Goku, quickly got up and angrily shouted. "QUIET!" He then turned to his father and could easily tell that he was trying to hold back tears. He could only lash out and vent all of his anger and frustration at himself and he was lashing out at his own father because of it. Because his father would be the only one that would be willing to listen, at the moment. "Look, don't you get it Dad!? I FUCKING SCREWED UP! I mean, for a damn moment, I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could actually do SOMETHING COMPLETELY RIGHT, FOR ONCE IN MY DAMN LIFE! BUT I FUCKED IT ALL UP BECAUSE OF MY DAMN ARROGANCE!!!!!! People got hurt and died, BECAUSE OF ME!!!!!! I..... I....just ..." He then walked to a tree, placing hands on his head in frustration. "Agh!!! I just.... Just..... Just forget it..... Forget it... Maybe I shouldn't have been born..." Goku Jr could only look away leaning against the tree.
Goku couldn't help but feel hurt at the fact Goku Jr was still being this harsh on himself. The difficulty of Goku training him, the tournament of power leaving mental scars in his son's mind. The times he and Chi-Chi saw their son pushing himself too hard in his private training, to the point of even injuring himself. The times he was reckless to the point of being suicidal, all of it caused Goku pain. He stared at his son, and he could tell that he was broken, lost, confused, and hurt. A look of pain was seen on Goku's face as he then began to shake it away. Getting up, he then walked towards the younger Saiyan, before grabbing his shoulder.
"Now you listen to me, Son Kakarot Goku Jr!" Goku calmly told the young man as he forced him to look at him. "Life will never be perfect! All of us have made mistakes, and we all will continue to do so. But we are filled with the potential for greatness, if we learn to overcome our own faults. Learn from our mistakes. Even you have the makings of greatness in you. But you have to be willing to take the helm and set your own course. And stick to it, even when things get hard. Because NOTHING that's worthwhile is easy! You're just as fallible as I am. But you're also just as capable of greatness. All you have to do is push yourself. And the road WILL be difficult! You will stumble and fall. But you have to be willing to get back up. And when the time comes, you get the chance to prove yourself and show what you're made of."
Goku then smiled as he continued. "And to be frank, I hope I get the chance to be there to catch some of the light from you that day."
There was a pause of silence for a second as Goku Jr processed everything that his father told him. The bright smile his father always had always showed that despite all the pain, there was always hope. Tears fell from Goku Jr's eyes as he then began to softly cry. Goku wrapped his arms around his son. "There there. It's alright Kiddo," Goku softly told his son. "It's alright....."
Back in the present, Goku Jr then began to finally approach the group causing all the chaos, walking towards them. These were normal raiders, at first glance but the Saiyan can feel the energy around them. These were a few of the "monsters" that he had to defeat. The men in question each had a small army of ex military, raiders, bandits, outlaws, battle droids or other mechanical bots. Goku Jr calmly continued his approach, his weird device in his hand as the forces he approached faced the Saiyan. Using his full power was not an option. Too many people could be hurt. Good thing he could use his weapons but this was a great opportunity to test his new toy.
"Well, look what we have here?" One the leaders asked. "Is that a Saiyan I see?"
Goku Jr then stopped and with the press of a button on his device, a royal blue sapphire blade of pure energy ignited from what was now revealed to be a hilt. "You've terrorized these people long enough," the Saiyan said calmly as if he was giving an order. "I'm only going to give you all one chance. Walk away…."
"Oh, look at this," one of the raider leaders said as he observed Goku Jr. "This brave little fool managed to replicate a Lightsaber. Doesn't matter. We're here to take this town, and I'm not gonna be intimidated by a man with a Death Wish. Kill him."
Just then when one of the mercenaries pointed a gun at Goku Jr, the Saiyan then took out his revolver looking pistol and fired an energy bolt through the roof chest. He knew what he was thinking when creating these weapons. This was to preserve his energy but to where he could still fight. As the mercenary fell onto the ground, a few of the mechanical warriors tried opening fire, only Goku Jr to quickly deflect many bolts, while putting the blaster away and pressing the other button, igniting another blade, on the other end. Many of the mechanical warriors were the ground from each timed and calculated deflection of the energy bolts.
Entering a fighting stance, the Saiyan prepared himself to end this fight as soon as possible. And then, as he expected, many of the remaining warriors then charged at him. Goku Jr saw many of the attacks coming before he quickly used his saber staff to block and parry many of their attacks, while also dodging those he wasn't able to. Quickly countering a few as well, stabbing a few men or slashing their chests, killing them nearly instantly. Detaching the smaller part of the double bladed weapon, causing the smaller hilted saber's blade to shorten, Goku Jr then started seeing tons of attacks of opportunity and started going on the offensive. Slashing at many of the men that were trying to kill him, countering and parrying any incoming attacks, giving him the perfect opportunities to strike. Also going on offense, breaking their defenses to give him an opportunity to finish his target at that moment, whenever he could. Eventually, he closed the shorter blade and holstered it back on his belt.
"We have a real fighter here," one of the remaining outlaws said. Charging at Goku Jr before he attempted to slam his advanced ax, only for the clone and adopted son of Goku to counter again, slice off the top part of the handle off, before holding his own advanced weapon backhanded and using a back handed technique to kill the current attacker. Aside from the three leaders, only four men remained now. It was clear the Saiyan was being calculating in his fighting and not being arrogant. Confident but not arrogant. Re-entering his fighting stance, the son of Goku, mentally prepared himself for the fight to continue. What actually happened was something he didn't expect.
One of the leaders, a cloaked and masked figure with a hood, was clapping towards Goku Jr. Judging by the figure of the person, they were clearly female. "Still have it on you I see," the figure said. This actually caught the others off guard as well. "I remember the fighting improvisation of Time Patrol."
"Who are you?" Goku Jr clearly questioned.
"One of the many factors of the game my master didn't tell you about," the figure said, clearly taunting the Saiyan. Goku remained in defense mode, preparing to battle again. "He didn't want to make this too easy for you, after all. I'm one of my lord's Inquisitors. Each timeline is filled with twelve of them. Like the "Raiders", "Titans", and "Monsters", you would be required to defeat us, and a few other threats as well." The masked woman only chuckled as she continued. "Most people believe the Raiders are the WarChiefs of my master but that couldn't be further from the truth. There are eight WarChiefs you must destroy as well. And thirty Captains. And all in each timeline you must venture forth and destroy all of us. As well as those twenty-eight Bounty Hunters that he has hired to destroy you. Each Raider, Inquisitor, Titan, Monster, WarChief, Captain, and Bounty Hunter, holds both a piece of information you will require to both find a reach my Master, and also items that would be the key to allow you to do so."
It was at that moment she started walking away. "As much as I would like to see just how much potential and power my master sees in you to justify all this madness, I must really be off," she said in a taunting manner. "I have more important matters I must attend to." And before Goku Jr could even try to stop her, the inquisitor then looked at the remaining forces, and gave them the signal to attack. "Sargesh, remind our Saiyan friend why his disgustingly pathetic warrior race is supposed to be dead."
Upon hearing that order, one of the warriors then started to prepare for battle, forcing Goku Jr to do the see as he was forced to do nothing but to allow the inquisitor to leave. The other warriors doing the same, as they circled all around him. Goku Jr took a deep breath, channeling one of his focus on the enemies around him. These guys in particular are easy, but deep down, he knew that this was only the beginning, and that the battles were only going to get harder from here. If inquisitors and bounty hunters were also present and after him, they're going to wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. A factor he now had to consider.
Tightening his grip on his lightsaber, Goku Jr mentally prepared his next move. And as soon as the others began their attack, he quickly pressed a button, causing two ends up the blade to open up, igniting two other smaller energy blades formed as if it was a guard on the blade and the main blade to extend, and slashed down onto the biggest for straight from the chest down. The brute fell onto the ground, lifeless, as the second to last foe, trying to attack from behind, before Goku Jr parried the attack, and lunged the blade right into his attacker's stomach. Switch backing to the normal stanced blade after taking the blade out of the bandit, Goku Jr looked at his last enemy, entering a defensive stance, clearly waiting for his opponent to attack, and he did, with Goku Jr parrying many of his attacks and then finally slashing the man's chest, ending him. Seeing the people gathering around him, he deactivated his weapon before holstering it on his belt.
'Two primary targets down, and many more to go,' he thought to himself, checking the bodies for the leads he needed, which ended up being a holographic map, fragmented as if turned into pieces of a puzzle. Of course it wouldn't be that easy. He was gonna have to start hunting soon. But luckily, he also discovered that they also show Intel he could put to use. Whereabouts and locations and estimated destinations for the Monsters, WarChiefs and Captains. 'Good,' Goku Jr thought more. 'This is a start. If I can eliminate the and the monsters first, maybe I cannot only get the Intel I need, but also be able to put a dent into their command structure.'
There were a lot more threats standing between him and whoever abducted his family than he originally thought. He should have known not to trust the word of that person. Oh well, nothing he could really do about it now. Captains and monsters were all over the place, but constantly moving to look for chaos, so finding them wouldn't be too difficult. In fact, it would be likely that he would fight them often, and more frequently. The WarChiefs, he would have to draw out but with the captains protecting them potentially, they would be a lot more vulnerable. The "raiders" would no doubt have to wait until he had dealt with everyone else. There seemed to be, for the most part, a well established chain of command.
Once he had finished getting all of that Intel, he noticed the villagers were just starting to gather around him to check why the battle had stopped all of a sudden. Many of them were seemingly praising him quietly or gossiping how he was able to take them all down.
"Thank you stranger," one of the villagers said. Clear gratitude heard from his voice as Goku Jr then turned to him.
"It's no trouble at all," the Saiyan said. Clearly getting ready to set to leave as he then took the last of the Intel he needed. "These people have been terrorizing other places as well as this one for far too long. That's actually why I'm here. I'm here to deal with this madness." That was only some of the truth but these people didn't even know the true reason why they were here and he might as well keep them in the dark on this. The last thing Goku Jr needed was for people to get in his way. Luckily his new weapon can be shifted into different types of lightsaber. Five different ways of fighting that he could utilize with it. Though he shouldn't completely over rely on his advanced weapon. His Brother's sword was advanced enough and was made with a steel that would be more than enough to withstand the energy of his saber. And his father's power pole definitely was enhanced by Magic allowing it to withstand his sabers energy too. All three weapons would come in handy.
Not to mention the equipment that he could potentially obtain in the future as well. Considering that for the most part he may be on his own he was going to need all the resources, gear, and help that he could get at this point. Time Patrol is being forced to not get involved due to needing to find the bombs that this unknown person placed in different timelines. So their assistance was practically impossible at this point. At least until the bombs were found in disabled , which considering that it was only 15 bombs and its seemingly infinite timelines, which meant infinite realities, it was nearly impossible to be certain of that.
Goku Jr also knew there was something preventing his family from using their abilities as he knew there was no way to contact them. Not even telepathically. Knowing how resourceful his family was though they were probably trying to figure out a way to do that at the very least. Especially if they know they can't escape. Though there was also a possibility that whoever has them might also be aware of the possibility of them trying to do that from the very start. If he was able to catch his father off guard of all people, as well as his brothers, he must have done extensive research on the whole family. Goku Jr grimaced at the thought, but this was a possibility he had to consider.
Another possibility he had to consider was the possibility of his family's captor increasing the amount of people in the timeline too that he would have to face. If he was able to keep him in the dark about the Bounty Hunters, Inquisitors, WarChiefs and captains up until now, what else would they be hiding? Not mention the various monsters and potentially additional enemies that he might not even know about at the moment.
Taking a deep breath, Goku Jr then continued. "I intend to rid you of all of your biggest threats at this moment. The various factions that have been terrorizing you as of late, their leaders as well as the various beasts and monsters that have been giving you trouble."
"Why don't you stay," another villager suggested. A voice sounding a bit pleading. "We could use someone like you in the village."
Goku Jr shook his head, knowing what this man was implying and he had no intention of staying permanently. "No, this is something I have to do," he said calmly as he then looked at everyone. "My responsibility is to ensure that they are never going to be a threat again. I intend to hunt them down. Which means I'll have to set out as soon as possible. If any of you have any leads, now would be the time to share them." He showed that he was adamant on this goal. His posture and tone are still calm and determined. "I'm pretty much hunting each and every one of these guys down."
"Stay a couple days then," another Town's folk mentioned. A hint of insistence in her voice. "You could rest up here so that you could prepare for this journey."
Goku Jr hated to admit it, but these people did have a valid point. Plus it wouldn't help to just rush in without any rest at all. It was probably best to be as prepared as possible. "Only a couple of days," he said with a stoic look. "Then I'll be on my way an-"
And as soon as he said that, a few other villagers started running up with a bit of an urgent manner. "Mister Mayor!" One of them called out. A bit of a panic in their voice. "One of the bandits snatched one of our daughters and is holding her for ransom! You must do something"
Goku Jr.'s morals suddenly kicked in as soon as he said that and before anyone else could say anything, he then began to address them. "I'll get her back," he said with a confident tone. He knew he was fully capable of it and would get the job done quickly but his priority would have been making sure that child was safe. The last thing that he wanted was for someone to die because of him.
"Oh thank you," the other villager said. “They are holding her in the nearby abandoned temple! It’s been full of monsters and other horrible things as of late.”
"Noted," Goku Jr said before he then began to head towards the gate of the town to head to the temple. "I'm leaving right away. The sooner I leave to get your daughter back, the better her chances of survival." Before anyone could object, Goku Jr then continued to leave, showing that he had every intention to get her back as a result. Upon leaving the city, the saiyan would then continue to push forward, towards the temple. The temple where the girl was being held. Although he wasn't planning on going after them right away, he would be killing two birds with one stone this way and possibly more if any of his original targets try to go after him. The final point being a likely synopsis as well. Little did he realize that Celia was following him from the very beginning but from a pretty good distance that he wouldn't notice.
As this was happening however, Goku Jr's true Target had been observing from the safety of his castle. To say that he wasn't impressed by Goku Jr's quick handling of the first batch of warriors would be a lie. Perhaps he underestimated him after all. It would seem he would need to increase the amount of forces in each of the five timelines. Perhaps quadruple the amount but that would leave the castle completely defenseless that would not be an option. Instead he would have to think of something. Either way he would have to lower the defenses of the castle by depriving them of some of his best warriors. Hiring more bounty hunters and assassins and even mercenaries would not be the difficult part but he can only spare so many resources to do so.
The Bandits and Raiders were also cheaper and their chaotic in predictability allowed them to be a good distraction. But even then it didn't compare to the skill level of the assassins and bounty hunters. And it would be best to have a war chief in command of the various groups in order to ensure that they obey orders whenever they actually are given them. Both of these factors were a must but this would be the final time he would be able to do this potentially so he would need to do this now and ensure that this would go into fruition. Doubling the amount of people there would probably increase the efforts of taking Goku Jr down. So another factor is that he would probably have to find some way to give Goku Jr a Fighting Chance. Perhaps by releasing someone he had captive to assist Goku Jr.
As soon as the mysterious Saiyan was truly deciding to plan out how he was going to deal with this revelation, Haruto then entered his chamber. "My Lord," Haruto said hesitantly. "We just received reports that Goku Jr made light work of several patrols to the first temple and abandoned the rating led by two of our captains as well as a couple of inquisitors."
Haruto's Master took a deep breath. Not one out of anger or frustration but rather concentration. "It seems that the Saiyan's mother was right about how we should not underestimate him. No matter. I will not allow myself to be beaten by him so easily. But I must admit that. He is exceeding my expectations already. I wasn't expecting it to be done this quickly. But that goes to show that a Saiyan should not be underestimated. It would probably be best to double the amount of forces in each timeline. Double EVERYTHING. In the meantime we can prepare to replace our defenses for the castle and get as much of the defense done as possible through cloning and manufacturing of robots and Androids. Even normal droids. The last thing we need is for him to make it through the first timeline with the same amount of ease. Also prepare to release Son Goten and send him to the timeline that Son Kakarot Goku Jr is currently in. We'd want to give him a fighting chance now, don't we?"
"But sir," Haruto hesitantly said. "Sending your best men across the different timelines but leaving the castle mostly defenseless."
"A setback I am currently aware of," the unnamed Saiyan said. "But with the recent acquisition of the other several versions of some of the best warriors across various timelines, they will very much replenish the castle's defenses for the most part. Especially its command structure. They have the experience, and skill to back it up. The rest of our numbers we can replenish by hiring mercenaries, cloning, summoning monsters, manufacturing machines, droids, robots and Androids, and perhaps even getting new enlistees. Goku Jr is not going to reach the castle in one day, I assure you."
Haruto only tried to speak again. "My Lord I implor-"
"Don't forget," his master interrupted him. "It was I who wanted to face Goku Jr, myself in combat. I knew that none of these men would keep him contained but I wasn't expecting him to be this strong or skilled. So this would give me more time to prepare myself to face him in combat."
"Very well sir," Haruto said, defeated. "And I'm sure you're aware that the prisoners are trying to sabotage the devices?"
"Why did you think I took the precautions preemptively to ensure that they weren't going to be successful?" The Superior mentioned. "At this point they would have already figured out that I was aware that they were going to try it. Though, I guess it wouldn't matter if I'm going to send Goten to assist his brother."
The two remained silent for the next 7 minutes as they then began to walk to the holding cells the Son Family were being held in. Upon the family noticing the two, it was at this point the Saiyan then began to speak. "It was only a matter of time before you would have tried to sabotage the bracelets," he said in a tone that outright confirmed that he knew about it. "Unfortunately for you, I have taken the extra liberties to make sure that you would not be able to. All you can do is wait for Son Goku Jr to try to save you."
Before anyone else could say anything, Goku then quickly got up, walked quickly to the bars in the cell, and tried to aggressively grab his captor, only for the man to back away in time. "I SWEAR, IF YOU DO ANYTHING TO MY SON, EVEN SO FAR AS TOUCH HIM, I WILL TEAR YOU APART LIMB FROM LIMB!" The Earth Saiyan yelled. His character was truly getting to him by taunting him about Goku Jr. Whatever he had planned for his son, Goku wouldn't allow it to happen if he had the power to prevent it. But he remembered he was now in a position where he couldn't even do anything. Chi-Chi placed a hand on his shoulder to try to help him calm down. She could tell that his blood was boiling at this point.
The Saiyan that was currently free only laughed. "Maybe you would be able to do that, if you didn't have that device that is designed to suppress your power on your wrist," he merely remarked. His words sounded like a complete taunt. "Face it, Mr Son. Right now, you are completely powerless. Your adopted brat is your only shot at being free." Goku's blood only began to boil hotter. His heart rate began to increase purely from anger. Something his captor quickly took notice of.
"Touch a nerve, did I, Son Goku?" The overlord taunted even more. His voice showed more confidence as he continued to do so. "Though I must admit, I do applaud you for wanting to protect your son, despite your current situation. But because your son is doing so well and far exceeding my expectations, I'm going to have to double everything. But it might piss you off even more but I do believe that I would love to give your son a Fighting Chance. Perhaps by sending someone to aid him in his quest no strings attached aside from not being able to communicate with you, like I don't know, your other second eldest?"
At this point, even Chi-Chi's blood was boiling. "So you're going to put my other children through hell as well!?" She yelled out. Her voice sounded like she was about to make a death threat. "If it wasn't for these restraints you put on us, I would have torn you apart myself!"
"It's not like you really have a choice in the matter but to allow the different versions of Son Goten to assist Son Goku Jr," the overlord said, reminding her of the situation she was currently in. "Besides I hear that they're an indestructible Force to be reckoned with when working together. I want to put that to the test. Again I'm not giving any of you a choice in the matter. The three versions of Goten will suffice after that, the rest of you will remain here."
"Just me or No deal," Goten responded, causing everyone to be shocked because they turned to him. Goten only grinned as he looked at his Family's Captor. "I assure you that'll only take the two of us to take all of your forces down." He said with all of the confidence in his voice. "You said it yourself, me and my brother are an unstoppable force when we work together if you really want to test that out. Send only me which is the version of Son Goten he works best with. After all, we did grow up together." He shrugged as he finished that statement and Chi-Chi and Goku could see the confidence that their second eldest alongside Goku Jr was giving.
The Saiyan overlord only smiled. "You must really have faith in you and your brother's ability, Son Goten," he said with a seemingly arrogant but rather intrigued smile. "I do hope that faith is not misplaced." He finished when the cage door was opened and guards escorted Goten out of the cell. But not before Goten secretly gave Pan something.
Perfect, it's probably best if it was just him and Goku Jr anyway. It was possible that he would only use the four of them as more of a means to prepare for the inevitable arrival. And besides he didn't know just how rigged this game was in this Saiyan's favor. So as long as Goten knows at least a little bit of the knowledge or is able to keep track of his tactics, perhaps he and Goku Jr would be able to beat him at his own game. He just needed to be patient and wait for the right opportunities to come to fruition. Though he also had to be aware of the fact that he would probably anticipate Goten and Goku Jt's next movements going forward. So he had to be careful not to underestimate him.
"You won't be disappointed," Goten remarked. A hint of seriousness was heard in his voice. But his confidence was left unwavered. "I'll promise you that much."
"We shall see," the other Saiyan told the hybrid before Goten was taken away from the cell with the leader following.
Chi-Chi and Goku both grimaced at the situation. They were now having to deal with the fact both Goku Jr and Goten were now gonna be charging into danger again, just to save them. Chi-Chi held onto Goku as she tried to hold back tears. While Goku wrapped his arms around her too. Trying to comfort her.
Gohan was trying to contain his anger as Videl quickly went to comfort him. Wrapping her arms around him, she then rubbed her hand on his back. "They're going to be okay," Videl reassured him. "They're a lot like you and your dad. They won't let this guy win."
Gohan then wrapped his own arms around his wife. "I know…." He said reluctantly. But they're still my little brothers……."
"I know," Videl said. Comforting her husband as much as she could. "But we're going to need to have faith in them."
Everyone just watched as Goten was taken away. A hint of worry was present in their expressions as they saw this. Only being able to watch and being completely powerless to stop this.
That is all this happened, the newly selected Raider that was a Vegeta, was assigned to bring Goten to the timeline that Goku Jr was currently in and that he would be assigned to. After the nod of acknowledgment this supposed Vegeta began to lead Goten away. It took a few hours to get them to the timeline that was their destination but once they actually reached it, the Raider then spoke to him directly.
"They're doubling the amount of people in each timeline," he said, which caught Goten off guard and he had no idea why he was being told this but then truly since his energy and noticed this was an energy reading he immediately recognized. Of course it would be an old friend. How this person was able to trick the Son Family Captor was a mystery to him but right now he didn't have time to ask how this particular "Vegeta" was able to pull it off. Still it was nice to know that an old friend was going to be helping him and Goku Jr. "Though I don't think I'll be able to trick him for much longer," The pure blood Saiyan in question continued. "It's possible I'm going to have to help you and Kaka going forward at some point. I'm going to wait for an opportunity to strike before that happens though."
"Sounds good," Goten said with a smile. "But when that happens you're going to have to tell me and Goku how you were able to pull all this off."
"In due time," the saiyan told him. "For right now, too many eyes and ears. I'm only telling you this now because we're at a location I currently have not many of the overlords forces around. So if I don't leave now it'll raise suspicions."
"Find out whatever you can about the increased defenses as well as the layabouts in this timeline and reality," Goten said. His voice showed the level of concern as well a hint of a tactical strategic level of thinking. "We don't know what we're up against at the moment and it would probably benefit us and Goku more if we know at least a large portion of what we're facing."
"My thoughts exactly," the saiyan said before he began leaving the hybrid. He also continued to give information that he had already as he left to hopefully give Goten some ideas. "They're probably also going to hire more mercenaries and bounty hunters too. Many of them would have some good gear that you could use to help you preserve your power. Their weapons could come in handy as well as their other equipment."
"Thanks for the tip, Veg," Goten finally said, causing the undercover Raider, who turned out to be Vegeta the fifth AKA Vegeta Jr, to grin. "Good luck and be careful out there."
"You too," Vegeta Jr said before heading out. No doubt heading to his current objective. And as soon as he was out of sight and out of mind, Goten then started heading out himself to search for the bounty hunters that Vegeta Jr mentioned.
This is going to be a test that would take him a little bit to do so. Goten knew that much. The first thing he did was check this reality's course of history. Currently the version of his father that went solely by Kakarot in this reality, and the others were currently off-world, including this reality's version of his mother, Chi-Chi so he didn't have to worry about dealing with anyone that they knew. Aside from anyone that may have been pulled from other realities and brought to the five that their enemy set pieces of the chessboard into, for lack of a better term. Right now the hybrid knew that him and Goku Jr would be playing right into his foe's hands at the moment. Luckily if he could plan it right though, perhaps he could turn the game of his family's captor against him. He just had to find the bounty hunters Vegeta Jr mentioned first.
Stealing their equipment would probably prove useful for him. Considering what he was up against, it was probably best for him to try to preserve as much of his energy as possible. It took him a few hours to find the bounty hunters, but Goten managed to track them down with his ki sensing techniques. They were setting camp in the forrest path leading to some temple. Possibly a Temple Goku Jr was heading to. But until Goten was able to acquire a means to listen in on the radio chatter, and as a result, keep track of their movements, it would be impossible for him to know for sure.
The bounty hunters were just sitting around. Perfect! The seeds were being planted, and Goten observed the bounty hunters carefully. Patiently waiting for his moment to strike. seeds were being planted, and Goten observed the bounty hunters carefully. They didn’t suspect an amubush. That was much clear. Goten could use this to his advantage. If he could time his attacks right, he could deal with these guys, without much trouble. But he needed to move fast for that. He needed to wait for his perfect moment to strike,and then when that happened, he needed to be fast. Then his opportunity arrived. Taking a deep breath, the second biological son of Goku and Chi-Chi swooped down and struck on off the Bounty Hunters and fired a Ki Blast towards the rest. Most of them dodging the attack as Gotne entered a fighting stance while his enemies circled around him before they charged. Goten quickly swipped on off his feet with a lower kick before, kicking him again, sending him towards a handful of the others.
One of the bounty hunters launched a metal cable, which quickly wrapped around Goten, catching the hybrid off guard for a second there. Struggling to break free, Son Goten quickly started to charge up his energy knowing that he was going to have to kick it up a notch. Electricity wrapping around him as this happened, the Saiyan hybrid quickly channeled his energy, trying to overload the Bounty Hunter's equipment, in the hopes that he could break free. As long as he was in the bond that he was in, he was an easy target. These guys were good. Really good bounty hunters. Whoever hired them wasn't playing around. And all his years in the Time Patrol, he wasn't expecting to face bounty hunters with this level of experience. Guess there’s a first for everything. Channeling his energy through the wire, he then started to overload the Bounty Hunter holding him in place's gear. And ince to see what's free of his restraint, Goten immediately charged at a few more of his enemies. Delivering a massive kick to another Bounty Hunter, before punching the third one standing and firing an energy blast at the fourth.
After an explosion killed most of the other bounty hunters, Goten looked at the remaining two foes he was fighting. Pulling guns on him. The two last enemies quickly opened fire, only for Goten to quickly catch their bullets. His speed was faster than the firing rate which was to be expected of the Time Patroller at this point. As soon as the bounty hunters burned out all of their ammo, Goten then opened his hands, revealing that he caught all their bullets, even the handgun ammo. And before his enemies could react, the hybrid quickly delivered the final kick in a final punch to both of them with the kick hitting one in the punch hitting the other, in that order.
Goten, like any of the other Son Family members, never enjoyed taking a life. Only doing so when it was absolutely necessary. And knowing that he just took the lives of all those bounty hunters really did bug him. Even though he was justified in this situation. Still it couldn't be helped. Grabbing the gear he needed, Goten took some extra gear to give to Goku Jr. Figuring he would need it. All the ammo, three adaptable rifles and pistols each, two highly advanced hammers, clearly designed for combat, and a makeshift lightsaber with an orange blade. These will come in handy. Finally, an adaptable sword similar to Gohan's new sword, the one Goku Jr currently had, and various types of grenades. These will definitely come in handy. Hopefully they'll get more gear throughout their journey. Considering what the two brothers were up against, they were going to need all the gear and the help they could get. The last thing he grabbed was a com link. Useful for him to keep track of enemy movements.
Upon putting the commlink on, he overheard the chatter about Goku Jr heading towards the temple close to Goten's location and that they were planning an ambush. Goten could use this to his advantage.
#Son Goku Jr#son goten#son goku#chichi#minor gochi#dragon ball#super dragon ball heroes#dbz xenoverse#xenoverse#adventure#action#drama#flashbacks#canon departure#canon divergence#alternate canon#alternate universe#alternate reality#alternate timeline#Goku Jr is GoChi's son in this continuity#Son Twins UNITE!!!!!#multiverse
7 notes
·
View notes
Note
I finished the chapter, you're killing me with all the fluff. I almost turned into ashes because of the overwhelming amount of warmth this whole thing was.
This is so funny to me that Reader is so afraid Dimitrescus will be scared/won't love them because of the mutation like they ain't mutated themselves like the sisters ain't a bunch of flesh eating fly mutants with a mama that can turn into a freaking dragon and they think Dimis would be scared of some wings or few additional eyes 😭
“I’m… doing just fine on my own, handling everything on my own.”
Bestie you clearly don't, be for real 😭
“You were right. I’m not her(…)"
“You are quite similar…”
AND THAT'S SUS
Bela is adorable indeed please, the transition from confident to shy blushing mess is killing me.
Daniela would have a free pass for terrorising me any time she wants.
"You think you see the flickering form of that lunatic walking in a circle around Daniela, almost watching her… curiously?"
AAAAAAAAAAAAAA (just a lot of screaming) IN MY HEAD THIS IS THE BEGGING OF THEM GETTING SOFT FOR DANIELA IDC
"Before you know it, her hand smacks the side of your head hard"
Deserved
I'm a mess because of the cuteness of the whole scene with Bela, Cass and Dani. How to use words???? I be just giggling.
YOU TELLING ME BELA AND CASS FINALLY HAD A DECENT CONVERSATION AND BELA IS WORRIED SHE'S A BAD SIS AND SHE... SHE, SHE COMPLIMENTED CASSANDRA'S DRAWINGS OH MY GOD I LOVE THEM SO MUUUUUUCH. IT WAS SO SWEET PLEASE BELA CAN YOU APPRECIATE YOUR SIS MORE OFTEN. I love this moment so much.
DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THEM GETTING THE FLOWER CROWNS AND KISSES FROM DANI AAAAAAAAAAA I LOVE WHEN THEY'RE ALL SWEET AND ALL WITH EACH OTHET NIX WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME GOOD BYE
“A high concentration of virgin blood makes me a little feral, as you said, but everything else makes me drunk"
What does virgin blood mean in this tho and how is she able to tell the difference. This concept was alway so weird to me. Like is she really able to tell the difference in taste somehow? She just likes her food un-fucked by a man/in general? Why does it matter so much, what's the science behind it?😭
"These women are vile. They are nothing like the ones you know and have come to adore, and you think you’re beginning to understand why your copy doesn’t like spending much time with them"
Damn Lunatic and Reader really are living in such different environments, surrounded by much different people. And it really makes me sad for them :(
No one is giving Lunatic any love or even the simplest affection. Not without a price that is as Miranda may give them a head pat or sth but only if they earn it somehow.
The character is tragic to me, their case. Like, they probably could be so much different if only they were surrounded by people like from Reader's world :(
That's also why I want so bad for Lunatic to experience something nice and unconditional for once in their life with the fluff ball Reader's Dani is 😭
Lastly, I adore how this chapter and the whole work is so full of kisses and simple affection in general. Everyone is getting forehead kisses left and right and I live for that.
Despite the angst it's still so warm and fuzzy, please, might me my comfort fic even with all the bloody events.
I love how each pair goes their own way and has their own pace but all of them do those sweet little things and bond together and have nice intimate moments and it's not banging every five seconds.
Also the Dimitrescus and their bond honestly might be my fav part of it all😭 I adore how they'd protect each other at all cost, their little fights and all the soft moments. I love my platonic/family bonds too, I wish people would explore it more rather than write them doing all sorts of messed up stuff, can't they just let them cuddle or sth 😭
HEHEHEHE, i saw the notification pop up about this ask and just went !!!!!
*Reader: "but what if you don't love me the same if you saw my mutation? :(" // literally any of the Dimis: "...did you forget who we are-"
*Reader try not to lie challenge (impossible)
*SHE DIDN'T MEAN ANYTHING BAD BY THIS I PROMISE
*Bela is literally the epitome of confidence and authority but loses it so quickly when someone is nice to her. pls i love her
*Daniela could "terrorize" me all she wants, i'd have 0 complaints
*sometimes you just need a hard lil smack to get some sense back in your head <3
*PLEASE I WAS SO WORRIED THIS SCENE WITH BELA AND CASS TALKING WAS OOC, BUT IDC IT NEEDED TO BE DONE. CASS NEEDS TO KNOW BELA LOVES HER AND IS GOING TO TRY BEING A BETTER SISTER
*also i literally debated for a while if i should even add in Dani giving them kisses on the cheek 😭 like i know this fandom gets kind of weird sometimes and i was afraid someone would take that not platonically and i'd have to throw hands, BUT I COULDNT STOP SMILING WHEN I WAS WRITING IT PLS, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH
*i think virgin blood is just more "pure"? and since they feed on it often, they can tell the difference between virgin blood and non-virgin blood. i literally don't know the science behind it because virginity is like a social construct (i think?) but i assume it's something like that. i might have to go research it to be sure-
*it's been interesting to write Lunatic as this horrible, cruel person in the beginning who we assume is just Like That, only to eventually see all the little pieces that make them who they are. like, yeah, copies are horrible versions of the real ones, but it's obvious they're capable of change and only remain this way because of the environment(s) they're in
i mean, their Dimis obviously hold very little to no love for one another, and being around that dynamic alone is bound to make them a bit bitter and cruel to anyone else because they're not surrounded by any sort of love. and when they're not trapped in the megamycete, they're around Miranda, who only sees them as a tool or a pawn rather than someone who literally has thoughts and feelings
i will say that moment where they were watching Daniela + where they mentioned they'll go easy on her were changes we're starting to see in their character. they see the possibility of what they could have, what life they could live, but it'll take some time for them to understand they're allowed to have happiness
*listen i adore simple affection :'( i think it's way more interesting to write these women as people who are capable of kindness and love, but choose to be cruel and awful to anyone who isn't their family. i don't really like reading anything where they're just horrible all the time and are incapable of even being half-decent to each other
but yes, everyone gets a kiss! you get a kiss, and you get a kiss, and yes, you get a kiss!!
*i do like writing their dynamics a bit different rather than the same thing over and over- like Alcina is a bit reserved because she knows Reader is hiding something and doesn't want to get too close for the sake of her daughters, Daniela is a bit more fast-paced but still very respectful of boundaries etc., Cassandra is coming to terms with the fact she's actually falling in love for like the first time, and Bela is a bit of a mix with her being out of her depth and not knowing how to proceed sometimes but still trying her hardest to compromise <3
like, i feel it makes more sense that way? they're all different people with different personalities, so they wouldn't go about every situation the same way
(also i hate when people write them as horny 24/7- like i genuinely highly doubt sex is even on their list of priorities LMAO. Bela and Dani are probably the only ones to actively seek it out, but even then, i don't think it'd be a regular occurrence like some people think)
*i'm trying my best to not write them as super hostile with each other all the time 😭 like yeah, Bela and Cass have their moments, but it's so painfully obvious they still love each other and would do anything to keep each other safe. i wish we had more of, "yeah, these people are horrible and awful, but here's them in a cuddle pile because it's a cold night <3"
ANYWAYS AAAAA IM GLAD YOU LIKED THE CHAPTER, i have a plan for the next one i think you'll like (something with Red... hmm...) and i'll try to start working on it sometime this week after i get some other projects done <3333 thank you for sharing your thoughts, i literally love them so much 😭💞
#asks#to promise the moon#i have several good things planned actually#idk where to go after they happen but we'll burn that bridge when we get to it#for now im off to cut my hair and get something to eat <3#y'all better be taking care of yourselves as well#or else
3 notes
·
View notes
Note
In honor of Father's Day, could we get some headcanons of the twins (separately) as parents?
Venti as a Father:
It would be really chaotic and a mess when it’s him watching over the kids
Just feeding them and bringing the spoon to their mouth like an airplane, and if one of his children happens to playfully throw the food to his face, it’ll be a food fight.
Of course, it didn’t last long when you entered the room and you see everything is so cluttered and dirty.
Venti can be strict with them if he has to but most of the time he’s carefree and lively with them. Often going outside to play, gliding, and maybe just a leisurely family time with you, him, and the children.
He’s not really restricting them but if they wanna play outside they have to ask his permission first so he’ll know where they are or so that he can watch over them
Venti likes it if his kids ask him to carry them! He’ll carry them on his shoulders so they can see the beautiful view of Mondstadt's scenery!
Or if he’s laying on your lap and they’re asking to be carried, he’ll lift them up and act like they’re flying in the sky. He’ll use his vision to make it really breezy so they can feel what it’s like to soar in the air.
When it’s time for dinner, he has to call for them. But the problem is they’re so mischievous that they even hide from him. It’s easy to find them but for the sake of entertaining them, he pretends he doesn’t have a single clue as to where they are.
“Now where’s my little sweetie hiding again? Looks like Detective Venti is starting another case of Disappearing Angel.” He takes his cape and flips them in the air for a dramatic effect and boy does he hear that stifled laugh behind the sofa.
He takes out his lyre and starts singing about the clues he had gathered and for suspense, he stopped strumming his instrument and stood still. Their kid covered their mouth to quiet themselves and it was unfortunate for them they didn’t notice their father was already behind them.
Venti’s hands slipped underneath them and hoisted them to his shoulder causing them to shriek and wiggle around while giggling.
“Papa, that’s unfair!!”
“Another point for Detective Venti~”
Aside from playing detectives, he’s pretty much dramatic around them if they’re playing house or prince and princess together.
“Oh, sweet child of mine, call the fairest maiden for I, Venti the Most Handsome, Charming, Powerful, and Talented Bard has fallen down because of the great dark dragon’s compelling attack.”
Your child first thought of you, immediately rushing to where you are and tugging at your sleeves.
“Mama! Mama! Help Papa come back alive! He said the only way to regain his powers is that you have to kiss him!”
You choked at your own spit, your face burning hot hearing another ridiculous idea venti started for you to kiss him. You didn’t want to disappoint them so you obliged and followed them to the living room.
There you saw venti laying down, his hands on his chest with his eyes closed, and sure you’d mistaken him as some kind of princess if not for your daughter asking you to help him.
Clearing your throat and readying yourself in acting mode, you kneeled down beside him and clasped his hands with yours.
“Oh, my darling Venti. All your power has been drained, the energy within you has been stolen by the greatest and fearful creature that has been ever lived. But fear not, for I have come to aid you by… by caressing you with a true love’s kiss.”
You slowly leaned forward and ran your finger on his face before closing your eyes until his lips brushed with yours. The tips of your ears were turning red when your child awed and watched closely, and for sure you felt your husband’s lips tugging upwards. His hand reached up behind you to hold you close to him and let the kiss last longer.
His eyelids flutter open, revealing the marvelous emerald orbs he has that were the same as your little angel, and he turned at you with clouded eyes, his cheeks beginning to tint with warm red.
“…more…”
Before he could latch his lips with yours once more, your child jumped at his back and cried,
“You’re alive! You’re finally alive! Quick, defeat the dark dragon before it destroys the castle!”
Venti almost forgot he was playing with them. All of a sudden, you felt your feet weren't on the ground anymore and in instinct, you held onto his shoulder and gaped at him. Venti's arm was underneath your bottom, carrying with such ease as if your weight was as light as a feather.
“Of course, my dear! Now that my power has been replenished thanks to this lovely maiden, I can finally stop the dragon’s outrage through the power of wind and freedom!”
His right hand glowed, unleashing a gentle yet powerful wind to knock down the mini dvalin stuffed toy that was standing in front of the blocks. The toy’s balance was gone, causing it to fall onto the ground as a sign the enemy’s disturbance was no longer present. Peace, harmony, and freedom were settled back to the small kingdom you, your child, and your husband had created.
Himmel as a father:
Himmel’s a househusband! Due to his frail body, he’s more inclined to work inside the house which he doesn’t mind. So all the cooking, cleaning, laundry is handled by him.
Househusband Himmel doesn’t really mind at all! In fact, he really enjoys it because he gets to watch over his kyut litol beybis playing around the house and spend time with them!
He knows you’re already home when he hears his babies screaming “MAMA!!”, it’s either a playful chase with his children on who gets to hug you first or he let them hug you first before he kisses you as a greeting of welcome home.
Whenever he goes to the grocery, he brings his children with him and they’re in the twin stroller. Everything is prepared; the pacifiers and two bottles of milk, and perhaps some extra diapers in case the line is too long and they need a bathroom break.
Himmel always takes a morning stroll and he also brings his babies with him so they can get that vitamin from the sunlight for them to be healthy. Don’t want them to risk being so unhealthy when they grow up now do we?
Maybe after the stroll, he stops in a nearby park to rest, maybe even allowing them to have some fun as long as they’re in his sight. Himmel will start planning on having a picnic time as family bonding on weekends so you can also take a break as well as you can get in touch with your own kids
While at home, carrying his two kids in his arms is no biggie for him. He can even multitask with it, though he prefers if they are in the crib just in case he doesn’t accidentally step on some toys and slip while carrying them.
He loves holding them and carrying them with him after he finishes the household chores! He’ll play with them, shower them with kisses, keep on telling them how much papa loves them and how he’s so happy they’re part of his life. When they run out of milk, he has to take the new supply you’ve readied in the refrigerator.
