#songokujr

[megamattzx]

Dragon Ball New Frontier tales of the Time Patrol: A matter of perspective, and the Ultimate Truth….

The trudging of the snow was heard as the Saiyan Prince of fire mountain trudged through the snow covered Forest. Thoughts swarming like a storm of tidal waves as he thought more and more about the voices he had been hearing as of late. The sounds of someone seemingly calling to him. This voice had been calling out to him for several weeks now. Months even perhaps. But the voice wasn't so loud before he entered this Forest, and the more he ventured into it, the louder it became. He was close. Approaching the ruins of a temple of some kind, Goku Jr could feel a strong presence as he drew closer and closer to the energy source of where it was from. Upon entering the ruins, he could feel the tension in the air. The cold freezing air so cold that a drop sweat could feel like a dagger lightly rubbing against your skin. Goku Jr fell to the presents nearby and it was clear that he wasn't alone.

"I know you're here," the time patroller said calmly but assertively. Making it clear that he was aware of their presence. And knew they were there. "Make yourself known." He paid attention to the energy signatures and realized it was familiar as if he had met this before. It was at that point he had realized that this was the one that had been calling him all this time. Seeing a cloaked individual walking towards him calmly and quietly before sitting down in a part of the Temple a few feet from the Saiyan. It was at that point Goku Jr could realize that this man was merely here to talk.

"I heard your voice calling to me in my dreams," Goku Jr. finally spoke again with words to confirm that this was the same person to which a nod was given as confirmation. "Who are you? Why have you called me to this place?"

The concealed figure took a moment to observe the time patroller as he was asked these questions. His posture was calm and collected as he sat up. "Who I am matters less than why I have called you here," the mysterious man answered truthfully. Taking off his hood revealing similar messy hair that Goku Jr would recognize before removing his own mask revealing a similar face, a similar red bandana on his forehead worn like a headband, and a scar on his cheek that the Saiyan Prince of Fire Mountain immediately recognized. "You already know who I am. All of the various gods have whispered it to you."

Goku Jr took a moment to process what he had just heard and then recognized that this was a Saiyan. "Bardock from an alternate future," Goku Jr finally said and he saw the man before him and acknowledgment. "To be specific a version who was a time patroller that became a Time Breaker and then came back to the light. Why would you call me here to this place?"

"Because even after all of the accomplishments you've made in the Time Patrol, you still have such little understanding of the world," the alternate version of Goku Jr's grandfather simply answered. His demeanor was much calmer than what Goku Jr had expected as he continued to sit there but his eyes were piercing towards the younger Saiyan. "You've learned so much but yet you still know so little.... You still don't understand the world and how it works. Not fully."

Goku Jr could not help but feel a great sense of confusion from hearing all of this. There was so much he wanted to ask or to counter. What was this version of his grandfather saying? "Along with the rest of the time Patrol, I've been working so hard to make sure that the world has been in balance," he slowly began to explain trying to find the words carefully as he thought about it deeper. So much he wanted to explain all of the things that not only he has done but everyone that exists in the Time Patrol. All of the accomplishments of every mortal in God who have actively tried to preserve balance in all of reality. To protect it at all costs. "We serve the light to the best of our ability, and try to resist the temptations of the dark..... As many of the gods have intended..."

The strange version of Bardock took a moment to process everything he was told. Taking every detail in before taking a deep breath and letting out a sigh. It was clear that he had called him for the right reasons. It was time to share the truth about the world. The world that Goku Jr will be forced to live in, the world that all living beings have to live in. A world that many do not understand, nor the problems with the true world. And how every single living being may unintentionally be playing a part in the many problems of it. "The light..." He then began to explain. "The dark... These are nothing but fragments of a much greater truth. A truth beyond the understanding of most people in the entire Omniverse." He then took a moment to think about how to word his next thoughts carefully. "Tell me Goku, do you genuinely believe that the world that we live in, across all timelines realities, universes, realms, and multiverses are as binary and straightforward as all of your friends, family and comrades, along with other gods and angels teach?"

Goku Jr took a moment to think about what he heard as he thought about the words carefully. Trying to figure out how to say the words that he needed to say. The thoughts swarming like a storm is he slowly began to think about what he wanted to say. "The world is balance," Goku Jr tried to explain. "The light preserves life and the darkness consumes it. And I've seen the consequences of both."

"Ah yes, balance," the alternate version of Bardock then said in a calm manner. "A word spoken so often, but rarely understood. You believe that the light and the dark are separate. Opposites in an eternal struggle of chaos. But what if they're not? What if they are one? A river, or perhaps even an ocean of many currents, and many directions flowing endlessly."

