Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

My days are a tapestry woven with threads of routine and punctuated by fleeting moments of novelty. Each morning I rise and embark on the familiar pilgrimage to my workplace, where I immerse myself in the day's tasks. As the sun begins to set, I retrace my steps homeward, seeking solace in the comforting embrace of my abode. Evenings are a canvas of leisure, painted with strokes of camaraderie with cherished friends, immersive dives into captivating video games, and enthralling journeys through the animated world of Dragon Ball. Yet, amidst this predictable rhythm, life occasionally throws a curveball, a chance encounter with a long-lost acquaintance, a tender connection with a wandering cat, or an unexpected brush with the audacity of a petty thief.

I've noticed that my routine has become quite monotonous lately: wake up, work, sleep, and repeat. While I do experience moments of happiness, the challenges I face often seem to overshadow those brief joys. However, I find solace in Dragon Ball Z, which has become a source of inspiration for me. Each time I watch the show or come across fan art of the characters, I can't help but smile. If I had to choose a fictional world I’d love to be a part of, Dragon Ball would be at the top of my list without a doubt. But I wasn’t stupid enough to believe that if such a person dies, they’ll be reborn in another world; that kind of thinking only happens in fanfiction or manhwas.

At least, that’s what I thought at the time.

I can still recall it as if it happened just moments ago—my last day in the world I cherished. I was in my living room, immersed in a game of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 with my friends, battling the opposing team in search and destroy. It was part of my daily routine, something I enjoyed every day. Yet, that day felt remarkably different. In the midst of the game, an overwhelming wave of fatigue hit me. I felt tired—no, REALLY tired.

I left my character vulnerable in the digital battlefield as I paused the game. My friends noticed and asked what was wrong, but I simply told them I was feeling a bit under the weather and needed to lie down. They didn't press further, deciding to continue playing the game without me. After turning my console off, I went to my room and collapsed on my bed. As I closed my eyes, a strange sensation washed over me, followed by darkness enveloping my vision. The sound of the world around me gave way to silence.

My eyes slowly opened. I was met with a glimmering light emerging in the darkness. illuminating the obscurity like a beacon of optimism. I could hardly fathom what lay before my eyes. Enveloped in an abyss of pitch blackness for an extended duration, I had become convinced that either my vision had forsaken me or I had never possessed the gift of sight to begin with.

Yet there it was; a solitary point of radiance in the distance. To my further astonishment, additional specks of light materialized one by one, flickering into existence without a whisper until I found myself entirely encircled by these minuscule particles on every side. What perplexed me was that these luminous entities failed to alleviate the engulfing darkness that surrounded him.

They simply materialized while presenting nothing but their luminosity. After enduring a prolonged absence of visual stimuli, their resplendent glow proved sufficient for him. The luminous entities did not cease their presence there, though. In due course, they commenced a gradual transition, meandering in various directions with a deliberate, almost mesmerizing motion.

Their movements accelerated even as I observed. Transforming into naught but streaks of white within my field of vision. Overwhelmed by the spectacle, I promptly shut my eyes and averted my gaze. Yet, regardless of my vantage point, I found no respite. I had beheld that initial glimmer with a sense of awe and inquisitiveness radiating from my eyes. As I kept my eyes shut against the maddening spiral of bright lights, one question eventually won out in the end.

What happened? Is…is this a dream?

My thoughts screeched to a halt as my whole dark world flashed in white. In an instant, all was restored to a state of tranquil serenity. My eyes blinked open as I found myself facing the ceiling. Followed by the sound of a baby crying. I slowly sat up on my rear, and turned my gaze towards the source. My eyes landed on a baby laying on a crib, his eyes closed tight while tears welled up in them.

He had three bangs hanging to the right of his forehead and two bangs hanging to the left. His hair also stands up in the front with four spikes and three bangs in the back. The baby boy also had a tail that swished and swayed between his legs. I couldn’t comprehend the boy I was witnessing, the legend himself known to all as Son Goku.

As I listened to Goku's anguished cries echoing through the room, I noticed a soft, muffled sniffling that seemed to intertwine with his wails. Curiosity drew my gaze to the adjacent crib, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight before me. There, nestled in the bedding, was none other than the legendary Super Saiyan, Broly. His demeanor was softened in sleep, yet his face was marred by traces of sorrow; tears glistened on his cheeks, remnants of a dream that clearly troubled him. The relentless sound of Goku’s wails seemed to disturb him further, creating an atmosphere of palpable sadness. It was a stark contrast to the often fearsome warrior I watched in the movies—a haunting juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability that made my chest ache.