The babies will crawl up to him, stretching out their short arms towards their father because they wanted to be carried. Himmel chuckles then picks them up before making their drink. He hums a song while warming the milk and leaves small kisses on their head and nuzzles his nose against it as he waits
His little ball of sunshine is full of energy so he can be quick to get exhausted, but he’s trying his best to stay awake to make sure nothing dangerous happens to them. he lets them crawl up to him and play with his hair and when they also get sleepy and clings to him, it brings a smile to his face and holds them close to his chest protectively before laying them back down in the crib
Himmel may have taught them many things, from a simple reading, talking/cooing, walking, and maybe even singing. He has bought many things that can help them like rattles, squeeze toys, picture books, and also some stuffed toys they can play with.
Over the months, he’ll buy different toys for them so they can start the process of learning simple stuff like ABC blocks and even more plushies.
His kids love it when he sings or reads them a bedtime story. If you’re free, you and Himmel will reenact the story to maybe entertain them, and oh their cute little smiles and giggles tug their parents’ hearts.
Once they reach the age of three, Himmel is so excited for them that they can meet new friends. It’s the start of their preschool and he prepared everything. Now he’s the type of father who’ll take a picture of them every single year and some memorable moments to be added in the album
After school, he’s there to pick them up with you. All the mothers were gawking when he was standing near the door and looking for his cute babies. Perhaps he’s a brother to pick his siblings up?
Lol nope
Their jaws dropped when they heard a scream of papa from the running children. He opened his arms and caught them easily as they jumped at him for a hug. The mothers/guardians can’t believe Himmel's a father. Such a youthful face he has and having two children?!
He gives them a kiss on their forehead and asks how their day went. When he told them that mama was waiting outside, the twins immediately left their father’s side and ran out of the school to see you there smiling and waving.
“Mama!! Look, look, my teacher gave me a stamp that I did well!”
“I have five stars on my booklet!!”
Your eyes sparkled at their wonderful achievements and patted their head. Himmel stood next to you and smiled, admiring the wonderful warm feeling in his heart to see this growing family.
Kneeling before one of his kids, he whispered something next to them causing them to gasp out and looked at you with big curious eyes.
“I’m going to be a big sister/brother?!!”
You look at your husband with an astonished face and pout before playfully shoving his shoulder.
“That was supposed to be a surprise!” You whined. Himmel laughed and pecked your lips, whispering “I can’t help it,” before taking the hands of his child then yours. You take the other twin’s small hand and walked side-by-side with your husband and children back home
#anon ask#ellianswers#genshin impact x reader#venti x reader#himmel x reader#domestic genshin#elliwrites#genshin impact
285 notes
·
View notes
Text
Burning Bright | A Fix-It One-Shot
For @stanning-reyna contest! 😊
Leo was dozing off when the fire started.
It was late - around 2:00 a.m., and he had been tinkering all day alongside his mom. She had finished fixing the last car of the day at the car repair shop she worked at hours ago, but she had stayed late to work on a new project she’d had inspiration for the day before. She didn’t have the tools or space at home so she had promised Leo it would only be a little while and had told him he could build something while he waited. He had built a wind-up toy car, reassembled an alarm clock, and engineered a mini dragon made out of bronze scraps that could breathe fire in the six hours he had been “waiting”. But he didn’t mind; he loved building and figuring things out, and he loved spending time with his mom. After he finished he had curled up on a pile of oil rags with his dragon and drifted into a light sleep.
His mother glanced at her son, peacefully sleeping, and smiled. Just a few more minutes. She thought. She tossed another log into the furnace and turned back to her work. The ground beneath the furnace rippled, knocking the newly-lit log out of place, It tumbled to the floor, and Esperanza didn’t notice it, or the low cackle emanating from the stirring dirt, over the sound of her tinkering.
Leo woke to his mother screaming.
“Leo! Get out!”
“Mama? What is it?” He blinked, bleary eyed. When his eyes finally focused he saw his mother corralled by a wall of four-foot flames, backed desperately against her workbench. The whole garage was on fire.
“Fire! Run, mijo. Get out.” She pleaded.
“Mama!”
���Go! I’m coming.” She vowed. She grabbed a rag and tried to beat back the flames. Leo could barely move.
“LEO,” She screamed. He jumped; she never yelled at him. “GO. NOW.”
He jumped to his feet and ran blindly through the smoke and fire toward the back exit, weaving around tables and car parts and tools and burning rags. Finally, he burst through the door into clear air, gasping for breath. He turned to the doorway, anxiously waiting for his mother to appear. But she didn’t come. The smoke got thicker and stronger, the flames higher. A chuckle from behind him sent a chill down his spine. He whirled around.
“Ah, young Leo,” It was a woman. Her dress was green and muddy, her face looked like it was made of packed dirt. There was a flower crown on her head, but despite the charming daffodils settled on her mossy hair she looked cruel. Evil. “What a terrible accident. And your poor mother is trapped inside. If only you had stayed awake you would have been able to tell her about the burning log - you would have been able to save her.”
“No, she’s coming.” he said desperately. His voice trembled. “She promised.”
“She gave her life to save yours. And you didn’t even try to stop her. When the police come tomorrow, there won’t be any evidence of the furnace ever being on; just a young boy with a fiery and mysterious background, covered in ash. There won’t be anyone else to blame. You will be the one who will have murdered Esperanza Valdez.”
“NO!” Leo sobbed. “I didn’t do it! It was an accident! And she’s coming. She’s coming.”
“No, Leo. She’s dying as we speak.”
Fury burned within him. He launched himself at the woman, clawing her face until she fell to the ground, cursing and bleeding gold.
If you can create fire, surely you can control it. The thought struck him like a hammer. He ran into the burning building, searching wildly through the smoke for his mother. “Mama!” he shouted, over and over. Finally he found her, curled in a ball on the floor, the flames licking her already singed clothes and hair. He fought against the flames until he could kneel beside her. He hauled her up, lugging her by the armpits slowly through the fire. He closed his eyes and tried to imagine the flames bending to his will.
Obey me. You will obey me.
He pushed them as far from him and his mother as he could manage, and with the last of his strength, managed to drag them both through the back door and into the night. Cold, but clear. The dirt lady was nowhere to be seen. He pulled his mother’s head into his lap and tried to brush as much soot off her face as he could.
“Mama, you have to wake up.” He whispered to her. He lay there, holding her close, watching her chest rise and fall more and more steadily, for what felt like hours.
Eventually, his mother’s eyes fluttered open. He sobbed in relief. “Mama!”
“Mijo?” She asked, disbelieving. “What happened?”
“I got you out, Mama. It’s alright now. I got you out.”
She reached up and cradled his cheek tentatively, as if she couldn’t understand how it was real. “But… how?”
“The flames- they listened to me. I told them not to hurt us. I pushed them away from you.”
She looked astonished. “I knew you could create fire, baby, but control it?” She looked just as confused and tried as he felt. He just shrugged.
“Whatever it took to get you out.”
She smiled. “You saved my life, baby.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “Thank you.” She whispered.
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Of course.”
28 notes
·
View notes
Text
Under the Table
Dragon Ball Z | Vegeta/Gohan | Smut (porn without plot)
For author’s notes, read here on AO3!!
“Do we really have to dress up, Videl? It’s just Bulma’s house.” Gohan asks, looking between the two dresses that his wife is holding up for him.
“Maybe I just wanna look nice, Gohan. Is that such a bad thing?” She snaps, narrowing her eyes at him.
“Of course not, honey. I just think maybe we should be comfortable.” He chuckles, standing up from the bed and crossing the room to her. He takes the outfits from her and tosses them back onto the bed, then puts his hands on her waist and leans down to kiss her. She protests for just a moment before huffing and kissing him back.
“You just wanna wear something easy for Vegeta to get you out of.” She teases, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him again.
“Maybe.” Gohan hums.
“Can I watch this time?” Videl asks, her cheeks flushing prettily. Gohan grins and kisses her deeply, sliding his hands down over her ass and squeezing.
“Such a dirty girl.” He murmurs against her lips when he breaks for air.
“And you’re such a tease.” Videl pouts. Gohan chuckles again.
“You know how Vegeta is. He’s really private, and he likes me all to himself.” Gohan says simply. “And besides, it’s not always pretty. Vegeta likes it rough.”
“I know.” Videl groans. “Remember when he ran out of senzu beans and didn’t realize it until after you two had practically destroyed each other? Had to tell your mom that you were out training in the woods and had gotten attacked by a giant wolf pack.”
“Dad had been so worried.” Gohan laughs. “Instant transmissioned over to Korin’s tower right then.”
“It was so embarrassing.” Videl giggles, kissing him again.
“I love you so much.” Gohan sighs, resting his forehead against hers.
“Mmmm. I love you too, baby.” She replies, grinning. “Now c’mon. Help me pick out a dress.”
In the end, Videl talks him into wearing a nice pair of tight, dark blue jeans and a seafoam green button down.
“You wanna look nice for your boyfriend, don’t you?” She’d teased, slapping his ass when he’d turned to look in the mirror.
“He doesn’t care what I wear.” Gohan had pointed out, turning again to grab her. “My wife, on the other hand, likes this ass in a pretty package, huh?”
But Vegeta did appreciate the package after all. They are the first to arrive at Capsule Corp, and Pan had spent the day with Gohan’s parents and was coming with them, so Bulma and Videl are the only people in the room when Vegeta grabs Gohan by the hips and pulls the younger man against him, grabbing a fistful of his shirt and pulling him down into a searing kiss.
“What was that for?” Gohan murmurs when they break for air.
“Green looks good on you.” Vegeta growls, sliding his hands over his hips and ass and thighs. “And so do these fucking pants.”
“As much as I’d like to see how this plays out,” Bulma interrupts with a giggle, “the others’ll be here any minute.”
They break apart reluctantly and make their way to the formal dining room, sitting down and waiting for the other members of their families to arrive. Gohan sits next to Vegeta, their women sitting on either side of them, and Gohan is surprised when Vegeta turns his back on him completely to murmur in Bulma’s ear until Gohan’s parents arrive with Goten, Pan, and the Ox King in tow. Videl’s father, Hercule Satan, arrives shortly after, loudly congratulating Goten before pulling his daughter out of her chair and into a crushing hug.
“Thanks again for throwing this party for Goten, Bulma.” Chi Chi says, clasping her hands. “I can’t believe he’s graduated high school!”
“Me neither! Seems like just yesterday we were changing his diapers.” Bulma replies warmly.
“Aw, he’s still a baby, just look at this wittle face!” Trunks crows as he enters the room and slings an arm across his best friend’s shoulders, pinching his cheek and laughing when Goten growls at him.
“Did you enjoy your day with grandma and grandpa, Pan?” Videl asks, hugging their daughter when she bounds around the table.
“Uh-huh! Grandpa Goku taught me a bunch of neat stuff!” Pan says happily, waving at her father. “Can I sit with Bulla, mama?”
“Of course sweetie.” Videl replies with a laugh, watching her bound away to find her friend.
“You didn’t push her too hard, right dad?” Gohan asks once she’s out of earshot. Goku blinks at him, then grins and scratches the back of his head.
“Course not! If anything, she pushed me!” He says cheerfully.
Pan returns with Bulla and Bulma’s parents, more or less rounding out the little family get together. Bulma presses a button in the center of the table then, and an entire army of robots pours out of the kitchen, holding giant platters piled high with food.
—
The Saiyans are all on their third helpings, all the earthlings having run out of steam long before, when Gohan feels a heavy hand fall on his knee. He jumps and glances over at Vegeta, trying not to gasp when that hand begins a slow but steady ascent up his thigh. Above the table, Vegeta is ignoring him completely, still eating and rolling his eyes at something Goku says. Gohan squirms in his seat as Vegeta’s hand continues to climb, warm and firm, not stopping until he’s cupping Gohan through his jeans.
Gohan leans forward over his food, tearing into the whole rotisserie chicken that had been placed in front of him with more ferocity than is strictly necessary, and spreads his legs a little wider as Vegeta begins rubbing him. And fuck does it feel good, just enough friction to have him shifting in his seat, seeking more.
He knows by the wrinkle of their noses that all the other Saiyans can smell how turned on he suddenly is, but none of them so much as glance around the table. They just continue their conversations, completely uninterested in sniffing out who at the table has sex on the brain during a family dinner. But the idea of getting caught if just one person decides to look under the table, or watches Gohan long enough to see him swallow hard and squirm, or glances at Vegeta and sees his shoulder working minutely, has Gohan’s heart racing in an instant and his pants growing uncomfortably tight.
Vegeta stops rubbing him for a moment, deftly unbuttoning his jeans and pulling down his fly, then slips his hand down Gohan’s pants and grips his quickly hardening cock through his briefs. Gohan bites down hard on a moan, shoving a giant forkful of steamed vegetables in his mouth and trying not to blush. Vegeta strokes him through his underwear, squeezing him just how he likes, and Gohan has to cover his mouth with his hand to stop the whine that threatens to slip past his lips. He takes a deep breath and collects himself, then reaches over to pluck a perfectly grilled hot link from Vegeta’s plate. Vegeta looks at him in surprise, eyes darkening as Gohan smirks and opens his mouth.
He licks the full length of the sausage, looking away from Vegeta just long enough to make sure no one else is watching, then slowly slides it into his mouth. Vegeta squeezes him hard and Gohan can’t stop the soft moan that bubbles up from within him. He bites into the sausage when Goku and Chi Chi look at him, blushing hard as he chews. Beside him, Vegeta nearly chokes on his own mouthful.
“Aren’t these the best sausages you’ve ever had?” Bulma says cheerfully, winking when Gohan looks at her. “The cook found a new recipe online for them, and I think it’s a keeper.” Vegeta hums softly, all but chugging his glass of water, and the rest of them all nod their affirmation and return to their business. Vegeta’s hand starts moving again once everyone’s attention is sufficiently averted, and Gohan drops one hand into his lap to shove down his underwear and cut to the goddamn chase.
Vegeta snorts, cutting his eyes to Gohan briefly, then wraps his warm, calloused hand around Gohan’s cock. And what Gohan wants to do is slide down in his chair and moan loudly as he fucks Vegeta’s fist. What he actually does is go completely rigid, shoving food in his face woodenly as Vegeta jerks him off. He squeezes him just right and Gohan’s eyes roll back in his head, a shudder wracking through him, and he’s pretty sure if this continues his heart is going to explode in his chest.
He leans back in his chair and glances down, nearly losing it completely when he sees Vegeta’s big hand working his ruddy, leaking cock. Gohan swallows hard and reaches for his glass of water, aborting the action when he sees how hard he’s fucking trembling, and instead just sits back and tries not to make a sound as Vegeta takes him apart in front of both of their families.
He fucks his hips up into Vegeta’s hand, then reaches out and grabs the tail of the older man’s shirt, tugging to warn him that he’s close. Vegeta doesn’t react above the table, but below it his hand is flying, driving Gohan to the edge and over it so fast he might have been embarrassed if he could think of anything other than staying still and quiet. He stiffens and comes in Vegeta’s fist, then jerks forward to frantically shovel dinner rolls into his mouth to keep from moaning. But Vegeta just keeps working him, knowing that he likes to be wrung out until it hurts, and doesn’t stop until Gohan’s hand flies down to push his hand away.
Vegeta replies to something Goku had asked him, then casually brings his hand up to his mouth, sucking his fingers clean as though they were covered with grease instead of Gohan’s come. Bulma chokes on her drink beside him, and Gohan hears Videl make a strangled noise in her throat.
“Mmmm…” Vegeta hums lowly, turning to Bulma. “This has been the most delicious dinner I think I’ve ever had. Whoever made it should get a raise.” Gohan flushes at that, dropping his hands to tuck his dick back in his briefs and button up his jeans.
“I, uh… I have to use the restroom.” Gohan says suddenly, standing up and fighting the urge to bolt like his ass is on fire. He hears Bulma say something as he leaves the room, but the roar of blood in his ears drowns it out. He ducks into the guest bathroom just down the hall and lets out a shaky breath, thinking about Vegeta’s hand on him and deciding how he’s going to return the favor.
—
“Why don’t you help me clean up, babe.” Bulma says as Gohan all but scrambles out of the room. Vegeta smirks at his back before turning to his wife.
“Can’t your employees do that?” He asks, thinking about the way Gohan had teased him with that sausage.
“I gave them the night off.” She replies, winking at him and leaning forward. Her hand smooths over the front of the nice slacks she’d made him wear, brushing over his almost painful erection and making his hips jolt. “C’mon.” She purrs, grabbing his arm and pulling him up, putting herself between him and their guests to shield him. The moment they’re in the kitchen, she shoves him toward the side door. “Go on, go get ‘im, tiger.” She giggles.
“Gods, I love you.” Vegeta growls as he grabs her and kisses her hard. She giggles again and sinks into it for a moment, then pushes him away and shoos him toward the door.
“I love you, too. Now go get that blow job, baby.” She says. He grins at her, then turns and strides out into the hall, following his nose to the bathroom that Gohan is hiding in.
Gohan jumps him the moment he opens the door, dragging him inside and kissing him so hard and deep that it takes Vegeta’s breath away.
“You’re so fucking bad.” The younger man growls, pressing him against the door and dropping one hand to rub at Vegeta through his pants. Vegeta moans softly and bites at Gohan’s mouth, sliding his hands down Gohan’s back to grip at his ass.
“You drive me crazy, brat.” Vegeta replies, pressing his tongue into Gohan’s mouth. Gohan hums, kissing him back just as fiercely, then breaks away and kisses along Vegeta’s neck. “Come walking in here with these tight fucking jeans and expect me to keep my hands to myself.”
“Mmmm, keeping your hands to yourself is the exact opposite of what I expected you to do.” Gohan purrs, then sinks his teeth into Vegeta’s neck. Vegeta moans again and pulls the younger man tighter against him.
“Fuck, you have no idea how badly I wanted to rip you out of that chair and fuck you on that table in front of everyone.” He snarls, closing his teeth over the shell of Gohan’s ear.
“You act like I wasn’t here just yesterday fucking you into the floor of the gravity room.” Gohan says, claiming his mouth again and kissing him stupid.
“Just shut up and suck my cock, you fucking brat.” Vegeta snaps, pushing him away. Gohan gives him a toothy grin and sinks to his knees in front of him.
“That’s not very nice, Vegeta.” He chastises, leaning forward to press a kiss to the hard bulge in Vegeta’s pants. “You gotta say please.”
“Fucking please suck my cock.” Vegeta huffs. He threads his fingers in Gohan’s hair and rocks his hips forward, groaning when Gohan chuckles and nuzzles into his lap.
“Smells so good.” He murmurs, pulling back to unbutton Vegeta’s pants. He pulls them down, humming appreciatively when Vegeta’s cock bobs free. “I wanted to touch you so bad.” He continues as he palms Vegeta’s cock, smirking up at him when he moans and drops his head back against the door.
“Why didn’t you?” Vegeta asks, breathless.
“Couldn’t think straight. Wouldn’t have been able to control myself.” Gohan replies. “Woulda been in your lap and riding this perfect fucking dick before I coulda stopped myself, right there in front of everyone.”
“Fuck, Gohan.” Vegeta moans. Gohan strokes him lightly, humming as he leans forward to collect the precum that leaks from Vegeta’s cock.
“God, you taste good.” He rumbles, then opens his mouth and swirls his tongue over Vegeta’s cockhead. “Drove me fucking wild when you sucked my come off your fingers like fucking barbecue sauce or some shit.”
“Your idiot father was looking right at me, too. Thought Bulma was gonna choke to death right then and there.” Vegeta says. He flexes his fingers and scratches lightly at Gohan’s scalp, shivering when Gohan moans.
“You’re such an asshole.” Gohan huffs. “Most delicious dinner you’ve ever had. You’re gonna kill me one day, you know that?”
“Thought you’d like that.” Vegeta chuckles. Gohan growls and leans forward to drag his tongue up the underside of Vegeta’s cock. “Fuck, you look so good like this. So fucking pretty on your knees for me. Gonna let me fuck that gorgeous face of yours?”
“Keep talking like that and I’ll even let you come all over this gorgeous face.” Gohan teases. He licks another hot line up Vegeta’s cock, then closes his lips over his tip and sucks gently.
“Like it when I talk dirty to you?” Vegeta asks through a groan. He drops his head back against the door again and rocks his hips, moaning when he presses between Gohan’s lips and slides into his mouth. “Fuck, you feel so good.” He sighs as Gohan’s teeth graze gently over him. “Look at you. So eager to have my cock in your mouth. Can’t get enough, can you?” Gohan moans around him, sliding his free hand up Vegeta’s thigh to grope at his ass, his other hand busy corkscrewing at his base. Vegeta rocks his hips again and Gohan stills, letting him fuck into his mouth. He feels Gohan swallow heavily around him, but he collects himself quickly and slaps Vegeta’s ass, encouraging him to thrust deeper and harder as he suppresses his gag reflex and takes him into his throat. “That’s it, Gohan. Take me so well.” He breathes, not sure if his brain will keep functioning well enough to say anything before long. That's okay, he thinks with another sigh, like coming down his throat, too.
Gohan puts his hands on Vegeta’s hips then, and starts to bob his head, sucking hard and making filthy noises that has Vegeta panting and pulling at the brat’s hair. Gohan moans around him, his dark eyes flashing up to meet his briefly, growling at him and sucking hard. Vegeta’s hips buck, heat flushing through him as he nears his end, and he whines desperately when Gohan suddenly pulls off. He jerks him off, pumping his cock viciously and opening his mouth.
“C’mon, Vegeta. Come on my face.” He purrs, gazing up at him with hooded eyes. “Want it all over me. Make me smell like you, so everyone knows that I’m fucking yours.”
“Fuck, Gohan.” Vegeta moans, shuddering and coming hard all over Gohan’s pretty face. Gohan milks him through his orgasm, closing his eyes as rope after rope streaks his cheeks and mouth and forehead, some even landing in his short, spiky hair. When Vegeta finally hisses and pushes his hand away, Gohan wipes the come out of his eyes and sucks it off his fingers, licking his lips and groaning softly.
“You taste so good, Vegeta. Maybe you should get a raise.” He teases, rising to his feet and crowding Vegeta against the door. “Wanna taste?” Vegeta huffs and drags him down, crushing their lips together and kissing him fiercely.
—
“Hey Bulma.” Videl says lowly, sliding up to Bulma’s side and waggling her eyebrows. “Check this out.” She holds up her phone and turns it on its side, then presses play on the video she has pulled up on her phone.
Bulma gasps when she recognizes her husband's hand as it slides over the front of dark blue jeans and squeezes gently.
“Oh my god, girl, you recorded it?” Bulma hisses, grabbing her phone and squinting at it.
“You bet your sweet ass I did.” Videl says proudly. “From start to finish, if you know what I mean.”
“Holy shit, send this to me.” Bulma says, giggling wildly. “I can’t believe you got this. Vegeta never lets me watch.”
“Right?! Gohan doesn’t let me watch either!” Videl whisper screams.
“Doesn’t let you watch what?” Chi Chi asks suddenly, and Bulma nearly throws Videl’s phone through the goddamn ceiling.
“The Late Show,” Videl says at the same time that Bulma says “porn,” both of them looking at each other and blushing.
“So which is it?” Chi Chi says, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes.
“Oh yeah no, The Late Show! You know it’s all basically porn after midnight.” Bulma says with a nervous laugh.
“Y-yeah! And Gohan always wants to go to bed early, s-so I never get to watch it.” Videl says, snatching her phone from Bulma’s hands.
“Well, why doesn’t Vegeta let you watch it, Bulma?” Chi Chi prods.
“Because that’s when he’s done in the gravity room and wants to have sex, and you can’t just say no to that cock.”
“Bulma, there is a child present!”
“She’s 29 and has a six year old, Chi Chi. Y’know, your granddaughter? How do you think Pan got here?”
“Ugh, whatever, you guys are weird.” Chi Chi huffs, waving her hand and leaving the kitchen, completely flustered. They wait until the door is shut behind her before turning back to the video on Videl’s phone, giggling and murmuring excitedly as they watch their husbands go at it under the table.
#Dragon Ball Z#vegeta#son gohan#vegehan#vegeta/son gohan#smut#my writing#please consider leaving feedback on ao3!!
13 notes
·
View notes
Text
This has been sitting in my drafts for forever, but I finally sat down today and finished it up. Have some happy Haddock family fluff, y’all deserve it after all the angst I’ve put you through lol. :D <3 (I’m gonna place this about a year or so after the third movie ended? Yeah, we’ll go with that. :))
Good Ol’ Days
Hiccup shoved the door open, sending a poof of dust in his wake. He waved it aside with the little flap of his cloak, looking over his shoulder anxiously at Astrid. She, on the other hand, looked unconcerned, with her arms crossed over her slightly swollen belly.
“I think I should do some cleaning before you and the kids come inside.” He voiced, looking back into the small cabin’s interior. It was, indeed, a dust farm. Everything- the walls included- were covered in a thin layer of dust.
“I can help- but I do agree, Zephr and Nuffink should stay out until we’re done-”
Hiccup turned around and shook his head, “No, no- Astrid, I meant... all the kids, ya know?” He looked pointedly at her stomach.
She stared at him, before breaking into a smile and shaking her head. “Oh, Hiccup.” She said, as if completely exasperated with his behavior. She patted her belly. “I’m only two months along. I’m sure baby Haddock will be just fine.”
His hands played with the armor on his right leg, with no purpose except to serve as a distraction. He cleared his throat. “I just... Just to be safe. As it is, I still don’t think we should’ve sailed.” He looked up into her eyes again. She looked fine, now, but on the ship he’d noticed she’d appeared a little green. She would never admit it, but he knew she hadn’t felt well the entire trip. And the thing that worried him was the fact that she’d always had good sea legs. It wasn’t like her to get sick.
“Please, Astrid. I can clean just as well on my own, and I’d prefer it if you didn’t inhale a bunch of dust.” He paused, then brightened. “If you watch the kids and sort of direct them as to what stuff they can start bringing up here” He gestured at the door step. “Then I can get the hut clean without-”
He didn’t even have a chance to finish the sentence before two little balls of energy rushed past them. Into the hut they ran, raising the dust into one giant brown cloud. Toothless landed just then, right behind Astrid, sending a gust of wind into the hut, causing a little blast of dust to explode from the door. The dragon sniffled a confused sneeze.
Hiccup rushed into the hut and plucked the two kids up into his arms, sending them into peals of laughter. Hauling them outside, he plopped them onto the stone steps. “You little ruffians!” Hiccup growled playfully, ruffling Nuffink’s hair as he walked back towards the hut.
Zephyr laughed and tugged at Astrid’s skirt. “Nuffink started it!”
Nuffink blinked owlishly, then pointed at his sister. “Nuu!” He protested.
“Enough of that.” Hiccup smiled at the two, before looking up at Toothless. “Why don’t you kiddos go play with Toothless?”
The dragon seemed to understand, for he grabbed each of the guilty parties by the scruffs of their vests and hauled them onto his back between his wings. He then proceeded to walk to the shore where the boat was now tethered.
The island was not huge, by any means. Probably about a third the size of old Berk. But it was just right for little trips like these, which were now an annual thing. A few months prior, he along with Tuff, Fishlegs, and Eret had come to build the hut. (Snotlout stayed behind as temporary chief. Hiccup had asked Astrid to babysit him and make sure he didn’t set all of Berk on fire.) It had also given them a chance to say a brief hello to their own dragons.
This trip he’d brought some of the furniture they’d been unable to build last time. Like a rug, blankets, supplies, kettles, a feather mattress among other such things. He wanted to make it as close to a home as possible, and just as comfortable. Especially with Astrid pregnant.
So, after Astrid finally agreed to start organizing the supplies they’d brought on the ship, Hiccup began hosing down the hut with buckets of sea water. It took nearly all morning to get the job done, but finally he was satisfied. He asked Toothless to come in and pump his wings to dry it out, and, once done, he began hauling up the supplies.
Along with the chairs, blankets, pots and pans and food, Astrid had insisted they take along some weapons, in case of “an enemy attack”. Hiccup had instantly jumped on the idea, a little ashamed he hadn’t thought of it sooner.
"I knew I married you for a reason." The joke had earned him a jab in the stomach.
Later in the afternoon, Toothless’ own children arrived, (which Zephyr and Nuffink had dubbed First, Two, and Bob) and that was more than enough to occupy the kiddos. (the Light Fury watched from a safe distance. She still didn't fully trust the humans, but she made no move to harm them, though Hiccup doubted Toothless would let her even if she tried.) Hiccup and Astrid moved the stuff from the boat to the hut without interruptions. Hiccup had also snuck some parchment along, set on sketching Toothless with his family. He had a few pages to add to the Book of Dragons.
When Astrid inquired about them, holding them in the air with a spark of mischief in her eyes, he'd hurried to explain. "Documentation, Astrid. Pure research!" She laughed and carefully packed them in a crate so they wouldn't get wet. He came to grab it, and pressed a kiss to her cheek before carrying it up to the hut. On his way back down, he looked over to see Toothless nip at First who seemed deterimined to learn how to swim. He picked the little dragon up by the tail and plopped him into the sand, while at the same time blocking Nuffink from taking a dive in the water with his tail. The poor dragon looked absolutely fed up with the entire predicament.
Hiccup smiled, but figured poor Toothless deserved a break. He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Zephyr! Nuffink! Come and help your mama carry your stuffed dragons to the house."
Both kids came running, with three small dragons scuttling behind them. Toothless sat for a moment, before ambling to his feet and following.
The kids rushed onto the boat, while the dragons jumped into the air, playing tug-a-war over a stick. The Light Fury took after them, and soon, they flew off to the otherside of the island. Toothless trotted to Hiccup's side, a hopeful grin on his face.
Hiccup rubbed his scaley forehead and laughed. "Soon, bud. We're almost finished here, then we'll catch the sunset." Toothless barked eagerly, and for the rest of the evening followed Hiccup to and from the boat until the unpacking was finished. Hiccup smiled and looked over at the dragon, honored that he chose to stay by his side instead of following his kids and mate to wherever it was they went.
As if on cue, Stormfly arrived. Maybe Toothless had called her, but who was to know? Either way, she was there, squawking happily as she paddled her way to Astrid’s side. Astrid called her name happily, running to give the dragon a hug. Toothless seemed pleased to see his old companion, bouncing about her in a circle like he used to do in the old days.
They still didn't know what Stormfly was up to, or if she'd had any babies in the past few years. She had a few more scars then they remembered, but otherwise seemed to be the same old Stormfly. At one point in their last visit, all the gang's dragons had shown up. All except old Hookfang.
"And Hookfang, Toothless?" Hiccup had asked. Barf, Belch, Stormfly, Meatlug- they were all there. Even Cloudjumper and Skullcrusher. But Hookfang was nowhere to be seen.
Toothless had warbled sadly. Hiccup wasn't sure if he'd understood or not, but either way, Hookfang never showed up. Hiccup had a sad feeling in his chest that he would never see the dragon again.
Hiccup snapped back to attention. Astrid was looking at him expectantly. Did she say something?
"Ahm... what?"
"You want Zee or Nuffink?"
Nuffink jumped up and down. "Mommy, mommy I wan' you!"
She laughed and held out her arms, picking him up and blowing loud kisses on his plump cheeks. He squealed in laughter. "We'll take turns! I'll take you on Stormfly first, then you'll go with Daddy on Toothless, deal?" another loud slurpy kiss.
Hiccup smiled softly as he picked Zephyr up and positioned her carefully in front of him. Toothless warbled beneath them, his body shaking in excitement, his muscles already tense in anticipation. Hiccup went to position his prosthetic like he’d always had to, but paused when his foot was met by air. That’s right, no saddle. It would definitely take some getting used to.
"Hang on, sweetie!" He warned, cradling her with one arm and hanging onto Toothless with the other. And with that, Toothless could be contained no longer, and they took off into the sky.
#mywriting#httyd fanfiction#httyd drabble#httyd 3#how to train your dragon#hiccstsrid#hiccup#astrid#thw#hiccstrid kids#nuffink#zephyr#I probably spelled the kids names wrong#sigh#i'll get it right some day#toothless#dragons#haddock family#Also thank you for 300+ followers!!!!#<333
257 notes
·
View notes
Text
17.
Chris had Robyn pinned on the floor, and they were sharing a sensual kiss. She was getting wet by the second by this alluring man that she was falling more in love with as the days went by. His hands were cruising her body, and the more his smooth hands grazed her sweet spots, the more enticed she became. She gazed intensely into his brown eyes, the color of rich soil flecked with black. She could stare into his eyes forever, especially while they were making love. There was just something about his eyes that made her want to devour him and submit to him all the same. He cupped her pussy in his hand and rubbed his slickness all over her, coating her outer lips and massaging them.
"You're so wet, Robyn." He whispered against her lips. Her hips began to subconsciously move in tiny circles as his words and touch ignited the fire of delirium he goaded with the thrusts of his dick. She wanted to come at that moment. She needed to. He had been teasing her ever since the proposal, rubbing his hands over the thin cotton underwear she wore, sticking his hand inside when they reached the elevator and were away from prying eyes. She was hot and ready for him, and she knew she wouldn't be able to withstand waiting any longer.
"I'm gonna make you cum all over the place." He put the slightest pressure against her sensitive folds, barely pressing, her hips arching into his touch. Anticipation was making her hot. Her hips shifted as he began to lubricate her gently. The pressure she felt became more and more insistent. He rimmed her over and over. A soft moan escaping her lips desperately wanting more. He pushed deeper and she clenched around him. He withdrew again, gliding deeper. Leaning forward, she thrust her hips back to give him more access and pressed her breasts against his chest. He held her head and gave her a kiss.
"Fuck... Chris... you feel so good." He licked across her lips, and she felt like her head was spinning. He slid in, giving her every inch, their position making it easy for deeper penetration. His hips nudged against hers, the wide crest of his dick massaging her overly sensitive tender spot. Robyn felt her senses overloaded with Chris' body heat and the feel of his dick rubbing inside her. She dug her nails into his back as his movements ramped up. Chris pulled back and moved his dick back inside her to the very end. While the pad of his thumb was on her pulsating clit. If he made those movements again she surely would orgasm. And he did it again. Her head fell back "Chris." Was all she could say before his name got caught in her throat. He grunted softly and started coming, his dick jerked as it pumped thick spurts of cum into her.
-
It was early in the morning, their window was open, and the crisp Autumn wind was blowing inside the room. Their legs were tangled, hand entwined. Robyn rested on his chest drawings circles on his skin. She loved tracing all his tattoos and looking at all of them. He was like a walking work of art with all the tattoos he had including the ones he got done during their first few days in Paris. They agreed upon getting several matching tattoos together, and with the new ink, it added an edgy side to his sweet nature.
"Reeses?"
"Hmm?"
"What do you think it would be like to grow old together?" She folded her arms against his chest and propped her chin on it waiting on his response.
"Both of us old sitting on the porch of our dream house in rocking chairs watching our kids and grandkids. I'll be changing your diaper because I love you and make you oatmeal. You'd have saggy titties. We'd be married for like 55 years. Oh, and I'd take you out to feed the pigeons. And we'd still have lots of sex. Turn you inside out, deep dicking you at night and long stroking you again in the morning."
Robyn laughed. "Wow, Chris. I should've never shown you that video. You won though."
"What you mean?"
"Like you'll be really chubby and meaty–––" Chris gave her a side eye. "No, I won't." "Like real thick. And you'll have a hunchback, but I'll still think you look sexy. We'd slow dance at night in our living room with vinyls playing. And we'd go wheelchair racing on the weekends."
"I would not be chubby. Fuck around and put you in a wheelchair for real. Have you arch your spine and give you paralysis."
"Pssshhh I'd pop this pussy on you so good give your ass a heart attack and a stroke. Send your old ass straight to Jesus."
They both shared hearty laughs their smiles wide and radiant.
"Poor Mama. Our kids are gonna give her a headache because they take after you."
"Hey, Mama raised me right."
"With the way you are? I don't think it was Mama that raised you. I was raised, you were dragged."
"That was a good one."
"Chris?"
"Yes, Robyn?"
"What do you think our wedding will be like?"
"Anything you want it to be. All I know is when it's time for us to go, we're doing the Fusion dance to indicate that we're one."
"We're not doing that Chris."
"Why not?"
"This is not Dragon Ball Z. We are not in an anime, Chris."
"It'd be cute."
"You're not cute Chris."
"Fu-sion-ha!"
"Goodnight Chris." He laughed before kissing her lips. He buried his nose in her curls and felt at peace. There was nothing better than this, and even though they couldn't actually grow old together, it was good thinking about the possibility. At least they would have children to live on their family name––– they both discussed it, and Robyn had doubts about having kids even though she wanted them. Being there for them was important and no matter what she knew they would be.
-
The next year went by in a whirlwind. Robyn and Chris got married on New Years Day not wanting to wait longer. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, being set on the beach of Barbados. Chris' family was in attendance and surprisingly childhood friends of Robyn's and Robyn's Father. She didn't know he was there until he surprised her when she was about to walk down the aisle. It was clear that Chris knew and he was the one who searched for him. He started when they were at the hospital with the help of Dolly, it was difficult, but he was able to track him down. He was a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, leaving Robyn's Mother because he didn't want to be a danger to her and their baby. He had battled his demons and seemed to be clean, and that's when he returned for the duration of the pregnancy. It was the night that she died after giving birth that he relapsed. Dolly decided it was best for Robyn if he stayed away and he did, but she told him he was always welcomed to come back when he got back on track. That didn't happen for 25 years, but now he was sober, clean, and healthy as ever. Robyn accepted him for open arms and was just happy he was alive. He walked her down the aisle and gave her away to Chris, and they said their vows, which brought everyone to tears.
Robyn discovered she was pregnant soon after and learned she would be giving birth to twins. 9 months later their babies came into the world healthy and happy. Their son came into the world first, at 7 pounds and they named him after Chris to start the legacy of his name to be passed down. He was a spitting image of his Father from the dimples, freckles, and brown eyes. Their daughter came next at 6 pounds and 8 ounces. Robyn asked Chris to name her and he chose the name, Genesis Clara Brown. Genesis because she was their first daughter and would be the root of their love and Clara in honor of Gran Gran Dolly. She was exactly like her Mother with the dimples coming from Chris. It was like staring at their own reflection in baby form.
Robyn was holding their son while Chris had their daughter. Robyn couldn't believe she birthed these two bundles of joy, but she was happy she got the opportunity to have children and that the man next to her was the father. Robyn cooed at their daughter before returning her attention towards their son. He was definitely Chris Jr. and the question the old woman asked her when she was in Paris rang in her head, "Would you be proud to have a son like him?" If little Chris turned out to be exactly like his Father, she knew that their daughter would be safe, and life would be a joy with him around. She looked down at him and watched as his eyes opened. She held her heart and placed a kiss on his forehead, which caused the little boy to smile slightly.
"Hi Baby, I'm your Mommy. I just want you to know that I love you, and your sister so much and loved you long before you were born. I'm going to protect both of you even when I'm not here. You remind me of your Daddy, and that means Mommy is going to have to keep the girls away," she paused seeing the sparkle in his eyes and laughed. "Okay, little troublemaker. But, I also know because you'll be like your Daddy your sister will be safe. Promise me you'll protect her and Grandma?" He just gave her a dimpled smile, and she kissed his dimple. "Chris, you have some strong competition. He's so cute, and he looks just like you."
He smiled over at his wife before looking at his son. "I know it's crazy." He brushed his hand on his twin's face and looked back over at Robyn. "Thank you, you made my life good when I met you. Made it great when you agreed to marry me. Made it amazing when we got married, and now you've made my life better by blessing me with them."
Chris didn't know he was crying until Robyn was wiping his face. He held his daughter close to his heart and cradled her head. He couldn't stop looking at her, and when she yawned and opened her eyes, he felt like he had fallen in love all over again. Her eyes were so much like her Mother's. "Hi," he said softly and waved. Genesis gave him a smile, and he felt like crying again. "I'm your Daddy. You look just like your Mommy, and that's a beautiful thing because that's what your Mommy is, but that's bad because little icky boys will be all over you and Daddy doesn't want that." Her eyes sparkled at him, and he squinted. "Don't even think about it. You'll be wearing church dresses everywhere with the old lady church fruit basket hats and coke bottle glasses to match every outfit."
She gave him a little whine in response, and Chris and Robyn laughed. "She doesn't agree with you, Daddy."
"Well she has no choice but to," he looked back at his daughter and smiled. "I'll make every moment count spending time with you and your brother. I love you, Buttercup."
"Hey, I thought that was my name."
"It might be hers now. I can call you Buttermilk since you'll be breastfeeding." Robyn stared at him in shock and Chris laughed. He heard his twin make a sound, which caused their attention to go to him. "See little Chris agrees with me."
"I have nothing to say to you Christopher, trying to corrupt my little baby."
"You know it was funny."
"I'm going back to tend to my son. Hopefully, he won't be annoying like you."
"You said yourself he's my twin just like Princess here is yours. It's inevitable that he'll be annoying even though it's clear he's a Mama's boy."
Robyn nodded. "He takes after his Father."
"You're not funny."
"Yes, I am. You're funny too, funny looking that is. That's good because that means our twins will be funny, and I won't be spending the rest of our time here fake laughing in our home."
Chris looked at her with nothing but love in his eyes. "What did I do to deserve you?"
"Same thing I did to deserve you."
"Which was?"
"I don't know," she paused as they both laughed. "But hey, God must've had a plan because if we ended up with other people, they wouldn't be able to handle us."
Chris pressed his lips on hers before saying, "Well, I'm glad because I like getting handled by you."
"Chriiiiiis not in front of the babies."
"You gonna give me some more kids?"
"One more wouldn't hurt."
"I love you, Buttercup."
"I love you too Reeses."
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
Things I’ve Said While Playing Cuphead: Isle Two Edition
Click here for Isle One! These have a read more link because I said a lot of stupid things, and it’s out so late because I had phone issues and almost lost the entirety of this meme. As always, pronouns can be changed as seen fit!
“I’m gonna die.”
“WHY DID I/YOU DO THAT?!”
“This is negative progress.”
“This is backwards progress.”
“Don’t move up or down unless you need to!!”
“I/you need to not move around so much.”
“I’m gonna diiiiiiiiiiie a horrible deeeeaaaathhh!”
“...I/you literally crashed my/your plane into _____’s face.”
“UNFAIR JEWELS OF DEATH!!”