"That sounds like the teachings of a Time breaker or a demon god," Goku Jr pointed out as he thought about it more and more. "I've seen the power of darkness twist minds and people's way of thinking. Bending it to various types of selfish will. I've seen that darkness twist the minds of individuals that were innocent at first but became monsters in the end. It destroys."

The alternate version of Bardock then took a deep breath before he then spoke the words carefully. It wasn't the fact that what he had to say was meeting to be watched but rather how he could explain it to the best of his ability. "I was a time Breaker once, as well as a soldier of the Frieza Force," this version of Bardock said. "I wielded the darkness as my power multiple times, and yes, it destroys. But so does the light, Goku. Those not willing to listen or to truly understand different perspectives have destroyed, on all sides. Demons, mortals, and gods alike. Many individuals with their refusal to act. Their blind adherence to their own principles, regardless of what they were, destroyed civilizations, worlds and even galaxies, and more. Entire generations throughout history lost because many clung on to their own sense of righteousness."

Goku Jr remains calm but he felt every word that he heard as he took a deep breath trying to explain everything. "The Time Patrol has learned from their mistakes," Goku Jr began to explain as he slowly but surely thought of the words to say. "The Time Patrol serves the people of the Omniverse. Not dogma and principles."

The alternate Bardock looked at the other saying as he slowly began to challenge that perspective. "Have you?" He asked him carefully but it was clear that he was challenging the younger Time Patroller's perspective but not in a condescending or hateful way. "Or do you simply wear different chains? The world does not belong to the Time Patrol, the Time Breakers, nor anyone else in that matter. It is beyond your teachings, and even beyond mine. Beyond anyone's of that matter. It is Life, death, creation and destruction. And yet you, like many before you, from various different sides of the world spectrum, simply seek to control it. Turn it into something safe. Something that you could comprehend."

Goku Jr looked down a bit as he thought about it more. Staring deeply at the snow beneath him as he finally took a deep breath. "Perhaps that is true," he then finally confessed. Clearly deep in thought as he thought about everything and taking the words he heard into consideration. Perhaps there was a clear intent of understanding this perspective and way of thinking rather than trying to outright denounce it. "But without guidance, the world becomes pure chaos. We have both seen and experienced what happens when power is completely left unchecked by anyone."

The alternate version of Bardock then slowly but surely looked down a bit before looking back at the Younger Saiyan. It was clear that there was more understanding from this Saiyan than he originally believed. "Unchecked power is not the world's flaw Goku," the Scarred Saiyan then reminded the other. "Rather it is ours. You, like some, fear chaos, so you impose order. There are others who fear insignificance so they seek and impose dominance and self-validation. Both are prisons, built by those too afraid to face the ultimate truth if the world."

"And what is that truth?" Goku Jr then questioned as he slowly but surely showed a bit of caution with the words spoken next until they were spoken.

"That the world simply does not care," the alternate version of Bardock simply said. His voice was still calm and collected but there was adamancy and absolution in those words. "It does not choose sides. Nor side with anyone. It simply is. The Time Patrol, many of the demon realm, and many others across the Omniverse, we've tried to bend it to our will and our way of thinking, and to define it. But the world does not bend to our will and it is beyond definition. It is freedom itself. And freedom is terrifying."

Goku Jr then began to look down and it was easy to see the doubt in his expression. Not of what he was hearing but of the world as a whole. It was clear that he was now questioning his own beliefs and philosophies. "If what you say is true, then what would be the point in fighting?" He then began to ask as he slowly but surely was showing more of his doubt as he began to question more. And he had every right to question what he was hearing in fact it was encouraged by the one he was speaking to. What the Saiyan Prince of Fire Mountain did not realize was that this version of Bardock wasn't trying to force him to believe one way. But rather to question every belief, including his own. "What would be the point in struggling at all against anything?"

"Because it is the struggle that defines us, Goku," this version of Bardock said softly, but firmly as well. Clear words of wisdom rather than condemnation. "Not the outcome. Not being right or wrong. Not victory or defeat. Nor success or failure. It is in the struggle that we go through that we find meaning. It allows us to broaden our horizons and perspectives. It is the struggle that gives us purpose. Allowing us to grow and improve. I fought as a savior, as a destroyer, and as something in between. And through it all, I've learned this very truth. I've learned that if you truly wish to understand the world, you must let go of your need to control it."

"To let go of everything?" Goku Jr then began to question and there was a bit of hesitation and fear in his voice. Clear doubt and for the first time ever here, uncertainty in this entire conversation.