At last, I took a moment to really look at myself. My shock grew even more as I gazed wide-eyed at my new form. No longer was I in the body of an adult; instead, I found myself in the body of a Saiyan baby. My arms and legs were delightfully chubby, just as you’d expect from an infant. Meanwhile, my tail lay comfortably sprawled out in the crib. My black spiky hair reached down my back and I had three bangs hanging over my temples.

My thoughts often drifted back to my previous life as I lay in my crib. I found myself frequently replaying memories from the past, which felt quite strange since I was in such a different stage now. If I had to put my feelings into words, I would say it was like watching the deeply emotional autobiography of a beloved family member. No matter how embarrassing those memories might have been, I found myself longing to re-experience them in some way. Whether it’s boring days of school, joyous reunions with family, major events, a part of me just felt hollow knowing that none of that mattered here.

I slowly closed my eyes. It’s not just the shock of being reborn; it’s the overwhelming sense of loss that lingers like a shadow. Imagine waking up one day in a crib, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, yet knowing that you once had a life filled with memories, friends, and dreams. The irony is that my new parents, blissfully unaware of their child’s unique predicament, expect me to behave like any other infant. But how can I? 

Every coo feels like a betrayal to the person I used to be. I can’t help but wonder if my new parents would even want me if they knew the truth. Each day would be a balancing act, trying to fit into a role that feels so foreign while grappling with the remnants of my past. It'll be exhausting, and right now I wish I could just scream out my frustrations, but that would only raise more questions. So I sat here, silently battling with the reality of my situation, wishing for a way to reconcile my old life with this new bewildering existence.

I chewed on my lip. The memories flood back with vivid clarity. I could see the faces of loved ones, hear the laughter that once filled my days, and feel the warmth of hugs that seemed like a distant echo. It was a bittersweet experience, reliving those moments while being trapped in the innocence of infancy. Each tear that slipped down my cheek was a reminder of the life I had lived, the joys and sorrows that shaped me. It was as if I was caught in a loop, oscillating between the simplicity of babyhood and the complexity of my past, each memory a thread woven into the fabric of my being.

The tapestry of my past is woven with a myriad of emotions. Each thread represents a distinct memory that I long to revisit. Even the most mundane days at school, filled with lectures and homework, hold a certain charm when viewed through the lens of nostalgia. I find myself reminiscing about family gatherings, where laughter filled the air and stories were shared, creating bonds that seemed unbreakable at the time. However, the reality of my current situation leaves me feeling incomplete, as if those cherished moments are just out of reach.

I sift through my mind recalling the faces of those I once knew. Some barely left an impression beyond a name and a fleeting interaction, while others were integral to my journey, their presence brightening my days. The memories of our shared hangouts, the laughter and the mischief we indulged in, serve as a bittersweet reminder of the connections that have faded. Each recollection is a testament to a life lived fully, yet it also highlights the void I now feel, a longing for the warmth of those experiences that once defined me. But the most painful were the people that I got really close to; the bonds that I painstakingly forged with them had all been disintegrated.

I blinked. The sound of Goku's cries snapping me back to reality. I glanced to my right, where Goku was, and shifted in my crib. Without a second thought, I leaped over to Broly’s crib, then jumped again until I landed directly in front of Goku. I crawled slowly towards him and reached out, gently placing my hand on his head. Goku’s wailing finally ceased from my touch alone. 

Now he just whimpers quietly as I pat his head. I continued patting his head until his face softened, and began to snore. I pulled my hand back, turned away from the now sleeping Goku, and leaped over to Broly’s crib. But before I could make another leap, I noticed something from the corner of my eye. I turned to my left and my eyes blinked in surprise: Broly was awake.

Broly sat upright and stared blankly at me. I was still as we both fell into a staring contest, neither one of us moving or blinking. I dared not move from my spot, nor did I breathe. I didn’t know why he was staring at me. But something primal Inside of me; the pure instinct that tells a deer it’s being watched was in full alarm. I slowly turned away from Broly and was about to leap back to my crib.