“Curse my stupid DISABILITY!!”
“Never thought I’d say I hate cats.”
“Yes! Knives!”
“No! Why’d I let myself get hit there?!”
“I/you need to not look at the animations!”
“I was so close!...I wasn’t anywhere near close.”
“I CAN’T EAT THE CATS, MY MOUTH IS TOO SMALL!!”
“Yeah! Run away crying, ya dead body!”
“No!! Back to bombs!!”
“Ugh! I wasn’t paying attention, and now I’m gonna die!!”
“That’s badness!”
“Where even am I?!”
“I don’t think I’d be ‘borrowing’ your sarfart-sarcophagus!”
“How did I live?!”
“Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuudge MONKEEEEEEEEYS!!”
“...there...are tears...”
“Okay! It’s okay! Two hits aren’t going to kill me! BUT THREE HITS WILL!!”
“It’s hard to play when you’ve got a blister the size of Texas.”
“Stop taunting me!”
“Shrinky-shru!”
“But I can beat him, I know I can beat him, if I’m not being stupid like that!”
“Son of a Teenage Genie Lamp.”
“It’s the tree’s fault I died.”
“Nobody loves you, everybody hates you, that’s why you eat worms.”
“I don’t even need to fight you!”
“I wouldn’t take on ___ without the-- fuck!”
“That’s what I get for tickling birds.”
“Coo-coo! Coo-coo! Fuck you! Fuck you! FAAAAAAAWWWK!”
“There’s that sad trombone again.”
“...Gucci.”
“That was satis-fuck.”
“Victory is in mustard.”
“And I was like, ‘let’s--’fuck...WAIT!”
“Die you pretzel bastard.”
“I hope my suffering makes you feel better.”
“Slappa da dasha!”
“Are you proud of me maaaaa?!”
“Look at me, I’m so cute! AHHHH!!”
“I’m gonna hurt a biscuit!!...That’s threatening...”
“Can we fire that guy?”
“I can beat bitch ass ____ Wanker ____!!”
“Mouse turd isn’t gonna hurt ya! AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!”
“I slappah the bird so hard!”
“Now I gotta deal with this bird bitch baby.”
“Nobody needs this in their life. Especially me, I’m just a child.”
“Stop throwing your babies at me!!”
“I’m gonna dieeeee! From eeeeeeeggs! Of deeaaathhh!!”
“Look at how close I was! If I had sneezed backwards I would have propelled myself to victory!”
“...what the fuck did I just say?”
“Who needs life support when you have wife support?”
“___, you son of a biscuit!”
“You son of an egg!...I don’t think that’s a lie.”
“Get him in the eyes! Oh God his eyes went away!”
“...Who can say where the road ends?”
“I can’t shoot backwards!!”
“I’m __ years old, and you’re what? Like eight?!”
“Sorry I ripped your ears out...”
“Bombs are not the answer.”
“I really wonder what the voice actor of ____ thought when he walked up to the mic and went HUEAEAEAHHH!!”
“Full super, baby! FULL SUPER BABY!!”
“Greatest invention the not bombs only 19.9AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!”
“Next death i need to get water.”
“I’m gonna get in so much trouble if Mom/Dad heard me...”
“I’m so tired of you going HUEAEAEAHHH!!”
“GOOOOD BLESS AMERICAAAA! MY HOOOOME SWEEET HOMEE *gross sobbing noises*”
“I need a lot of mental help.”
“Oh God that was not the drinky end.”
“I deserve that for making fun of your native tongue of turkey.” (As in the animal)
“This baby requires concenTRATIOOOOON!!”
“I’m gonna die. I’m gonna die. Look at that, I died.”
“I can hear you breathing, you’re going HHUOOAIBHGOOAGOO!”
“Those trombones are very condescending.”
“I vomited my soda because of you.”
“I know he just kicked out his heart...but that’s about where I’m at right now, too.”
“I Moon-planed into his forehead.”
“How would you like it if I walked up to you on the street and vomited eggs all over your face?”
“Probably not responsible parenting.”
“Alright. Oh fucking--”
“I am hitting everywhere but his head.”
“He touched the back of my shoe with his car, and I got hurt!”
“It’s on like...coke...vs. Beppsi...clever joke.”
“I just see his toes spazzing out up there.”
“Get off your horse, twinkle toes!”
“Fear the taste of milk, ya clown!!”
“I need to not parry the horse.”
“I jumped into death.”
“Oh right, that was supposed to be the last one. Okay, THIS is the last one.”
“...That didn’t count.”
“Die you muffin bitch!”
“SLAP ME BROTHER!!”
“WE KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!”
“...Drury Lane...”
“Yeah, go for it. I’m focused on beating up a clown.”
“BROTHER NO!”
“I WAS THERE TO SLAP YOU!!...but you weren’t there to slap me...”
“Giant fiery balls of death are generally not things you should jump into.”
“They move in a sinusoidal graph pattern!...God I am such a nerd.”
“The meteors are easy for my to dodge...I say as I get hit by the meteor.”
“Well, I meant to hit pause, but I jumped off a cliff instead.”
“Don’t touch the dragon snoot.”
“Not now discord...mama’s trying to play...”
“I took an eye ripple to the fucking ass.”
“Otherwise you’ll make a stupid mistake. Just like that.”
“The worst time for your nose to itch is when you’re fighting a dragon.”
“...To be fair, my nose itched.”
“___ dies by doing absolutely nothing!”
“This is the sad polka music and it fills my soul...”
“I’m probably gonna die, but-- I died.”
“Face, stop being an itchy bitchy.”
“I’m, uh, trying to fight a dragon.”
#Things I've Said Meme#sentence meme#sentence starters#Angst#Crack#((These memes just have a lot of potential don't they?))
8 notes
·
View notes
Text
I’m Your Dragon - Fairy Tail one-shot
Nalu Fluff Week
Genre - Hurt/Comfort, Friendship
Rated K
1537
SEPTEMBER 10TH — COMFORT/BLANKET
“I’m Your Dragon”
“Dummy!” Lucy threw her doll at Natsu’s head. He caught it and sent her a wolfish grin as he dangled Michelle by her right foot.
“No, this doll’s the dummy. Just like her owner.” A pink blush covered her cheeks and she leapt at him.
“Give her back!” He sidestepped the move and raised his eyebrows.
“You threw her at me, you don’t want her. Happy’ll love to eat her for dinner—”
“Mama!” she suddenly wailed, wiping the smile from Natsu’s face. He put out his lip and stomped his foot.
“No fair! Daddy!”
Layla came in first, sweeping Lucy into her arms. Lucy nestled her face in Layla’s chest with a sniffle. “Mama, Natsu took my dollie.”
“Nuh-uh! She threw it at me!” he complained, raising his fists. He felt a big hand clamp around them, then an arm go around his waist, lifting him in the air. “Lemme go, dammit!”
“Oh, boy, I should really start watching what I say around you, huh?” Daddy sighed as he took the doll from Natsu’s grip easily. Natsu shouted up a storm but went ignored as Daddy turned to Lucy. “He didn’t damage your doll, did he?”
“Nuh-uh, Mr. Igneel,” she said nicely. (Why didn’t she ever talk to him that nicely? Grr.)
“You know, Lucy, Natsu only teases you so much because he likes you,” Layla smiled. Lucy gasped while Natsu snorted loudly.
“As if! She’s a girl!” he said to explain. Daddy, for some reason, found it funny.
“Girls are typically who boys like. Of course, I wouldn’t care much if you didn’t follow that standard—” He stopped when Natsu started squirming and he set Natsu down.
“Can we go outside already? It stopped raining hours ago.”
“Layla, should we punish insubordination?” Daddy asked her, but he was holding back laughs when he did.
“I suppose...” She gasped as Lucy wriggled from her arms and set her down, where she and Natsu ran laughing to the back door. “Don’t get too dirty!” she warned.
“Natsu, get the lock,” Lucy grumbled, her little hands just missing it by a few inches. He grinned wide as he stood on his toes and pulled it out, then shoved the door open. They were greeted by the backyard in its wet glory, plants shining in the sun and mud puddles as far as the eye can see. Lucy bent over to undo her shiny black shoes while Natsu leapt off the deck and into the closest one he saw, which went as deep as half of him. A big wave jumped when he did it and Lucy cried out at the cold temperature.
“Move faster, weirdo!” he said, getting to his feet. He was absolutely caked in brown and black mud and could care less. (Or couldn’t? Daddy said he could never get it right.) Lucy finally kicked off her shoe and stood straight, giving Natsu a devious (adult word!) look that went against her cutesy look.
“Cannon ball!” she shouted as she jumped into the puddle, throwing up a second wave. He put out his hands to protect his face and ignored Daddy’s upset groan as he grinned at Lucy, taking her hand in his.
“Come on, let’s keep going!”
They jumped and splashed around in the mud, tossing thick balls of it at each other and crawling under the blackberry bush to snatch and eat the clean ones. Then, because Lucy asked and he felt like doing it, they went to smell the still-wet flowers around the fence, and he even allowed her to stick some into his hair. He never liked to comb it or anything because it already looked girly enough by itself, let alone decorate it, even if Daddy offered him to pick dinner, but if Lucy wanted to...hmm, it wasn’t too bad, he supposed.
“Now you’re the fairy prince!” she declared, poking his neck with a stick. He spun around and threw his fists in the air.
“I’m not a fairy, I’m a dragon!” She pouted and folded her arms across her once-blue dress.
“Nuh-uh! Cuz I’m the fairy princess, and you can’t be in the castle too unless you’re the prince!”
“Fine! I fly around outside, keeping you locked up,” he grinned, raising his hands with his fingers bent into claws. Lucy huffed and turned away.
“Natsu wouldn’t do that. And I’d be all alone if you weren’t in there too.” He frowned when she said that and his arms fell to his sides.
“I’m a dragon,” he repeated, getting annoyed. “But not the mean one. Daddy told me dragon’s are no-ble and nice and brave. I’m the one that watches for bad guys so’s I can kick their ass, and so’s you can be safe.” She blushed a little beneath all the mud on her face and pushed his shoulder with a wide smile.
“Okay, that’s fine.”
“I know it is.”
“Okay, you mud monsters, get in here so you can eat,” Daddy called from the door.
“Great, ‘m starvin’!” Natsu declared, trudging past the mess they made to the smell of chicken in the air. Suddenly a blonde blur came zipping by him.
“Race ya!” Lucy said. Natsu grinned and chased after her across the yard. He slowed when he noticed Daddy, instead of smiling or shaking his head, looked worried. Why worried?
“Lucy, wait, the mud is slipper—”
Lucy came to the deck and was about to jump the six-inch difference, but she slid on the mud and fell forward. Daddy reached down but he didn’t catch her before her head bounced against the wood. There was a second of silence before Lucy’s crying, loud and pained, filled the air, and Natsu hated the sound with all his heart. It made his stomach go cold and funny and clouded his head.
“Lucy!” Layla came running and dropped to her knees, her jeans getting dirty from all the splashed mud, and she pulled Lucy’s back on her lap. Natsu moved forward and saw a nasty bruise growing on her forehead, and she was still wailing at the top of her lungs. Layla whispered to her and held her and pushed her muddy hair from her face. “At least it’s not bleeding,” she muttered. Then she stood up with Lucy. “Sorry, Igneel, Natsu, but we’ll be heading ho—”
“No!” Natsu cried before she could finish, even though Daddy taught him it was rude to interrupt. He jumped to the deck and tugged on the bottom of Lucy’s dress. “Don’t go, don’t go!”
“Natsu, Lucy’s hurt, I think she’d like to be at her home,” Daddy said, putting his hand on Natsu’s shoulder. Natsu pulled away and tugged harder, feeling his eyes get hot and itchy.
“No, nonono!” And even though he was older and a boy, the brave dragon, he burst into tears. Because he didn’t protect Lucy like a dragon would, and because he couldn’t make her stop crying. Daddy put his hand on Natsu’s head and Natsu let him. He buried his face in Daddy’s stomach and gripped his legs as hard as he could, sobbing into his shirt. Him and Layla said something he couldn’t hear, then Daddy picked Natsu up and took him inside. Daddy set him on the couch and Layla set Lucy next to him. Natsu turned to her and saw she wasn’t crying as hard, but she was still sniffling and shaking. He grabbed Daddy’s blanket that was thrown over the back of the couch and put it around her, then he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.
“N-Natsu?” she said, her big brown eyes looking up at him. He held her tighter.
“’m a dragon. I protect the princess,” he muttered seriously. “And the princess doesn’t get to cry while I’m around.” She sniffed harder, then reached around and gripped the back of his shirt. Daddy came close with a wet rag (when did he leave?) and gently cleaned both their faces before dropping next to them and turning Lucy’s face.
“It’ll heal in a few weeks,” he said after a second.
“Well, I suppose you’re the cuts and bruises expert,” Layla said thoughtfully. Daddy grumbled.
“What’s that s’posed to mean?”
Natsu ignored them because he heard Lucy making a little hurting noise. He turned her around so they sat shoulder to shoulder, and slowly, she pushed the blanket until it covered both of them. She wasn’t crying anymore as she crawled into Natsu’s side, pulling up her knees and letting her short hair tickle his arm.
“You’re really nice, Natsu,” she muttered.
“Dragons are nice.”
“But you’re not this nice. You like to pull my hair and take Michelle and tell me I’m weird.”
“...Nah, you’re still weird,” he said loudly. “But...eh...’s not that bad.”
The rain started up again, and the peaceful noise made Lucy relax more against him. Natsu, too, had a hard time keeping his eyes open. The last thing he saw was Daddy grinning in his face.
“Don’t like her, do you?” he teased. Natsu made a face and moved a little so Lucy could be more comfortable.
“Nope.” Daddy’s laughter chased him into his dreams.
44 notes
·
View notes
Text
Preview: Dragon Ball New Frontier: Shroud of Memories
Not sure how long each of the chapters will be but here's a sneak peak of chapter 1 of A story I'm working on for the Dragon Ball New Frontier Universe, "Dragon Ball New Frontier: Shroud of Memories."
With an original take on Goku Jr as the Story's main protagonist. But there's more to it than that. I just can't say much about it.
Dragon Ball New Frontier: Shroud of Memories.
Chapter 1: Lullaby
Approximately a year before Goku returned to life for the second time, in another timeline different from the one we know, a Saiyan child struggling to sleep from a terrifying nightmare woke up screaming, which caused Goku’s wife Chi-Chi to wake up. Running towards the child’s room, she quickly ran and gently hugged him to assure him he was safe. She saw he was shaking and terrified as she softly spoke to him. “Shhhh,” she told the child, continuing to comfort the boy. “It’s okay, Goku. You’re just having a nightmare, Kiddo. You’re safe. I’m here, your brothers are okay. We're safe. You're safe…. No one can hurt you…”
The child, Son Kakarot Goku Jr, who was adopted after his unconventional birth through the Dragon Balls and named after his late adopted father, was crying. He tried to explain what he saw in his dream, though Chi-Chi didn't want to hear it. She wanted her son to know he was safe. "Mama, that dream was horrible! I was older, and you and a man that looked like me were taken in front of me! So were Gohan and Goten! And a few shadowy figures and… and…."
Before he could continue, Chi-Chi began to softly sing a tune. A soft song that she had sung to her by her father, the Ox King, when she was a child. And Goku Jr was seen, calming down and slowly drifting to sleep. Her voice was comforting, and whenever she sang this small song, every time, he felt safe. It was no surprise that she continued to sing this to him during his childhood. This was her lullaby. And she, in turn, made it his lullaby. The Saiyan's mother ensured her voice was soft enough to where only he could hear her. His breathing slowed down and became more relaxed as he slowly drifted to sleep as she sang. Though he always listened to the whole thing and slept peacefully afterward.
“🎶Fear no more, what you’re fighting for, Will bring you peace forevermore, Only you know the passage to, The haven in your heart, Courage will keep you safe, Flowing throughout your veins, Please remember all your strengths, Time will tell what our future holds, Cling too tight, the world might fall, This moment now conquers fear and doubt, Please stay strong, don’t go, Raindrops will paint the clouds, Calling all the fairies down, With their colors, they’ll bring dawn.🎶”
Once she finished the song, she checked on her beautiful little boy. Peacefully asleep in her arms. Smiling, she kissed his forehead and gently placed his head on his bed pillow. The Princess of Fire Mountain took a moment to whisper to him softly. “Goodnight, My Little Saiyan Prince of Mount Paozu and Fire Mountain…..” She told her dreaming son. “May you have the sweetest of dreams.”
Many years later……
It has been 55 years since multiple versions of the Dragon team were gathered by the Supreme Kai of Time and all their companions and friends they met along the way. The day that the Time Patrol was founded. For that 55 years, the current Supreme Kai of Time Chronoa and now her predecessor who had been redeemed, Aeos, had kept these Time Patrollers Young physically, so that they could continue doing the work that they do. This became evident with Goku Jr, who, despite physically being in his early to mid-20s, was actually well over 70 and approaching 80. Though he wasn't complaining because he knew everyone he knew vowed to protect all of reality for as long as they had to, which was a most likely eternity.
Although admittedly, things never stayed boring for long in the Time Patrol. Currently, in a reality where Goku did not go by his Earth name and only went by his Saiyan name, Kakarot, Goku Jr was seen using a glider across a very high point. He never truly needed the gliders due to his ability to fly, aside from the fact that he had times when it was necessary to preserve his energy on certain occasions as well as operating stealth missions. Currently, he was dealing with neither. There was something about gliding that gave him this feeling of freedom. He had to thank his brother, Goten, from the Xeno timeline for the idea. Gliding from high places in certain realities and specific locations in them felt liberating to a degree. Plus if he needed to be discreet when patrolling a reality, this was also an excellent method to do so. 'It's like killing two birds with one stone,' Goku Jr thought. Feeling the breeze reminded him of the sensation and freedom he was currently feeling. Though he remembered he was not on vacation. Instead, he was on a small patrol.
Looking around while using his glider to glide through the sky safely, he couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful scenery he was currently looking at—the vast landscape of nature and its beautiful green lushness of land. The grass and trees perfectly lined together. The beautiful mountains, carefully crafted by the artist that was nature. He wished his parents were here to enjoy the beauty he was currently seeing. Goku Jr stopped counting the number of times he and his mother, Chi-Chi, spent hours upon hours talking about the different natural sites they visited together or the number of times he and his father, the original Son Goku, reminisced of the times when they went on adventures and saw so many beautiful worlds forming right in front of their eyes.
He missed them. He missed all his family, in fact. He missed all the times he pranked Goten on a regular basis. The times where He and Xeno Goten watched several movies together. The several instances where he studied with Gohan to find a clue or a puzzle or solve a riddle together. He missed the times he trained with his father, as well as his Xeno and GT counterparts respectively. He missed hanging out with his little niece Pan. All the times he heard his sister-in-law Videl talking about her dojo, or perhaps when he rolled his eyes at GT Goten talking about Velese a lot.
He should reconnect with them all. Work had been hectic as of late, mainly since the Outbound Flight Project but that was going to be pretty straightforward. The chaos was starting to die down again which was a good thing because it gave time patrollers time to rest properly. And the outbound flight mission he was on was one of the most hectic missions he was a part of. And he made a lot of difficult decisions during that duration. It had been 10 years since that fateful day. He could still remember vivid details of everything that happened. Even to this day, there were still nights when he didn't get any sleep due to nightmares. Still, he was glad that the whole fight was all over. Things would be more peaceful without Zamasu around before he showed up again.
It had been 10 years since Zamasu showed up and caused trouble across the entire Omniverse, but Goku Jr didn't want to take any chances with him. He knew damn well that Zamasu could return it any moment. His best guess was that Zamasu was biding his time. But right now, there was not much he could do regarding that man. For right now the small Patrol was what mattered. Still feeling the breeze as he glided through the sky, he drew closer to the ground and still got a good glimpse at Fire Mountain. The beauty of that place always caught his eye no matter which reality he was in. However, he did personally always enjoy Mount Paozu a lot more though. However, that could be a childhood bias kicking in as Mount Paozu was his original home for a large portion of his life. He remembered all the times he spent with his family there—both the good and the bad.
He closed his eyes as he began to remember one memory in particular. It was on Mount Paozu. Everyone gathered to celebrate a birthday around August. The then-18-year-old Goku Jr was sitting on the grass near Mount Paozu. It looked like he was deep in thought, as he looked at the atmosphere around him. Everything was peaceful. The spring wind blew his hair around as well as some leaves of Grass, the river flowing near the Son Family residence, as he sat there contemplating something.
He oversaw his parents, Goku and Chi-Chi talking; the smiles on their faces implied it was something good. Even so, he just sat there and observed them. He also looks to observe his brothers Gohan and Goten along with his sister-in-law Videl, his niece, Pan, his godfather Piccolo, his grandfather, the Ox King, and the father of his sister-in-law Hercule, also enjoying their time.
Goku Jr also noticed his most recently adopted brother, Uub was also sitting down with Goku Jr's friend Puck. He then gave a faint smile as he observed them, but there was one person missing from that whole group. The very person that was supposed to be there. It was Goten's 18th birthday today. But it wasn't just Goten's. It was the second person that was missing who was also a birthday boy that Chi-Chi wanted there. Goku noticed he wasn't around and excused himself from everyone else before using instant transmission.
The moment he got the energy of the person he was looking for, he was gone. This caught the younger Goku off guard he quickly got up and tried to look for him. Only for the older Goku to appear right behind him before speaking.
"You know everyone else is missing you down there, right bud?" Goku merely said a small smile on his face causing Goku Jr to be surprised as he quickly turned to face his father, his tail tensed up a little bit.
The boy let out a sigh of relief when he realized it was Goku."I didn't want to intrude on Goten's special day..." Goku Jr then said, before he then began to look away.
The older Saiyan then noticed this as he made the remark. "It's not just Goten's special day, you know." He mentioned trying to get his son to understand. Goku Jr then looked at his father, somewhat confused but Goku wasn't too surprised. The young Saiyan boy's insecurities and naivety were always his most significant flaws. "Kiddo, I understand you're trying to be considerate to your brother, but you're forgetting one crucial detail."
The Saiyan father then continued. "You may have been created from the Dragon Balls and maybe a clone of me. But you forget that you were a baby when you were born. When Gohan found you, your mom had already given birth to Goten. Hasn't she taken you in ever since?"
The younger Saiyan didn't know what to say. Yes, he was right about that, but why did he bring that up? "Yes, but what does that have to do with today? Goten's birthday?"
Goku then placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "Because all of that happened today, 18 years ago."
This shocked Goku Jr that Goku knew this, but then again he remembered that Gohan and Chi-Chi explained what happened, after Goku came back to life. "Right... So Mom made preparations for me too, but I didn't get it…"
Laughing and rolling his eyes, Goku then placed his hand on Jr's shoulder again as he then got the fingers of his other hand on his own forehead getting ready to use instant transmission. He wasn't going to let Jr be miserable on this day.
"Huh!?" The startled younger Goku jumped a bit from this as he then turned to his father. "Dad!? What are yo-!?"
Goku didn't let him finish as he grinned while saying the following. "Not letting you be sad today, Son!" Goku said. His smile was still there as he said that.
This causes the boy's eyes to widen as Goku uses instant transmission to get back to the family. They were surprised but happy to see that Goku Jr was back.
Gohan then walked over to the first adopted son of the Son Family. "Hey, bud," Gohan said, patting Goku Jr on the back.
"Hey..." Goku Jr said as he was trying to process everything as Goten then was seen as rather tense. But what Goku Jr thought was wrong wasn't actually the case as Goten then began to approach him with something.
"Hey, Goku." The younger hybrid said nervously.
Goku Jr noticed Goten was holding something as his eyes began to widen at it as he looked at Goten before trying to deny it. "Come on, bro you don't have to give me anything! It's your day, after all!"
Goten only shook his head. "Wrong, Goku. It's OUR day…"
Goku Jr couldn't help but notice everyone looking at him as the young pureblood began to fight back tears. He had forgotten all along that his father was right. It wasn't just Goten's birthday. It was also his birthday. He forgot that today was the day he was born as well. Goten had already received all of his gifts earlier, but Goku Jr had left before they could even give him his gifts. They knew he couldn't be far, however. Chi-Chi then placed the gift she had for Goku Jr as well on the table, followed by Gohan and Videl.
The Ox King and Hercule also placed gifts down too. Last but not least was Goku. All of the presents were still wrapped as Goten wanted his gift to be opened first by Junior which was fair considering that Goku Jr did ask for Goten to open his first. Goku Jr began to unwrap it, until he was able to open the box as his eyes then began to widen and he stared at what was inside. It was a picture. Specifically the photo of the two of them at the beach taken by Chi-Chi a few years back when they were both still kids.
Aside from Goku Jr.'s tail, they were completely identical. They still had Goku's hair when it was taken. Even though Jr kept the hair due to being a pure blood. Tears started to fall from Goku Jr's eyes. "Goten...." He said in a nearly broken voice.
Goten only smiled when he saw Goku Junior's reaction. He could tell that he was happy with Goten's gift. Despite their rivalry, the prank wars, and their animosity at times, the two still loved each other. They were still Brothers. That was clear. The last thing Goten said is what caused the other 'twin' to break down, not out of sorrow but out of happiness. Causing the rest of the family to hug him as well. "Happy Birthday Son Kakarot Goku Jr…"
Back to the present, Goku Jr was seen tearing up as he let out a faint smile as he remembered that happy moment in his life. Landing on the ground, that memory reminded him what day it was, so he definitely needs to see his family now. It was his 80th birthday. However, he looked a lot younger than his actual age due to Chronoa keeping him physically in his twenties. Time Patrol really did have its perks as well as its cons. Well, the Omniverse did need protecting, so he didn't really complain much.
Taking a deep breath, Goku Jr then slowly turned on his communicator as he then began to reach out to the Supreme Kai of Time. "Everything's currently normal in this timeline, boss," he told her truthfully. He was clearly making an official report from this and the sooner the better in his eyes as he wanted to be able to enjoy his birthday for a little bit longer. "No distortions or unwanted visitors from another reality currently. Coast seems to be clear."
"Well done, Kaka," Chronoa acknowledged. Her voice sounded a bit cheerful as she said it. "Report back to the Time Nest, and we can call it a day. Also, before I forget ...."
"What is it?" Goku Jr asked only for Chronoa to answer quickly.
"Happy Birthday."
Goku Jr couldn't help but smile from that while he took a deep breath, his mind feeling a little bit at ease as he took one last look at the beautiful scenery. It was also peaceful; he could daydream all of his pleasant memories here if he really wanted to. Remember all the good times. "Thank you, Chronoa…." He told her, and he could feel her smile from behind the communicator.
Once the communication began to end, Goku Jr started packing his things and preparing himself to go back home. The spring breeze felt like a Haven of safety while he did so, and he couldn't help but reminisce about the past as he remembered all the good times. The times when he and Goten looked completely identical if it wasn't for his tail. The times he spent with Gohan and future Gohan. The times his mother caught him studying on the couch or perhaps even when his father trained him and taught him very important lessons that he took to heart. He missed those days. He missed his youth. He missed the simpler times. He missed the times when he didn't have to worry about the world, let alone the entire Omniverse. To be frank, he'd do anything to just for another moment have that back. But on the same token, he knew he couldn't get it back. But that's actually what made those memories even more special.
He was looking at the sunset, idolizing its beauty with the clouds lining up in different colors from the sunlight. The Saiyan was seen smiling as he remembered all the times he spent with Pan as they watched the sunset together. He missed his niece. He loved that girl as if she was his own daughter. She was actually one of the reasons why he dreamed of being a father in the first place. She was innocent and pure at the time when they spent time together. He missed that innocence. But now everything was all in the past now. All he can do now is appreciate what he had. And besides, it wasn't like there wasn't anything that he enjoyed now. He felt free at times, even when he was working. Small patrols like this, even if they were very easy and straightforward for him, gave that sense of freedom—that sense of Liberty. Gliding through the sky as he admired the scenery around him, even though he could fly, felt liberating. And it was because he was doing it purely because he could, not because he had to.
Once all that was said and done, he took one last good look at the sunset before leaving that timeline with a smile. Flying through the vortexes that the time portals always brought, Goku Jr felt himself traveling back to Conton City. Home of the Time Patrol, and the center point of the Omniverse. Every time he went on an adventure or was just coming home, he always noticed himself humming to an all too familiar tune. The tune that always made him feel safe in his darkest of times and always gave him hope. The song guaranteed his smile as he did so.
Flying back to the time nest, the Saiyan admired the beauty of the night sky of Conton City, which was multiple versions of every location that they've been combined into one area. Beautifully lit-up city at night, filled with life and Hope. He observed carefully as communities question acting like communities and actually helping their fellow men. The breeze of the night, long at his hair and touching his skin, made him feel more at peace as of late as he couldn't help but wonder if something else would have. Upon reaching his destination, Goku Jr landed at the bottom of the steps and slowly started walking up them to get to the Time Nest.
Taking a deep breath as he walked up the steps, the Saiyan continued his walk up the mountain's long steps to the time nest, and once he got to the entrance, took a step forward inside. It was always an excellent way to clear the mind when walking up the steps to mentally prepare himself for either a mission briefing or even a report back. Because he knew damn well there was no way to know when something could happen until it actually happens. Walking inside, he then started to walk straight towards the building itself inside the time nest. This was the central part of it. Though he would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy the scenery outside the building. Trees lined up as if nature had a perfect balance with man-made civilization, the reality-distorting atmosphere of the area seemingly having some form of natural order to it as well that he couldn't get his grasp on how he found it beautiful. It was like an artist carefully unleashed chaos upon their work of art. To make the crafted work seem chaotic it is orderly at the same time. And the scenery was constantly changing too. It was a nice change of pace, though.
Walking inside, he saw Chronoa and Aeos waiting for him. Their pointy ears and currently short exterior seemed rather pleased that he came back, let alone so early. "You two look surprised," the Saiyan said in a joking manner causing the two supreme kinds of time to laugh a bit.
"We thought you'd be enjoying the scenery for a little bit longer," Chronoa fired back in a teasing manner, causing Goku Jr to roll his eyes. "At least you didn't experience any complications, and that's all that matters."
At that moment, there was an alarm across the entire time nest as the televisions of Conton City could be heard being turned on randomly, and a voice in the audio could be heard once it was all picked up. What the hell is going on? It wasn't supposed to be an announcement at the moment. Just then, the voice became unfamiliar to everyone as it began to speak. Goku Jr quickly deduced that the one responsible was wearing a mask and even using something to hide the true voice, like a voice changer, for example.
"People of Conton City," The voice could be heard as a mysterious masked figure was seen finally emerging from the holograms and television screens. "I have come to bring concerning news for the time patrollers….. You see, while a certain Time Patroller was currently on a Small Patrol, earlier today, I managed to take the liberty of….. let's just say, sending a forceful invitation to his family, and I do mean the various versions he interacts with on a regular basis ...."
Goku Jr was confused at first, but the more he spoke the more the Saiyan Time Patroller began to realize that the mysterious perpetrator was referring to him. The perpetrator didn't even wait for Goku Jr's reaction as he spoke again. "That is right Son Kakarot Goku Jr." The figure said as he turned the camera to show his versions of Goku, Chichi, Gohan, Goten, Pan, Videl, Hercule, Uub, the Ox King, all of their GT counterparts, and Xeno counterparts, as well as the other two versions of Bardock and Gine that he was familiar with. He even had different versions of Piccolo and Future Gohan. "I have kidnapped the versions of your family you're close to. And moreover, I have Unleashed raiders, Titans, and legendary beasts, across five timelines."
Goku Jr took a moment to figure out what was happening. He hadn't felt this amount of anger towards anyone in a long time. A little over 70 years ago, to be exact. His eyes were closed, and he began to remember that day. All too vividly when he wrongfully lashed out at his father. Only for him to remember two other memories that made him understand his father even more.
It was a dark rainy day. Lightning and thunder could be heard across the background as Chi-Chi could be seen desperately trying to search for Goku. Through the storm, she could hear the crashing and burning all around the area she was in, and she went to investigate. As she wanted to wear the source, she gasped in horror as one of her worst fears came to light. Son Goku, her beloved husband, is seen getting the crap beaten out of him by another Saiyan who looks nearly identical to him except for the fact that he looks younger and has a tail. In her opinion, the younger Saiyan seems to be acting entirely out of character as her heart begins to sink. She was quickly able to tell that Goku was indeed holding back, but not because he was trying to be reckless. He was being desperate. Desperate to reach out to the younger Saiyan, she knew fully why. It broke Goku's heart just as much as it broke hers for him to fight this boy like this.
'How could this happen?' Chi-Chi thought to herself as her heart sank and tears started flowing through her eyes, watching her husband deal with this Saiyan that she knew all too well. Much longer than her husband. But she could also tell that it hurt him just as much as it hurt her for him actually to fight this young Saiyan.
The 17-year-old Saiyan didn't budge, however. Lunging at Goku out of pure anger, he transformed into a wrathful state, punching Goku right in the gut, causing the older saying to cough up blood. He went as far as kicking Goku in the face before Goku could recover as he flew towards a rock before catching himself. Struggling to catch his breath, Goku was seen with a pained expression as the younger saying looked at him with pure rage and resentment for some reason. "Kaka…." He said, trying to reason with the boy.
"Save it!" The younger Saiyan yelled. Clearly, having no intention of hearing him. "All these years, you always favored Gohan and Goten over me!" Those words sounded like venom when he said that. It was like Goku had a knife plunged into his heart by the boy.
"JUNIOR!" Goku tried to explain to the younger Saiyan. "You know that's not true!" It was at this point Goku was pleading with the younger Saiyan. Begging even. Trying to get through to the boy. This was very personal indeed.
"Then how come you were harder on me!?" The younger Goku then declared. "How come you and Mom let Gohan and Goten have it easy compared to me!?" The younger Saiyan's blood was boiling at this point. Before Goku could say anything else, the younger saying then leaps towards Goku and then kicks him square in his stomach. The power he put into the kick was enough to catch Goku back as he was still trying to reach out to the boy.
Goku couldn't help but feel his heart being smashed into a million pieces from this ordeal. How could he have let this happen? How could he have failed this miserably? How could this boy have so much resentment toward him? He couldn't give up on the boy. 7 years he missed Goten and this boy, 7 years he could never take back. And he was a lot harder on Goku Jr because he was trying to prepare him for the hardships that would come in his life simply for being his biological clone. But he didn't see him as a clone. It was what he thought was the only way he could protect. "Kiddo… Please…. I don't want to hurt you…."
"It's too late for that…." The younger Saiyan responded with. And before Goku could react again, the team fired a massive energy blast toward him. Goku had no choice but to form an energy shield to block the attack as he quickly tried desperately to stay on the defensive as he then couldn't help but wonder what caused him to feel this way.
Was Goku too harsh on him? If so, how could he not have noticed? What's the fact that he was trying to ensure he didn't endanger himself? What did the boy expect him to do if that was the case? How could he allow this boy, his son, to get himself killed? He would never forgive himself if he did that. He already felt immense guilt for the amount of suffering his other sons went through and the suffering that Goku Jr was going through. But he wasn't going to give up. He refused to fail him. He had to get through to him. He just had to. He wasn't going to abandon him. Clone or not adopted or not, he was still his son. He never wanted to play favorites. And he would take as much damage as he had to to get through to this boy.
"If you truly feel that way," Goku said, a hurt but determined tone could be heard in his voice. Chi-Chi watches this unbeknownst to both of them. "Then do your worst…" still holding back so that he didn't harm Goku Jr, he then entered a fighting stance with his son doing the same. The rain poured upon them as the two transformed into their most potent forms.
Chi-Chi had no choice but to watch as the two charged at each other, with Goku remaining on the defensive and only countering Goku Junior's attacks, as the boy was still lashing out in anger. The bitterness was evident in his eyes as he continued desperately to lay a punch as the two began to remember some of the moments they had together with much more clarity.
One memory, in particular, was 4 years ago. Goku Junior was doing a training exercise with Goku. Goku was making the training extremely difficult by placing weights on Goku Jr while also making all of his clothing weighted clothing. Increasing the consequences every time ensured that it would never become easy for the boy. As the boy tried desperately to continue to push forward, the more complicated it became, and he struggled more. The young boy then started to doubt himself to the point where he beat himself up, believing himself to be worthless. It hurt Goku to see him like this. It was never his intent, and he then tried to talk, but the boy would refuse to listen. Goku was losing his patience with Goku Jr as he couldn't bear to look at his son beating himself up over something difficult intentionally because of Goku. He then began to speak. "Kaka, you have to keep trying! You won't succeed until you push yourself!"
Goku Jr couldn't believe his father. Why was he hard on him all the time? He's always been harder on him over Gohan and Goten, but he doesn't realize it's because he was a pure-blooded Saiyan, so Goku had to be hard on him. He didn't need to be with Gohan and Goten. Goku Jr didn't see it that way. "Dad! This is nearly impossible!" The boy said as he tried to make a case. "Most of the people we fight Aren't nearly half as good as Uncle Vegeta, or you, or Gohan, or even Uncle Piccolo!"
"That's the point!" Goku said. Goku Jr looked away, but the father then continued. "Look, Goku; I know it's hard...." Goku Jr budged when Goku continued. "But I want this to be difficult for you..." This caught his son off guard. How could he think of that? But he began to understand as Goku continued. "This training is about life and death, kiddo. And as your father, it's my responsibility to protect you. But there will always come a time when I won't be there to do that. The same applies to your mom, Gohan, and Goten. The best way that I can protect you is by teaching you how to protect yourself." This shocked the boy. He didn't know what to think. "And if you can always keep up with me, your brothers, Vegeta, and the others, you'll always be ready for anything."
Goku then sighed. He was making it clear that he was now explaining his actions as of late."I know I've been harder on you than I am with your brothers. But the only reason why I am is that you're a pure-blooded Saiyan. If I'm not hard on you, you won’t be able to handle the hardships that come from being one. I want you to be able to take it." Goku only continued. "Your mom wouldn't be able to teach you in the way that I'm teaching you now. This is how you need to learn. Your mom won't be able to be this hard on you, Kaka. You're not like your brothers. That's why I have been disciplining you." Goku Jr then began to understand his father more. Goku only continued, though. "I have to make sure you're prepared for when your mom and I aren't there to help you. When we won't be there to help take care of you. To protect you." The older Saiyan gently placed his hand on the younger Saiyan's head and rubbed it as a father would towards any of his sons. "Besides, you may not notice, but you're improving. You're getting better at this. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll go far...." It was Goku's last words that caught the younger Saiyan off guard. "I'm proud of you, bud."
Goku Jr stood there in both shock and disbelief. He wasn't expecting his father to say that but seeing the genuine smile he always saw, he knew his father was telling the truth.
Back in the present, Goku Jr could be seen taking a pause for a second when he remembered that moment. Was he misunderstanding his father? Was his anger clouding his judgment? No, it couldn't be. Clearly, there was more to this. All he wanted was his father's respect. All he wanted was for his father to accept him for who he was and not who he wanted him to be. It's all Goku Jr ever wanted. That's all he could have asked for. And in his mind, Goku didn't give him that. Lashing out again, he then charged at Goku and tried to attack him repeatedly. Goku was only blocking, countering, and dodging his attacks as he did so, and the more Goku did this, the angrier and more frustrated Goku Jr became. He was charging a massive Kamehameha wave. The boy is clearly over-exerting himself as he does so, much to both Goku and Chi-Chi's dismay.
"Kaka! Please!" Goku continued to plead. The desperation in his voice as he tried to reach out to his son could be heard. "You have to stop! You'll kill yourself if you keep over-exerting yourself like this. Whatever you're going through, let me help you through it!"
"And let you view me as a disappointment!?" The younger Saiyan responded. "No! I'll continue doing whatever it takes to ensure I'm not viewed as such!"
"What do you hope to get from this!?" Goku shouted the confusion in his voice as he desperately tried not to hold back tears.
"YOUR GODDAMN RESPECT!" And as soon as the boys shouted that, he fired the massive energy wave towards Goku, forcing Goku to catch it and try desperately to push it upwards so that it didn't cause any more damage. It was a struggle, but he could do so, and much to Chi-Chi's dismay, only Goku Jr to punch him in the face. This time Goku didn't get back up when he fell. He just lay there looking his son in the eyes. He could see the anger still there. "I just want to be accepted as your son!" Clearly, he was holding back tears as if something was causing him to believe that Goku didn't see him as such. "I just want you to see me how your mom sees me, Dad! As your son! Just like how you see Gohan and Goten! I don't want you to believe you only have two sons…."
Goku was shattered by this, and so was Chi-Chi. How could he view this about himself? How could he believe that Goku didn't see Goku Jr like this? He did all the discipline when he came back to life with this boy, he raised this boy, even trained him. He made sure he studied as Chi-Chi requested him to. He made sure that he went through all of this. Why would he believe that he wasn't seen as Goku's son?
"Son Kakarot Goku Jr!" Chi-Chi said, causing both the sayings to be caught off guard and shocked as they turned to see her there with tears in her eyes. Her heart had been broken by her son feeling this way, and she could tell Goku was also heartbroken by this as he started to get up. "Your father may have been harder on you than he was on your brothers, but that's because he felt that he needed to be. Not because he favored Gohan and Goten more than he favored you. He loves you just as much as he loves your brothers. You are not an outcast as you believe yourself to be. You are already part of this family, and you always have been."
Goku Jr then turned to face his father, and he saw the same tears lying down his face as Goku then said it. "I did most of the discipline with you because I needed to make sure you could deal with the hardships that came with life as a Saiyan kiddo! I never wanted you to be jealous of your brothers. I have three sons. And you're one of them. What made you think that I felt differently?" Goku Jr was quickly able to tell the concern in Goku's voice when he asked that last question as he showed that he genuinely cared about how Goku Jr felt at the moment. That feeling of being worthless to Goku was a feeling that Goku had seen him have repeatedly throughout his childhood. Something that he saw that he still needed to help overcome. Something that he would have to help him gain was that sense of self-worth. "Was it the tournament?"