"Of your fear," the older, and even wiser saiyan then began to say. The words now truly understood from the other as he spoke further. "Your pride, Your certainty, and your need to be "correct". Only then will you be able to see the world for what it truly is. Infinite, untamed, unpredictable, and beautiful. The answers you seek will not come easily, but if you are willing to open your mind and allow yourself to truly see, they will eventually come."

It was at that point the two began to part ways in different directions with the alternate version of Bardock walking further into the forest and Goku Jr going back the way he came. Once this version of Bardock had disappeared from Goku Jr.'s line of sight, he fully began to head back home. His mind swelling with thoughts of this whole encounter. He came here seeking answers. Now he was leaving with much greater wisdom.

[megamattzx]

Vegeta Jr was standing over Goku Jr now, with Goku Jr snarling him. “What are you waiting for Vegeta!?” he growled and it was easy to hear the rage in his voice. “Do it! Finish what the hell you started!” he pointed at his chest giving a clear indication that he thought the Vegeta was seeking vengeance “I'm right here! Finish me off!”

Vegeta Jr couldn't help but have his eyes widened as memories began to swarm of Aria. Not only did he realize that he was being lied to about what happened to her. He also realized that he was being consumed by his rage and pain. Just like how Goku Jr was being consumed by his own. Through exhausted pants, Vegeta Jr slowly looked at his hand as he thought about it more and more. “This isn't who we are Goku…” he finally said before letting him go and just walking a few feet away before sitting in town. They were both hurting. Both of them were in pain. And they were both being consumed by it.

Goku Jr got up again, growling even further as he continued on. “What the hell are you doing!?” the Clone and Son of Goku demanded. “You've won! Take your damn Revenge!”

Vegeta Jr didn't even look at it before he took a deep breath. “There's no winners with Revenge Kaka,” was all he could say. Causing both of them to be silent for a little bit. “It won't bring Aria or Celia back… And you know that….” he added slowly after a few minutes. Causing both of them to be silent for a little bit. Minutes perhaps even.

The two just sat there, not a single word spoken as this happened. The two completely reflecting everything is it all went on. Everything that led to this moment. The silence actually made it far worse than either of them could have imagined. Goku Jr time again to look at the stars and his eyes wide and more. He saw those still shining bright and perfectly aligned in ways that made the balance of the universe seem so simple when it wasn't. He could hear her laughter and her voice echoing in his mind. Of course it was all just a distant memory now. “The stars are beautiful tonight, are they Goku?” he heard Celia’s voice in his mind say, like a memory he tried to bury along with the rest of her. “I wish every night was like this.” he remembered her say as well before taking a deep breath and finally speaking.

“The last time I ever enjoyed a view of either the Stars, a sunrise or even a sunset,” Goku Jr then began to speak again as he slowly but surely reflected on everything. “It was when I was with her…. I've carried this pain for so long… that it became everything I knew…. And I was slowly becoming someone I wasn't….”

Vegeta Jr listened carefully. He could hear the vulnerability and regret in his friend's voice. He could tell just how lost and confused he was. They had both been lost to the point where they lost themselves into their own darkness. “When I lost Aria, I felt the same way,” Vegeta Jr confessed. Clear pain and regret were heard in his voice when he said that and he noticed his friend looking at him now. A pained expression on his face when they shared a look towards each other.

“Did that pain ever eventually go away, Vegeta?” Goku Jr asked Vegeta Jr with a genuine tone. Clear desperation of wanting the answers regardless of what they were.

“No Goku…” Vegeta Jr answered truthfully. Taking a deep breath before continuing though. “But one thing I've learned is that pain doesn't have to define us. In time, I've learned that there's something far more powerful than pain…. The love that we had for each other… That's what you need to hold on to, Goku.” seeing his friend look down a bit he then gave a reassuring smile before speaking softer to let him know that he was still there. “Celia may be gone, Goku, but the love you two had for each other is still there. Don't let it die by turning it into hate.”

It was at that point strange light began to overlap the stars and the night sky before the two began to look at the sunrise. Like a light, purging the darkness and extinguishing it in every way. And shadows being there to guide those to the light. Goku Jr stared at the sunrise a bit before taking the time to think about everything. Tears began to fall from his eyes as he slowly but surely whispered to himself. “The light shines…” he whispered softly, his voice barely audible as he felt the memories coming back to him. “Even when your star is gone….”

[megamattzx]

This is going to be even more heartbreaking when I reveal the whole context of what's going on in Goku Jr's mind at this scene when we finally get to this point.