But Broly suddenly closed the distance between us. I felt a jolt as I met his vacant gaze the moment he drew near, his nose mere inches from mine. He blinked at me, unblinking in his expression, and I mirrored his blink, caught in the moment. After a stretch of silence, I felt his pudgy hand wrap around my left arm. My eyes flickered from his grip to his eyes as I instinctively tried to pull away, only to be astonished by the strength of his hold—an iron grip, astonishingly strong for a baby! Broly pulled me close to him until we both laid down opposite sides on his crib.

Not once did Broly take his eyes off of me. My heart pounded against my rib cage, wanting nothing more than to get out of this situation. After another few minutes Broly’s eyes started to close. His grip on my arm lessened, allowing me the opportunity to finally pull my arm back. I crawled slowly away from Broly’s sleeping form and leapt back Into my bed.

I laid back down and tried to get some sleep.

The Saiyan nurse walked beside the doctor with his keen eyes scanning the medical files in his hands. They navigated the bustling hallway, turning the corner, then approached an open doorway that revealed a remarkable sight—an expansive room brimming with dozens of children nestled in their carts. Each infant swaddled in soft blankets bore a numerical identification. The quiet hum of monitors and the gentle rise and fall of tiny chests filled the air, creating a tranquil ambiance in what could easily have been a chaotic scene. It was a poignant tableau, with each sleeping infant oblivious to the world around them, protected under the watchful eyes of dedicated caregivers.

“Doctor, you notice it too, right?” The saiyan nurse asked.

The saiyan doctor nodded.

“Yeah, usually that Kakarot boy is crying like a banji,” the saiyan doctor replied. “But now he’s surprisingly asleep.”

The nurse saiyan points at Broly.

“And look at that, even Broly is fast asleep,” the nurse said.

The Saiyan doctor glanced at the nurse.

“Well, let’s head back. We got another baby on the way,” the Saiyan doctor said, turning away towards the doorway that led to the hall. “Once we come back, we must take their power levels down for the count.”

Before the nurse could follow, his eyes landed on the baby saiyan girl.

“Hey, what’s the name of that girl?” The saiyan nurse asked, pointing at the sleeping baby.

The saiyan doctor stared at the girl infant.

“Rhumba,” the saiyan doctor replied. “She is, um, the daughter of a good friend of mine.”

The saiyan nurse shifted his gaze back at the doctor.

“You mean the one that died in battle?” The saiyan nurse inquired.

The saiyan doctor nodded before turning away into the hallway. The saiyan nurse looked back at the girl infant, and shook his head.

“Mighty shame your mother died, kid. She won’t be around to see you grow to be a warrior,” the saiyan nurse muttered under his breath.

The saiyan nurse turned away and followed the doctor down the hall.

Chapter Text

I never imagined in a million years that the show I always got so excited about was actually a living, breathing universe. Now that I find myself as a real person in the world of Dragon Ball, I’m at a loss for what to do. The realization that I’m on a planet destined for destruction fills me with a deep sense of dread. I can’t help but wonder whether I’ll be dead when that moment arrives or if I’ll be whisked away first. One thing’s for sure: I have no intention of getting involved in any of the events I know so well. To me, I’m just an extra in a universe where I don’t truly belong.

Days turned into weeks as I navigated life as a Saiyan infant. Time seemed to fly by, with most of my days spent lying in my crib, waking up, dozing off, and then doing it all over again. Occasionally, something interesting would brighten my routine. I remember one time when I woke up to find myself gazing into the eyes of one of my favorite characters: Gine, the mother of Goku. She smiled warmly and cooed about how adorable I was, gently poking my cheek with her finger.

Bardock stood beside her, arms crossed and deep in thought as he kept an eye on Kakarot. The moment didn’t last long, but before they left, Gine bid both Goku and me a sweet farewell. Just two days later, I woke suddenly from a peaceful sleep, and as my vision cleared, I was stunned to see a silhouette hovering above me. Once I focused, I realized it was Broly. He stood over me while staring blankly. I didn’t move, didn’t breathe; I couldn’t even think.

“Broly!”