It took a little bit to answer Goku's question as Goku Jr was processing everything happening. Everything you were hearing and being reminded of was all finally coming back to him as he began to remember one of Goku's heart-to-heart with him a couple of years back. It was an apology if he remembered correctly. He closed his eyes and dug deeper into that memory to try to remember it vividly.
It was in the middle of the day. Saturday, to be exact. Goku was having Goku Jr take a break from training to enjoy being a kid. He could be seen looking off to the mountain tops of the forest, but the two of them were in as he reflected on his life choices. Everything he had done in the past. Every accomplishment and mistake he made. Everything he could have done differently. Especially with Gohan, Goten, and Goku Jr., he missed a lot of time, and he did regret it. Though he would never openly admit it. There were many things that Goku regretted, many things he felt he would never be able to make up for.
Goku Jr was seen reading a book she gave him simply because she felt he would like it due to his love for adventure. The Hobbit, to be exact. She was right. He loved reading the book. It was one of the few things he would enjoy doing besides fighting and training. He read a few chapters before he saw his father still staring out into the world as if his head was in another place. This caused quite a bit of concern for the boy as he couldn't begin to imagine what was going on in his father's mind. He then began to approach his father as he then began to ask.
"Dad? Goku jr said, raising an eyebrow. “You've been staring off into space for a little bit now. Is something bugging you?"
"I'm just reflecting, kiddo. On Life choices, to be exact."Goku quickly answered. The tone in his voice shows that he had been deep in thought for a while now. The boy was obviously confused. He didn't expect his father to say that, but he could tell it was bugging him. He didn't know what to think.
"What do you mean by that, Dad?" Goku Jr asked his adoptive father, confused. He never saw his father like this. He never seemed this bothered before by anything. Goku could see the confusion in his son's expression. He may be a pure-blooded Saiyan like him, but Goku then remembered that he and Chi-Chi raised him as if he was their son. As Goten's twin brother, even if he wasn't a twin. He then took a deep breath.
"Kiddo, I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. Some of them because I was an idiot at that moment, other times when I thought I was making the right decision only to find out that it was a mistake after I made that decision." The father answered his son honestly. There was clear regret at that moment. Goku's voice implied this in his tone. He wished he was there for his sons more, but he wasn't. He was venting at this point in a way that was clearly an apology to Goku Jr and maybe even Gohan and Goten. Something had to have caused him to think seriously about this, but Goku Jr couldn't exactly understand what it was. However, his father only continued.
"If I could go back in time and rethink that decision and choose differently, I certainly would. But I can't...." Goku continued as he tried to hold back some tears to stay strong for his son. "
What are you saying, Dad?" Goku Jr asked, even more confused.
"I'm sorry, kiddo." Goku then said. "I've been a pretty lousy father at times. No other way for me to put it. I've messed up a lot, and there's no excuse. I've been selfish to some extent too. I should have been there for you more. Same with your brothers. Your mom even."
"But you're here now." The boy tried to explain. He did understand how Goku being around now wasn't good enough, but Goku knew that his son still had some naivety at his young age. He still had a lot of growing up to do. Goku envied his son's naivety.
"It doesn't make up for the times that I wasn't, kiddo," Goku explained as he thought about this. "I made a lot of mistakes. Made reckless choices." Goku only continued as he was admitting his flaws."I'm always going to love fighting, and I'm always going to save the world, but even so. You guys deserve better. I may not be the most patient, understanding, or loving father, but damn it, kiddo... I do care."
Goku Jr was shocked by his father's words. Goku only continued. "I only have one wife and three sons... At least right now, when it comes to children... But to be honest... I wouldn't have it any other way....." Goku only smiled as he finished that last part, then hugged the younger Saiyan, who couldn't hold back light tears. Goku Jr was touched by that moment when his father reflected on his choices. There's something about those words that got to him. He would carry on that moment for the rest of his life. One he will never forget with his father.
Snapping back to reality after remembering it, tears of regret started to fall down his face as he began to place his hands on his head and realized what he was doing. He was lashing out at the world and taking his anger out on his father, the man who didn't deserve it. He never felt more ashamed of himself for letting his insecurities get the better of him. His jealousy. How could he let this happen? How the hell could he have blamed his father for all of this? Chi-Chi couldn't help but hug her son to try to comfort him; while Goku placed an arm on his back to do the same.
"It's okay, bud." He said to reassure his son. "Let's head back home, and you can vent to us. You need to let all of this pain out."
Back to the actual present once more, Goku Jr opened his eyes, a small tear of pain and regret seen on his face, though the perpetrator wouldn't be able to notice. Goku Jr then wiped tears from his eyes and slowly began to make the next move knowing that he felt the man would demand something. "What the hell do you want for their release?" The Saiyan then asked. He could try to make a negotiation and convince the person to come up with an agreement. "I'm sure we can negotiate an agreement for something you would want in exchange for their safe return…."
The masked figure only laughed as they then continued. The more he did so, however, the more it became clear that they were putting the Time Patrol in a position where they could negotiate. "You think I want money, power, or technology? If I did, I would not have gone through so much effort with this elaborate plan; I haven't even mentioned the last crucial detail. The fact that I planted bombs in 16 different realities that once detonated would instantly destroy them." The three people in the Time Nest eyes widened as they realized how mad this terrorist was. And here, he hadn't even demanded anything yet. "Oh no, I don't want any of what you might have to offer. Oh no Son Kakarot Goku Jr. All I want is you….."
Goku Jr's eyes were wide even more as he couldn't begin to fathom what this person could have wanted from him. But now it became clearer to him that this wasn't a simple terrorist across the Omniverse trying to cause chaos for the sake of Chaos. This was a personal vendetta. So you don't know what he did. "W-what!?"
"It's simple, Saiyan," the figure responded as if he heard the shock and Goku Jr's voice. Their tone and posture ensured they were leaving no room for debate or negotiation. "You and you alone will go to these five timelines where I have five raiders and fifteen Titans, and twenty five legendary "monsters", I have carefully placed in each of those five timelines, wreaking havoc and terror, you will defeat every one of them, and you will face them without the assistance of the Time Patrol, after that, you shall face me in combat. Each timeline and each warrior that I have unleashed on the world of each one carries clues to my location. You will use them to find me."
The figure then quickly held a detonator as they slowly began to position themselves to where they could press a button within the detonator. "Because if you don't, I have 16 bombs dedicated to a respective timeline that I will detonate, completely eradicating them. And to prove that I'm not bluffing," they said before pressing one of the buttons, causing a massive rumble in the Time Nest Chronoa and Aeos looked at the scrolls and then began to look back at Goku Jr in horror. "That was timeline 2374b - 1907. I suggest you follow my demand unless you want the blood of 15 more realities on your hands, boy….."
The figure then placed the detonator back down onto a dish that he had it served him on. And before he ended the communication, he then spoke again. "Clock is ticking…. Your destiny is calling you….."
And with that, the communication was gone. Goku Jr was now horrified as he could tell from his superiors' faces that the person responsible for kidnapping his parents did destroy that reality and that they were holding his family hostage. That was enough to know he was not bluffing about anything he just said. This was not someone that he could negotiate with. He had to go after them. He had to stop them. He knew deep down that this was a trap. But what choice did he have?
"I'm going after them…." Goku Jr gravely said, knowing that they would try to object, but given their situation, he knew they would eventually back down.
"Are you crazy!?" Aeos tried to convince Goku Junior not to do what he was planning on doing. "Whoever this is, they are doing this to get to you! If you do this, you're giving exactly what they want. They know this personally drives you because they made it personal by kidnapping your entire family."
"And that same bastard just blew up an entire timeline to prove a point!" Goku Jr countered by reminding them of the bombs. "We know there's 15 more. You need to find where they are. The rest of the Time Patrol needs to focus on that."
"But Goku…." Chronoa tried to point out to him though she was a bit hesitant to do so. Despite this, she pointed this crucial fact out. "...You know that this is a trap……."
"I know it's a trap!" Goku Jr told her bluntly. "But what choice do I have?" He then took a deep breath and began to process everything that was happening before he finally finished his thought. "Besides, that bastard has my family. And I intend on getting them back."
At that moment, the Supreme Kais of Time could no longer argue with him. Signs of defeat from both of them; they knew damn well that they were walking into dangerous territory.
"If you're going to face whoever this is on your own," Aeos started with hesitancy in her voice. "Then to go visit the homes of the family members first and grab all of their gear. You're going to need all the equipment and tools you can carry. And I suggest you get whatever gear you have at your place."
Goku Jr nodded in agreement. He knew deep down that he was going into enemy lines. And he was going in alone. He was walking into a trap, so he shouldn't be stupid. He had to get all the weapons and equipment he could carry. There's a difference between courage and stupidity, after all. And just at that moment, he then began walking away. Once he exited the time nest, he quickly flew to his apartment to grab the first set of weapons and equipment that he would need because he was going into a fight and might as well be adequately equipped for one.
Entering his apartment, he slowly went to a safe he had been holding from ever using unless there was an emergency. Well, now was a good time to be considered an emergency. Placed his hand on the handprint security thing and then allowed the safe to scan his eyes; the safe slowly opened; upon completing the process and lo and behold, inside with three fully customized pistols. Pistols could fire rounds that more normal firearms were utterly incapable of. He was going in for the fight of his life on his own; he could be equipped with stuff that would allow him to preserve his energy and deal as much damage as possible with all of them. They're also other equipment, such as the various traps he had seen survivors use. And even decoys, Senzu beans, healing items, smoke bombs, and airstrike requests, the Saiyan pod could be called upon, among many others. Those will come in handy as well. Placing them into a capsule, Goku Jr closed the safe and quickly started heading out onto the rooftop.
He felt the wind blowing at his hair and onto his skin as he cried out for an Old, reliable friend that wasn't even alive, or at least from how most people would have seen it. "Flying Nimbus!" He called out, and he saw the all-too-familiar yellow cloud flying toward he could imagine himself smiling at the all-too-familiar cloud, and for once, he was glad it was around. Once it reached where he was, he quickly climbed on top of it and started heading towards the Son Gohan residence. There was one particular piece of equipment that he was going to need from Gohan. And besides, since Gohan was recently abducted, Goku Jr assumed that poor Gohan would have no problems letting his soon-to-be rescuer borrow his weapon, in order to do so.
Upon arriving at Gohan's house, Goku Jr quickly reached out to his pocket with a spare key given by his older brother to unlock the door. This allowed him to walk closely toward the armory of Gohan's house. Gohan only really used the armory as a display of some kind to help him remember the old days. Goku Jr wasn't too concerned about that. He was only here for one thing and one thing at the moment. Reaching the armory and entering, the saying began to walk towards the very thing he was looking for, which was on Central display at the other end of the room. Gohan's old trusty sword during his training with Piccolo. Goku Jr was originally not going to take it, but considering that he was probably going to need all the gear he could get, he reconsidered it; taking a deep breath, Gohan's younger brother was seen taking the sword as well as a scabbard for it, to begin getting everything ready to go and putting them in a concealed bag that was capable of carrying a massive amount of weight.
Two places down, one to go. Two if you count one of the houses there as a separate house entirely, but they were so close together that it was more of a home when they were together. Goku Jr then slowly walked out of the house and, after locking the door behind him, climbed back onto the nimbus and flew off to Mount Paozu.
It only took him a couple of minutes to get there. But he quickly started to walk towards the house to open the door soon. His best guess was that Goku and Chichi were taken when they were at home if the door was unlocked. In this case, it made his job a lot easier. And granola nails, without a doubt, put those homes under surveillance for now. Walking into the house, you couldn't help but bask in the memories he had spent there. All the time, he was studying for school or training with his father. All the pictures in the house of him and his family. Specifically, Goku and Chi-Chi were in a photo with the whole family. And in the dead center in front were then 11-year-old Goku Jr and Goten. The two would have looked completely identical had it not been for Goku Jr's tail and the different choice of clothing. Goten wore Chinese-style outfits similar to Gohan, while Goku Jr wore a blue martial arts gi that his father passed down.
He then turned around and saw another photo of him and Goten when they were 17. Goku Jr had already had his growth spurt, and Goten's hair had already started to change. He couldn't help but remember some of those memories. Closing his eyes, Goku Jr took a deep breath as he remembered this day.
Goku waited for his father to show up at the World Martial Arts Tournament stadium. It had been a while since the two had spoken. Traveling across the Multiverse and all. He waited patiently as a young man all too familiar with the boy. walked up to him, thinking that he was THE Son Goku.
"Wait, Dad, I thought you were with Mom at the moment doing some shopping for Goku's return home from his adventure." The boy said. This caused Goku to cock an eyebrow. He immediately recognized the younger man, but then he remembered that he had his growth spurt while he was off-world, so Goku was about to surprise this young man, which would be a pleasant surprise.
"Dad? Wow, guess that growth spurt made it hard to tell me apart." The Saiyan casually said. He then began to show his tail which was still around, causing Goten to widen his eyes. Making him realize that this wasn't his father. But he recognized who it was.
"Goku!? I barely recognized you, bro!" Goten said with a smile on his face.
"Not surprised. I was away when I had my growth spurt. It's almost scary how much I look like a younger version of Dad."
"Well, to be fair, you are biologically a clone of him." Goten lightly remarked. This only caused the two of them to laugh as the two brothers clearly were bonding again after not seeing each other for a while now.
"How are Mom and Dad, by the way? How's Gohan, Vidal, and Pan?" Goku asked his brother with a smile on his face.
"They're doing okay," Goten answered honestly. "They all missed you, though. You have gone for a while, and I'm sure there's a lot that they want to talk to you about."
The pure-blooded brother couldn't help but smile from that as he then turned to Goten. "Oh, I bet!" Goku then told his brother as he couldn't contain the excitement in his voice or in his expression. "And I have a lot of stories I want to tell them about my adventures away from home. I'm waiting for Mom and Dad right now. They'll be here in a few minutes."
Several hours later, after a massive family reunion that ended quite pleasantly, Goten and Trunks were waiting by the door to the living room of the Son Family residence, looking at the kitchen while Goten gave a mischievous grin.
"Goten? Are you sure that pranking your brother is a good idea?" Trunks were seen showing some bit of concern.
"It's fine!" Goten casually said. "What's the worst Goku Jr gonna do? Prank me back!?"
Goku Jr was walking around when he headed towards the fridge, only to be hit by a fine to the face. "Very funny, Goten," he said in an unamused tone. "Got my just desserts, haha. You just wasted a perfectly good pie, I hope you know that, Goten!" He continued as he tried to find paper towels, only to find they were not where they were supposed to be. "Really? Hiding the paper towels? How mature, bro...." The Saiyan said sarcastically as he tried to find the other paper towels to wipe his face. As he did this, however, another pie was launched in his face, and he fell on his butt. Goten could be heard laughing in the background. That was the last straw for Goku Jr, but they no longer let this stand. He made the declaration of war. "Ohohohoho... It's on!"
Thus another family tradition between two brothers began with the typical son-brother style Saiyan Prank War....... Some things never change......
Snapping back from memory lane, Goku Jr then continued to look at the photo a little more. A bit, he couldn't help but let out a sigh of pain and even a hint of regret. "I wish this never happened to Goten," Goku Jr said to himself softly. "And to make matters worse, you were also kidnapped. The truth is I could use your help right now, Brother. I would never have succeeded in defeating Zamasu ten years ago if it wasn't for you."
That was true. If it wasn't for Goten, Vegeta Jr, and Trunks assisting him, he might as well call himself a goner. Zamasu, or Goku Black as he was better known as, would have probably killed him or, worse, tortured him as he did before the final battle. But this time, here he was being forced to go rescue his brothers from three different timelines as well as his parents, his niece, his sister-in-law, his brother's father-in-law, his adopted maternal grandfather, his paternal grandparents, and his surrogate uncle and godfather from various timelines as well. What made it worse was that he had to do it alone.
Sighing, he then reluctantly turned away from the photo as he headed towards his parents' room. He took a small minute to look around before opening the closet and noticing what he was looking for. He reached out and grabbed it. Taking the box, he breathed before staring at his reflection. It was terrifying how much he looked completely identical to his father. If it weren't for the fact that he still had his tail, he would have looked completely identical to his father. The second Earth Saiyan then sided and stared at the photo of his father, Goku on the vanity stand of his mother. She loved that photo. But there was something else that he didn't notice until now. It wasn't just that photo anymore. He took a deeper look, and his heart arched a bit. Not at what he was looking at but at the circumstances that he was currently in. It was a picture taken on his 21st birthday with him and Goten drinking.
He remembered a lot of times when he spoke with his mother. And he couldn't help but remember when he spoke to his mother 56 years ago. After the first mission of the first two versions of the Dragon Team, who joined the Time Patrol and became its first members, it was a quiet day at Capsule Corp after their timeline was merged with Conton City's world. This also included the different versions of the various timelines connected to it. The day before, there was a very dangerous mission that left a lot of people shaken when it ended. Demigra was threatening every plane of existence of the entire Omniverse. Demigra was defeated at the end of the day, but it wasn't an easy victory.
Bulma wanted to throw a huge celebration with all the different versions of everyone they joined forces with, and there was a huge party as a result. Everyone was seemingly happy. That was when one particular younger pureblooded Saiyan, that looked nearly identical to Goku, except that he had a tail, started to walk out of the building and lean towards the end of the balcony. He originally thought no one would notice or care, but he was wrong.
A woman noticed. She was wearing more of a teal-colored Chinese dress this time around and had her hair in a bun with her bangs showing. She was wearing an outfit better suited for fighting earlier, but she didn't feel the need to wear it now. When she noticed this young man walking out suddenly too, this caused her to raise some eyebrows but not out of suspicion but concern. Concern for the boy's well-being in her eyes. This was Chi-Chi, Goku's beloved wife, and Gohan and Goten's loving mother. And apparently, she was close to this young Saiyan as well. How so? Well, she made it very obvious when she approached him as he stood over the balcony looking at the sunset. Something was bothering him, as she noticed.
She was overbearing at times, but at least she overcame it. There were also instances where she was justified or, at the very least, understandable. As she approached him, she then remarked. "You know it's rather lonely out here, Karrot." She remarked in a teasing manner as the younger Saiyan then responded to her.
"Mom... You know I don't like that nickname. I never did.."
Chi-Chi only rolled her eyes as she walked over to stand beside him. This saying was someone who meant so much to her. This was her little boy. But he was all grown up now. It broke her heart to see a little Saiyan warrior like this, especially with what she had seen him go through with his depression. She could easily say something was bothering him. She wasn't angry with her approach but rather direct, making it clear that she wasn't going to leave him alone until he opened up. She always had to take a similar approach to her husband. "All right, kiddo, I'll bite. What's wrong?" She said in a tone that showed her willingness to listen to him. Part of her knew that the young man struggled to find the words to describe it.
"It's just... This whole Time Patrol stuff, it's not something I'm used to. It's all new to me."
"This is new to all of us kiddo. Your father is still getting used to saving things beyond Earth, let alone a whole Multiverse, or, nowadays, the entire Omniverse." Chi-Chi pointed that out, knowing her adopted son would open up more. She always made it to where he opened up.
Despite adopting him due to the circumstances that led to his birth, which is why he was a pure-blooded saiyan, to begin with, she always saw him as her son, nothing more, nothing less. Bringing up Goku was obviously the best course of action whenever she needed this boy to vent. Goku Jr then looked at her in surprise, but she only continued. "I was heartbroken that he wasn't brought back, but Gohan brought you home. My heart couldn't let you be abandoned with nowhere to go. No home to come to. I spent years raising this little Saiyan Boy. Something I never thought I would ever expect to do. But I raised a pure-blooded Saiyan, nonetheless. I named you after your father because I knew deep down that you were like him. Not just from looks, either. You were so innocent...."
This caused the Saiyan to be surprised. She noticed this and only continued.
"And when your father returned seven years later, he accepted you with open arms. Alongside your brother Goten. We both ended up seeing you grow up. Going from this little boy to a little man." Goku Jr only listened to her. It was clear that she was being genuine with the way that she was speaking to him.
"And that little man ended up being so ready to take on the world no matter how cruel it can be. To see this big world for what it was." She only continued. "And that big world had been cruel to him. That big world made that little man, my little boy, sometimes feel powerless. I've seen him at his worst. So has his father. And I've seen him multiple times the way you are now... Afraid of the unknown."
It was at that moment Goku Jr realized that she was describing him. He remembered all the times Goku trained him. Even the times Chi-Chi had as well. Remembering all the times she saw him pushing himself too hard, even times where he had injured himself. All the times he had pushed himself so hard, he ended up with bloody knuckles from his injuries. Chi-Chi then only continued.
"But I also saw that little man take back his life. Took the world head on and, even when the odds were against him, faced it with a smile." The Younger individual then began remembering all the times he had fought impossible odds. All the times he nearly died. Majin Buu, Frieza, Zamasu, Moro. That's just a few names then he could think of as well. Chi-Chi then continued. "Now this little man is doubting himself again because now he's coming to terms with the fact that he is in a much bigger world than he realized."
Goku Jr was shocked by everything she just said because it was true. She was always that wise. He couldn't hide anything. "That's exactly what it is. How are you always this wise?" She could only chuckle as she then said.
"Goku, I am your mother. I named you after your father to clarify that you are my son. That you were your Father's son." She only smiled as she continued she had to get through to him somehow, and yet there was something about her son that always made her feel like she did right. "You are one of the kindest and most courageous people I've ever met. And I'm proud to call you my son." She smiled more as she finished her last bit. "And like your father, you're also fearless, and it's not because you don't have fears; it's because you're willing to face your fears head-on even if the odds are against you. The world is scary, but as long as you still have the courage to face it, you'll be fine."
Goku Jr then gave a faint but genuine smile; he could see why his father loved her. He couldn't help but simply respond with the following. "Thank you, Mom... For everything...."
Returning to the current moment, Goku Jr escaped from his memory again and took another deep sigh. He then started to open the box revealing a key to something. Luckily he knew what it was and where to find it. But before leaving the house, he took a deep breath and looked at the pictures again. "Mom…. Dad…" he said. He was fighting back the tears. He was afraid. Afraid of losing his family. The only family you ever knew and ever will know. "Gohan… Goten… Videl…. Pan…. Everyone…. Wait for me….. I'm going to bring you all back home. I promise!" He said when he made that last declaration. He then began to walk out of his parent's bedroom. Slowly leaving towards the door, he will take another look back at the house, letting all the memories kick in while he exits, but not without locking the door behind him.
As soon as he left the house, he walked towards another building nearby, the wind blowing at him. He felt the breeze touch his skin. He couldn't help but feel the fear slowly turn into resolve as he quickened to steps. Before he knew it, he slammed the door open, but not enough to break it. Carefully walking towards something that Goku pretty much kept tied away, the first adopted son of Goku took a deep sigh, before he started to take a large chest out from Goku's hiding place. Looking at the key for a minute, the Saiyan inserted it into the lock and turned it. Once the chest was unlocked, he opened it and found exactly what he sought. His father's bo staff. The power pole. As well as the Bansho fan, there are some other things like different forms of clothing and furs. That is definitely what he was looking for. And before anyone knew it, he took everything he had already acquired from the other places and started to equip himself with everything he had just gathered. Right there in his father's adopted grandfather's house.
He started with the clothes. Strapping pieces of armor on his shoulders, knees, elbows, and wrists added more layers to the gauntlets that he now wore. He's additional armor platings on his boots, reinforcing them. Next, he holstered all three of his pistols in the holsters that he had also strapped on to his clothes, then strapped the scabbards of the swords before slowly putting the swords in the scabbards to avoid hurting himself in the process. He then carefully placed the Bansho fan on the bottom part of his back before putting the Bo staff on his back. And now that everything was equipped, at least everything he knew about which, he assumed that he was going to get more equipment over time as well on this journey purely because he was going to need it, he then slowly began to head out. He received an unknown text revealing the location of the timelines that he needed to go to. Whoever tried to get him to take the bait was serious about this.
Calling for the nimbus again, he knew damn well where to go now—flying towards a good area to start heading towards his next destination through the Time Patrol wormholes. As he continued, his fears purged from his mind and were replaced with his resolve. The next thing he knew, he was no longer in Conton City. Traveling through those things with the nimbus was something he never imagined himself doing, but here he was, armed to the teeth and flying his family's nimbus, off to fight who knows what danger he was about to face. Ironically to save 20 timelines and his family.
The more he thought about it, the more he remembered what his mother had said. All those years ago. How he was so much like his father, and the more he thought about it, the more he remembered it and realized that she was right. So willing to go into danger no matter how cruel the world could be. He was still willing to take on the world. And not only that, he was now willing to face whatever dangers and fears he would be forced to face alone.
Upon arriving at the first reality, a timeline where Goku went by Kakarot, similar to the one he was previously in, Goku couldn't help but notice something was different in this reality somehow. At least different from the reality he was in. Perhaps he should check on the history of that place once he landed on the ground. Soaring through the sky more, he felt his courage overcoming his fears and his resolve giving the strength to push on his new quest. The quest to save his entire family. His determination sparked by his memories of his family and he also had a gut feeling that those same memories were somehow going to help him through this quest.
No, Son Kakarot Goku Jr wasn’t going to allow this bastard to win. As long as he still has a fight left in him, he will find a way to defeat him. Whoever this was, they just started a damn war with the saiyan. He took a moment to pull out something out of his pocket, he pulled it out and revealed something that was all too familiar to him. It was a red bandana. The head band, one of the versions of Bardock, had given to him as a gift. He took a moment to think back on it before opening his eyes and slowly putting it on his forehead and tying the back to keep it in place. Now fully ready for battle, he flew the nimbus to his first destination.
Meanwhile, in an undesignated location, Goku Jr was being observed for the footage as a couple of folks could be seen observing as the two then spoke. “It seems The saiyan has taken the bait,” the one closest to the door said. “The Time Patrol will most likely be looking for the bombs and wouldn’t be able to help him.”
The masked figure then spoke, and now that the mask was removed, the voice of a male could be heard from where he was sitting. “Excellent,” the man in the chair said. "The son of Goku and Chi-Chi rushed into danger just as we convinced him to. And to make it worse for him, he's going to have to face us and all of our forces might do whatever it takes to keep him from finding us, alone. Granted, he would have to destroy them anyway, in order to acquire the clues to our exact location. Although you do have to admire his courage."
"But sir," the other man tried to protest. "He's armed to the teeth. Has all the various weapons that his family has used and more."
"And did you really expect him to go after us with nothing but his brute strength and powers?" The leader mentioned. "There's a difference between courage and stupidity, Mr Haruto. The fact that Goku Jr took the time and effort to get the equipment that he felt he would need on his journey as well as a means to provide him support should he need to preserve his energy and power, should not be credited against him. In fact, he should be praised for his resourcefulness. And I'm also certain that he's going to grab more gear throughout the journey too. As well as potentially look for leads that could get him to where he needs to be. Either way. He's following the bait. And he will get stronger, no doubt. I'm simply curious how strong he will be when he reaches us."
Haruto took a bit of a moment to pause and process everything he just heard. None of this didn't even seem to make sense until he remembered that he was speaking to another Saiyan. "You actually want to face him yourself….."
"Correct," the man said as he then slowly began to get up. "Though I don't want to make it too easy. Oh no. I want him to go through all of hell and back just to get to me. The only two reasons why we drugged his family rather than attacked them head on was because if we were to fight any version of Goku or Gohan, we would have certainly lost. Baking this whole plan obsolete and pointless. Another reason why we put restraining braces that prevent all of them from using their abilities as long as they wear them. And they can't take them off without the proper codes."
"But sir," Haruto began to point out. "You haven't mentioned the Bounty Hunters, inquisitors, WarChiefs and Captains."
"All on purpose," the Saiyan responded with. "We don't want to make things too easy for him, now do we?"
"No sir," Haruto answered. "But don't you think he will be dealing with more than enough of this Army? He could potentially use each battle and his training to surpass you through his zenkai boosts."
"A risk we must be willing to take," Haruto's master responded. A smile was seen on the man's face as he then continued to walk towards Haruto. Revealing spiky but messy hair but he wore a different type of armor. He wore Saiyan armor as well but it was heavily modified, and he had military grade earth pants underneath the armor too that was baggy. His grin was that of a devilish smile. Seeing Haruto look at him nervously also allowed him to know that he could easily keep the human in line. "It will only be a matter of time," he said. A hint of confidence could be heard in his tone. "Let's see just how strong this Saiyan can become."
A few hours passed as Chi-Chi was seen leaning towards Goku while he held her in her arms. The two seemed rather calm, all things considered. Their counterparts as well as the different versions of their sons, Goten and Gohan, their daughter in law Videl, and their granddaughter, Pan were surprisingly calm as well. Though this shouldn't be a surprise considering how long they've been in the Time Patrol at this point. So they couldn't help but feel worried. Goku Jr was out there, most likely risking his life to save them. Though it was always easy to put faith in him whatever he was needed, Goku couldn't help but worry for the boy he raised and trained. And Chi-Chi had the same worries too. Always more concerned for his safety than theirs.
Still, it's not like they were in a position to do anything about it now. Taking a deep breath, Goku softly whispered to his wife as he tried to reassure her that everything was going to be fine. "He'll find a way to succeed," he told her. His voice calmed as he did so. "He's as strong as I am, as smart as you are, and he's as stubborn and patient as both of us combined."
Chi-Chi gave a faint smile from that remark. "Just like his brothers." She told him back. She held him tighter as her smile faded. "Still…. That's our boy, risking his life for us."
Goku understood that she was still worried for Goku Jr's well being. He couldn't blame her. He was worried too. That was THEIR son out there. Sure he wasn't biologically their son, due to him being a clone of Goku but they raised him. Raised him as if he was their own flesh and he loved them both. The boy cherished them. "I know," he told her. "But right now, all we can do right now is trust him. Have faith in him."
Chi-Chi nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly. She understood that Goku Jr was able to hold his own but she hated the idea of her children running into certain danger. Especially if family is involved. "I know, but Goku….. Kaka is walking into a trap…" she told him softly. And technically, she wasn't wrong and Goku knew this.
"I think he already knows that….." Goku told her. He knew his son too well. Always running straight into danger. Just like him. All too much like him, if he was going to be honest. Chi-Chi could tell her husband was trying to not only be calm, but also put faith in his son. And was their ability to use their ki not available to them right now, due to these damn bracelets, he has to. They all did. He was worried about his son, just like the rest of the family was, but deep down, he also knew that he was worried about them too.
Thinking about that reminded him of the time Goku Jr was 21. They just finished planning everything for the farm so they decided to get some training in for a little bit. Goku Jr had tried various tricks to try to catch his father off guard, only for it to backfire on the younger saiyan. Hours upon hours passed of no talking, just sparing before the two just got tired, I even ended up panting and laughing together.
"I still can't believe that after all these years, I still can't compete with my old man," Goku Jr jokingly said. His laugh was still lighthearted as ever. But then he'd notice Goku absolutely staring at him. "Dad?"
Goku looked at Goku Jr and he couldn't help but not shake off the feeling that he was staring down at a younger version of himself. Memories overwhelmed him as Goku jr tried to wave his hands towards him.
"Dad!" Goku Jr said, trying to reach out to his father. Goku couldn't help but snap back to reality as he saw his son showing a small hint of concern as he then began to ask.
"Dad, are you okay? You spaced out for a good minute there!"
Goku only smiled. "Yeah, I'm okay kiddo. Just noticing just how much you look like me."
Goku couldn't help but snap back to reality as he saw his son showing a small hint of concern as he then began to ask.
Goku Jr cocked an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're okay?" He asked and Goku could easily hear both the confusion and the concern in his son's voice.
"I'm fine." Goku reassured him. "You just remind me of myself when I was your age. That's all...."
Looking back at it now in the present, Goku could tell that his son was very much like him indeed. "The truth is Junior inherited our heart dear," he softly told Chi-Chi. "He cares about us. We're his family. We raised him. He grew up with his brothers in his life. He would rush in to save us. Because he thinks we would do the same." He took a deep breath before finishing. "Because he KNOWS we would do the same for him."
Chi-Chi reluctantly nodded. She knew he was right but that was still her son. Their son, in fact. She didn't care that he was adopted, or the fact he was a pure-blooded Saiyan. That was still her little boy. She raised him from the very beginning and it's something that only became easier when Goku came home. She loved him as if he was her own flesh and blood. Even with his more wild nature. Strong appetite and the ability to tap into her husband's abilities up until his death against cell, mainly due to the wish that resulted in his birth, allowing him to do so. She was lucky Gohan and Goku were both there to help raise him.
"I know he'll succeed Goku," she told her husband. A pained smile formed on her face for a little bit before he faded. "But if he's anything like either you or any of our other boys, he will suffer before that happens…" Tears could be seen falling down her face when she came to that realization. He was no longer the naive innocent little boy she sang lullabies too, however she also understood that throughout all the suffering that he went through, Goku Jr slowly and surely went from being that naive little boy to that wise man charging into danger. But knowing this fact actually made her genuinely smile. "But…" she said softly as she placed a hand on her chest, thinking more about it. "He'll become a much wiser man because of it. His suffering will only make him stronger… after all, we're the source of his resolve…"
Goku held his wife tighter, gently kissing her forehead as he whispered softly to her. "That's right," he told her. "We made him the man he is now, and with how much he's grown, I can't be even prouder. But none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for you, the first 7 years of his life."
That last remark caught Chi-Chi off guard but she couldn't help but smile from it. Sure Goku did most of the discipline when it came to raising Goku Jr, because he felt that he had to, but for him to acknowledge the 7 years that he wasn't there, due to being dead. And was such gratitude, well it meant the world to her. She always knew he meant it of course, through him always telling Jr to go easy on her and to cut her some slack. Or the times he took the helm with discipline in Goku Jr's case, to make it easier for her. Or even times he gave their adopted son advice. All those heart to heart moments they had. It all helped Goku be an even better father than he already was. It also helped Goku Jr become the courageous man he was now.
“We just have to have faith in him,” She finally said, resting her head on his chest. “I know he’ll find a way. After all, he’s a lot like you.” she felt her husband's smile for her remark as he gently wrapped his arms around her.
As all of that Goten was looking at the ceiling as he thought about who their abductor was. Whoever they were, clearly had a personal vendetta against Goku Jr. He could tell that much. Staring blankly at the ceiling above him, he couldn't help but wish they could do something aside from waiting for his "twin" brother to come to their rescue. But what could their abductor want from Goku Jr? What did Goku Jr do to pissed that bastard off, this badly? The thoughts continue to swirl in his mind as he tries to decipher what could possibly be the reason. Well, he guessed he was about to find out with everyone else as they all then heard footsteps approaching them.
"Kinda took a cowardly approach, knocking each and every one of us out the way you did," Goten told the people approaching, as if he was calling them out.
"Hard to be honorable when you know you're going to lose in a straight up fight, which would ruin the whole point of a plan," the person responded. "I understand none of you would necessarily agree with that, but I could care less about fighting any of you."
"Of course not!" Chi-Chi said sardonically. "What the hell do you want from my son!?" A hint of her protective Instinct was kicking in, despite her current situation.
The man being questioned couldn't help but be intrigued by the family he abducted. He could see why a strong Saiyan like Kakarot would want to be with a woman like Chi-Chi. Even if she was a human. Her fiery passion and conviction, her stubborn personality. And her feisty attitude.
"Son Goku Jr?" The Saiyan outside of the cell asked. Already knowing the answer. "It's quite simple really. I just find it interesting that there's a Saiyan Clone that has his own personality." he said. "And to think he was a clone of your husband….."
Goku felt a hint of anger build up inside him before Chi-Chi placed her hand on his chest, letting him know that their captor was trying to get under their skin.
"There's a lot of things you underestimate about him," Chi-Chi declared. Her confidence unshaken as she got up and walked up to the bars. "My third son is stronger than you know. He isn't going to allow you to win. He's stubborn, determined, persistent, patient and most importantly, a fighter who refuses to give up, just like his father …. And his brothers….." She didn't even let him speak. She continued to taunt him, despite her situation. She clearly put her faith in her son. "Your mistake was making Kaka go on this quest. Because now he's going to get stronger. Stronger than you can possibly imagine. He's one of the strongest, bravest, and fiercest people I know. Only my Goku here has shown the level of tenacity that my son shares." She then grinned. Not out of malicious intent, but out of pride and confidence. "You're mistake is underestimating MY son! You are right about one thing only. Son Kakarot Goku Jr is going to come to you! He will come, and when he does, he will defeat you! Underestimating him WILL be your undoing!"
The captor paused. He didn't know how to make what he just heard. He then tried to get under her skin. "Do you really think he will defeat me…. Mrs Son?"
"I KNOW he will!" Chi-Chi countered.
The masked individual then slowly took off his mask, revealing the Saiyan in question. This shocked everyone. He looked EXACTLY like Goku and Goku Jr. Nearly identical in every way. His grin shows malus and arrogance. His voice sounded like the two as well. "I'm looking forward to it…." He said before walking away. The others remained silent until he was gone and they were the only ones present.
"That was not what I expected…." Xeno Goku said as he tried to process everything that he just witnessed.
"You said it" Xeno and GT Goten said simultaneously as they also tried to put all the pieces together.
Goten then remembered what he just thought about. The apparent personal vendetta against Goku Jr. The fact he kidnapped everyone except him. And now the fact that he looked like him. Could it be? No. It couldn't, could it?
"What are you thinking about Goten?" Gohan asked, breaking Goten's train of thought as a result.
"Huh!?" Goten responded with, showing he wasn't expecting Gohan's question. "Oh! I'm just thinking about who this person might be. I don't know if this is actually the case yet, but… I think he could be Goku's counterpart…." Everyone knew he was referring to Goku Jr. That was who he always referred to when he said Goku's name.
"What makes you think that?" GT Goku asked. The confusion seen on his face. "Most versions of Goku Jr aren't a clone or son of Goku. That's a rarity.."
"I know that…." Goten said. "Maybe he's from a rare timeline. One where that version of Dad was either cloned or had a son who looked identical. It's the only theory that makes sense as to how." It was clear he had been thinking about the possibility the entire time they were here.
"Regardless of the reasons, he kidnapped us all," GT Chi-Chi pointed out. Her voice and posture are calm and rational, like Chi-Chi's. "And with these brackets preventing us from using our abilities, we're sitting ducks. All we can do now is wait. Have faith in Kaka. We know damn well he has what it takes. Not just strength…" a faint smile formed as she continued. "But also his courage, resolve, patience and compassion. And if this person is who Goten thinks he is, then chances are he's hurting. He must be in great amounts of pain. Just like Kaka went through. So if anyone can understand enough to try to reach out, it could be him. If we can find a way to communicate with Kaka, we could maybe help him. Find out who this Saiyan really is. Let Kaka know that he's never truly alone. Then maybe, just maybe…. He can help this damaged soul."
The others took a brief pause of this. They were clearly thinking about what could be done. Goku then turned to Xeno Gohan. "Could you find a way to override the bracelets?" He asked. "Enough to avoid suspicion and with the codes needed for them? If we can disable them without attracting suspicion, maybe we could have a way to contact your brother."
Xeno Gohan nodded. “It’s tricky due to the tech and people coming in and out, but yes. It can be done.”
"Do what you have to do," Xeno Goku told him. "They can't suspect a thing."
Xeno Gohan nodded and quickly got to work. Doing absolutely everything in his power to disable the bracelets, with some override, without getting caught. Everyone else could be seen keeping their eyes out for anyone who could walk in, to give him a signal to stop.
Elsewhere……
Goku Jr was seen flying on the nimbus, navigating with a map he had to try to search for leads, while also learning more about this timeline. Goku went solely by Kakarot but to his knowledge, Kakarot didn't come to Earth. At least that's what he thought. But then, he knew he could be wrong. That's when he remembered that he was in the timeline six years ago. But he didn't interact with many people there so he could have missed some important details. Then he actually decided to use his device to learn more about the timeline. At this point, the more he knew, the better. He could potentially learn more about the timeline while also being able to navigate through it as a result. That's when something he found interesting came up.
It seems Kakarot actually crash landed on Earth. It has actually been a while since it happened. Apparently he already met Chi-Chi and things have been tense at times. Apparently there was a lot more to this timeline than he originally realized. Raditz turned out to be alive and Planet Vegeta was still intact? Clearly a curious development indeed for a timeline. Though if this was all the case then it was probably best for him to avoid all of those people as much as possible. He wasn’t sure how they would react to him. So it was best to not encounter them if possible. Now looking for potential leads on the monsters, titans and raiders, which he also labeled as breakers. Goku Jr sored through the sky on the nimbus as he looked for a nearby town where can get some information. Flying towards the nearest village, he hid his tail around his waist and had the nimbus park a few feet away from the first village before sending it off for a little while.
‘Best to travel on foot for a bit’, Goku Jr thought to himself as he then started to head to the village. He felt an overwhelming amount of people staring at him. Possibly due to him being an outsider, armed to the teeth or possibly both. Walking markets, he noticed many of the people were looking in with malicious intent but rather curiosity. This village also somehow had a familiar aura to it. But he couldn’t put his finger on it. Though he also really thought that it was more of a city than a simple village.
Wandering around the markets, he then decided to start asking around about rumors that may have recently occurred. Walking towards a merchant, the Saiyan then began to calmly ask the man for information on said rumors. "Excuse me," he said, modestly, which caught the merchant off guard. "Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if there was a place you know of that would talk about rumors that may have recently popped up."
"Best bet would be to head to the fire mountain inn then, young man," the merchant said in a polite manner. "You adventurous folk tend to go there. And I can tell you're looking for an adventure."
"You could say that, my good sir," Goku Jr responded back in a polite manner. Best not to disclose the real reason why he was there. "Would you mind telling me where this inn is?"
"Oh sure thing lad," the merchant said with a chuckle. "It's a few blocks from the town square, to your right, once you pass the clock in the square, you should be able to see the big sign to the place."
"Thank you so much," Goku Jr said as he gave the merchant some Zenni. This caught the merchant by surprise. "Here's some money for your trouble."
"Much appreciated lad," the merchant said, looking at the handsome amount of ten thousand Zenni. "But…. It's not necessary."
"Please, I insist," Goku Jr responded. Showing that he was genuinely giving him the money. Causing the man to accept the reward. Money wasn't an issue for Goku Jr. Him ensuring his family's safety was all that mattered at the moment. As well as saving the 20 other timelines dragged into this madness.
"Thank you," the merchant said, taking the money. "Mighty generous of ya."
"It's no trouble at all," Goku Jr told him before, following the directions the merchant gave him. The crowds were browsing the wares of the markets where the square was. Musicians were seen playing music in the square, no doubt to get money from people. walking around mord, Goku Jr could see all kinds of people in the area. Merchants, wealthy commoners, nobles, aristocrats, you name it.
The Saiyan couldn't help but feel a sense of uneasiness around him. There were a lot of people, too many people for his liking and far too many guards and police around it seemed. He walked cautiously to the tavern and carefully went inside, trying not to rub law enforcement the wrong way with his mere presence. Once he was in the inn, some of the weight was now off his shoulders. Music was playing all around, with a hint of a mix between western, medieval and even Celtic music.
Walking towards the counter, Goku Jr took a deep breath before sitting down as a bartender was seen walking up to him, what surprised him was the fact that it looked like the bartender was a female Saiyan from the looks of it. Possibly from Universe 6. "What can I get ya mister?" The bartender asked in a polite tone.
This also caught Goku Jr off guard, though it might be best to play along for now. "This might sound like an idiotic question, considering the name of the place," he said but continued cautiously. "But would you happen to have Fire Mountain Ale, Liquor or Brandy?"
The bartender smiled at the modesty. "Surger, we have all the Fire Mountain alcohols, ale, liquor, brandy, whiskey, red and white wine, beer, rum, bourbon, ya name it. I'm surprised you're so modest about it though."
Goku Jr cocked an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?" He asked as if he wasn't expecting it.
"Well you know our kind" the bartender responded with a smile, confirming his suspicions about her. "No matter if they are from universe six or seven, most of us Saiyans can be a bit of a beast to tame. Out of all the universe 7 Saiyan customers this bar has, you're our most modest." Goku Jr could tell he was being teased by the girl before she began introducing herself. "The name's Celia by the way. What's your name?"
Goku Jr was taken aback by this but then decided to return the gesture to be polite. "G-Goku. Son Goku."
"Odd name for a Saiyan," Celia said. "I like it though. Something tells me it really suits you."
Goku Jr chuckled a bit while he blushed a little, due to being embarrassed. "Awww shucks…. hehehehehe…."
Celia smiled, eyeing Goku Jr, she couldn’t help but feel there was something different about him. Something most Saiyans lacked from both universe six and universe seven. Something about him that makes him different. Unique for the most part. She didn’t find him attractive. At least she didn’t think she did. But something piqued her curiosity. “So what brings ya to these parts, Mr.Son?” she asked with a hint of her curiosity.
“Just looking for some adventure and glory,” Goku jr answered, though not completely truthfully. He couldn’t tell her the truth. It would only cause complications. “Ancient temples and dungeons that may need exploring, legendary monsters and titans that need slaying, and villages that need saving. That sort of thing.”
“Well now,” Celia responded with. “If you're looking for adventure, there are several rumors of “Monsters” terrorizing the folk around earth and namek. Titans residing in temples running the show and four big “WarChiefs” leading them all.”
'WarChiefs? She must mean the Raiders,' Goku Jr thought in his mind. At this point, he figured there was only one way to find out. "Where can I find them all?" He asked. "Perhaps I could deal with them for all of you."
"Well…." Celia started as she eyed the Saiyan in front of her. "The "monsters'' won't be too hard to find. They are wreaking havoc anywhere they can, so finding them will be easy. The Titans on the other hand will be more difficult. They each reside in a dungeon or temple. I don't know all of the locations, but I know at least ten of them. I'll jot them down for ya."
"Much appreciated," Goku Jr said, thanking the girl in the process. "How can I repay you?"
"Ya could take me with ya on your adventure," Celia told him with an excited tone. "My adopted brother told me that I can always come back and tell him all about it if I go on one."
"Well…." Goku Jr said as he slowly put some thought into it. On one hand it would probably be too dangerous for her, but on the other he could use the extra help. "All right, fine. You probably know a way into the dungeons anyway."
Just then a few explosions and screaming can be heard coming from the market areas near the bridge that lead into the city. Upon hearing this, out of instinct, Goku Jr rushed towards where it was coming from. Struggling passed the panicking crowds, go to Junior uses this to use his telekinesis, to slowly but surely and carefully, putting together pieces of old devices he used to use of his old equipment, to build some type of weird handle-like device, well also forming a large portion of his energy and then reforming it into two crystals of some kind of a sapphire color. Once the crystal was created the metal pieces got it around it. Little did people know his "guns'' had a similar "energy crystal". Once the strange object was created, Goku Jr then grabbed it and strapped it onto his side. As he continued to push through People to the action, he remembered a similar situation during his second year in the Time Patrol.
It was a mission where Goku and Goku Jr were sent to defeat a version of Cell, Frieza, Buu, and Vegeta, along with Nappa the Dodoria, Zarbon, Spopovich and Yamu. They were causing chaos in a timeline where Goku stayed dead after Buu. These raiders were causing chaos wherever they went and Goku and Goku Jr split up to defeat them all. Goku Jr fought Spopovich, Yamu, Nappa, Dodoria and Zarbon, while Goku fought Vegeta, Frieza, Cell and Buu.
Goku Jr was forced to face his targets in a village, all at once, which wasn't ideal for time patrollers for a variety of reasons. One they didn't want to attract unwanted attention to themselves. Two, they didn't want to worry about collateral damage, and three didn't want people to get hurt in the crossfire. Upon reaching them, the younger Goku could be seen entering a fighting stance, and mentally preparing himself for battle as the others charged at him. Quickly dodging all of their attacks, Goku Jr could easily try to launch a quick counter attack but the amount of people attacking him at once, that would probably not be a wise decision.
Continuing to evade all of his enemies in just his base form, the young Saiyan male was seen mentally preparing himself to launch a counter-attack. He just needed to find the right opening and then.... Just then he noticed Nappa was wide open, giving the young Goku Jr the opportunity he needed.
Just then, Goku Jr then raised his right hand and fired a massive ki blast at Nappa, blasting him a few feet away, before he then delivered a massive left roundhouse kick, hitting Yamu, and nearly knocking him out in the process. He then delivered a flurry of kicks from both of his legs upon Dodoria, and then a flurry of punches as well, and a few other different fighting actions in regards to martial arts, such as open palms attacks, tiger claws, and various other techniques that he had learned over the years. Is it that moment where all of his opponents started losing their patience and started targeting the people around them causing Goku Jr to look back in absolute horror. How could he have screwed up with this!? How could you allow himself to get this cocky!? Quickly transforming into a Super Saiyan, he then did everything in his power to deflect all of the blasts, and even some of the saibamen that Nappa planted. Dispatching each of them was one punch. Nappa, Yamu Spopovich Dodoria and Zarbon on the other hand would not be that easy. And before he knew it a lot of the people in the village got hurt, some even killed because of his reckless actions.
This sparked a great amount of rage in the young Saiyan. Not just the enemies he was currently facing but also at himself. How could he have been so reckless!? How could he be this fucking foolish!? Before he knew it, he then began going all out but this time going Super Saiyan 2. Though he wasn't actually going all out in all of his transformations he figured Super Saiyan 2 would be more than enough to take them down at this point. And besides he wanted to end this as soon as possible now. Quickly punching a hole right through Yamu's stomach, he went through the same hand, fired a ki blast through Spopovich before sending it back to hit Dodoria who is currently in the sky, causing a massive explosion resulting in his death.
Three down, right then and there. And before Nappa and Zarbon could do anything about it, Goku Jr then charged at Nappa and delivered a massive punch, killing him instantly. Zarbon did transform but it didn't really do much when Goku Jr punched a hole through his stomach somewhere similar to how he punched a hole through Yamu's, before firing a massive energy blast to the sky through Zarbon's stomach.
And just like that all of his enemies were done for. But he couldn't even imagine how these people viewed him due to the fact that he was cocky when he started fighting them before he quickly used instant transmission and left. Never realizing how grateful those people were for his help. If it wasn't for his actual efforts they would have actually died. Hours have passed and it is now nightfall. Goku Jr was seen, on a rock, observing Mount Paozu. Hints of sadness in his expression along with guilt, anger, resentment, and so many other negative emotions. Son Goku, who had just managed to find him after his fight, was seen sitting down next to him and quietly looking at his son.
"It wasn't your fault kiddo," Goku tried to say. "All of those people would have been dead, if it wasn't fo-"
Before Goku could even finish the clone and adopted son of Goku, quickly got up and angrily shouted. "QUIET!" He then turned to his father and could easily tell that he was trying to hold back tears. He could only lash out and vent all of his anger and frustration at himself and he was lashing out at his own father because of it. Because his father would be the only one that would be willing to listen, at the moment. "Look, don't you get it Dad!? I FUCKING SCREWED UP! I mean, for a damn moment, I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could actually do SOMETHING COMPLETELY RIGHT, FOR ONCE IN MY DAMN LIFE! BUT I FUCKED IT ALL UP BECAUSE OF MY DAMN ARROGANCE!!!!!! People got hurt and died, BECAUSE OF ME!!!!!! I..... I....just ..." He then walked to a tree, placing hands on his head in frustration. "Agh!!! I just.... Just..... Just forget it..... Forget it... Maybe I shouldn't have been born..." Goku Jr could only look away leaning against the tree.
Goku couldn't help but feel hurt at the fact Goku Jr was still being this harsh on himself. The difficulty of Goku training him, the tournament of power leaving mental scars in his son's mind. The times he and Chi-Chi saw their son pushing himself too hard in his private training, to the point of even injuring himself. The times he was reckless to the point of being suicidal, all of it caused Goku pain. He stared at his son, and he could tell that he was broken, lost, confused, and hurt. A look of pain was seen on Goku's face as he then began to shake it away. Getting up, he then walked towards the younger Saiyan, before grabbing his shoulder.
"Now you listen to me, Son Kakarot Goku Jr!" Goku calmly told the young man as he forced him to look at him. "Life will never be perfect! All of us have made mistakes, and we all will continue to do so. But we are filled with the potential for greatness, if we learn to overcome our own faults. Learn from our mistakes. Even you have the makings of greatness in you. But you have to be willing to take the helm and set your own course. And stick to it, even when things get hard. Because NOTHING that's worthwhile is easy! You're just as fallible as I am. But you're also just as capable of greatness. All you have to do is push yourself. And the road WILL be difficult! You will stumble and fall. But you have to be willing to get back up. And when the time comes, you get the chance to prove yourself and show what you're made of."
Goku then smiled as he continued. "And to be frank, I hope I get the chance to be there to catch some of the light from you that day."
There was a pause of silence for a second as Goku Jr processed everything that his father told him. The bright smile his father always had always showed that despite all the pain, there was always hope. Tears fell from Goku Jr's eyes as he then began to softly cry. Goku wrapped his arms around his son. "There there. It's alright Kiddo," Goku softly told his son. "It's alright....."
Back in the present, Goku Jr then began to finally approach the group causing all the chaos, walking towards them. These were normal raiders, at first glance but the Saiyan can feel the energy around them. These were a few of the "monsters" that he had to defeat. The men in question each had a small army of ex military, raiders, bandits, outlaws, battle droids or other mechanical bots. Goku Jr calmly continued his approach, his weird device in his hand as the forces he approached faced the Saiyan. Using his full power was not an option. Too many people could be hurt. Good thing he could use his weapons but this was a great opportunity to test his new toy.
"Well, look what we have here?" One the leaders asked. "Is that a Saiyan I see?"
Goku Jr then stopped and with the press of a button on his device, a royal blue sapphire blade of pure energy ignited from what was now revealed to be a hilt. "You've terrorized these people long enough," the Saiyan said calmly as if he was giving an order. "I'm only going to give you all one chance. Walk away…."
"Oh, look at this," one of the raider leaders said as he observed Goku Jr. "This brave little fool managed to replicate a Lightsaber. Doesn't matter. We're here to take this town, and I'm not gonna be intimidated by a man with a Death Wish. Kill him."
Just then when one of the mercenaries pointed a gun at Goku Jr, the Saiyan then took out his revolver looking pistol and fired an energy bolt through the roof chest. He knew what he was thinking when creating these weapons. This was to preserve his energy but to where he could still fight. As the mercenary fell onto the ground, a few of the mechanical warriors tried opening fire, only Goku Jr to quickly deflect many bolts, while putting the blaster away and pressing the other button, igniting another blade, on the other end. Many of the mechanical warriors were the ground from each timed and calculated deflection of the energy bolts.
Entering a fighting stance, the Saiyan prepared himself to end this fight as soon as possible. And then, as he expected, many of the remaining warriors then charged at him. Goku Jr saw many of the attacks coming before he quickly used his saber staff to block and parry many of their attacks, while also dodging those he wasn't able to. Quickly countering a few as well, stabbing a few men or slashing their chests, killing them nearly instantly. Detaching the smaller part of the double bladed weapon, causing the smaller hilted saber's blade to shorten, Goku Jr then started seeing tons of attacks of opportunity and started going on the offensive. Slashing at many of the men that were trying to kill him, countering and parrying any incoming attacks, giving him the perfect opportunities to strike. Also going on offense, breaking their defenses to give him an opportunity to finish his target at that moment, whenever he could. Eventually, he closed the shorter blade and holstered it back on his belt.
"We have a real fighter here," one of the remaining outlaws said. Charging at Goku Jr before he attempted to slam his advanced ax, only for the clone and adopted son of Goku to counter again, slice off the top part of the handle off, before holding his own advanced weapon backhanded and using a back handed technique to kill the current attacker. Aside from the three leaders, only four men remained now. It was clear the Saiyan was being calculating in his fighting and not being arrogant. Confident but not arrogant. Re-entering his fighting stance, the son of Goku, mentally prepared himself for the fight to continue. What actually happened was something he didn't expect.
One of the leaders, a cloaked and masked figure with a hood, was clapping towards Goku Jr. Judging by the figure of the person, they were clearly female. "Still have it on you I see," the figure said. This actually caught the others off guard as well. "I remember the fighting improvisation of Time Patrol."
"Who are you?" Goku Jr clearly questioned.
"One of the many factors of the game my master didn't tell you about," the figure said, clearly taunting the Saiyan. Goku remained in defense mode, preparing to battle again. "He didn't want to make this too easy for you, after all. I'm one of my lord's Inquisitors. Each timeline is filled with twelve of them. Like the "Raiders", "Titans", and "Monsters", you would be required to defeat us, and a few other threats as well." The masked woman only chuckled as she continued. "Most people believe the Raiders are the WarChiefs of my master but that couldn't be further from the truth. There are eight WarChiefs you must destroy as well. And thirty Captains. And all in each timeline you must venture forth and destroy all of us. As well as those twenty-eight Bounty Hunters that he has hired to destroy you. Each Raider, Inquisitor, Titan, Monster, WarChief, Captain, and Bounty Hunter, holds both a piece of information you will require to both find a reach my Master, and also items that would be the key to allow you to do so."
It was at that moment she started walking away. "As much as I would like to see just how much potential and power my master sees in you to justify all this madness, I must really be off," she said in a taunting manner. "I have more important matters I must attend to." And before Goku Jr could even try to stop her, the inquisitor then looked at the remaining forces, and gave them the signal to attack. "Sargesh, remind our Saiyan friend why his disgustingly pathetic warrior race is supposed to be dead."
Upon hearing that order, one of the warriors then started to prepare for battle, forcing Goku Jr to do the see as he was forced to do nothing but to allow the inquisitor to leave. The other warriors doing the same, as they circled all around him. Goku Jr took a deep breath, channeling one of his focus on the enemies around him. These guys in particular are easy, but deep down, he knew that this was only the beginning, and that the battles were only going to get harder from here. If inquisitors and bounty hunters were also present and after him, they're going to wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. A factor he now had to consider.
Tightening his grip on his lightsaber, Goku Jr mentally prepared his next move. And as soon as the others began their attack, he quickly pressed a button, causing two ends up the blade to open up, igniting two other smaller energy blades formed as if it was a guard on the blade and the main blade to extend, and slashed down onto the biggest for straight from the chest down. The brute fell onto the ground, lifeless, as the second to last foe, trying to attack from behind, before Goku Jr parried the attack, and lunged the blade right into his attacker's stomach. Switch backing to the normal stanced blade after taking the blade out of the bandit, Goku Jr looked at his last enemy, entering a defensive stance, clearly waiting for his opponent to attack, and he did, with Goku Jr parrying many of his attacks and then finally slashing the man's chest, ending him. Seeing the people gathering around him, he deactivated his weapon before holstering it on his belt.
'Two primary targets down, and many more to go,' he thought to himself, checking the bodies for the leads he needed, which ended up being a holographic map, fragmented as if turned into pieces of a puzzle. Of course it wouldn't be that easy. He was gonna have to start hunting soon. But luckily, he also discovered that they also show Intel he could put to use. Whereabouts and locations and estimated destinations for the Monsters, WarChiefs and Captains. 'Good,' Goku Jr thought more. 'This is a start. If I can eliminate the and the monsters first, maybe I cannot only get the Intel I need, but also be able to put a dent into their command structure.'
There were a lot more threats standing between him and whoever abducted his family than he originally thought. He should have known not to trust the word of that person. Oh well, nothing he could really do about it now. Captains and monsters were all over the place, but constantly moving to look for chaos, so finding them wouldn't be too difficult. In fact, it would be likely that he would fight them often, and more frequently. The WarChiefs, he would have to draw out but with the captains protecting them potentially, they would be a lot more vulnerable. The "raiders" would no doubt have to wait until he had dealt with everyone else. There seemed to be, for the most part, a well established chain of command.
Once he had finished getting all of that Intel, he noticed the villagers were just starting to gather around him to check why the battle had stopped all of a sudden. Many of them were seemingly praising him quietly or gossiping how he was able to take them all down.
"Thank you stranger," one of the villagers said. Clear gratitude heard from his voice as Goku Jr then turned to him.
"It's no trouble at all," the Saiyan said. Clearly getting ready to set to leave as he then took the last of the Intel he needed. "These people have been terrorizing other places as well as this one for far too long. That's actually why I'm here. I'm here to deal with this madness." That was only some of the truth but these people didn't even know the true reason why they were here and he might as well keep them in the dark on this. The last thing Goku Jr needed was for people to get in his way. Luckily his new weapon can be shifted into different types of lightsaber. Five different ways of fighting that he could utilize with it. Though he shouldn't completely over rely on his advanced weapon. His Brother's sword was advanced enough and was made with a steel that would be more than enough to withstand the energy of his saber. And his father's power pole definitely was enhanced by Magic allowing it to withstand his sabers energy too. All three weapons would come in handy.
Not to mention the equipment that he could potentially obtain in the future as well. Considering that for the most part he may be on his own he was going to need all the resources, gear, and help that he could get at this point. Time Patrol is being forced to not get involved due to needing to find the bombs that this unknown person placed in different timelines. So their assistance was practically impossible at this point. At least until the bombs were found in disabled , which considering that it was only 15 bombs and its seemingly infinite timelines, which meant infinite realities, it was nearly impossible to be certain of that.
Goku Jr also knew there was something preventing his family from using their abilities as he knew there was no way to contact them. Not even telepathically. Knowing how resourceful his family was though they were probably trying to figure out a way to do that at the very least. Especially if they know they can't escape. Though there was also a possibility that whoever has them might also be aware of the possibility of them trying to do that from the very start. If he was able to catch his father off guard of all people, as well as his brothers, he must have done extensive research on the whole family. Goku Jr grimaced at the thought, but this was a possibility he had to consider.
Another possibility he had to consider was the possibility of his family's captor increasing the amount of people in the timeline too that he would have to face. If he was able to keep him in the dark about the Bounty Hunters, Inquisitors, WarChiefs and captains up until now, what else would they be hiding? Not mention the various monsters and potentially additional enemies that he might not even know about at the moment.
Taking a deep breath, Goku Jr then continued. "I intend to rid you of all of your biggest threats at this moment. The various factions that have been terrorizing you as of late, their leaders as well as the various beasts and monsters that have been giving you trouble."
"Why don't you stay," another villager suggested. A voice sounding a bit pleading. "We could use someone like you in the village."
Goku Jr shook his head, knowing what this man was implying and he had no intention of staying permanently. "No, this is something I have to do," he said calmly as he then looked at everyone. "My responsibility is to ensure that they are never going to be a threat again. I intend to hunt them down. Which means I'll have to set out as soon as possible. If any of you have any leads, now would be the time to share them." He showed that he was adamant on this goal. His posture and tone are still calm and determined. "I'm pretty much hunting each and every one of these guys down."
"Stay a couple days then," another Town's folk mentioned. A hint of insistence in her voice. "You could rest up here so that you could prepare for this journey."
Goku Jr hated to admit it, but these people did have a valid point. Plus it wouldn't help to just rush in without any rest at all. It was probably best to be as prepared as possible. "Only a couple of days," he said with a stoic look. "Then I'll be on my way an-"
And as soon as he said that, a few other villagers started running up with a bit of an urgent manner. "Mister Mayor!" One of them called out. A bit of a panic in their voice. "One of the bandits snatched one of our daughters and is holding her for ransom! You must do something"
Goku Jr.'s morals suddenly kicked in as soon as he said that and before anyone else could say anything, he then began to address them. "I'll get her back," he said with a confident tone. He knew he was fully capable of it and would get the job done quickly but his priority would have been making sure that child was safe. The last thing that he wanted was for someone to die because of him.
"Oh thank you," the other villager said. “They are holding her in the nearby abandoned temple! It’s been full of monsters and other horrible things as of late.”
"Noted," Goku Jr said before he then began to head towards the gate of the town to head to the temple. "I'm leaving right away. The sooner I leave to get your daughter back, the better her chances of survival." Before anyone could object, Goku Jr then continued to leave, showing that he had every intention to get her back as a result. Upon leaving the city, the saiyan would then continue to push forward, towards the temple. The temple where the girl was being held. Although he wasn't planning on going after them right away, he would be killing two birds with one stone this way and possibly more if any of his original targets try to go after him. The final point being a likely synopsis as well. Little did he realize that Celia was following him from the very beginning but from a pretty good distance that he wouldn't notice.
#dragon ball#dragon ball z#dragon ball gt#dragon ball super#dragon ball heroes#dragon ball xenoverse 2#dbz xenoverse#xenoverse#super dragon ball heroes#dragon ball legends#dragon ball fusions#dragon ball fanfiction#dragon ball fanfic#fanfic#fanfiction#son goku#goku#Son Goku Jr#canon divergence#canon departure#post canon#alternate universe#alternate timeline#alternate canon#alternate reality#son family#gochi#goku x chichi#minor gochi#goku jr is gochi's son in this continuity
7 notes
·
View notes
Text
Necrokitty Tales: Trouble in Inkwell Isle (Chapter 18)
Authors’ note: Necrida’s writing will be in italics and SPKC’s writing with be regular font.If you have no idea what this roleplaying thing is, you can start from the beginning here.
——- The carnival was soon upon the residents of the Inkwell Isles.
Hopus made sure to have Harvey practice over and over again. When it was finally time to go, Harvey managed to make a tea cup disappear, only for it to reappear an inch away, usually falling off the table and cracking, much to his mother’s chagrin. But Hopus was proud nevertheless. Mrs. Hare finished putting a sweater on Hanna. “Now, Hanna, I want you to stay with Harvey and not to leave his side,” the rabbit mother ordered, messing with her fur, making the rabbit squeal as the overbearing mother readjusted her daughter’s red bow tie. “What if he has to poop?” Hanna asked. “You’ll wait outside for him,” her mother insisted. “Wait if I have to poop?” “Then he’ll wait for you.”
Harvey tucked the small wand into his jacket as Hopus finished explaining to the young rabbit. “And lastly, don’t use it on anyone unless you’re sure you can bring them back safely,” Hopus advised, “no making someone appear on the edge of the cliff or on top of the ferris wheel or nuthin.” “Got it, thanks dad,” Harvey thanked. “Great! You might see a couple of your sisters there,” Mrs. Hare mentioned, “But no dumping your little sister on them, got it?” “I won’t!” Harvey insisted as Hanna walked over and hugged him. “Alright be safe! Your father will pick you up tonight.” Harvey raised an eyebrow. “Really?” His father did not go to the carnival or really much of anywhere when he came to visit. “Yes, I figure I’ll need to stretch my legs after your mother and I…catch up on some things.” The two adults shared a wink, making Harvey confused but he didn’t question it. “Oh, okay. Well, good bye. We love you,” the two children said before bolting out the door and down the path toward the second Inkwell Isle, looking forward to what would be a night of carnival games and excitement. – Goopy Le Grande hopped up to Isabella’s home and knocked on the door. “Hello, it’s Le Grande,” he called, remembering the woman was still vision limited so the extra audio cue might be nice.
Upon hearing the arrival of the visitor, Mina grew very excited. “Finally!” Mina jumped from her chair and opened the door. “Let’s go, lets go, lets go!” She shouted at the grinning goop. “Mina…” Her mother called. “But I really have to go! They’re waiting for me!” The b-cat insisted. “It doesn’t mean you have to lose all your manners.” The little girl knew her mother was right. She lowered her ears and extended an inviting hand towards her home. “Hello, Mr Le Grande. Would you like something to drink before we go?” She said in a much more calmed tone.
Goopy smiled at the politeness. “No, but thank you. It sounds like we are very eager to go.” He looked toward Isabella. “Is there anything else you remembered you want to tell me before we head out?”
Isabella took a moment to think. “Yes! Whatever you do, under ANY circumstances, don’t let her have cotton candy.” Mina rolled her eyes and crossed her arms as her mother continued. “Also, here are a copy of the house keys,” the mother remembered, leaving a set of keys on the table. "I should be back from work around 3 or 4 in the morning, so make yourself at home.”
“No cotton candy, got it,” Goopy repeated. He looked at the little bat. “Ready to go?”
The little girl smiled at Goopy and nodded “Yeap!” She wiggled her little kitten tail happily and hugged her mother “Break a leg, mama!” Isabella smiled and hugged her back. “Thank you, my little fur ball.” She tenderly kissed her forehead. “Have fun, and listen to Monsieur Le Grande!” “Yes, mama…” the b-cat answered, tired of her mother repeating herself, and walked outside of the house. “Te iubesc foarte mult” She heard her mother call from the house. “I love you too, mama!” Mina called back before following Goopy down the path.
–
Harvey was surprised to see Spike already waiting at the entrance of the carnival when he and his sister arrived. He didn’t think the pup would actually show up, or rather, he was really hoping he wasn’t going to show up. Spike spotted him and gave a curt nod in his direction. “Surprised you decided to show up, dummy,” Spike huffed. He spotted Hanna and raised an eyebrow. “Who’s the shrimp?” Hanna puffed out her chest. “I am a rabbit not a shrimp and my name is Hanna and I am 6 years old and I make quilts and even though you are mean, I will make you a quilt so you better be nice to my brother because he knows magic now too!” Spike rubbed his ears. “I didn’t get any of that. Was that even English?” Harvey sighed. “She says she’s gonna make you a quilt.” “I don’t want a dumb quilt,” Spike grumbled. “She wasn’t asking. She was telling you,” Harvey explained. Spike grumbled and looked away. “So where’s the vampire? She decide to be a chicken and stay home?”
Just as he finished speaking, Mina and Goopy arrived at the carnival. Mina spotted her friend Harvey accompanied by little Hanna and… Spike. “That’s Spike, the little dog,” she whispered to Goopy, “and the bunnies are Harvey and one of his sisters, Hanna.” On their way to the carnival, Mina had taken the chance to explain her brilliant plan to turn Spike from a bully to a buddy.
Goopy rubbed his chin thoughtfully upon seeing the pup that Mina had been talking about. “Well, I think that’s a very noble attempt at keeping the peace. I’m quite the peace mediator myself, but I suppose you kids have got to figure it out. Although nothing settles a disagreement like a good brawl, in my opinion,” Goopy added as they approached the children. Harvey waved at Mina and Goopy. “Hello, Mr. Le Grande,” he greeted pleasantly. “Well, hello Harvey. Is this your little sister? I don’t think I’ve seen her since she was a bunny,” Goopy greeted, tipping his top at the little rabbit. She smiled and curtsied politely. Spike scoffed. “Really? You brought an adult? You guys must be more scared than I thought.” Goopy eyed him. “Hello there, Spike, I’ve been sent to accompany Ms Mina, but by no means am I going to be following her around all the time.” Goopy gave her a nod. “If you run ahead, just make sure to eventually come back, got it?”
Mina smiled and nodded at Goopy. She then turned to Spike, crossing her arms. “So what would you like to start with?” She asked defiantly, grinning at the pup.
“Why don’t you ride the roller coaster ride first?” Goopy suggested when the puppy didn’t speak.
Hanna pouted. “I don’t think I’m big enough for that. How about the merry go round?”
Spike shook his head. “That stuff is for babies.” Harvey bristled at that.
Goopy scoped the park so more. “Did you want to do carnival games?”
Harvey did but he wanted a chance to do it without Hanna in case he could win her something. “Not now, maybe later?”
Spike crossed his arms and pointed at Mina. “If you’re really serious about having this scare off, we should started with the least scary places and keep going to scarier stuff until you give up.”
“You’re right, Spike. Perhaps you’re not as dumb as you look!” Mina smiled at him and looked around. “We can go on the wheel, unless you’re afraid of heights?” The little bat suggested. She figured they could enjoy a bit of calm with Hanna before they screaming really started.
Spike crossed his arms even tighter. “I’m not scared of heights. Let’s do it!” The dog ran off before any of the kids knew what was up, forcing them to run after him toward the ferris wheel, leaving Goopy to slowly hop from behind.
–
The Baroness’ eyes couldn’t help but pop at all the lights of the carnival. “Goodness, Beppi really has put in a lot of effort to make things look good this time,” the woman noted to Grim. The two had walked from her castle to the carnival entrance and just paid the fare to enter.
“Yes… he d-did a great job…” the dragon agreed, admiring Baroness Von Bon Bon’s outfit. She looked absolutely ravishing tonight.
Bon Bon looked over at the dragon, unaware of the dragon’s interest in her outfit. “Do you see any rides you’d like to try first?” She asked.
The dragon couldn’t stop thinking about how much he enjoyed her company, her sweet smell, her delightful voice…But at the sound of her question, he snapped out of his thoughts.
“Uh… how about the ferris wheel? Or the b-bumper cars?” he considered.
“Let’s do the bumper cars,” Baroness decided, a malicious grin alighting on her face at the suggestion. “I think the cars have Beppi’s face on them and nothing would be more satisfying than to smash them into each other,” she added.
Grim chuckled and followed her to the bumper cars. When it was their turn to ride, the dragon realised he was slightly too big for just one car. But he was determined to ride anyway. Ignoring the technician, he took two cars and used them as if they were roller skates.
“I’m r-ready!” He smiled at the Baroness and give her a daring stare.
The Baroness laughed at the bravado. “Better clench your claws, Grim, I don’t hold back!” At the sound of the buzzer, all the bumper cars started to jerk and move around, fueling Bon Bon’s somewhat macabre desire to hurt things as she gleefully rammed and collided with other cars.
Grim skated towards Bon Bon, but a car bumped him, making him lose his balance and fall. He growled angrily and tried to look who it was but there were so many people he couldn’t be sure who did it.
He was standing up when another car ran over his tail, making him roar in pain. This time he stood up quickly and recognised Cuphead smiling victorious before he got bumped by another car who nearly made him get out of his own.
Grim smiled, showing his fangs as he slipped back into his roller cars. This was going to be fun!
The Baroness was having so much fun, especially crashing into Cuphead that she didn’t notice a certain clown approaching the controls of the bumper cars.
Beppi eyed Bon Bon and Grim having a wonderful time. “Let’s make this ride a lot more interesting,” he chuckled, pressing a few buttons and raising the speed of the bumper cars.
Bon Bon didn’t realize the speed increase at first. It was only when she was T-boned and actually jostled a bit more did she realize the cars were hitting with more force. Not enough to hurt, but definitely enough to rattle someone. Especially someone balanced on two cars.
Cuphead took advantage of the increasing speed and kept bumping against Grim, laughing out loud as he did. The dragon kept losing his balance and ridiculously wiggled his limbs to keep himself from falling, only to end up falling anyway with a heavy thud.
It was annoying for Grim (and a little painful) but he was still having fun. He loved the crazy look of the Baroness when she fiercely succeeded in bumping someone. Especially when that someone was the little annoying cup.
And speaking of the cup… Grim was near BonBon now, he looked at her with a grin and wanted to bumped her softly. Before he could do this, Cuphead gave a particularly hard charge to one of his feet. The unexpected impact made Grim lose his balance again and sent him spiraling down once more. Only this time, it was toward the Baroness.
The woman saw the shadow over her and realized she was in imminent danger of being squashed. She jumped out of the moving bumper car quickly and rolled to safely just as poor Grim landed right where she had been moments before.
The bumper cars were quickly halted as she stood up and dusted herself off. She swore she could someone loudly giggling, “TIMBER!” and she looked around for the source. That almost sounded like Beppi. She scowled but softened when she saw Grim lying on the ground with a groan. She walked over to him carefully. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?” She asked carefully, placing a hand on his shoulder.
‘You almost crushed her…’ Grim thought to himself, 'You almost CRUSHED her!’ He felt terrible. He could have hurt Bon Bon so badly. He looked at her full of guilt and sadness, thinking about the horrible thing it could have happened.
Cuphead got out of his car alarmed “Grim! You ok?!” The little cup immediately stepped back when the dragon blew warm smoke at him with an angry growl.
“I could have KILLED her!” he roared standing threarning on all fours.
“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to… ” Cuphead slowly backed up.
The Baroness recognized an angry dragon when she saw one. “Grim Matchstick!” She yelled sharply, hopefully getting the dragon’s attention.
Grim’s ears backed down and he slowly looked at Von Bon Bon. The little cup took the chance to run away from the dragon.
Grim was so ashamed, not only did he almost crush her but he just lost his temper towards a kid. This night was going to be memorable alright, but not the way he hoped it would.
The Baroness saw how distraught the dragon looked and sighed. “Oh, Grim,” she coaxed, taking the dragon’s claw and leading him off the bumper car track, “you can’t just go burning people all willy nilly,” She explained, picking up a wrench and looking toward the individual by the controls. “You got to disable your target first,” she added darkly and fiercely chucked the wrench in that direction.
She smiled sweetly at Grim before leading him toward the ferris wheel. “Do you understand?”
The dragon allowed BonBon to lead him away from the bumper cars but was rather confused by her throwing that tool. He didn’t really understand what she meant by all of this, but he was just glad she didn’t leave him.
“I-I-I’m sorry, baroness… ” he said embarrassed and unaware of the cluster gathered around the control box.
–
A couple of carnival attendees stood over a fallen clown, with a wrench shaped dent in his head. Beppi was rubbing his head. “Ow…clearly I need to up my game a bit,” he groaned.
–
While Grim and Baroness left the bumper cars, another couple was just entering the park.
Amber walked toward the entrance of the carnival apprehensively and was concerned when Sullivan was already there, waiting for her. Her eyes narrowed. Had the salamander already scoped the place out? Did he know all the secret places a girl could get dragged to? Would he try anything? She shifted, feeling the small concealed weapon under her clothes rub against her soft fur and smiled. He would very quickly learn a painful lesson if he tried.
She plastered on an enthusiastic smile and waved at him. "Hello, Sully!” She greeted cheerfully.
Sullivan’s eyes brightened at the sight of Amber. “H-hi! ” he waved,“How have you been?” He smiled shyly, hiding an arm behind his back.
Amber did not like the fact that she could not see Sully’s other arm. Still, she managed to keep a playful smile on. “I’m good. It’s so nice to see you. What happened with your arm? Did you get hurt?” She asked, attempting to peek behind him to see what type of weapon he could have.
'Hurt with Cupid’s love arrows,’ the salamander told himself.
“Hehe… No.. it’s… ” he showed his arm holding a small black box. “I got you a little something…” he blushed and opened the box in front of her. It was a thin silver bracelet with delicate flower and leaves carvings. He looked at her to see her reaction.
Amber’s eyes open wide at the gift. 'Ooh, a shiny,’ her mind thought automatically. She liked shinies. She took it carefully and placed it on her own wrist. “Sully, this is beautiful! Thank you!” She thanked, planting a tiny peck on his cheek.
Psycho killer or not, the salamander had taste. Amber had to make sure she stole something extra nice for him tonight. Or at least stole enough cash to win him something.
Sullivan blushed and caressed the kissed cheek. “I’m so glad you like it!” It took him so long to decide what to get her… He knew Amber was a more sophisticated woman, and that only showing off physical strength wouldn’t suffice to conquer her heart.
He offered his arm to her like a gentleman. “Ready to have some fun, m'lady?” He said, smiling at the feline.
Amber took his arm. “Of course!” Her ears perked up at the sound of an announcer declaring the bumper cars were starting up again after a temporary pause and she grinned.
“Let’s do the bumper cars!!” She squealed, “I wanna hit something!” And with that, she dragged Sullivan into the park with a purr.
Sullivan let her drag him still smiling. The evening looked promising!
There was a lot of people starting to wait in line but thanks to Amber they were one of the firsts.
On the side of the tracks they saw one.of the cars all smashed. “Wow! Somebody had an extrabumpy ride…” the salamander said starting to worry for Amber.
Amber blanched. “Huh. That’s uh… different,” she admitted. Still, she did just pick pocket about 3 people in this line. It would look suspicious if she just left after coming all the way here. “Well I know which car we’re not taking,” she joked.
—
“You call that scary? I was falling asleep on that ride!” Spike laughed, as the children walked away from one of the rides.
The scare contest was still on amongst Mina and Spike. It took them a while to see which ride they would start with, mostly because they needed to find a ride that Hanna could also ride since she was so short. They had finally found a scary ride and although Harvey was a bit spooked, it looked like it hadn’t left much of an impression on Spike.
“That was kind of scary,” Harvey admitted.
Hanna patted his paw. “Don’t worry, the monsters in that one were all fake. They’re not real.”
Spike continue to laugh at poor Harvey who pouted. He turned toward Mina. “You’re going to find a real scary ride now or what?”
Mina was with Spike. So far the rides didn’t made them scream so much but she didn’t want make Harvey feel bad.
“Well, at least they were fun,” she smiled. “And that face you made when we were up high in the air? That was priceless, Spike” She chuckled.
She looked around and saw the perfect ride to go on next.
“I guess it’s time for the real scary stuff.” She pointed at the haunted house, grinning maliciously.
Harvey didn’t like that ride one bit. “That’s the really spooky one,” he mumbled.
Goopy patted him on the back. “Now, now, kiddo, just remember it’s just all smoke and mirrors. No actual monsters and spooks.”
They started to walk over to the ride only for Harvey to catch sight of one of the carnival games. He wondered if he could find sewing needles for Hanna in there. Maybe he could check after the ride if he didn’t run out screaming.
The carnival attraction looked harmless enough at first glance. Just a large dark looking mansion. Yet the closer the children got to it, the more menancing it became. The windows open and shut on their own. The sounds of groans and chains rattling grew louder with each step. And by the time Mina and her friends had reached a certain point in the line, they could hear the screams of the attendees who had gone before them.
Harvey was seriously spooked despite the fact that Hanna was still giggling about the whole thing. “I wonder if I can make the ghosts some quilts.”
“Hanna, there’s no such things as ghosts. Skeletal horses, yes, but not ghosts.”
“Ooh! Actually, there are!” Goopy prompted. “They run a train on the third isle.”
Spike gaped at the blob. “Nu uh. No way.”
“Mmhmm.”
They were waiting in line for a while. It seemed there were a lot of people waiting in line for the attraction. It looked like they were having patrons go in as small groups, rather than by themselves. Mina was disappointed with this information. It probably wouldn’t be as fun if they had to go with some other folks. Especially if these folks weren’t scared easily. So she looked around to check if there were people who looked easily spooked…or someone who looked like a spook.
She spotted a salamander who didn’t look very brave next to… the freelancer! It would be fun to ride with them!
–
Sullivan was delighted they were going to the Haunted Manor. He was tired trying to win prizes for Amber testing his very little strength. But this, didn’t took any skill to walk around holding and reassuring his beloved lady.
“I was a little kid since the last time I went in there. I wonder if they changed the ghost sheets,” he chuckled.
Amber had no interest in a spooky haunted mansion. Initially. She hadn’t been too impressed with Sully’s attempts to win her stuff and she had to resist the urge to win her own prizes. So when he suggested the spooky mansion walk, she was about to shoot it down. But when she read the little pamphlet on it claiming that the ghostly spectres haunting the mansion came from a solid gold artifact, she was much more on board.
Even if the gold thing wasn’t true, there were still plenty of incentive to walk through a dark mansion. The darkness could provide cover for her to frisk a few patrons, especially if they were traveling with a group. Sully had been rather talkative up until this point, talking about how this mansion had been up for ages, ever since he was a boy.
Amber was fairly sure by his nonchalance that he didn’t believe in the spooks, especially by the way he almost put his arm around her a couple times. Even if he might be a psycho killer, she did admit it was kind of cute watching him try so hard.
She for sure thought they were going to be part of the group in front of them going in, only to be stopped just before they could step in by a bedraggled looking clown. “That’s it for now, gonna have to wait for the other group to leave before you guys can go in,” he explained.
She felt something approaching her and glanced up to see…holy shit, a dragon. Her eyes widened at his appearance. It was a dragon…in an oversized coat. Huh. That’s new. Probably shouldn’t try to take anything from him. Fur was flammable.
Sullivan noticed Amber getting nervous at the dragon. “Oh, him? Don’t worry! He’s a very nice dragon, his name is Grim Matchstick, he lives in that big tower over there.” He pointed to the silhouette of the old white structure illuminated by the dim lights of the night, giving it a mysterious look.
He also noticed the person next to him. “Oh gosh! The Baroness Von Bon Bon… now THAT one you can fear….”