Broly quickly backed up from me. A shadow loomed over the two of us, and my eyes crawled up to the curvy hips encased with saiyan armor, all the way to the woman’s face. The Saiyan woman was quite beautiful, she bore the same hairstyle as her son, and wore a traditional one strap saiyan armor. I immediately deduced that this woman was Broly’s mother. Which is a shock for me because I’ve never seen Broly’s mother in the movies; her identity and whereabouts remained unknown in the dragon ball lore.

“What’re you doing out of your crib?” She asked, approaching my crib.

I watched as the mother picked Broly up from my crib. As she made her way back to his crib, Broly began to whimper softly. Noticing this, she instinctively started to rock her Saiyan baby gently. After a few minutes of soothing him, she successfully got Broly to drift off to sleep and carefully placed him back in his crib before quietly leaving the room. Through the window, I could see her silhouette standing near another figure, a male Saiyan. Although I couldn’t hear their conversation, it was clear their words were muffled and indistinct.

I decided to let myself drift into a light slumber after that. Yet, as I lay in the confines of my crib, my mind couldn't shake the ominous thought lingering in the back of my consciousness—the dreaded day when Frieza would unleash his power, obliterating Planet Vegeta and annihilating the Saiyan race. The weight of that impending catastrophe hung over me, a heavy cloak of despair that seemed impossible to ignore since I had been reincarnated into this world. My heart raced with a desperate hope that perhaps, just perhaps, I would be assigned to a distant planet early on—a remote outpost where I could carve out my own destiny and evade the grim fate that awaited my people. It felt like my only chance to escape the shadows of history looming over me.

Fortunately, my prayers were answered when I awoke from my slumber to find myself inside a Saiyan pod. I had no idea when I had been placed in this attack ball, nor could I tell how many days had passed. All I knew was that my pod was whisking me away from certain doom, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. My Saiyan pod glided through space for what seemed like an eternity until I was jolted awake by the sound of my small spaceship crashing into something solid. Soon the craft went still for a few minutes before the hatch popped open with a burst of steam. The hatch descended slowly before me until it landed on the ground.

My pod rested at the bottom of a vast crater, its metallic surface gleaming under the light of the distant sun. As I peered through the viewport, I was greeted by an expanse of eerie beauty—a wide clearing encircled by towering trees, their bark a deep shade of purple, while their leaves burst forth in vibrant hues of orange and gold. The colors seemed to dance in the gentle breeze, and for a moment, I was captivated by the surreal landscape. Yet, beneath the surface of this enchanting scene, a knot of uncertainty tightened in my stomach. Should I dare to crawl out of the safety of my pod, or was it wiser to remain concealed within its walls? The thought of unknown predators lurking nearby plagued my mind. What if there was a creature out there, ready to pounce? The terrifying possibility that I had no means of defense weighed heavily on me.

Just as my thoughts spiraled deeper into fear, a sudden rustling caught my attention, pulling me sharply back to reality. My heart raced, and I strained to listen, desperate to determine what awaited me outside. I heard footsteps slowly approaching somewhere outside of my pod. My eyes snapped up as I saw a hand grasp the side of the saiyan pod’s hatch. Rounding the spacecraft’s corner, I met the gaze of a woman.

The woman was an attractive, red fair-skinned woman of medium height with a slender yet curvaceous build. She had large bright hazel eyes, long black hair tied loosely, hanging on her right shoulder with bangs on each side and only a few short hairs kept loose on her forehead. She wore an ocean-colored sweater with frilled sleeves and a long red skirt with a white apron and small brown boots. She had a beauty mark dotted on the left side of her cheek which was a key feature to her appearance.

The woman gasped softly as her eyes fell upon me, a look of astonishment painted across her features. Instinctively, she raised her hand to her heart, her gaze fixed on me as if I were a mirage. I blinked, and in that moment, we became entwined in a silent standoff, our eyes locked in an unyielding contest. The air around us thickened with an enchanting silence, deepening the weight of the moment.

“Honey? Tell me, what’s inside?”

The woman blinked and stepped into the Saiyan pod, gradually extending her arms toward me. I allowed her to embrace me as she lifted me out of the pod. As she did, I noticed two men and a child approaching us over her shoulder. The younger man appeared to be in his twenties, while the older one looked to be middle-aged, and the child seemed to be about nine or ten years old.

The young man had blue skin and dark chocolate eyes. He wore a simple white t-shirt, black jeans, and dark brown shoes. His silver hair was fashioned in an unruly bowl cut and donned round-frame glasses. His muscles were well toned as I noticed how broad his shoulders were. I’m going to assume this is her husband.