Amber observed the Baroness and scratched herself dismissively. “I don’t see why she’s scary. She’s just a princess, isn’t she?”
“She’s the Baroness of Sugarland. She had a bit of a temper… you should stay on her good side or she will take your head. Literally!” Sullivan explained to his lovely companion.
–
Mina made a motion to approach the freelancer and the salamander only to stop in her tracks when a giant green lizard stepped between them. She poked at Goopy excitedly.
“Is that what I think it is?” She smiled, not believing her own eyes.
Goopy turned to see what Mina was was pointing at and grinned instead. “Oh, Grim! Why hello there!” He greeted, tipping his tip at the dragon.
–
Grim was a bit nervous. After the fiasco at the bumper cars he didn’t have the courage to get on another ride… but he still had to make the Baroness scared so she would ask him to stay in her castle.
He looked up at the scary facade of the Haunted Manor and gulped. He was probably more scared than Bon Bon. He looked down to her. “T-t-hey say it’s really scary… A-are you going to be ok?”
The Baroness smiled at Grim’s sincere question. “There are very few things that scare me, Grim. But I’d like to see what Beppi has in store for the average patron. Who knows, maybe he’ll get lucky and make me laugh,” she chuckled, gently tapping the dragon on his arm.
Why did she tap him? The Baroness glanced away so he didn’t see the faint trace of red on her cheeks. She didn’t know why, but she really wanted to keep touching Grim tonight. Maybe it was because he was wearing a darling coat? Or had actually worked up the courage to ask her out? She knew deep down he was a very nervous dragon so the fact that he was willing to go to a haunted ride just for her sake was endearing.
Grim blushed at the touch of the Baroness and smiled shyly. He was about to talk when he recognised a voice behind him.
“Oh! G-g-goopy! How have you b-been?” He noticed the bunch of kids around him and smiled, showing a little too much teeth. “W-well you are in good company.”
Mina couldn’t help but stare at the dragon with wide, admiring eyes. That made Grim feel a bit uncomfortable.
“I am doing well, old sport! How about yourself?” Goopy greeted. He spotted the Baroness and his smile widened. He gently nudged the dragon with his elbow. “And I see you have the most lovely Baroness as your companion for the night?”
The Baroness smiled disarmingly at the goop. “Good evening, Le Grande…Flattery will not make me forget that you spilled punch on me the last time we were all out,” she spoke cooly.
Goopy chortled. “Yes, yes, I remember. No need to lose your head about it.”
“And more importantly, yours,” she dangerously reminded him, still smiling, unaware of the cat behind her now watching her much more warily than she had just a few seconds ago. She looked at the small bat like creature next to him. “You have a child?”
Goopy gestured to Mina. “Oh, this here is Mina. She and her mother recently moved to the first isle and she’s working tonight, so I offered to accompany the little rascal and her friends to the carnival,” Goopy explained. He gave Mina a little push toward the couple. “Mina, this is Grim Matchstick and Baroness Von Bon Bon. I believe they are on a date.”
If the woman was phased, she did not show it. She knelt down and extended a hand to the little girl. “Hello, Mina. How are you?”
The dragon blushed even more at the blue goop’s remark but cooled down when Bon Bon talked, full of confidence. She was so lovely when she threatened people. He shyly waved at Mina who kept staring at him weirdly. Kids made him nervous. He couldn’t predict when they were about to start crying, or yelling, or laughing in volumes that would burst anyone’s ear drums.
The little b-cat stopped staring at the dragon and now looked at the woman kneeling in front of her. She smelled like sweet delicious candy! And she was a Baroness? Looked more like a princess to her.
“H-hi! Eh…” she tried to remember the correct way to greet nobility. She decided to go the 'knight’ way and put a fist on her chest, lowered her head, and bowed as far as she could go. “It’s an honor to meet you, your highness!.” She looked up at her with an eyebrow raised and spoke softly so only Bon Bon could hear. “Are you made out of candy?”
The Barones smirked at Mina. “My dress is,” she explained to the small child. Mina looked at the dress with a mix of admiration and hunger. Bon Bon looked behind her at Harvey, Hanna and Spike. “Are these your friends?”
“Oh! Yes! These are my friends, Harvey, his little sister Hanna and Spike” she introduced them to the odd couple.
“Nice t-t-to meet you all” Grim waved at the children.
“Are you kidding? It’s nice to meet YOU! I mean, you’re a dragon! There is nothing in this world more awesome than a dragon!” She turned to Harvey all excited “Man I love this place!”
Grim couldn’t help but feel a bit proud and chuckled. “Oh, wow. I guess I’m t-the first dragon you’ve ever seen, uh?”
“THERE ARE MORE?” Mina yelled eyes wide open.
–
The salamander noticed Goopy talking to Grim and BonBon. He didn’t wanted to interrupt , so he waited for Goopy to glance at his direction and waved hello at him.
Amber continued to observe her surroundings, unaware that Sullivan was actively trying to draw attention to them. She checked out behind the Baroness to see a large blue slime and some familiar looking kids. Oh, she knew those two. Hopefully…they wouldn’t notice her. Or at the very least, wouldn’t out her to the rest of the group.
Eventually Sullivan was successful at waving at the blue slime ball and the ball took that as an invitation to approach. “Hello, Sullivan! I almost didn’t recognize you out here!” He greeted. He turned to Amber. “And who is your companion?”
“I’m Amber,” Amber greeted, shaking the hand that sprouted from the goop.
“Hello, Amber, I’m Goopy Le Grande. Is Sullivan behaving himself with you? He’s not getting too handsy, is he?” He teased, elbowing Sullivan now.
Amber smiled and almost said, ‘that he wouldn’t last too long if he did,’ but decided against it. Instead, she giggled. “No, he’s been quite the gentleman, actually.”
Sullivan blushed, embarrassed, but kept his smile. He would love to get handsy with Amber, but not before proving his worth and winning her heart.
“W-what about you? What you doing with a bunch of kids?“ He asked curiously, getting a better view of the children in front of the dragon and the Baroness. "You don’t fight today?”
Goopy shook his head. “Not tonight. Later next week. Should be an exciting one if I don’t say so myself. I could score you an extra ticket if this evening goes well?” He offered with a wink. “And as for the children, I’m watching them for the night. Mina and her mother recently moved to the Isle and she’s working tonight at the bar.”
Sulivan laughed nervously “ Eeh… y-yeah, we’ll see about that ticket.” He looked at Amber. “It might not spook us but I’m sure those kids will create the ambiance for us,” he chuckled. “After this we can go have a drink or something… i-if you like.”
Amber perked up at Sullivan’s words. “A drink, eh? Now that would be a great way to end the night. Well, almost the best way to end the night,” she purred, letting herself rub up against him suggestively when he got a bit closer to the dragon.
Goopy chuckled to Amber. “Well, we gotta let the kiddies have their fun first. The kids have a little wager going right now, a scare competition. Whoever is the last one to get scared wins. I really hope they updated the spooks in here otherwise these tykes are going to be a bit disappointed.”
Amber sighed. “Yeah, Sully was mentioning the “spooks”. Do you think we should even bother with going in?” She asked, jutting a thumb at the exit.
–
The Baroness smiled at the enthusiasm the children showed. It was nice to meet young ones who weren’t afraid of Grim. She often felt a mix of rage and sadness when Grim met with fear from the various island inhabitants. He had been here for years and he was still always worried that someone might start screaming when he would go to get groceries.
She gently waited for the dragon to answer the excited little girl.
Grim got startled by the child’s sudden yelling and chuckled when he realised she wasn’t yelling of fear. “Well yeah, there’s a whole Island full of them.”
Mina pulled at her ears “Oh.My.God. Mr Matchstc- Mutchstruc, Mr. Dragon, can we please meet tomorrow after my flying lessons? I want to note EVERYTHING in my adventure journal!.”
A silly smile got stuck in the dragon’s face. "F-f-flying lessons uh? That s-sounds fun. How about we meet then? I c-c-could show you a trick or two….“ He spread his wings, almost hitting people around him, including Amber, Sullivan and Goopy.
"Hey! Careful, Matchstick,” Sullivan said, protecting Amber with his body.
“Oh! Sorry! I g-g-got a bit carried away…” his confidence fell to the ground and he tried to make himself small retracting his wings.
Mina noticed the change of humor in the dragon and cocked her head wondering why he didn’t eat their heads. She got closer to Grim. “Sir, it would be great to see you tomorrow!” Grim smiled at her and nodded. “Oh and you’re also welcome to join, your majesty,” Mina bowed again to Bon Bon. Grim looked at the baroness with puppy eyes, hoping she would agree to come.
The Baroness nodded. That would be quite amusing to see Grim teaching someone to fly. “I would actually look forward to that very much,” she agreed, trying to mask her excitement at watching Grim flap around like a dragonling again.
—
“Harvey, do you really not wanna go?” Hanna asked her brother as the adults talked, “You can stay outside if you like?”
Harvey shook his head. “No, mom and dad said I’ve got to stay with you. I’ll be fine.”
“Don’t be such a baby,” Spike teased, “If some girly princess can go in there, you can go in there,” he pointed to the Baroness.
Harvey wasn’t feeling like a very brave bunny and his sister gave him a quick hug. “Don’t worry! If any ghosts come by to scare you, I’ll scare them so hard, they will disappear!”
Harvey was about to ask why ghosts would be scared by a baby bunny when he felt something hard press into his ribs during the hug. His sister pulled away to look eagerly ahead and he reached into his jacket. His paws touched a stick and he realized he still had the training wand. His eyes widened and he looked around, but no one spotted him. He smiled a little and took his paw out. If a fake ghost really did spook him, maybe Harvey could make it disappear after all.
Harvey spotted Amber and his ears perked up. “Hi, Amber!” He greeted cheerfully. Seeing the “freelancer” did make him feel a little bit better. He wasn’t sure how much of a fighter she was, but between her, his wand, the baroness and a big dragon, he felt a bit safer going into the spooky mansion.
The cat looked worriedly at who was calling her name and relaxed when she realized it was Harvey and not some disgruntled victim. “Hey, long ears,” she greeted, “You going in here too?”
“Yeah, with Mina, Spike and my sister,” he explained. At the mention of herself, Hanna edged closer to look at the cat. Harvey looked at her. “This is my sister, Hanna.”
Amber extended a paw to shake Hanna’s. “Are you a goody two shoe like your brother?”
“I make quilts,” Hanna proudly exclaimed. She oohed at the feeling of her paw. “Your fur is so soft!!!”
The cat puffed out her chest with pride. “I take a bath everyday,” she winked.
“Can I brush you sometime?”
“…I like you, kid. You ever think about being a freelancer?” She suggested with a wink. Harvey crossed his arms and she laughed. “Kidding, kidding…although-” She was interrupted by a bull dog pup pushing past them and stomping up to the carnival employee managing the line.
“I’m tired of waiting for this dumb ride!” Spike barked at the employee, “everyone has to be gone by now!”
The carnival employee shrugged. “Unexpected delay. One of the guests passed out so we’re having to carry them out the back. Hopefully shouldn’t be too much longer.”
Amber blinked in surprise and glanced at Sullivan. “I didn’t realize sheets were THAT scary.”
Spike growled. “I wanna go on now!”
“Eager little puppy, ain’t cha?” A giggling voice called out. The pup turned to see a red and white bouncy clown skipping toward them. The clown patted the employee on the back. “I think I’ll take over from here, thank you.”
Spike raised his ears. “You’re that weird clown, Beppi, huh?”
Beppi nodded and smiled at the group. “Oh yes, I’m Beppi! Owner of the circus! And what a ride I have in store for all of you! Especially you, Baroness,” he winked, enjoying the scowl on her face and the nervous expression on the dragon. He leaned forward. “Who here wants to get scared?” he chuckled.
There was an uneasy response from the group. Beppi was smiling but there was a weird vibe about his whole introduction. The clown looked even more pleased. “Wonderful, just WONDERFUL!” He cheered, “Very well! Please, go on ahead. And enjoy yourselves! And remember, the last one who screams wins!” He chortled before opening the door and stepping back.
Spike started to walk toward the door, before glancing at the clown. “How ya know about our competition?” He asked.
Beppi cackled. “I know EVERYTHING that goes on in my park! Now, get along now, little doggies!” He waited for everyone to move forward.
Mina was intrigued by the clown and she marched out in front of the group. Following closely after her was Spike, also eager to see what all the fuss was about..but more importantly, to win the challenge.
Right behind them followed Harvey with Hanna, holding hands to make sure she wouldn’t run off and try to make quilts for spooks. Goopy, Sullivan and Amber were next. Bon Bon and Grim finally followed. Grim was fairly nervous already. Beppi seemed to be very happy they were here. A little too happy.
They all stepped into the manor, and the doors slammed behind them, leaving them in a room with dim light. And maniacal laughter.
–
Another individual was also going through his own sense of foreboding and despair. And although this one wasn’t related to spooks in the slightest, it was still rather terrifying.
It was date night with Hilda.
Cagney looked at the setting sun as he walked toward the club. It was still early but he wanted to make sure he showed up early, especially if he could scope out the spots and escape routes if necessary. Tonight, this was practically terrifying on its own, without the possibility of death by sky witch. And to try to get her to let him spend the night? A week ago, he would have had a chance even as a friendly sleepover, but now, after everything, he thought it was a snowball’s chance in hell.
He finally reached the club doors as the sun finally finished setting and gave a rap on the wood. The doors parted to reveal a tiny mole man. “Good evening, sir, do you have a reservation?” “Yeah, uh, for Cagney,” he explained. “I see. The reservation says it’s for two,” the mole read off his list. “Yeah, she’s not here yet?” “No, sir.” “Good, good. Okay, yeah, her name is Hilda. I guess she’ll be here soon,” he added hopefully, walking past the mole. “Very good, sir. I’ll go ahead and take you to your table.” The carnation was instantly hit with the loud music and chatter of bar patrons. He followed the mole to a table. “Might I suggest a drink sir from the bar?” The mole inquired. Cagney eyed him warily. “What? Why?” “You look very nervous, sir. And you’re tearing a hole in the tablecloth.” He looked down to see that he had actually ripped part of the tablecloth from pulling too hard. “Ah, uh, yeah, maybe,” he admitted. “Excellent, I’ll send over your waiter and he’ll get you started on something.” The waiter stepped up as if right on cue and suggested something that Cagney had no idea what it was, but it sounded harmless enough so he ordered that. As the waiter left, Cagney couldn’t help but eye the front door worriedly. He was all worried about what she would do to him when she showed up, but what would he do if she didn’t show at all. That would truly mean the end of the relationship as he knew it. He found himself tearing another hole in the tablecloth, only stopping when the drink came to him. He tapped his foot anxiously instead, continuing to eye the door.
—
Even though she was ready way before the time, Hilda thought it would be fun to make the flower break a sweat and arrived a few minutes late at the Night Owl club.
The mole greeted her and started to lead her to Cagney’s table, but she froze before she could take another step inside.
'C'mon! You can’t bail now!’ Sagittarius tried to encourage her. 'You already made him wait… he must be in a worst state than you.’ Hilda mentally agreed, the flower wasn’t very good at stress managing.
“Problem, mis? ” the mole asked interrupting her thoughts.
Hilda shook her head “No! I’m good.. I just… thought I forgot something…” she made sure her dress was perfect and followed him inside.
It was crowded tonight but there was a good ambiance. Jazzy tunes filling the air as people relaxed, chatted and danced. Hilda could feel her shoulders untense at the scene. She was glad they both agreed on coming here.
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Cagney at the table. She was so happy to see him, and he was all dressed and everything. Scorpio’s note had a stronger effect than what she thought.
As they closed in, she tried to stop herself from smiling at her friend and focused on showing a hard look.
—
Cagney was panicking. He kept an eye on the clock behind the bar and when it was a minute after 7, he really did start freaking out. Holy shit she wasn’t coming after all. Had she faked a story about buying a dress and bribed the saleslady into convincing him she was going? How would she have known what store they were going to if she did that? Oh man, was Grim on it too?!
No, that was just him being paranoid, right? No, there’s no way Hilda would do something that cruel…then again he did nearly kill her so maybe this was a possibility after all. He grabbed the tablecloth subconsciously.
It was 3 minutes after. Shit, she wasn’t coming. Maybe she was outside looking in through a window, laughing at him. He looked around quickly. There were no windows in this place. He spotted Hilda briefly, looked away and then realized that that actually was Hilda and holy shit she was absolutely stunning. And she looked pissed.
His arms dropped but too late he forgot to let go of the table cloth. The force of his arms dropping led to him accidentally yanking off the entire table setting with a clatter to the ground. He was absolutely mortified.
Hilda had to cover her mouth to prevent herself from roaring in laughter, her chest hurting when she did. People stared at the flower for a moment, chuckling and whispering, before they returned to their business. A few waiters came quickly to clean the mess.
Hilda got to the table without any trace of that hard look. “Gee Cags, you really now how to get a girl’s attention,” she smirked.
When Hilda’s first words were not a swear at him, Cagney froze and his mind went blank. And then his brain screamed at him to say something because she just said words and that probably warranted a response of some kind.
He swallowed hard and then gave a weak smile. “Well, you’re here, so I guess it worked?” That was the dumbest line he could have said. He tried not to glare at the people around him who were still chuckling at him.
'Yes. Yes it did.’ Gemini intruded, giggling and admiring the carnation’s effort to dress elegantly
Hilda noticed the awkwardness in her friend and realized she had the upper hand. It was lovely to see her giant, intimidating, grumpy friend shivering at her presence.
After the staff set the table again she took a seat like she practiced at the joint, sensually crossing her legs, only this time her shoe stayed in place. She wasn’t sure what to say so she decided to torture him a bit more by remaining silent and just looking at him.
Why wasn’t she yelling at him? Was she messing with him? Should he call her out on it? What if she wasn’t messing with him and she just got madder. Maybe, he could just start with asking how she was doing?
“Soooo….crazy weather huh?”
He could have slapped himself. That was not what he meant to say at all. Holy crap. He just called her crazy.
'Did he just called us crazy?!’ Tauros demanded, making Hilda’s eye twitch.
“Yeah,” she said, her tone angry but still calm, "Glad to see it didn’t drown you.“
"Yeah, glad about that….I think.” If he had been drowned, he wouldn’t have had this conversation right now. But still, he had to say something.
“You look nice,” he finally managed. She still looked pissed. If he wanted any shot of staying the night, he was gonna have to start by apologizing. “Listen, about the other night…I just wanna say I didn’t mean to break your dome.”
Hilda’s stare softened a little. Finally! A chance to clear things up. “I know… ” she said softly. “And.. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you….” She cleared her throat and hardened her voice again. “Anything ELSE you would like to apologize from that night?” The sky witch asked, crossing her arms roughly against her chest and releasing a soft painful groan.
Cagney heard the groan and remembered that Hilda had been stuck like a pin cushion when he accidentally attempted to crush her.
“I’m sorry I nearly killed you,” he finally managed, “and I’m sorry I couldn’t get all the thorns out,” he added turning a bit red.
“Yeah… ” Hilda couldn’t help but blush as well. “Next time, please wait for me to be conscious.” She showed a small smile.
“Cags… ” she took a deep breath and leaned in over the table. “I apologize too… I should learn to better manage my anger. But…what happened? I mean, the things you said? The way you looked at me?” she hold her arms and looked at her friend worried. “It sounded like you meant it.”
Cagney buried his head in his leaves. “Ugh, Hilda, no I didn’t mean it. I was just so tired and angry and hurt and when I turn into…well, THAT, I just say a lot of things. A lot of dumb hurtful things.”
The second drink had loosened his tongue significantly and he groaned. “This is so hard for me right now to try to explain but I missed you. Like a bunch.”
Those last words melted the woman’s heart. She looked at him with a sad mile. She wanted to jump up and hug him tight, but she remained in control and stayed in her seat.
'What are you waiting for? Go for it! For the love of God! Hug him, you crazy witch!’ Gemini was tried to convince Hilda.
'Hell no! You should kick him under the table! And then drag him outside and kick him some more!’ Tauros spoke.
'No! Let him talk! Look at him, he feels terrible… ’ It was starting to get crowded.
The woman shook her head to try to focus. “I don’t know If I want to hug or beat the life out of you.”
"You can do both if you want. I think it would be worth it and I might deserve it.” Cagney helpfully offered. He looked at how beautiful Hilda looked and his mind was starting to swim. She was even more beautiful than she was earlier this week when she showed up at his field, drunk and with…a different guy.
He cleared his throat. “Uh, before you do either, can you tell me something? Who is Carl?”
'CaAAarl’ she couldn’t help repeat in her mind. She had a choice to make here: be childish and pretend this guy was going to be her best friend, OR, be mature about it and tell him that it was just somebody she met with the sole purpose of making Cagney jealous.
“Oh, Carl…He’s a … He’s a friend. We met at the Joint and uh… sorry we woke you up.” She hid her face behind her drink, hoping there wouldn’t be more follow up questions.
The fact that she got fidgety with the question made Cagney’s stomach twist. “Didn’t realize you frequented the Joint.” He managed, trying to keep any spite out of his voice/
He had been on his third drink now and his mind swam with thoughts that hurt his chest. She met a guy at a bar and what, was she planning on bringing him back to her place? Technically, Cagney’s field was on the way if you were walking and with Hilda being unable to fly, it was feasible.
He tried not to pull at the tablecloth. Had there been other guys and he just managed to sleep through her bringing them back? That thought hurt a lot. Had she been living a double life and lovesick Cagney had been too dumb to see it until now?
“A friend, huh? What type of friend?” He asked, keeping his voice calm.
'Of course there was going to be follow up questions! What did you expect!’ Sagittarius scowled.
“Well, I have a life, Cags. You probably hang out with other people I don’t know about… Don’t you?” She asked really curious and kept drinking.
Cagney really didn’t have anyone. At least not anyone that Hilda didn’t already know. Admitting that would have just made him sound more a stupid loser. He tried to think what to say but only could manage a “Not really…” before the he was interrupted.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” A well dressed rooster announced from the stage. “Put your hands together and give a round for our newest, lovely siren, Miss Bella Bechstein!”
Hilda’s eyes widened and choked on her drink and coughed.
At the sound of the familiar name, he turned to see Isabella on stage. She was quite breathtaking to be sure and you could hardly tell she was blind by the way she handled that microphone. “Huh,” he observed, “I didn’t know Isabella worked here.”
Hilda glared at Cagney. “You know her?” She asked, already knowing the answer.
The crowd applauded as Isabella entered the stage, accompanied by one of the lizard musicians, and got to the microphone. “Good evening everybody! I sincerely hope your night is going well,” she charmingly spoke as the rooster and lizard left the stage.
Cagney nodded. “Yeah, I accid-” he stopped mid-speech. He was about to admit to Hilda that he attacked a small child in a drugged stupor. That would probably not go over very well. It’s not like Hilda had strong maternal instincts, but at the same time, kids were kids and attacking them (Cuphead and Mugman being the exception) made you look like a monster.
So he bent the truth. “I acc-actually ran into her and her kid by my field. She’s new to the isle, did you meet her?”
“I-I met her too… she and Goopy helped me clean up the dome mess…”
"They did? Dammit.” Now he really felt bad. He should have been the one helping her clean up. Now if only he knew how to fix it. “She’s got quite the mouth on her,“ Cagney remembered with a chuckle, thinking about she swore him out just a few days ago
'Quite the mouth on her?!’ Gemini bursted in jealousy. 'I knew it! They have something!’. Hilda looked at him alarmed.
“W-wh-what do you mean about the mouth thing?” the sky witch mumbled scared of the answer, trying to sound as if she didn’t really cared.
The music started playing and Isabella talked in her sweet tone.
“You know folks, I like games. And there’s one in particular that used to play with a that special friend…”. And at her cue she started singing “I double dare you’.
Hilda’s next question made him pause. Cagney didn’t have a lot of insight into the female mind but he suddenly had the inkling that maybe he should choose his next words carefully. He pointed a thumb at the bat on stage. "Well, I mean, she’s a pretty good singer, right? She’s keeping with the band pretty well. It’s probably something that could be danced to, ya know, if you felt like dancing at all…” He felt like a kid asking a girl to a school dance.
'OH MY GOD! Forget what I said! Go dance with him!’ Gemini yelled with excitement.
'Yaah! Dance with him!’
'And step on his feet!’
The constellations in her head all yelled, encouraging her to go have some fun with her friend. She wasn’t very good at dancing, but Cagney was. She just had to let him lead and not step on his leaves. Plus dancing was really fun and she really enjoy it.
She smiled shyly “Sure. I’ll try to step on you as much as I can,” she chuckled, standing up from her seat.
“Fair enough,” and with that, he led her to the dance floor.
Isabella finished her song and people clapped. “Thank you.” She kept smiling sweetly. “And after all this playing, I used to go dancing. I loove dancing, folks, but the music has to be… zazzie” she shook her shoulders “You know what I mean? It’s gotta have that special thing that makes you want to shake it.” And so, she started singing.
Cagney had danced since he was a sprout. Actual dancing did not spook him. Dancing in front of a crowd could give him the jitterbugs but that was okay because the jitterbug was still an acceptable dance style. But with Hilda, they had done some casual swing goofing around but this definitely had a different feel to it. Maybe it was because they were in nice clothes. At least that’s what he was telling himself.
There were other couples already on the floor and he blended in as best as a large plant could. Then again, he wasn’t the only non human so it wasn’t that off. He led her into dance as best as he could, and although yes, she did step on his leaves every now and then, for the most part she followed pretty well.
He was starting to feel more confident and soon they were both snorting and breaking out into quiet snorts and laughter.
Being so close to Cagney without the intention of smacking him made Hilda feel a bit awkward. But the more they danced, the more fun she had, and the more she realised this felt really nice, just her and him, shaking their bodies together. She almost forgot why they fought and felt sorry when she accidentally (most of the times) stepped on him.
“I can’t believe how bad you are at walking and how good you are at this.” She said, laughing and trying to keep up with his rhythm and this time avoiding his feet.
Cagney held Hilda tightly and was relieved when she stopped stepping on him. Heels beat stems any day, no matter how thorny the stem was. He was actually surprised his thorns hadn’t popped out already but realized that he wasn’t freaking out anymore. This was his zone, his expertise. Well other than extreme pollination and total domination.
He felt himself heat up at that thought. Shoot, wasn’t he thinking a few days ago that he and Hilda might actually head in that direction? And now he was here, with her slender body rubbing up against his, that dress flattering not just for her sharp personality but her rather attractive body. He swallowed. He still couldn’t believe he wrote that stupid letter.
But if he was telling the truth, it had been something he had daydreamed for a while now. And now he was trying to see if he could spend the night. He wasn’t sure if this made him a bad flower because he was trying to do this, or a good flower to save his friend from seeing the stuff he wrote about her. Or did that make him bad too?
A few minutes later as the song reached its end with an applause from the public, Hilda couldn’t help but feel really sad. She didn’t wanted to go back to talking! She wanted to be near him, laugh with him…maybe step on his toes again.
“Thank you! Thank you again!” Isabella started talking. “And at the end of the night, after all day laughing and having fun with my dear special friend…” she sighed “….there was always this moment where another gal came in and took him away from me,” she said angrily, a sad smile on her lips. She placed a hand on her hips. “And I never could tell him how I really felt…”. And with that, she began to sing a slow song.
Hilda looked at Cagney with a shy smile hoping they would keep dancing.
The song changed to a slow one and he realized he couldn’t keep just salsing to it. No, this one required…focus. Maybe he should sit this one out. He glanced down at Hilda and noticed she was smiling at him shyly. Was she feeling as awkward as he was? Somehow that made him feel better and he slowed his tempo down, trying to enjoy the moment, despite the sad undertones of the song playing.
Hilda danced close to him, appreciating the change in tone. She had been holding on to him tightly without realising it and leaned her head against his chest. The bat lady may rub the woman the wrong way, but Hilda had to admit her music was delightful (and strangely appropriate). It was setting a romantic mood between them, making her remember how she felt a few nights ago, under the stars.
He looked at Hilda. “Listen, Hilda, I want to apologize, ya know, for all the stupid shit I’ve done, that I’ve been doing and will probably do in the the future.”
She chuckled at Cagney. “Well, I will accept your apologies for what have you done, I’m not sure if I accept whatever you have been doing, aaand… I’m keeping my options open for what you may do in the future. Dancing on your leaves is kinda fun.”
He winced “Yeah, I’ve noticed. Think you could not use the heel so much when you stomp on them?” He chided, glad the woman was in a better mood.
He wondered how Hilda was doing. He had been drinking before she showed up and was starting to feel a bit light-headed from the latent effects of those alcoholic beverages. Part of him wanted to sleep, ideally at Hilda’s place.
Shoot, he still had to see about spending the night before the alcohol really hit. But another quick observation of Hilda made him hesitate. She looked like she was having fun. He decided to enjoy the closeness for now. He could ask after this song.
“You know, I only wear high heels when I know I might end up dancing with you,” Hilda smirked, interrupting the flower’s thoughts. They kept dancing, bodies pressing together, moving softly to the rhythm. Hilda’s bruises hurt a little with the closeness, but she felt the pain was worth it. Or maybe the alcohol was starting to numb her a little.
She faced Cagney. looking him straight in his eyes, full of alcoholic confidence. She was about to lean towards his lips, but the sound of applause brought her back from her thoughts.
“Thanks, everybody! We’re going to take a break to freshen up a little, but we’ll be back with more jazzy tunes to accompany your memorable evening!” Isabella called from the stage, blowing a kiss, and the rooster from before accompanied her offstage.
Hilda looked around to hide the fact she was as red as a tomato and cleared her throat. “W-we should go back.”
Hilda’s discomfort immediately jarred him from the spell of the singing and he nodded. “Yeah, I could use the break from being trampled,” he attempted to joke, trying not to show that he was starting to get nervous without the music before heading back to the table.
–
During her time on stage, Isabella caught the memorable scent of the carnation but she wasn’t certain. When the rooster helped her down, she decided ask to be sure.
“Say, is there a giant flower among the public tonight? A carnation?” She asked in her notorious sweet tone.
The rooster took a quick look and it didn’t took him long to spot Cagney. It was rare to see any flowers at the club this time of the evening.
“Well, yes there is. Doesn’t look much of a carnation, but it’s the only flower I see,” the rooster answered. “Want me to take you to him?”.
“Oh, that’s very sweet of you, darling. But I can find my way,” she smiled and walked slowly, avoiding any obstacles as she followed the smell of the giant flower.
–
As the two sat down, Cagney remembered the plan. Right. He had to retrieve that letter. “Hey, Hilda, I was thinking, about the other night…do you think you’d want to still do that, you know, have a sleepover or something?” He tried to suggest. He paused, “Ya know, with like sleeping bags or something,” he added quickly, not wanting her to think he was directly asking to sleep with her…not that he would be totally averse to that, mind you.
The constellation’s inside Hilda’s head were still going wild from the dance!
'Why didn’t you kiss him?’
'It’s alright! Just take your time, we don’t want to rush this!’
'You barely stepped on him!’
'It was perfect!’
'Not quite… it’s full of people in her~ ’
But at the question, all the voices stopped before screeching in unison: 'He wants to stay over?!’
Hilda took a looong sip from her glass and the voices grew silent. That felt good. She really needed to think this through. He made it sound like an innocent sleepover among friends, but after their slow dance, she wasn’t so sure. She had to ask him and clear the air once and for all.
“Cagney~?”
“Well, hello there, Mr. Flower,” a familiar sweet voice interrupted her. “Didn’t know hippies like to swing,” Isabella chuckled. Hilda glared at the bat and gulped down the rest of her half full glass, turning her cheeks a bit more red.
His petals flared instinctively at the voice. There was only one person who called him a hippie. He turned around to see Isabella standing, looking even better up close. How did someone blind know how to dress up so well? Or maybe she was just good looking in general and everything looked good on her?
He was starting to think it was the latter. He recovered and smirked. “That was some good singing, Isabella. I didn’t know you were working here.”
“Aw! thank you, darling,” the bat blushed. “I started yesterday, actually. Your friend Goopy helped me get the job!” Isabella gushed.
Hilda stared at both of them, trying to hide the fact she was really pissed for being interrupted AND ignored.
“Cool. Cool. Looks like that pompous ball has some talent after all.” Cagney was aware of Hilda being strangely quiet. “Hilda, you’ve met Isabella, right?” He prompted.
“Yeah, we have…” Hilda forced a smile and gestured to a waiter to bring her another drink.
“Dumnezeule! I’m so sorry, I didn’t hear you there!” Isabella said, wiggling her ears towards Hilda. “Am I interrupting?” She asked innocently, assuming from what she talked with Goopy that they were talking about the dome incident.
“We’re just hanging out,” Cagney attempted to explain, still not 100% sure they were on a date. “We might be going soon though?” His statement came out more as question, looking toward Hilda for any affirmation of this.
Hilda looked at Cagney a bit surprised, she was hoping to dance a few more songs, but then again,they were here to talk about their friendship. This wasn’t a date. It might look like one. It certainly felt like one. But it wasn’t.
Was it?
She though it might be better to talk about it on their way to… her place, maybe. “Eh…yeah, I guess we should be go~.”
“Oh no! I was hoping to get to dance with Cagney.” Isabella regrettably admitted. She didn’t get close just to get some juice for her gossip, but also wanted to test her tour guide’s dancing skills.
“Just one! Please?” She begged, using her enticing voice. Even Hilda looked at her a bit saddened for a moment, until she remember why she made a storm the other day and decided to focus on her new drink.
An evil smirked appeared on her face. The bat was blind, that wasn’t a problem for singing, but dancing? She could already see Isabella making a fool of herself, stepping clumsily on Cagney’s already sensitive leaves.
“I know exactly what we can dance to, I just have to tell the band real quick! Please?” The singer insisted, getting closer to him. Hilda didn’t like that gesture, but decided to encourage Cagney anyway.
“Aww… c'mon Cags! Show her what you got!” She couldn’t contain her devilish smile.
Cagney was definitely surprised by Hilda’s change in tone. He could have sworn she was a bit reserved about the bat but by the way she was goading them on, he must have been mistaken. Maybe after this, then they could talk a bit more about where they saw this going.
Now with Hilda’s insistence, he smiled craftily. “Alright, I better hope your dancing is as good as your singing cause I’m not gonna hold back on you.” He offered a bat a leaf to go to the floor so she could tell them her song selection
Seeing Cagney all confident made Hilda grin even more. This was going to be fun to watch!
Isabella held on to the flower’s arm and told the band she wanted to dance to ’Tom Tom Swing Combo’.The musicians waited for the dancers to get in place before they started playing.
Isabella decided to let Cagney lead so she could measure his level.
Cagney heard the boom and bang on the instruments and his eyes lit up. He bumped and grooved to the beat, maneuvering Isabella through sways and turns, expecting any second for the bat to step on his feet like Hilda had.
Hilda kept smiling and enjoyed seeing the giant flower shaking it to the rhythm of the beat. He sure knew what he was doing… and apparently so did the bat!
At first, Isabella was letting herself get dragged by the carnation but soon enough she picked up the pace and started to accompany and accentuate Cagney’s movements to the point where it actually looked like a rehearsed dance.
Isabella was having so much fun. Every time Cagney made her do something, she managed to embellish the pose: if he made her turn, she would do extra turns positioning her free wing in diagonal so it would look like a spiral going up her body; if he toss her on a side, still holding her hand, she would spread her wing at the right moment to make it look more impressive.
Cagney’s cautious attitude had turned to one of bemusement as the bat managed to keep rhythm and time. As the dance continued, he couldn’t help but feel legitimately surprised when she even added her own flair to each move he threw at her.
When they were close, Cagney could hear a very soft chirping coming from his partner. She was using her echolocation to measure the distance between them and, therefore, avoid crashing into him.
Hilda couldn’t believe her eyes. At some point they were so coordinated they even managed a tandem charleston. There was no trace of that evil grin anymore. This plan really backfired.
With they finally finished what was probably one of Cagney’s more demanding performances, the club broke into thunderous applause. He couldn’t help but grin a bit goofily, the alcohol making him somewhat impervious to any weird giddiness from performing in front of an audience of unknowns.
Hilda decided she needed some air and stepped outside the club before the dancers returned to the table.
“Alright, you did good, kid,” he admitted to Isabella, “And that chirping thing you were doing, that was like echolocation or something? That was pretty cool.” Hilda was a fan of science shit and that would probably be pretty cool. “Man, Hilda would get a kick out of that. Let me just…just…” He looked toward the table and froze when he saw it was an empty.
“I haven’t danced like that in years!” Isabella said, recovering her breath.
Hilda was gone. When had she left? Had he done something wrong? Was this whole night a bust? Maybe she had gone to the restroom? No, all her stuff was gone. Why did she leave? He couldn’t figure it out even as he continued holding Isabella’s claws.
Wait.
His eyes apprehensively widened. Here he was, holding another woman’s hand in a bar. Hilda hadn’t thought he was into the bat, did she? Isabella was really pretty and sassy, sure, but Hilda was the ultimate woman he really wanted to put his leaves around.
“Shit,” he quickly swore, giving Isabella’s claw a hurried pat before letting go, “I’ll be right back.” He dropped some coins on the table before darting outside.
Suddenly her partner patted her hand and left in a rush. “Wha~ wait!” She called but it was too late, Cagney had rushed out of the club.
The singer’s ears drooped in disappointment, hoping that he would return to explain. Although, she suspected it might have something to do with her….
Outside, Hilda was sitting on a big branch of a nearby tree. She had her arms crossed and was looking at her stars. She noticed some mistakes in her star placement which only made her feel worse about herself.
Cagney glanced around outside but didn’t see her. “Hilda?” He called.
Cagney’s voice interrupted her thoughts and she looked down. Man, he looked good in that outfit. She cleared her throat (and mind) and waved at him.
“Hey! Up here, Romeo. What happened with Juliet?” The woman said, annoyed by how badly this night was turning.
Shit. It WAS related to Isabella. Which he was probably gonna have to go explain things to after this. But hadn’t Hilda pushed him to go dance with her in the first place?
He crossed his arms, slightly irritated. “We finished our dance and then you took off. Why’d you tell me to go dance with her if you weren’t going to stick around?”
He bristled slightly at a new thought but kept it to himself for now. He waited to hear Hilda’s response
“I saw your dance, you pea brain…. it was pretty impressive,” She hated to admit, “I just needed some air.” She turned to look at the stars again, hiding her guilt. It was her fault they danced and that was eating her up.
Cagney huffed, “Alright, well I gotta go back and explain why I just left Isabella in the middle of the dance floor. Are you gonna disappear or are you going to stay here?”
He watched her carefully, the thought really eating at him now to see how she’d answer. He had a feeling she wasn’t telling the truth but he wasn’t sure about what. His initial thought of it being jealousy had been pushed aside when he remembered she had told him to do it in the first place. Jealous people didn’t do things like that, right? No, they didn’t. He thought.
He was getting deceived in some way though. Had she told Cagney to go dance so she could leave and meet up with someone else, hoping he would remain distracted. Was it Carl? She answered quite evasively about him before.
“Yeah sure, I’ll wait here,” Hilda sighed. “Oh! Shit! I forgot to pay~ no, you know what? You pay. Least you can do for breaking my dome”.
She would have punched herself right in the mouth if she could. She was just mad at herself but, somehow, she wanted to release it all on Cagney. Maybe she wanted Cagney to be mad at her so she had a reason to be mad at him, and therefore justify her being angry at herself?
She had to take a few minutes to understand what she just thought.
“Fine!” Cagney agreed and walked back inside.
—
Isabella decided to wait at the bar and refresh herself with a lemonade when Cagney reentered the club.
He flagged the waiter and paid the rest of the tab. He caught sight of Isabella at the bar. He groaned, and approached her, taking a seat next to her. “Hey, it’s me, Cagney. Sorry about vanishing on you. Hilda up and disappeared, and I, well, she’s doing okay, just cooling off. I guess it’s too warm in here or something. Can I get you something?” He offered
Isabella smiled tenderly and raised her glass “I’m good.” She took a sip “I… I apologize for interrupting your date,” she said sweetly.
At the mention of the date, Cagney rolled his eyes. He looked to the bartender, “Hey, bartender, can you get me a whiskey shooter or something?”
As the bartender made up the drink, the flower sighed. “Yeah, I’m not sure if that is what it is at the moment…”
“Oh, c'mon.” She softly punched his arm “The small fights just makes the making up sweeter,” she smiled, not understanding that they weren’t officially dating. “As Annette Hanshaw used to sing 'happiness comes double, after a little pain… ” Isabella sang sweetly the verses “…If you want the rainbow, you must have the rain”.
“I broke her observatory. So it’s not just the rain, it might as well hail.” He pulled his petals. “That dome cost a fortune to replace. And I definitely don’t have anywhere close to fixing it.”
“Sorry, all we got is honey whiskey, is that gonna work for you?” The bartender asked, setting a glass down.
“Yeah, that’s fine.” Cagney chuckled picking up the glass. “I didn’t know Rumor was branching out into the liquor business. Then again, she got the resources for it. Probably the only one on the Isles who’d have the cash to fix the dome too,” he mused, thinking more about this than he normally would.
He chugged the liquor and coughed, his thoughts interrupted by the fact that this was a lot more powerful than he thought.
Isabella listened to Cagney choke, a bit surprised to hear him being so open to her. The alcohol must have loosened his tongue. She’d have to remember to ask more about that Rumor character…
So much gossip! But no! This wasn’t the time to think about that. This looked more than just a simple fight. “If you can’t afford to pay for it, at least assist her into getting one. You have any contacts? Somebody who might know somebody?”
“Maybe,” he admitted, “Djimmi and Rumor might…” He blinked. “Wait, shit, Hilda’s still outside,” he realized. Oh crap he probably should get going to her before she thought he was ditching her and not the other way around. He got up unsteadily. “It was nice seeing you again,” he said, holding out an unsteady hand.
The bat noticed the flower standing up with some trouble as she heard his stool scrape along the floor. “You need help getting to the door?” She chuckled, not realising he extended his hand to her.
Cagney remembered that Isabella was blind. “I think I’m good, just gotta not lose my feet…” He mumbled, pulling his hand back and pointing down at his feet.
Isabella listened to the carnation walk away, taking his flowery scent with him. She turn to her drink and sighed. Last time she danced like that was with Mina’s father, long time ago. “Waiter, put some of that honey liquor in here, please…”
–
Carl was not having any luck this evening. He was really hoping there’d be one lonely lady here in the club tonight but so far no such luck. He had been hanging near the sides, away from the dance floor, feeling a bit sorry for himself before he finally decided to try the bar again.
This time he was in luck. It was the singer from earlier this evening! Sitting alone and looking rather melancholy. Carl puffed up his chest. That’s because she had never met Carl before. Every lady felt better when they met Carl. He sauntered over to the empty seat next to the bat. “Miss,” he greeted, “I’m sorry to bother you, but I wanted to tell you that you have the voice of an angel!”
The bat turned her head towards his direction. “Aw, thank you, darling. You’re enjoying your evening so far?” She said sweetly taking a sip of her drink.
Carl blushed at being called darling. “I most certainly am now that you’ve shown up. I was worried it was going to be a regular night but you’ve brought some life into this place with your charm,” he sweet talked, motioning the bartender to bring him something.
Isabella chuckled, still sitting at the bar, “Well aren’t you the sweet talker. Your companion must be so happy with you”.
“Oh! You flatter me so! I’m afraid I don’t have a companion with me this evening. I realize that might be quite the shocker for a bug of my type,” he 'humbly’ explained, taking advantage of the fact that she was blind by glancing at her legs.
–
Hilda hopped down from the branch with the help of her cloud and was now leaning against the tree with her arms crossed, waiting for him to return. She managed to calm herself down, only to get pissed again thinking of the reasons why Cagney was taking so long.
–
Cagney got to the door before he stopped. Shit, had he paid the bartender? Last thing he needed was to get banned from a place because he didn’t remember to pay. He started walking back, having to touch the wall to balance himself every now and then.
Cagney approached the bar and blinked. Huh, Isabella was still there. Maybe she was getting another drink? He glanced to the side and did a double take. “What the hell?” He muttered.
It was Carl. The stupid caterpillar he should have beaten the pulp out of a few days ago. His eyes widened. Oh man, those thoughts earlier of Hilda distracting him…were those true?! She must have planned on meeting up with this idiot when he was on the floor with Isabella.
He watched the bug check out the bat lewdly and his eyes narrowed. Yeah, no, this was not going to work for him. He walked toward them, realizing he was about to cause a problem.
Carl was unaware of the danger. He looked up from his incredibly long look. “A lovely woman such as yourself, surely you’re not alone here?”
Isabella realised she was dealing with a narcissistic Casanova, it wasn’t the first and would probably not be the last.
She got the scent of the carnation again and wiggled her ears to try to identify where was he coming from. She smiled at the caterpillar. “I’m not anymore.” And she turned toward Cagney’s direction. “Forgot something, partner?”
Carl blinked in surprise as she looked away. He could have sworn she was blind. He turned to greet her friend only to pale. “Oh…nut berries,” he managed before Cagney slammed a hand down next to the caterpillar.
“Hope you got a good look, Carl, because that might be the last thing you see when I’m through with you,” Cagney snarled, holding back the urge in him to drive his hands through the floor and transform.
“I, oh, just this is all just a misunderstanding,” Carl babbled.
Cagney loomed dangerously over the caterpillar. “So, you and Hilda planning on meeting up here together to make an idiot out of me, is that the misunderstanding?” He growled, slamming his hand next to the bug again.
The bat got startled by the noise and decided it was better to move away from it, so she slid to the seat next to her. Cagney sounded really angry, she thought would be best not to say anything and hear how this plays out.
Oh man! She had so much to tell Goopy tomorrow.
Carl had no idea what the carnation was talking about. “Hilda? Who’s Hilda? You mean the woman from the Clip Joint?”
“Hey!” The rooster approached them. “You got a problem, take it outside,” he pointed toward the door with his feathery thumb.
Isabella wasn’t sure what to do, but she did have similar experiences in the past so she kept her distance. “ Eh.. Cagney, maybe you should go 'talk’ outside…”
–
Hilda was livid “How long does it take to pay a tab! Is he washing the dishes or something?” She yelled and walked towards the club.
–
Cagney stared down at the insect, ignoring the bat. “Really? Cause she said you two were good friends!” He argued.
Carl shook his head. “No, no! I hardly know her!”
Cagney blinked. “What? Why were you with her then?”
“She was just some drunk, dumb girl!”
Cagney leered. “She’s not dumb, say that again and I’ll turn you into fertilizer.”
“She wanted me to come back to her place to make her friend jealous!” He confessed, doing his best to look small.
Cagney snorted. “What friend? All you did was come by my…field…” He stopped. Wait a second. Things were starting to click into place. Had Hilda tried to make him jealous? Why the hell would she be trying to make him jealous unless…she liked him.
Carl took advantage of the hesitation to discreetly use one of his many hands to reach behind him to grab a glass to chuck at the very confused carnation. “Yes, all her idea! Not mine at all! I was just planning on walking her back to her place! I definitely wasn’t going to spend the night!” He stalled, his fingers wrapping around the glass. He would claim self defense even though Cagney hadn’t actually touched him yet.
--
Hilda entered the club and looked around for the giant flower. She frowned to see him at the bar with Isabella and… was that Carl? Looked like Cagney was threatening him, and everybody was starting to stare at them. She rushed towards them. “Cagney!”
Cagney turned at the sound of Hilda’s voice and was about to ask her what the hell was going on between her and Carl when something hard broke against the back of his head and he fell to his knees.
Carl stood behind him triumphantly, dropping the broken bottle at his feet. “Ha! Who’s the idiot now?!” He yelled.
The bartender glanced over the counter. “You…just broke a bottle of 30 year old Scotch,” he mentioned.
The mole owner, who had been watching from the sidelines anxiously, nearly passed out in horror.
Carl froze. “Uh…”
The bat covered her mouth in surprise, not daring to move. Hilda’s jaw dropped and looked at Cagney on the floor starting to bleed, or… the equivalent of bleeding for a plant.
Her eyes lit up and she glared angrily at Carl. “You son of a bitch,” she said softly, covering herself in thick mist and letting Taurus take over. “YOU’RE DEAD!” Her voice sounded like thunder all over the club.
The rooster got to Isabella and quickly guided her to the exit. “No! Wait! I want to know how it ends!” The singer said trying to remain where she was, but the rooster saw the bull was thrusting towards the bar and pulled Isabella away with him.
Carl didn’t think this was how his day was going to go. He woke up this morning, did his morning routine of stretches and yoga with the girls, then went for a stroll around the meadows. He had planned on cocooning soon and wanted to come out to celebrate, and possibly bring back a lucky lady he could boast to. He thought for sure his news would just draw women to him.
Having Hilda charge him as a bull was not what he had in mind and he jumped over the bar with a scream.
Cagney was seeing stars on the ground and could feel something trickling off of him. Was that his blood? Or was that the Scotch? He had no idea but was too dizzy to check. He could hear Hilda yelling and he was really really hoping she wasn’t going for him because there’s not much he could have done about it.
Taurus destroyed half of the bar with one powerful thrust, sending shards of wood and glass everywhere. People screamed and ran towards the exits. “Stop hiding, you worm!” The constellation yelled, “This is how you go! I’ve seen it in the stars! Hahaha!” The bull said with a manic laugh.
Carl was not a fighter. He felt like one when he knocked the flower down but now this was definitely out of hand. He made a dash for the door as Cagney finally recovered, pulling himself back up with a groan and a swear.
Hilda, well, Taurus noticed the caterpillar making a run for the door and saw Cagney standing up. He was afraid he would trample over his friend if he tried to charge again.
“Hey, giant dandelion! He’s getting away!” He said, hoping the flower was still aware of what was going on.
Cagney looked toward Tauros very confusedly. “What?” His words sunk in and the carnation looked to see Carl bolting. He tried to plant his arms but they hit the wood floor and he hissed in pain. “Ow, ow!” He groaned.
Guess he was running it then. He chased after Carl and managed to snag the bug outside of the club, right next to the tree Hilda had been on before.
Carl squeaked. “Wait, wait, don’t hurt me!”
The carnation huffed angrily. “Think just cuz someone can’t see, you can pull those stunts?”
Perfect! They were outside the club. Taurus followed them making the clouds that formed him more dense until it covered his entire body. Once outside, the cloud revealed a handsome centaur already pointing his arrow at the caterpillar. “Goodbye, CaaAAaarl!” he mocked, and with another terrifying laugh, he shot his arrow.
Unfortunately, Hilda was a bit intoxicated, so his arrow missed the target and pinned the caterpillar to the tree by his clothes.
“Oh, shucks… I was aiming for the head!” Sagittarius lamented, not realizing that both men froze at the thudding of the arrow by their heads.
Carl freaked out. “No! My mom is gonna kill me if I wreck this suit!” He lamented.
Cagney, leaned against the tree next to the caterpillar, trying to look both cool and to keep himself standing despite the fact that Sagittarius’ arrow nearly scared the sap out of him too. “You’re worried about your MOM killing you? I’d worry more about your friend here murdering you with arrows,” Cagney spat.
Carl shook his head. “Definitely not my friend! I hardly know her!”
Cagney blinked. Oh yeah. Carl was blabbering about this in the bar. He turned on Sagittarius with a hard look. “So, Carl and I were having a friendly chat in the club-”
“Friendly?! You were slamming the-” Carl protested but a glance at the arrow pinning his suit to the tree kept him quiet.
Cagney continued. “And he says you’re not his friend and that night you guys went by my field was del-delib- on purpose!” He stuttered, alcohol making his word choice difficult.
He pointed to the caterpillar. “But maybe he’s lying. Why don’t you prove me wrong and tell me what his favorite color is? Or how about his last name?”
The centaur rolled his eyes. “Oh! Enough with the charades! Hilda is in loaaAAAh ..” Sagittarius held his head in pain and white smoke started to cover his body again. When the cloud dispersed, Hilda was standing there with her hands on her head, breathing heavily.
“Cagney! He broke a God damn bottle on your head! Why isn’t he dead already?!” She yelled, hoping the carnation would focus on hurting the caterpillar instead of interrogating him.
Cagney pointed at the caterpillar still. “What’s his last name, Hilda?”
Hilda cringed feeling how her cheeks turned redder than usual. “It’s… hmmrrrssss…. Smith. He’s Carl Smith,” she decided to go with what she thought was a very common last name.
Carl gaped at her. “What? Smith?! What type of name is Smith?! You don’t even know my last name and you invited me over to sleep with you?!”
Cagney slammed the tree and the caterpillar squeaked into silence. Shit, he was really hoping the caterpillar was lying. But judging by how red Hilda’s face was, he didn’t think so. His chest ached at the thought. “You were going to sleep with him?” He asked, looking more hurt than upset.
“WHAT?!” She was livid now and got closer until she was facing Carl “The fuck are you saying?!” She yelled angrily “I never said I was going to sleep with you! You filthy worm!”
She poked him hard on his chest. “I just wanted THIS idiot to be jealous!” She pointed at Cagney with her thumb and turned to him still blushing. “There! I said it! I wanted to make YOU jealous! Happy now?! Can we go back being friends again?!” Her eyes were starting to get wet. “Please…” she said softly. This sentimental stuff really wasn’t her thing.
Cagney was taken aback by Hilda’s outburst. Carl might have been talking but he wasn’t listening. So it was true. Hilda was trying to make him jealous. Because maybe she liked him as much as he liked her?
But that last line, that emotional one from the normally smart mouthed woman really nailed him in the chest and his plant heart hurt. “Can I do one thing first before we go back to being friends?” He asked.
“Wha~… yeah?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Okay, thanks,” he mumbled, walking over to her. He swallowed hard and before Hilda could say anything more, he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her into a rough kiss.
The woman didn’t dare move. Her eyes went wide open and her heart skipped a beat. The constellations in her head were as shocked as her and remained silent.
Cagney finally broke from the kiss and looked deep into her eyes. He opened his mouth to say something only to stop and hold up a finger. “Gimme a sec,” he managed. He stumbled away from her and threw up behind the tree.
Hilda was still paralyzed and just stood there, looking at the carnation emptying his stomach. A shy silly smile drew on her face and she completely forgot about Carl, Isabella, and the whole mess which made them get angry to begin with.
“I’m- I’m not throwing up cause of the kiss!” Cagney protested, climbing back to his feet unsteadily, gesturing to the club. “Alcohol doesn’t go well with being a plant.”
Carl just stared at the scene in front of him. This was how he was going to die, watching a murderous flower getting rejected by a murderous sky witch. There was no way any girl was gonna come back from that (he knows, he tried it before many times with women he just met)
Hilda’s smile grew bigger. She was about to make witty comment but was interrupted by the sound of police sirens getting closer. Reality brought back the woman from her happy cloud and made her realise they had to get out of there if they didn’t want to get in more trouble.
“Shit!” She cast a cloud big enough for the both of them. “Cagney, we gotta go! Hop on!” She extended her hand to help him get up.
“Aw man, not the cloud,” Cagney groaned, but he knew the last thing he needed was to spend a night in jail so he grabbed her hand and climbed onto the cloud.
She got closer to the caterpillar. “And YOU better keep your mouth SHUT!” She grabbed the arrow and waved it in front of him “Or next time I WON’T miss,” her bracelet glowed and the arrow disappeared in a puff.
Carl nodded hurriedly.
“Hold on tight!” Hilda waved her hands and the cloud flew towards the observatory.
Carl waited for the police to come. He glanced at the time. “Ah gee, my mom is gonna be so mad I missed curfew…”
———–
CHAPTER 01, CHAPTER 02, CHAPTER 03, CHAPTER 04, CHAPTER 05, CHAPTER 06, CHAPTER 07, CHAPTER 08, CHAPTER 09, CHAPTER 10; CHAPTER 11; CHAPTER 12 ; CHAPTER 13 ; CHAPTER 14 ; CHAPTER 15; CHAPTER 16 ; CHAPTER 17 ; CHAPTER 18 (You are here)
#cagney carnation#hilda berg#goopy le grande#amber alleway#sullivan wells#isabella betchstein#mina betchstein#harvey hare#hanna hare#spuke#barones von bonbon#cuphead#rolplay#fan art#fan fiction#necrida#smallpersiankitten#smallpersiankittencuphead#carnaberg#meloncandy#submission
28 notes
·
View notes
Text
Family Matters Chapter 3: Halloween for Eri
See end of chapter for notes. I do not own My Hero Academia, its characters, or locations. Without further ado...HERE IS HALLOWEEN FOR ERI!
A month had passed since Eri first stepped through the doors of the Class 1-A dorm. Midoriya and Ochako were doing their best to not just become superheroes, but also to be good temporary parents. There were times when they had to be strict with her, but she took it in stride, even if she didn't like the outcome. Of course, those conversations would always end with a kiss on her check from either of them, just to show that they still loved her.
The rest of Class 1-A did their best to help Eri out with her daily routine. Tsuyu still took her to and from school, Kirishima made her breakfast every other day while Midoriya and Ochako alternated on the rest, Momo read a bedtime story to her every night, Iida made sure the students stayed in line in terms of the "Eri Rules", and after much pleading from Eri and some convincing on Tooru's part toward Midoriya and Ochako, Mashirao began to teach her martial arts in order to battle villains when she couldn't use her quirk. Bakugou didn't do much; he spent most of his time doing his homework, ignoring everyone, or just shouting at them. Eri suspected that he was still peeved about the time she asked him to show his quirk to her.
As the days progressed, the weather began to change. The colors of the leaves changed from green to a dazzling display of red, orange and yellow. The air became crisper and temperatures dropped a bit as a chill came into the air. All of the students started wearing longer clothes and some had resorted to wearing fleece coats and scarves.
During school one day, Eri caught wind of a couple of students having a conversation. She was able to catch one word that sparked her curiosity: "Halloween." She had heard it somewhere before, but didn't know what it meant. It was on her mind for the rest of the day until she couldn't take it anymore after dinner when she and the 1-A students were in the living room.
"Mama, Papa?" Eri asked as she looked up at Midoriya and Ochako. "I heard something today at school that I was curious about…what's Halloween?"
"An excellent question, Eri," Iida chimed in. "To understand what Halloween is, we must go back to the 10th century."
'Oh balls.' the others thought in dismay; whenever anyone asked a simple question, Iida always had to give a lecture about the entire subject.
"Halloween, or All Hallows Eve," Iida began, "can be traced back to 10th century Ireland during the farming festival called Samhain, which occurred between October 31st and November 1st. The holiday was meant to mark the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter. As the crops died, the farmers believed that there was a day when the spirits of the dead could rise up from their graves. During the festival, they would dress in disguise to fool and ward off the spirits in the hopes of protecting their land throughout the upcoming winter."
"In regular, non-Iida terms," Kirishima chimed in before Iida could continue, "Halloween is a celebration on the night of October 31st in which folks dress up in different costumes, walk up to people's doorstep, and say "Trick-or-Treat". And if you say it politely, the folks will give you free candy!"
"Free…candy…?" Eri asked as her eyes sparkled with delight and her mouth began to water at the thought. Ochako and Midoriya chuckled a bit at the sight of Eri being on cloud nine. Soon, Eri shook her head and returned herself back to the topic at hand. "So what kind of costumes go people wear?"
"Oh, there are all kinds of costumes!" Mina said delightfully as she used her fingers to count. "There's superheroes, monsters, movie and tv characters…"
"Sexy kittens," Mineta said as his eyes glazed over in perverted thought, "Naughty nurses, slutty cops, Playboy bu-" He stopped immediately as soon as he felt the glares of every other student in the room. "I…I'll just stop talking now." He concluded meekly.
"Anyway," Momo said as she turned her gaze from the class pervert to Eri, "You can be whatever you want to be for Halloween, as long as it's not one of Mineta's suggestions."
Eri began to ponder a bit as to what she wanted to be for Halloween. On one hand, it would be cool to dress up as a superhero. But she saw caped crime fighters every day. She could be a movie or tv character, but she didn't watch a lot of those forms of media. Most of her days were spent playing games with the either Midoriya, Ochako, or any of the other students.
As she continued to ponder, her eyes soon fell on a book that was in Momo's hands. Momo's eyes glanced down at what Eri was looking at and handed her the book with a smile. As Eri flipped through the book, she noticed that some of pages included pictures of people in medieval clothes doing poses. She continued to flip through until…
"Mama! Papa!" Eri exclaimed when she stopped on a page in the book. "This is what I want to be for Halloween!"
Midoriya and Ochako leaned in and saw a picture of a princess in a purple dress with a tiara on her head waving to a sea of loyal and loving subjects. "That looks good, Eri." Ochako said as she looked through the book herself. "Say," she addressed to the rest of Class 1-A, "How about all of us wear costumes that are based within this book?"
Most of the students nodded in agreement; it would be cool to do a themed costume set as a group. "If everyone can decide which costume they want," Momo said, "I make the costumes and that way, we can save time and mon-"
"NO! FRICKIN'! WAY!" Bakugou blurted out as the rest of Class 1-A looked at him with shock. "I am willing to do this and that for the kid, but there is no way in Hades that I am dressing up like a fairy fa-" He stopped, however, when he saw Eri's eyes peering above the book as she held it up for him to see. He glanced down and saw a picture of a mean-looking dude who was riding a dragon into battle. "Who's this?" He asked.
"He looks to be a war chief, Kacchan." Eri said as she pointed at the man. "He looks like he is a pretty strong and awesome person."
After glaring at Eri for a few minutes, Bakugou said, "Fine! I'll do it; but only if I get to be that guy." He added as he pointed at the person in the book. Eri smiled widely as the rest of Class 1-A hooted and cheered.
Two weeks later, the sky began to darken on the night of October 31st, and all of class 1-A was abuzz with excitement, even Eri. After get the costume requests from her classmates, Momo was able to use her quirk to create costumes for them all. After much deliberation amongst themselves, it was decided that Eri would go trick-or-treating with Midoriya, Ochako, Tokoyami, and Tsuyu. Even Satsuki was invited to join Eri on her excursion.
It was around six o'clock at night when Ochako was fitting Eri into her princess costume. The gown was purple with sparkles all around and poofs on the shoulders. For footwear, Eri was wearing purple shoes with a shine. Ochako had to give Momo some credit; the design and detail of the dress was flawless. As soon as the dress was complete, Ochako place a little tiara on top of Eri's head. She then pivoted the mirror so that Eri could get a look at herself. She chuckled a bit at the look of awe on Eri's face when she looked at her reflection.
"Now that your dress is all done," Ochako said as she put the mirror in its original spot, "It's time I got into my costume."
After a few minutes, Ochako checked herself in the mirror. She wore calf-length boots, brown leggings, a tan gown with a belt around her waist and tiny straps for her wrists, and a small maroon shawl that had a hole for her head to stick out and was attached to a pointy, maroon wizard's hat. In her right hand, she held a large wooden staff with a red jewel in the center.
"Wow Mama," Eri said as she looked at Ochako in awe and wonder. "You look so pretty."
"Aww, thanks sweetie." Ochako said as she leaned down and kissed Eri on the forehead, to which the girl giggled. "Want to go see if Papa's ready?" At this, Eri nodded her head vigorously. Using her free hand, Ochako scooped up Eri and exited her room.
As she walked down the hallway, two doors opened up to reveal Kirishima and Mina come from their respective rooms. Kirishima was wearing grey pants, black boots, a torn loincloth, a sleeveless grey jacket, a tiger-striped scarf, and a metal glove on his left arm. Wrapped around his waist were two small swords that could be used as daggers. Mina was wearing calf-length boots, black leggings, a short skirt, a tight fur top with a strap on her left shoulder, and a pair of black gloves.
"Oh my God, Eri!" Mina cried out as she ran up to the little girl in excitement. "You look so cute in that dress!"
"Thanks, Auntie Mina. You look cute in your costume too. And you look so cool in those clothes, Uncle Shima!" She added as she looked on at Kirishima. (AN: She's got a mama and a papa, why not throw in a few aunts and uncles while we're at it.)
"Glad it was to your liking, Eri." A familiar female voice said behind the group. Eri and others turned to see Shouto dressed up like a prince and Momo in a pretty revealing knight costume.
"It sure was." Eri responded with a smile. "Thanks, Auntie Momo!" Momo responded in kind with a smile, though she was fangirling inside.
"If you morons are done talking," Kacchan said as he too walked out of his dorm room, "We can get this over with and I can ditch you losers." Shaking their heads, Eri and the others made their way downstairs to join the other 1-A students. When they reached the second floor, a door opened up to reveal Midoriya wearing dark blue pants, red boots, a white undershirt, a sleeveless green vest, and grey gloves. In terms of accessories, he had a satchel slung around his shoulder and a sheathed sword attached to his hip.
"Wow!" Eri said as her eyes widened and sparkled as she looked at Midoriya. "You look great, Papa." She then turned her attention to Ochako and asked, "Don't Papa look handsome, Mama?"
At these words, both Midoriya's and Ochako's checks turned bright pink. "I…well…uh…" Ochako stuttered as the two friends looked at each other in embarrassment. Behind them, Kirishima and Mina were giving sly gleams in their eyes, Momo and Shouto were giving small smiles, and Bakugou was rolling his eyes in annoyance. "You…You…look nice, Deku!" Ochako blurted out loud.
"Y-Y-You t-too!" Midoriya yelled out. "Let's get going!" And with that, both students bolted downstairs with a confused Eri still clinging to Ochako. The others, however, had mixed reactions. Bakugou grumbled something like "fuckin' morons", Momo and Shouto gave exhausted sighs, and Kirishima was trying to calm down an agitated Mina.
As they reached the main floor, they soon saw other students in their costumes. Iida was dressed up as a knight, Tsuyu was a barmaid, Tokoyami had a black cloak on that covered every part of his body except for his head, and Tooru, of course, was only wearing gloves. As soon as Eri came into view, everyone gathered around her. They "oohed" and "aahed" about how pretty she looked in her dress. Eri would of course respond in kind with a smile and a giggle.
"Hey Eri!" A small, familiar voice called out to Eri and she turned to see Satsuki running up to her. "That's a cool dress you have on." She stated as she looked on at her friend.
"Thanks, Satsuki." Eri replied, "Your costume looks cool too." Satsuki was wearing a dress similar to her sister's.
"Yeah, I figured it would be cool for both big sis and me to wear the same costume." Satsuki said with a smile.
"What's up, 1-A?" A feminine voice called out from nowhere. Everyone turned their heads to see a girl with pink hair who was wearing baggy pants, a white tank top with dirt stains all over it, and a leather apron. She also wore a leather belt with various tools attached to it.
"Hatsume?" Kyoka asked in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
"Tooru and Mina invited me." Mei said with a grin. "They told me about a medieval costume theme in their dorm and I couldn't resist. Like the outfit?" She asked as she gave a wink and a peace sign. "I'm meant to be a blacksmith." Her eyes soon shot to Midoriya and they sparkled at the sight before them. "Holy cow, Midoriya!" she said as she ran and got up close to him, "That's a wicked costume you've got there. If you ever get the chance to come to the workshop, I can make a few more of my babies to add as accessories for – OOMPH!" she said as she felt two small hands push her away from Midoriya. "What the heck?" she soon asked as her eyes looked down at Eri, whose arms were stretched in a protective motion and who had a pout on her face as she looked up at Mei.
"No!" Eri said in a serious tone of voice. "Papa belongs to Mama!"
"E-Eri!" Ochako said in shock as her face turned red from embarrassment. She raced over and picked up Eri as she rubbed the back of her head. "So sorry, Hatsume." Ochako said as she smiled sheepishly at the mechanic, "She just gets so protective sometimes of her papa. This is Eri, by the way," she added, remembering that Mei had never met the little girl before, "she's the girl me, Deku, Tsuyu, and Kirishima saved from those bad guys a few months ago."
"I see." Mei said as she looked at the little girl. "Anyway, no harm done."
"Maybe we ought to get going if we want to get some sweets." Tsuyu suggested as she looked up at the clock. Midoriya, Ochako, Satsuki, and Tokoyami nodded in agreement; it would be best to head out now before the teenagers came out to cause havoc. As they went outside, some of the students left to check out the haunted house set up by Class 1-B while others went out to take in the sights.
"Have a great time, Eri and Satsuki!" Mina called out as Kirishima dragged her along to join Bakugou, Tooru, Hatsume, Mashirao, and a few others to the haunted house.
"And remember, always remind others that Papa belongs to Mama." Sero said with a chuckle as he left with Shouto, Momo, Kaminari, Iida, and Kyoka.
"S-S-Sero!" Midoriya and Ochako stuttered in shock and embarrassment. Tsuyu and Satsuki tried hard to hold back giggles while Tokoyami gave an ever-so-rare smile in amusement. Only Eri was left in confusion about why her Mama and Papa got embarrassed around each other. As soon as Midoriya and Ochako composed themselves, the six of them continued on their quest for candy.
Soon they reached their first house. The place was deck out with cobwebs, glow-in-the-dark skeletons, and giant Halloween blow-ups.
"Now remember, Eri," Ochako said, "You walk up to the front door, ring the doorbell, and when the person opens the door, you say 'Trick or Treat!' and they'll give you free candy. Now go ahead, sweetie."
Eri smiled confidently and took a few steps before she stopped abruptly. As she looked up at the looming house with its various creepy and scary ornaments, she realized that she was both nervous and terrified at the same time. In addition, the eeriness and darkness of the night caused the house's features to darken, thus heightening her fears.
As Eri looked on in fear, Midoriya and Ochako began to look at each other with worry. 'Maybe it was too much pressure on Eri to be out on a night like this.' They both thought. There were always those that got too into the holiday by dressing up in costume and scaring trick-or-treaters when they knocked or whose houses were so intimidating that nobody ever came. Not to mention the fact that the darkness was always something that Eri was scared of, considering her previous living arrangements. 'Maybe we should take her ba-'
"C'mon, Eri." Satsuki said, snapping Eri, Midoriya, and Ochako out of their thoughts as she took Eri's hand and smiled. "We can do it together; you know you want that free candy." She added with a small smirk.
"O-Okay" Eri said. Although she was still slightly nervous, she slowly walked up the front porch and waited while Satsuki jumped up and rang the doorbell. After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal a woman in her late 60s looking down on them with a smile.
"Trick-or-Treat!" Satsuki said with a smile as she lifted her bucket.
"T-Trick-or-Treat." Eri said meekly as she lifted her bucket as well.
"My, my; aren't you two just the cutest! Here, one for each of you." She said she placed a tiny wrapped candy bar in each of their buckets.
"Thank you." Both girls said as they made their way toward their elders.
It was on her way towards Midoriya and Ochako that Eri's face lightened up with excitement and ran towards her "parents" until she was scooped up in Midoriya's arms. "Mama! Papa!" Eri said excitedly. "Look! I did it, I did it!"
"That's great, Eri!" Midoriya said as he say the singular candy bar in the bucket. "We're both so proud of you!"
"So I take it you don't want to head back home?" Ochako asked with a smile on her face.
"Nope." Eri said with a toothy grin as Tokoyami, Tsuyu, and Satsuki watched with amusement.
"Well then," Midoriya said as he placed Eri on his shoulders, "Where to next, Princess Eri?"
Filled with enough confidence to rival her Grandpa Toshi, Eri pointed her finger rigidly down the street and said "To the next house, Sir Deku!" (Author's Note:Insert fangirl gif) The others chuckled in response as they continued their quest for free candy.
Needless to say, the excursion was a complete success. Nearly every house they went to had a friendly neighbor who was willing to offer candy. In addition, those who answered their doors commented on how both Eri and Satsuki looked so cute in their costumes. At around 8:30pm, both girls had their buckets almost filled to the brim with candy and were tuckered out from exhaustion. It got to the point where Eri had fallen asleep, resting her head on Midoriya's shoulder, while Satsuki was sleeping in Tsuyu's arms.
"I'm gonna take Satsuki back home." Tsuyu said to Midoriya and Ochako, "my parents said that they wanted her back by 9 at the very latest."
"I'm going with her as well." Tokoyami added. "After what happened with the Eight Percepts of Death, it's best that we stick together."
"Aww." Dark Shadow said with sarcasm. "You sure you don't want someone to harm your precious wai-"
"Shut it, you." Tokoyami said quickly as a slight hint of pink around his cheeks. The others couldn't help but giggle and chuckle at this. "Anyway, we better get going."
"Alright," Midoriya said, "We'll see you when you get back."
"Be careful, you two." Ochako said. The two then waved at their classmates as they ran off towards their destination.
Once Tokoyami and Tsuyu were out of sight, Midoriya and Ochako began to make their way back with Eri. As they continued to walk, Ochako couldn't help but smile a little as she watched Eri resting her head on Midoriya's shoulder. She soon closed her eyes and began to imagine being in a flower field overlooking the city. Soon, Eri was running toward her smiling and laughing. Laughing with her, Ochako scooped her up and planted a kiss on the cheek. She soon noticed Midoriya walking up to them with a loving look on his face. At that moment, both their eyes began to close slowly as they leaned in to kiss…
Ochako's eyes suddenly snapped open as her face turned pink from embarrassment. She had just thought about kissing Midoriya!
"Um…Uraraka?" Midoriya asked, causing to jump in surprise. "Are you okay?"
"JUSTFINEINNOWAYWASITHINKINGABOUTKISSINGYOU!" Ochako shouted quickly as her face turned a darker shade.
"O-Okay." Midoriya said, though he could sense that something was up that she wasn't telling him.
After a while, they had returned to the dormitory. Most of the students had already gone to bed or were out enjoying the festivities. Slowly, they made way to Midoriya's room and gently placed Eri on her bed. It was only when Ochako began to pull the covers over her when Eri slowly opened her eyes halfway. "Mama? Papa?" She asked sleepily. "Wh-Where…"
"Shhh" Midoriya said quietly. "We're back home; Big Sis Tsuyu and Tokoyami took Satsuki back."
"Oh." Eri said softly. "Candy?"
"Its right here, sweetie." Ochako said as she leaned the bucket so that Eri could get a look inside.
Eri smiled as she saw the container filled with sugary goodies. She then turned her gaze towards the two students. "Thank you. Thank you both…so…muuuuu…" Soon enough, Eri had drifted off to sleep. Both Midoriya and Ochako looked fondly at the little girl sleeping in front of them. They couldn't believe their good fortune; it seemed as though it was only yesterday that they had begun their path towards becoming superheroes. Now, they were charged with giving the little girl in front of them the life she deserved to have. As they continued to watch Eri smile a little as she slept, one thought crossed both of their minds.
'Pleasant dreams…our precious little princess.'
Well guys, another day, another chapter done! This was so much fun to write! Sorry if some of you feel as though the ending was a bit rushed. I would like to point out a few things:
1. I know I said that this chapter would be released shorter than the previous chapter, but I have decided that each chapter will be published on New England time. What is that, you are asking? It means the story gets updated WHEN IT GETS UPDATED! I know a lot of you are anticipating the new chapter every day, but I have other projects I am trying to work on. All I ask is that you all be patient; don't ever think that I have quit on this project if I do not update it quickly. As the Cleaner from Toy Story 2 once said: "You can't rush art."
2. If there are any grammar errors, please just say that there are. Please do not go into detail every single one you find. I am a novice writer who does for a hobby, not Ernest Hemingway.
Now that that's out of the way, let's get down with some story and fanfic updates.
Story updates:
-After much consideration and debate, I have decided to include short stories in Family Matters! They will be shorter than the main story chapters, but shorter means that they will be published quicker. So be on the lookout for them.
Fanfic updates (some current fics I am writing):
-Black Butler: Ciel's Doll: AU in which Doll is spared and she joins Ciel on his missions. Eventual Ciel x Doll. Almost done with first chapter -American Ed-iot: An Ed, Edd, n Eddy story in which the three boys are in their high school years and the school has decided to hold a production of American Idiot: the Musical. The boys are cast as the three male leads Johnny (Edd), Tunny (Ed), and Will (Eddy) while the other Cul-De-Sac kids have been cast in the show, like Marie as Whatsername, May as the Extraordinary Girl, Lee as Heather (all of whom still flirt with the eds but have toned it down slightly), Kevin (captain of the football team and, along with the other kids, is nicer to the eds) as America's Favorite Son, Jimmy (who is openly gay and is trying to get into a major performing arts college) as St. Jimmy, Johnny 2x4 (who has grown up from having Plank) as the Rock n Roll Boyfriend, Nazz (who is now head cheerleader and dating Kevin) as Heather's best friend/ensemble, and Sarah, Rolf, and OCs as Ensemble. Mainly Edd/Marie with slight Ed/May, Eddy/Lee, and Kevin/Nazz. -My Hero Academia: The Greatest Showman. Set in an alternate universe, Izuku Midoriya decides to create a show that features some of the world's oddities in order to create a good life for his wife Ochako Uraraka and his two daughters Eri and Aoi. -Here is the big question: who should play Philip Carlyle (Zac Efron) and Anne Wheeler (Zendaya)? Here are my three possible pairings: -Iida x Mei: Iida comes from a prestigious family who would look down on someone like Mei. Mei is someone who wants to be with Iida but knows that that isn't possible within their society. -Kirishima x Ashido: I love the idea of them doing "Rewrite the Stars" and being so close together during that song. -Shouto x Momo: I did think about this, but both come from prestigious families.
Well guys, hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Please comment, favorite, and subscribe. Next up is the first short story: Eri Meets Gunhead! And remember, this is AnimeFan299110 telling all of you to go beyond...PLUS ULTRA!
#my hero academia#IzuOcha#eri#midoriya izuku#uraraka ochako#halloween#family matters#green tea family#greatest ship#fluff
39 notes
·
View notes
Text
Meeting
The dragon prince: *has well written characters, a compelling storyline, and gorgeous animation*
Me, needing something new to obsess over: ┬┴┬┴┤ ͜ʖ ͡°) ├┬┴┬┴
so yeah i wrote a fic... it's something i was wanting to see done and so i did it myself. i have no idea if anyone else is writing fanfiction for this but whatever ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Anyway read it if you want and pls lemme know what you think:
“You’re meeting your new father today, Callum. So be on your best behavior,” his mother instructs as she helps him pull the blue shirt over his head, grabbing the nearby red scarf to wrap it around his neck. She smiles warmly at him, poking the tip of his nose. “And remember, be nice.”
Callum pouts a little, shifting on his feet before burying his mouth and nose in the red fabric. “Do I have to?” he asked quietly.
His mother chuckles softly, warmth sparkling in her eyes. “Of course you do,” she said to him. “We're going to be living with him now.”
“But why?” Callum said next, clearly upset with the news. His mama had already told him that they're going to be moving out of their cozy home. He doesn't want to move out of his home- it's warm and comfy and he likes it. He doesn't want to move into the castle. It looks big and scary and cold. “I don't wanna move there.”
His mother bounces on the balls of her feet, shifting a little to keep her balance while crouched in front of her son. “Because I love him,” she told him, pushing a strand of Callum’s hair behind his ear. “So please give him a chance? For me?”
Callum’s pout deepens but he eventually nods jerkily, clearly not happy with her request. She smiles once more and presses a light kiss to his forehead.
“My sweet little prince,” she said warmly. She offers a hand to him, and he takes it reluctantly a second later. “I'll get you a new sketchbook tomorrow.”
That earns a grin from Callum, and he nods again, much more excited with this new arrangement. “Okay!”
“Now come on,” his mother intoned, standing back up to her full height. Her braided hair sways along the middle of her back, reaching her waist. “He’ll be waiting.”
Callum lets his mother lead him outside, trying his best to quell his nervousness to meet the king.
The large doors tower over him and Callum bites down on his lip, picking at the hem of his shirt. His mother had directed him to the Throne room, reassuring him that she would be waiting for him in the main hall. She had to stay behind to help instruct the movers where to take their things, and whose stuff was whose.
And so Callum hesitates in front of the huge, wooden doors, scared to meet the man his mother had fallen in love with. The king.
He shifts, dragging his teeth along the skin of his lip. The king was supposed to be waiting eagerly to meet him of all people, his mother had told him. He couldn't believe that the king would want to meet him, even if he did love his mom. Callum wasn't that special or important.
He reaches towards the door, and stops midway, freezing all the way up his arm. He couldn't do this. He steps back, almost as if the door were about to burn him. No. He couldn't do this. He was too scared-
That's when the large doors swing open, and an tall and intimidating man steps out, a jagged, silver sword held in his hand like a cane. The man’s eyes land on the boy’s face and a confused scowl appears on his face.
“Hello… child,” he said, and Callum frowns up at the man. This couldn't be the king, right? He wouldn't know- he's never seen the man before. “What are you doing here?” Not the king, then. His mom said he knew Callum was coming to meet him.
Callum looks down at the ground, dragging his toes along the stone floor. “Well, um, I was, um-”
“You're lost, aren't you?” the man said, interrupting the child with a sigh. “How'd you get past the guards? And where are you meant to be?”
“Oh- well, um-” Callum tried again, stammering the entire way because he's never been good at talking to people, adults much less. “I'm here to-”
“Viren?” said a new, deep voice, and the tall man looks over his shoulder. “What seems to be the problem?”
“There's a child here, Sire. But don't worry, I'll just fetch the guards-”
“Wait, a child?” the new voice interrupts the tall man and Callum can't deny the pleasure he feels because of this. The man had interrupted him, and now he was getting interrupted. “Stand aside, Viren.”
The man- Viren- does so, and a large man with a crown around his head steps forward. Ah. Crown. He must be the king. He also kind of reminds Callum of coffee in a way… he had that kind of smell, oddly enough.
As soon as the king sees Callum, his eyes sparkle and he crouches down to be at eye level with the small boy. “You must be Callum,” he said warmly.
“Y- yes sir,” he said quickly, throwing a hand up in offering. The smile only grows on the king’s lips as he takes the offered hand in a firm grip, shaking it lightly.
“It's a pleasure to meet you, Callum,” the man said, almost as if he were testing the name. “Your mother spoke very highly of you. I am Harrow.”
Harrow. Callum likes that name. “N- nice to meet you, too, Sire…” he mumbles, recalling the word Verin has used.
“Please, call me Harrow,” the king said kindly. Then he glances up at the intimidating man. “Viren, you are excused. That will be all.”
Viren looks from the child to the king before nodding. He walks away, the tip of his sword cane clicking as he disappears.
There's a moment of silence where neither king nor child says anything. Callum isn't sure what to say. He doesn't know this man, and he's supposed to be living with him later this week. He resumes chewing on his lip- a small habit he has when he gets nervous. Then, Harrow stands. “Come, Callum, I want to give you something,” he said finally. He then stands, holding one of the huge doors open, and Callum slowly steps inside, momentarily taken aback by the largeness of the Throne room.
Harrow walks to the other side of the room and grabs something from the throne before he stands before Callum once more, kneeling back down. Callum watches him curiously, craning his neck to try and see what the king had grabbed.
A thick book is then held out in front of the king, and Callum’s eyes widen. He can't read as well yet, but he always does love it when his mom reads stories to him. He can already feel a smile tugging his lips upwards as he looks at the book’s cover- it has a few lines crisscrossing the surface, and the whole book is held closer by a small clasp.
He stares at it a moment longer, until the king speaks again. “This is for you, Callum,” Harrow informs him in that gentle and deep voice of his. Callum looks up at him for a moment before slowly reaching out, grabbing either edge of the book. “It's a sketchbook- your mother did tell me how much you like to draw.”
Callum’s smile grows bigger at this information, and he hesitantly pulls the book from the king’s hands and into his own, hugging it to his chest. It's true: Callum does love drawing. While he isn't talented in many other aspects, he has always had an affinity with drawing. If he gets his hands on any kind of paper, it will soon become covered with doodles and sketches.
He then looks back at the king through his lashes, remembering his manners. “Thank you, sir,” he said softly.
“Of course,” Harrow said and that smile is so warm and gentle. “I hope… we can get to know one another.”
And yeah. Harrow seems like a nice guy. Callum could see why his mom liked him. He nods slowly, his smile returning to his lips. “Me too.”
Maybe moving into the castle wouldn't be too bad.
8 notes
·
View notes
Text
Red Winding River: Ch 2. Couples Counseling
Ocax had never seen Seer so nervous. Talking with Kanisa at the door, he glanced to Seer by the fireplace. “Thank you. I’ll let him know your dragons have the situation contained.”
"... you know, Seer doesn't talk much about what happened during his time at the brothel in his younger years. He doesn't talk much about being Adda's captive either." The princess told Ocax with a heavy sigh. "I think... this situation, the whole thing is a bit... of a bad reminder for him. Of what he wants to forget but can't. Just stay with him, will you? The last thing he needs is to be alone."
“I will. You have my word on that.” Ocax shook her hand, closed the door, and sat beside Seer. “This must be difficult for you.”
"... I rather not talk about it." Seer said very quietly, looking lost. "Please."
“Ok. Then we don’t need to talk about. Just know that I’m here for you.” Ocax hugged Seer from behind, planting a kiss on his side. “Would you like some coffee?”
"Thank you... how about you have your favorite bitter coffee and I'll drink the cocoa you despise?" Seer said in good humor.
“Come. We don’t need to bring negativity into our drinks.” Ocax carefully prepared their favourite hot beverages, and wrapped him and Seer in a fur blanket. They just drank in silence, bodies together for a few moments. “What do you think of the fire?”
"Hrm... which fire?" Seer asked, being smart. "The one in the room or the one in my pants?"
“The room.” Ocax started to learn Seer liked to dirty talk when he got nervous, or had high anxiety.
"Well, it's warm, like you. Very tempting, like you. And let me think..." Seer pretended to be in deep thought. "And once more, like you, somewhat dangerous."
“We never had fire in the twilight realm.”
"Was there no need for it?"
“In a way. We had technology to provide light to our buildings, and there was always the light of Twilight. Do you think Towa is happy?”
"I hope she is, wherever she might be." Seer then added. "But I can't lie. I am happy that she doesn't interrupt our sex anymore."
“True. I just hope she’s relaxing back at the home she wanted.” Ocax rested his neck onto Seers head. “I did the math. I can tell you every day Kanisa doesn’t wear a bra, and I can guess why.”
"Because... Vidar likes the jiggle?"
“And the nibble.” Ocax grinned happily at his joke. “I suppose men like him prefer the nipple.”
"I don't see how she tolerates him sometimes; he can be such a prick." Seer snuggled into Ocax and took a sip of his cocoa. "But he's mostly sweet to her. I don't understand it." He then started to snicker. "Remember when Na'seema's hatchlings stole his bed? He griped about that for weeks. All beside they wanted to sleep beside Kanisa for a night and hear stories."
“Man’s such a baby. How he can tolerate kids is a mystery.” Ocax gave Seer a soft kiss. “You want to sleep by the fire tonight?”
"I have no idea. I'm surprised that he survived Na'seema." Seer snorted in amusement. "Surprised he had two of his own and then wouldn't leave Na'seema's hatchlings alone. Insisting she needed some help. He's all tough on the outside, but soft on the inside."
When Ocax asked about sleeping beside the fire, the killer whale agreed. "That would be nice... do we have that fur pelt in here?"
“Want extra, hmm? I’ll get it. You just think of something pleasant to dream about. Like that whale you told me you dreamed about once. Sounded pleasant.”
"Hrm, it was a very interesting whale. I couldn't quite make him out with my echolocation but I knew he was there. Or she. Not sure." Seer recalled the melodic sound of the whale's voice assuring him everything would be all right. Maybe it was just part of a dream or perhaps a hallucination. Either way, it made him feel peaceful. "Told me I would get home soon. Maybe I was just hearing things."
“Maybe it was real. You got home? Correct?” Ocax burred him and Seer in the giant fur blanket.
"I'd like to think it was real. Sort of hard, hearing a voice but not being able to sense the presence." Seer nuzzled Ocax tenderly. "Still, either way, things turned out just fine. I met you."
“Then let’s dream for that whale to visit us again.”
~
Scarlet threw her clothes to the floor and went onto the king-sized bed. Rat was on story reading duty. Fine by Scarlet. She wasn’t sure how she was going to read with Adda on her mind. Her muscles felt so tight from stress. She just hoped everyone could come to their senses tomorrow.
After reading Trygve and Volcana a story, Rat made sure to tuck both of the children in tightly before returning to the bedroom. It was not going to be a good day or week or month with that pirate around. Why did Lex have to be so... so... so stupid?! Seer raised her better than that, Rat knew it! Groaning, the huge Labrynna flopped over onto the bed, muttering incoherently into a pillow.
“Are you as tired and pissed as I am?”
"Mmm-mmm." Rat's response was muffled by the pillow.
“That sounds about right.” Scarlet groaned, fidgeting in the bed. “Adda, Adda, Adda. Always Adda. Never escaping her stupid plans. I feel like a pawn, even now when I’m actively against her. Why’d she have to come back?”
"Maybe we can convince Na'seema or Stra'tuso to eat her." Rat said dryly. "Or a wonderful 'accident'... and one of the dragons stepped on her when they weren't looking."
“That’d work.” Scarlet leaned onto Rat’s back, wondering when Borghild would come to bed. Best they just forget today and go to bed. Nothing was going to cheer her up... “Least Revy understands. I’m sure Liz will too.”
"All hell is a-going to break loose when Lex tells Liz, you know that, right?" Rat rubbed his forehead. "Maybe it's high time we just take a vacation and opt out on this one. I'm too old to deal with this kinda of bullshit."
“I agree. Fuck... I just wish she wasn’t family to those girls. Or pulled a gun on me. Would have felt justified snapping her neck on the spot.” Scarlet tapped the back of Rat’s muscles. “Or let you snap her like a log.”
"Heh, I may be old, but I still a-got it." Rat flexed for Scarlet, as if he were a flirty teenager trying to show off his muscles. "A little gray won't defeat these guns."
"Please, you call those guns? These are guns." Borghild entered the room stark naked, showing off her biceps. "Don't worry, you're still pretty."
"Even with gray hair?"
"Gray hair, no hair, a lot of hair, it doesn't matter."
“You’re both amazing. But Gerudo don’t got guns. We got cannons~ Besides, my red hairs just gonna get dark with time. And I still got time before I even come close to that.” Scarlet joined in on the flexing. Watching Borghild just stand there was maddening. She was thankful she had two lovebirds to take her mind away from the taint Adda left in gut. “Can you get your blue bust over into bed?”
"I won't be able to rest well knowing that bitch is back." Borghild stretched, extending her arms above her head. "But I suppose nothing is better than trying to take a nap. Bears love naps, you know."
"I love naps squished between two sexy women." Rat grinned at her. "A hot desert mom and a mama bear."
Scarlet grabbed Borghild first, pressing her face in her breasts. “This hot desert mom needs to cuddle this bear before you big man. Then we can all share~”
"Hey, that's not fair, why do I always a-have to wait?" Rat gave a playful pout. "You two a-do this on purpose, me knows it."
"We'll never tell, will we, Scarlet?" Borghild laughed.
“What proof do ya got?” Scarlet was stressed, she couldn’t deny it. Maybe this was what they all needed. As she sucked on Borghild’s breasts, her feet snuck their way to playfully rub against Rat’s crotch.
"I gots proof enough with you always paying more attention to Borgie first."
"How can she resist these, Rat?" Borghild remarked as Scarlet played with her breasts. "You can't."
"Ah, you gots me there, Borgie."
“Rat? You want to do something about it? Or are ya just gonna sit there?”
"I dunno, you a-know I like to watch you two go at it first." Rat had no reason to lie. "We both know how demanding Borgie is."
"I think the word you're looking for is 'controlling'." Borgie gave Scarlet's backside a harsh swat with her hand. "I know how to get what I want."
Scarlet let her moan out freely at the slap. Lying her back on Rat’s stomach, she displayed herself like a plate for Borghild. “You really do.”
"And I don't even have to say 'please'," Borgie tugged sharply on Scarlet's red hair. "Cause you're just happy to give it to me."
Scarlet was embarrassed to admit it, even to herself, but she got turned on when commanded like this. She leaned in, kissing Borghild, practically begging to have her tongue swirl with hers.
"Greedy, are we?"
"Borgie, we both know she used to be a pirate, of course she's a greedy."
"Shush, Rat, let me enjoy this moment." Borghild returned Scarlet's deep kiss and then used her free hands to play with the Gerudo's breasts. "You know how much Scarlet likes to follow..." She leaned in to Scarlet's ears and purred. "Orders."
“S-Stop teasing...” Scarlets hands pulled Borghild closer by the hips. She just wanted the smaller woman as close as possible to her. Her ass was sitting firmly on Rat’s cock now, squirming around at Borghild’s actions and words.
"Well, maybe, this time, I want to enjoy the show." Borghild bent down where her husband's erection rubbed against Scarlet's ass. The Gerudo woman's legs were already wide open and it was easy access. Guiding Rat's cock to Scarlet's opening, she gave a flick to the woman's clit before allowing Rat to slip inside the already moist walls. "I want to watch you get fucked. I want to see your face when you're cumming."
"By the gods, Borgie, you're so hot when you a-talk dirty..."
"You fuck her good, Rat... I wanna hear her moaning and your balls slapping against her."
“Oh! Oh please!” Rat grasped Scarlet firmly and fucked her at a firm pace. The Gerudo’s tits bounced and her face contorted into carnal pleasure. She practically had hearts in her eyes as she looked at Borghild. “H-he’s so hard on me!”
"You like him to be hard on you, don't you, naughty girl?" Borghild asked with a sly smirk. As Rat held onto Scarlet's hips and thrust upward, there was indeed a show for Borghild. This was one of Scarlet's favorite positions from what Borghild knew. The mama bear knew that Scarlet liked it deep and steady at first, and then as she got closer to climax, a fast, hard finish. As the Direnor bear watched, she touched herself, getting slick with love juices. "See what you do to me?"
“I make you both wet as a river~” Scarlet almost giggled the words. Her pussy tightened at the sight of Borghild, squeezing on Rat’s cock. “I’m gonna cum soon!”
Her hands grabbed Borghild by the ass, and her tongue swirled deep into her wet folds as Scarlet pushed her mouth in to get a taste.
"Oh fuck, yes, yes, yes!" Borghild was by no means quiet with her vocalizations. As Scarlet's tongue worked her magic, Rat increased his thrusts, fast, harder, deeper, just like Scarlet liked. Borghild's nails scraped against Scarlet's scalp as she neared her orgasm. "Swirl it... around th-the... fuck, fuck, the top, yes! Just like that!"
Scarlet clawed her wife’s ass as she pushed deep. The Gerudo’s eyes nearly rolled back as the Direnor came, her pussy juices being lathered up. She loved how tight her fingers grasped her head as Borghild screamed. Her own screams of orgasm were muffled as she was still head deep into Borghild’s crotch, but Rat’s continued thrusting awarded him.
Rat was not far behind his wives, gripping Scarlet's hips so hard that there were sure to be bruises later. He groaned loudly as he orgasmed, quivering from head to toe. How did men deal with have more than one wife? Sure, it was double the fun, double the pleasure, but goodness, it left him so tired. Then again, he was getting rather old.
"You two... I swear, make me a-feel young again..."
Scarlet playfully pulled Borghild to be sandwiched between her and Rat, facing her close to herself. “Of course. You’re a hunky man~ And you’re a blue battery of love~”
"Direnors can go and go and go for ages..." Borghild laughed. "I think when Rat and I had our first night together, he slept until the next day."
"You drained me of ALL bodily fluids, Borgie, a man has to have time to rest with such a wild woman." Rat chuckled in good humor.
“God. You both drain the hell out of me, I’ll tell ya that.” Scarlet laughed in good fun. “Let’s... lets just sleep. Think about just the three of us in this moment until the morning.”
"Agreed... but if you snore, I'm kicking you."
"Not if I get to her first."
“Bugger off you two.” Scarlet pulled them in close, quickly falling asleep. Her last thoughts were hoping Adda wasn’t going to hurt her family again.
_______________________________________________________________
Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/188828626641/red-winding-river-ch-1-hellraiser
Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/189130622691/red-winding-river-ch-3-paying-for-blood
#Adult things Adults Do#Seer#Ocax#Captain Adda#Scarlet#Borghild#Rat#Polygamy#Crossover#ridersoftheapocalypse
8 notes
·
View notes
Text
The Cure
Vegeta has been infected by a potent flu virus, and it is up to Bulma to find a cure. Emotions run high as Bulma fears losing him, and Vegeta fights to reassure her that for as long as she wants him, he will never, ever leave her.
[One-shot, post-DBS.
For the February 2018 / Spring 2018 @tpthvegebulsmutfest. Day seven: Cancer.]
Also on Ao3.
8-8-8-8-8
The Cure
8-8-8-8-8
Bulma should have known that something was wrong when, upon waking, she found Vegeta still in bed.
He was usually up before everyone in the entire Capsule compound, training after only a few hours of sleep. He would emerge from the training room as soon as breakfast was served, because by then, he had already completed his warm-ups.
She had gotten up quietly, smiling fondly at his nearly inaudible snoring, then made her way downstairs to help their children prepare for the day.
It was about an hour later, as she was in the dining room strapping little Bulla into her high chair, when she realized that her husband still had not come down from their bedroom.
“Trunks,” Bulma called out to her son, who was already seated at the dining table in his high school uniform. He was holding a bagel in one hand and a text book in the other, his eyes moving rapidly across the words as he frantically tried to cram for that day’s upcoming exam that she was sure he didn’t prepare for at all.
Trunks turned to her distractedly, “Yeah, mama?”
“Could you go get your father?”
“He should come out of the training room soon enough,” he said dismissively, taking another large bite of his breakfast as he turned back to his book.
“Actually, he’s not there. He’s still in bed,” she answered.
The sixteen year old dropped his book along with his jaw, looking at her in disbelief. “What, seriously? No way.”
Trunks looked up in the direction of their bedroom with a confused furrow between his brows, before he went and headed upstairs, a tense look in his eyes.
Less than a minute later, she heard his voice calling out, “Mama! Mama you gotta come up here, quick!”
“Bulla, baby, stay here, alright?” she told her toddler, who was happily shoveling food into her mouth, as she stood to see what the problem was.
Trunks, who had hit a huge growth spurt in his last year of middle school and was now a few inches taller than her, looked like a troubled child again as he stood just outside their open bedroom door, wringing his hands in agitation.
“Trunks, what happened?” she asked, walking past the young man and into the room, where she found her husband laying on his side and facing away from her. He was curled up under the sheets, entirely concealed by the comforter save for his flame-haired head and left shoulder, dead to the world in slumber.
She was about to call his name to wake him when she realized that something about Vegeta was… off.
Why the hell didn’t she notice this earlier?
“Vegeta?” she called out softly, hesitantly, reaching out to place a gentle hand on his exposed shoulder.
A gasp left her lips, eyes wide and disbelieving, and she pulled her hand back in shock.
Vegeta was burning up.
His Saiyan body temperature was always marginally higher than an earthling’s, but as she touched him now, she recoiled at the nearly painful heat that she felt on her fingers.
“Vegeta?” she called out, slightly louder, concern gnawing at her insides when he didn’t budge even when she tried to shake him awake.
“Woman,” he finally responded, but his usually powerful voice was now raspy and coarse, barely loud enough for her to hear. “Cease this shaking at once.”
She breathed a sigh of relief, but it was very short-lived, as her usually infallible, nigh-invincible warrior of a husband suddenly barked out a throaty, painful sounding cough.
“Vegeta? Are you alright?”
He finally turned to her, and her eyes widened in shock as she took in his bleary eyes, pale face and very dry lips. Dark bags ringed his eyes and his nose was a dark pink, and he was rather unfocused as he tried to meet her eyes.
Vegeta was sick.
She never thought it would ever be possible.
Worry filled her entire body as she regarded him, slightly panicked at the thought of the existence of a virus strong enough to reduce her god-like husband to this state.
“Oh kami,” she muttered, then placed the back of her hand against his forehead, confirming the burning heat that she had felt from his shoulder earlier.
“Babe, I need you to just lay down here and wait for me, ok? I’ll just get the kids settled, then I will whip up something to make you feel better,” she said softly to him, leaning over to place a soft kiss on his sweat-dampened forehead.
He nodded weakly, and Bulma reluctantly left his side to see Trunks, who was still standing restlessly near the doorway.
“Trunks,” she began. “I know this is strange, but your father is very sick.”
“Crap! I knew it, something felt wrong with his ki,” he answered, running an agitated hand through his short purple hair. “But how on earth did that happen, mama? We Saiyans never get sick.”
“I don’t know, Trunks. But I need to find the cure. The last virus to ever affect a Saiyan…” Bulma trailed off, gulping audibly, and Trunks’ brows knit even closer together in worry.
“Uncle Goku’s heart virus,” he said coldly. “You told me about it. ‘Future me’ brought the medicine that ‘future you’ made for him.”
“Exactly,” she confirmed with a nod. “I need to make some medication for this virus, as well. It wouldn’t have affected your father if it was a common flu, so it must be a potent virus strain.”
“Anything I can do to help?”
“I need you to get granny and tell her to take care of Bulla today. I will ask Son-kun for a senzu, but if that doesn’t work, I will take your father to the eastern medical wing. You and Bulla need to stay away from both of us because if it affected your father, chances are it will affect you two, as well.”
“What about you?” he asked, his eyes narrowed in concern.
“I will make the medicine, so if I catch the virus, I will take some of it as well. But don’t worry, I will be careful. Now go. Find granny, tell her to get Bulla,” she instructed, pulling her cellphone out and hitting speed dial. “You go to school and don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”
“Hello?” the other line picked up as Trunks nodded and flew to find his grandmother.
“Chichi, is Son-kun there?” Bulma asked into the phone.
“Sure, just a sec. Goku-sa! It’s Bulma-chan!”
Shuffling, then “Hi Bulma!” her long-time friend answered.
“Son-kun. I have a problem,” she said without preamble. “It’s Vegeta. He’s very sick. Can you come and bring me a senzu bean?
“Sure, I’m on my way,” he answered, dropping the line. A few seconds later, he appeared before her, two fingers on his forehead from his instant transmission. He was clad in his usual orange gi, but was wearing a disturbed look on his usually smiling face.
“Did you say Vegeta was sick?” he asked, pulling the senzu bean out of his pocket and handing it to her.
“Yes, I did. Thank you,” she said as she took the bean. “Stay here while I give it to him. I don’t want to chance you catching this virus as well.”
She left Goku in the hallway as she made her way to her husband again.
She knelt beside the bed near him, a gentle hand on his shoulder to rouse him. “Vegeta. Can you open your mouth for me? I have a senzu bean.”
He opened his bleary eyes as he opened his mouth, then began chewing the bean.
One minute passed. Then two.
“It didn’t work,” she said, dread settling in as the realization hit her. This meant that this virus was potentially lethal.
She watched her husband go back to sleep, as she pulled her phone out again to call the chief of their biological research division.
“Suni,” she said as soon as the other line picked up, briskly walking out of the room to meet Goku in the hallway again. “I need urgent assistance. I am at the main Capsule house. Bring me two full sets of contact precaution PPEs immediately. Send urgent instructions for all staff to clear out of the eastern med bay, I know it doesn’t have any patients right now. Prepare a complete specimen sampling kit in the med lab. I need this done now, Suni.”
“Oh geez. It didn’t work?” the other Saiyan asked, eyes wide in alarm. “Now what, Bulma? Do you want me to get Whis?”
“No, he’s at that big meeting with the other angels. He told me last week. You won’t be able to reach him now.”
“I want to help. How can I help?”
“The Dragon Balls,” she answered, running back into her bedroom again, anxious eyes straying towards Vegeta as she dug into her cabinets for the dragon radar.
She ran back outside and handed the radar to Goku, as she heard her mother answer the door downstairs, knowing that it was her bio team with the protective gear.
“Son-kun, go and collect the dragon balls, just in case. I will call you if I end up needing them. For now, I just need you to take him to the med bay, then you need to stay away from Capsule Corp because I don’t want to risk you catching this thing as well,” she instructed as she saw her staff come up the stairs with the two sets of yellow gowns, face masks, shoe covers, hair nets and latex gloves.
She instructed Goku on how to put the items on before they both went into the room again to get Vegeta. She watched Goku’s eyes widen in shock as he took in the sight of his long-time friend and rival lying prone on the bed.
“He’s gonna be fine, Son-kun. I won’t let anything happen to him,” she reassured him as Goku picked Vegeta up, blankets and all.
“You know the usual med bay where we go when one of you are injured? Take him there and place him in the first room with a bed that you see. I will follow you in my hover jet. I will make the medicine and a vaccine. If this virus was strong enough to affect Vegeta, it may be strong enough to affect you, my children and yours. I need to formulate a vaccine,” she said, and she watched Goku nod at her before he flew off in the direction of the med bay, as she began to run to her car, worry gnawing at her very core.
I can do this. I will make that medicine, and I will make that vaccine. I know I can.
8-8-8-8-8
Bulma held her head in her hands as looked into the room monitor she left with Vegeta to keep an eye on him while she was in the lab.
She bit her lip as she watched the small centrifuge run her samples around, hoping against hope that her suspicions were correct. She had taken off most of her PPEs and was now in a labcoat, because if her hypothesis was sound, then she wouldn’t need the protective gear.
Goku had done as she asked, and when she arrived, she had asked him to leave her and Vegeta so she could take the samples and begin making the medicine.
Before she began working on the medicines though, she gave Vegeta some antibiotics, hoping they would help, but knowing it was futile if even the senzu were powerless against the virus.
She took her fluid samples and encapsulated them, while she opened up a capsule full of soup, water and other light food.
It took her a while, but she finally lifted Vegeta to sit up against the headboard. She was still in her protective gear as she fed him, and he watched her as she tried to coax some soup and drink into his parched lips. He was leaning heavily against the headboard and against her, and her heart was aching for him as she watched him try to ingest more food with her help.
“Bulma,” he rasped, reaching a hand out to hold one of her latex-wrapped ones. “I am full.”
“Could you at least drink some more?” she asked, holding up a glass of water with her other hand.
He nodded, then began drinking, and she was crushed as she watched him take very small, very painful-sounding gulps of liquid.
When he had drunk and eaten as much as she could possibly feed him, she lay him back down, placing a hand over his forehead. He was still burning up.
The last time he was this helpless was after the gravity room exploded all those years ago, and she was seriously getting anxious about what had infected him to make him so ill.
“Vegeta, I’m gonna let you go to sleep in a while. But do you think you could remember exactly when you started feeling sick? You never let on, you seemed perfectly fine yesterday.”
He blinked up at her, before he answered. “Two days ago. After I went to that animal farm with Bulla.”
The zoo.
He gulped again, his breathing harsh as he continued. “There were some strange-looking monkeys in a cage. One of them was sick. I started sneezing when I smelled him.”
Bulma’s mind whirred. A monkey?
“Bulma,” he whispered hoarsely, and she leaned closer to him to catch his next softly whispered words. “You can fix this. I know you can.”
Tears gathered at the edges of her eyes at his words, and she leaned down, planting a kiss on his forehead through the face mask still covering her mouth. “Yes Vegeta. I can. I will.”
‘I must.’
It was up to her to find the cure. To cure Vegeta. To save the love of her life.
She had immediately suspected that the monkey he was referring to had to have been involved in this somehow, and she very nearly trashed the whole medical facility as she looked for samples she knew she had stored for very specific types of viruses.
The machine stopped whirring, pulling her from her thoughts and Bulma immediately stood to regard the samples.
It was just as she suspected, as she analyzed the samples and noted that the two tubes that showed any reaction to her chemicals were the samples she had taken from Vegeta, and the one with the simian DNA.
Bulma immediately set to work. Knowing what she was dealing with now, she had a springboard, and knew that with her technology and brains, she could find the exact source of this virus and formulate her medicine to make Vegeta feel better.
It appeared that her powerful alien warrior husband was infected by an evolved strain of simian retrovirus. By her research, the virus was not infectious to earthling humans in its current form, but there was a chance that it will eventually progress and be harmful to them as well.
Several hours later as the sun had already begun to set, a tired but very happy Bulma had her answers, a syringe of extra-strong antibiotic for Vegeta, and seven sets of vaccines germinating in the lab – six for her Saiyan family and friends, and one sample to accompany her research findings.
The scientist in her cheered the fact that she had come up with another brilliant discovery and was now working on a way to counteract it. She had compiled her reports, the data now ready for an initial proposal to the office of disease control in Satan City.
But the woman in her was anxious that this discovery had to harm her own husband first.
Relieved at least that she could now handle the disease, she headed to her patient to administer the antibiotic.
“Vegeta,” she called out as she entered his room. “I have your medicine.”
He glanced at her weakly, then began to sit up.
“No, babe, don’t get up,” she said, rushing to his side, pulling the blankets aside to bare his arm to her. She flicked the syringe slightly before she stuck it into the protruding vein in his arm.
“You’re gonna be fine. I got you,” she whispered to him, hoping that her medication works as expected, and soon.
She pulled the syringe out and discarded it into a sharps dispenser, then sat at a desk at his bedside, thinking he was asleep.
A soft whisper came from him, and her heart burst at his words.
“Yes. I know you do.”
8-8-8-8-8
A couple of days and two more doses of medicine later, and Vegeta was pretty much back in form.
He was loud and abrasive again, and she had woken up in their bedroom to find that the stubborn man had dressed in his armor and fighting attire, about to pull on his boots, and was insisting on going back into his training room as he was ‘fine’, he said.
“Vegeta, no. You are not going to train today. You need to rest some more!” she protested loudly, grabbing his arm as she tried to hold him back.
“Woman, I have been in bed for more than 48 hours! I have rested more than enough!” he shouted back.
“You didn’t see yourself two days ago! You were very sick and we were all so worried!” she tightened her grip on him. “Trunks was so upset that he only got 95% on his exam because he was so distracted thinking about you! Son-kun collected all seven dragon balls in two hours, he was in such a panic!”
“And I am telling you that I am feeling fine now, woman!”
“And I am not saying that you don’t feel fine now, what I am saying is you should rest more! Ease yourself into your routine, don’t just barge into the training room and bash your own skull in like usual!”
“I do not bash my own skull in, what are you even talking about?”
“Vegeta just sit the fuck down!”
Vegeta sulked as he sat down onto the edge of their bed, crossing his arms and looking away from Bulma with a huff.
Bulma sighed, her shoulders sagging.
“Vegeta, seriously. I was so worried about you,” she began, remembering the state he was in, and she felt treacherous tears begin to form in her eyes again as she thought back to that day, to the anxiety she had over whether or not the medicine was actually going to work… If she was going to be unable to save her own husband’s life, after he had repeatedly put himself through hell and back to always keep her and their family safe.
Vegeta turned to face her then, wincing as he noted the tears beginning to fall down her cheeks.
“Bulma, I am fine now. And I have you to thank for that,” he said, reaching for her and making her sit beside him on the bed.
Bulma wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling her face into his chest, her heart constricting painfully at the thought that if she had failed to find the cure, she could have lost this man.
He continued speaking, “I shall be more careful. I am just glad that I had been the one to catch the infection instead of Bulla.”
She nodded. “I think you caught the infection faster because you are full Saiyan. That is why the first person I called in to vaccinate as soon as the vaccines were finished was Son-kun.”
She looked up at him as she felt a rumble begin in his chest, rolling her eyes as she saw the widening smirk on his face.
“Oh yes, the sight of that fool screaming in terror as you tried to stick that tiny needle into his arm is definitely a memory that I shall cherish until the end of my days,” he said, a sadistic gleam brightening his eyes.
She gave him a soft reprimanding slap on his chest as she chuckled and he cackled in glee.
“Well, at least you found some entertainment in that,” she muttered.
“I hope that now you too are feeling more cheerful,” he said, and she felt his forefinger on her chin, lifting her face up to meet his eyes. The same finger moved up until it was softly caressing her bottom lip. “I owe you my life, Bulma. I do not know what would have happened to me if you hadn’t been here to find the cure.”
She smiled softly at him. “I will always be here for you, Vegeta. I would go to the ends of the earth to make sure that you are always healthy and happy.”
“And I would risk this entire universe if it meant that this smile remains on your lips,” he whispered, before he leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on her lips.
She felt a dark blush take over her entire face as she processed his words.
‘Did he actually say that?’ she asked, bewildered, even as she closed her eyes against the fuzzy feelings that his kiss, and his uncharacteristically romantic words, had evoked in her.
She realized that he must be feeling rather emotional at knowing that she had actually pulled him up from the edge of death. He wrapped his arms tight around her, lifting her against him, pulling her onto his lap as he deepened their kiss.
His tongue played softly with hers, running across her teeth, sampling every inch of her mouth. He delved into her, and Bulma moaned as his sensuous kiss began to stir the passion within her.
She felt his hands tangle in her short blue hair as he breathed in deeply, his mouth moving to slant more fully across her own. Her own hands began to wander, stroking the thick muscles on his upper arms that she could feel straining against his skin-tight clothes.
He groaned against her mouth as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers playing with the short hairs on his nape, and he responded by clutching her head possessively, taking full control as his kiss became more demanding, more ardent.
She began to pant as he pulled away from her to nip lightly at her chin, his lips and teeth leaving a hot trail of desire up her jawline until he reached her ear.
His teeth clamped softly on her earlobe and tugged, making Bulma cry out as her body started to writhe against him.
“Bulma,” Vegeta whispered into her ear, his warm breath sending shivers up and down her spine. “I want you, Bulma.”
She groaned, his words filling her with heat, her head falling back as he started planting kisses down her throat.
“Are you – oh!” she panted, “Are you sure you’re well enough, Vegeta?”
He chuckled against her throat, the sound sending delicious vibrations through her. “Let me show you, woman.”
He loosened his hold on her to clutch at the hem of her nightgown, which had ridden up and was now pooled around her hips. He pulled it up her body, his hands skimming her waist and the sides of her breasts, and Bulma sighed in delight as she felt her bare breasts meet the cold air of the room.
Vegeta stared hungrily at each inch of flesh he revealed, and Bulma was struck once again by how, even though they had been together thousands of times before, Vegeta still looked at her body as if he was seeing it for the first time, every time.
It was one of the things that made her love him so much.
When he had her gown off, Vegeta lifted her and brought her to the center of their bed, laying her back on the soft sheets and fluffy pillows.
He then got off the bed and stood on the floor to her right. Bulma turned her head to watch him as he smirked at her before his hands reached down to pull his armor off.
Once the white and gold breastplate was over his head, he untucked his tight top from his pants, then started to pull that off, as well.
He was so stunning, and Bulma watched with eager eyes as the shirt was pulled up, showing off his delectable six-pack, the rippling muscles leading up into the wide chest that she ached to feel in her palms.
He brought his hands down to his narrow waist and clutched the waistband of his pants, peeling off the constricting material, revealing his solid lower abdomen. She let her eyes linger on his hardening erection, his powerful thighs, before the pants were falling down to his feet where he carelessly kicked them off.
She sighed in satisfaction as he crawled back into bed and settled over her, his eyes meeting her eyes, his chest meeting her breasts, and she felt one hand roving over her stomach as his other arm braced him over her while his keen eyes took her in.
“Vegeta,” she whispered, her hands reaching out to cup his cheeks in her palms, before she allowed them to slowly move along his neck, his shoulders, and finally, to rest on the bulk of his chest, above his nipples, her right hand feeling the rough pounding of his heart against his rib cage.
He leaned down to plant another kiss on her lips, another slow and sensual liplock, as the hand on her stomach moved down to cup her through the material of her panties.
She mewled as she felt his fingers move over her mound, softly massaging her, his fingers lovingly stroking her lower lips through the thin cloth.
He began to move down, his mouth pulling lewd gasps from her lips as his wrapped around one of her nipples and began to softly suck.
Bulma arched her back, desperately pushing her chest closer to him, while her legs parted to invite him to touch her more thoroughly, more deeply.
Vegeta placed one hand under the small of her back, pulling her to a sitting position as he placed his weight on his knees, straddling one of her legs. The sucking movements on her nipple began to get stronger, his teeth leaving small bites across her chest while he alternated between her mounds, licking the paths his bites left along her torso.
Her arms reached out for him, grasping his shoulders, and she cried out when he punctuated a particularly hard nip on the side of her breast with his finger slipping beneath her panties to push lightly into her core.
His mouth left her chest to seek her lips once again, engaging her in a hard kiss as his finger found her clit and began to press insistently against it. She released a harsh cry, grinding her core onto his hand as he moved it down so the rest of his fingers rubbed against her center’s outer lips.
One of her hands moved down, clasping the hard ridges of his back. She felt a shudder leave him as she journey downwards, until her finger found the dark scar above his buttocks, where his tail used to be.
She let her fingers feel the rough skin, and he growled against her mouth, his fingers on her core pressing more insistently as she caressed him.
Unable to stop exploring his body, her hand drifted lower to grab his butt, kneading the tight roundness of him as she felt his fingers enter her core.
“Oh Vegeta!” She cried out, and he took advantage of her distraction to lay her back against the bed again. Her hands fell away from him as he moved up, his hand leaving her core, and she nearly cried in frustration as he stared at her with darkening eyes.
She watched as his hands moved to remove her soaked panties, slowly sliding them down her legs and off her feet.
Vegeta clutched the small article in his hand, then, with a wicked smirk at her, brought it up to his nose and took a very deliberate sniff, a deep inhale that made his chest fill with air as her aroused scent washed over him.
She moaned in lust, her arms reaching for him again, but he ducked away from her grasp before he reached down and flipped her over so her stomach was flat against the bed.
His hands were on her hips then, pulling her up so she was on all fours before him, her legs wide apart. Her hands tangled into the blankets beneath her as she felt his hands on her buttocks, softly massaging her soft bottom, and she felt his thumbs moving in ever tightening circles towards her core that peeked between her thighs.
She looked over her shoulder to see him, and she saw that he was kneeling behind her, his eyes glued to her center. She watched as he moved his face closer to her, taking another deep breath, before his head moved forward and she felt his tongue move in a long, slow swipe up her nether lips.
Bulma gasped, before a loud, keening whine left her throat, head falling back as the unbelievable sensations run amok through her entire body.
She felt his tongue move within her, his thumbs pulling her lower cheeks apart as he pillaged her center, kissing her there deeply, unabashedly, growling against her and making her shake and quake with need.
She felt his mouth open against her, and she screamed as Vegeta devoured her, taking her pleasure and breathing into it, his hands against her caressing her so softly while his lips were pure sin.
Her back stiffened, and her arms supporting her began to shake as she felt her release build up at the pit of her stomach. She rocked back against his mouth, his name pushing out of her throat as her body begged him for completion.
“Ve-Vege-taaaa!” she called, ending in a moan.
He kept licking her, kissing her, coaxing her… before she felt his thumb rub over the hard puckered hole behind her core as two fingers suddenly enter.
“Oh kami, Vegeta!” she screamed as her release washed over her, her body shaking uncontrollably as she rode it out, while Vegeta kept licking her, pleasuring her, leading her down from the amazing climax that he had given her.
Her arms and legs were boneless, and as Vegeta moved his mouth from her center, she helplessly fell on her face onto a pillow as her limbs gave out completely. Her hands were shaking, and she could feel her feet twitching.
Damn, that was amazing. She sure wished she could make her throat work so she can tell him.
It seemed she didn’t need to though, as her arrogant prince sprawled himself across her back, his legs moving in between hers as he pressed himself flush against her, and he chuckled into her ear.
“Liked that, did you?” he asked, moving his head to place a wet kiss on the nape of her neck.
“Mm-hmm,” she affirmed, turning her head to the side, still trying to catch her breath.
“Consider it my deepest gratitude for helping me survive a virus,” he said, his warm breath tickling her neck.
His hands were moving around her body again as she felt him, now hard and fully erect, pressing in between her butt cheeks and rubbing against her core.
She moaned, her body instantly coming back to life at the promise of more pleasure from this beautiful man.
“You saved me, Bulma…” he said, his voice low and passionate as Bulma felt him grasp her waist on her left side, pulling her body up until she lay on her right side under him. She bent her right arm to support her weight on her elbow, her other arm moving up to clutch his powerful bicep.
Vegeta then lifted her left leg, bending it up until it was curled fully against her, the tips of her toes touching the bed. He moved his arms on either side of her, bracing himself on his palms, his arms caging her torso in beneath him.
His face was directly above hers as she craned her neck to face him, and her heart melted at the gentle look in his intense eyes.
“You are the cure…” he whispered heatedly before he leaned down to capture her lips in his, as she felt him nudge her core and begin to enter her.
She moaned loudly against his kiss as she felt the head breach her, and he stopped moving his hips as he put his back into pillaging her mouth with his. That part of him inside her throbbed within her and she rotated her hips as much as she could, rubbing her buttocks against his abdomen and thighs as she lured him into becoming one with her.
He growled softly against her, and he angled his hips to slide into her.
Bulma’s entire body felt it as he entered her, his body rubbing against her insides so sweetly, completing her.
He pressed his body against her but didn’t thrust, his lips still on hers. She gasped against him as she felt his hips move in slow circular motions, and it felt like he was stirring her, making her come to life with his body within her.
His left hand moved to clutch her breast, kneading it eagerly as he continued rubbing himself against her.
Bulma pushed back against him with her hips, and Vegeta finally released her lips, looking deep into her blue eyes as he pulled nearly all the way out, then thrust back into her sharply.
He began moving in a very slow grind, going deep into her then slowly pulling out, then leisurely pushing back in again.
She moaned deeply, her eyes clenching shut against the sensations of Vegeta making slow, delicate, love to her.
The feelings coursing through her seemed unreal.
He was gliding fluidly against her, his whole body touching her, his breath on her cheek, his lips falling onto her eyes, her temple, her lips, as she panted in desire.
“Vegeta…” she mewled as she forced her eyes to open so she could watch his face as he moved sensuously against her.
“Oh kami… this feels so good… Ah!” she murmured, her face so close to his that she could follow the drops of perspiration falling from his forehead.
“Bulma,” he answered as his hand on her breast moved up to hold her face.
He looked so open to her in that moment, his eyes shining in wonder, and she felt so overwhelmed by the emotions on his face that she pressed her lips onto his again, kissing him as warmly as she could even as she panted into his mouth.
“Vegeta… I love you,” she whispered softly as she released his lips, looking into his eyes as she spoke. “I was so scared. I thought I was gonna lose you.”
“Never,” he swore, his movements picking up slightly as he tried to press even harder into her. “I won’t leave you.”
She cried out as he began to thrust faster into her, her breasts bouncing with their movements.
“For as long as you want me, Bulma… I will always come back to you,” he hissed as he finally began to move urgently against her.
Bulma cried out loud at his deep and fast penetration, her core shuddering as he started pounding into her, his arms still holding her close to him.
He set his left hand back to cradle her breast, clutching its roundness in his palm as he heaved above her, vigorously moving within her, and Bulma ground herself as hard as she could against his pistoning hips.
“Vegeta!” she kept calling his name out as his body drove hers, pushing and pulling her into rapture as his eyes looked into hers, their lips meeting once more as he too began to pant harshly in bliss.
Bulma pressed herself desperately against him as her lips began spouting unintelligible words amidst the blinding pleasure of his touch.
“P-please,” she moaned, her hands clutching fistfuls of their sheets as her feelings began to overflow. It was too much, but she couldn’t get enough, could never get enough…
“Bulma… cum with me,” he enticed her, and his lips covered her mouth as she began to lose control, claiming the scream that bubbled up from deep within her soul.
“Vegeta! I… oh kami… I am so close!”
He released her breast as brought his arm to wrap around her waist, pulling her flush against him, close enough to feel his heart rioting against his chest.
“Bulma,” he rasped against her, staring into her eyes.
And finally, the mind-numbing pleasure that had built up inside her could no longer be contained, and she came with a shout, her eyes locked on his as she finally leapt off that zenith, her core fluttering sweetly against his hardness.
A few more thrusts and he too came, pressing his forehead onto her temple, eyes closing in bliss, as he emptied himself into her, shuddering as his release left him deliciously weak.
His arm supporting him began to give out, and he pulled her to his chest, before he pivoted until he was lying back on the bed, her sprawled across his chest, his arms wrapped protectively around her.
She ran her fingers along the skin of his chest, marveling at the beauty of his skin, at the splendor that was Vegeta.
He was the first to speak, his voice soft and gruff as he basked in their afterglow.
“I am sorry if I worried you,” he said, his hand trailing lazy patterns on her skin.
“It’s alright. But I am never letting you go to the zoo, ever again,” she muttered, eyes closing in bliss as she felt his heart beating steadily within his chest.
“But I meant what I said, Bulma,” he continued, and Bulma looked up to see his jaw flex, throat bobbing as he spoke. “I will always come back to you.”
His voice was so soft, and she relished the sentimentality that he never showed anyone else, that he rarely showed even to her.
She smiled lovingly at him, and in a voice choked with emotion, answered.
“And I will always be here, only for you, my prince.”
8-8-8-8-8
END
8-8-8-8-8
End Notes:
One episode of the English dub of DBS had Vegeta call Bulma ‘babe’, and he said the word so off-handedly that now I head canon that they call each other that sometimes.
And yes, I have fallen into the trap that is ‘sick Vegeta’, and I really enjoyed writing it! I thought that he wouldn’t be a very whiny patient, though I am pretty sure that Bulma would be all action-girl at the thought of her Veggie having the sniffles.
On Cancer: The very word usually invokes in my head the thought of disease, hence the sick Veggie trope. However, the Cancer symbol of the Crab actually denotes nurturing, feminine qualities, as Cancer is the caretaker of the zodiac. More details on Cancer and its symbol, the Crab, here.
Reference for the Cancer position here.
Feedback will be greatly appreciated!
#tpthvegebulsmutfest#day7cancer#vegebul#vegebul fanfiction#Spring 2018 Vegebul Smutfest#spring2018smutfest#february 2018 vegebul smutfest#Vegeta#Bulma#Sick Vegeta#sick fic#db fanfic#dragon ball#scarletraven fanfiction
71 notes
·
View notes