The middle-aged man had red skin, much like the woman who had me wrapped in her arms. His thick black beard stretched down to his chest, and his amber eyes spoke of a wealth of experience, brimming with wisdom. He wore a simple charcoal coat over a gray t-shirt, paired with black jeans and shoes. His long black hair was styled in dreads that cascaded down to his shoulders. If I had to take a wild guess, this man was probably the woman’s father.

The red-skinned child was a girl with long, shaggy black hair and dark chocolate eyes, traits she had clearly inherited from her father. She had a dark green scarf around her neck, complemented by a long-sleeve pink sweater layered over a white t-shirt, and a black skirt. Her slippers resembled those worn by her mother, adding a touch of cuteness to her outfit.

“Crimtae? What is it?” The young man asked, looking at his wife curiously.

The woman named Crimtae smiled softly before turning us around to face the trio.

“It's a baby,” Crimtae replied. “Look Bintin, isn't she adorable?”

The young man named Bintin drew close to Crimtae’s side and looked down at me with awe. I tilted my head in curiosity.

“Yeah, she is indeed adorable,” Bintin said, smiling down at me.

I blinked. I looked down and noticed the little holding my tail in her hands. She glanced up at the woman and smiled.

“Look mama, the baby has a tail,” the little girl said.

Crimtae and Bintin glanced down at my tail as it swayed from side to side.

“Oh wow, she really does have a tail. I didn’t even notice,” Crimtae said, tilting her head.

Bintin adjusted his round-frame glasses. “Neither did I.”

I shifted my gaze towards the red skinned man. I blinked in surprise when I saw him staring me down with a glare filled with sheer contempt. I believe Crimtae noticed my reaction, because I saw her from the corner of my eye following the direction from where I was looking and she saw her father’s grim expression.

“Father, what’s wrong?” Crimtae asked, her tone laced with concern. “Why are you making such a scary face?”

The father shifted his glare towards his daughter.

“We must kill it,” the father stated firmly, clenching his fist.

A feeling of dread washed over me as Crimtae stared back at him in horror.

“What..?” The little girl asked hesitantly, tugging on her mother’s skirt.

Bintin blinked in shocked.

“I…I beg your pardon?” Bintin stammered.

“We must kill it, before she grows up to be a savage monster,” the father said sternly.

I turned my gaze towards Crimtae in time to see her narrowing her eyes at her father.

“How could you say such a thing. She’s just a baby,” Crimtae protested vehemently, shaking her head.

The father pointed at me.

“That thing you’re carrying is no ordinary baby. It is a Saiyan!” The father shouted.

A stunned silence filled the air.

“Saiyan..?” The little girl repeated slowly, tilting her head in bewilderment.

Bintin and Crimtae exchanged glances as confusion painted their expressions before looking back at the man.

“Um, care to explain to us what a Saiyan is?” Bintin asked, arching a brow at him.

The father sighed.

“The thing you are carrying is part of a race from Planet Vegeta. A race of warriors called Saiyans,” the father explained. “These Saiyans are what you would call 'planet brokers.' They scour the universe, searching for inhabited planets rich in resources. Once they find one, they wipe out its inhabitants and make the planet ready to be sold to the highest bidder. Mining corporations, criminal enterprises, traffickers looking for hideouts—all of them are willing to pay good money for a dead planet, so their line of work is very lucrative, and they pride themselves on how efficiently we carry it out. For example: if they come across a planet with strong life forms, they send in a team of their strongest warriors to crush them. But if the inhabitants are weak—like they are on this planet—then a baby Saiyan is usually more than sufficient.”

I glanced back at Crimtae to see the color drained from her face. Bintin looked just as pale, a mixture of disgust and shock crossing his features as he glared at the father.

“As for its tail.” The father pointed at my tail. “The Saiyans also have the ability to turn Into giant apes upon looking at the full moon.”

Crimtae and Bintin traded another glance.

“But, how do you know all of this?” Bintin asked.

The father’s expression softened and glanced at the ground with a frown. Then he snapped his gaze towards his daughter.

“Crimtae, do you remember when I told you that your mother died in a construction accident?” The father asked somberly.

Crimtae blinked. She nodded her head. The father closed his eyes.

“That was a lie. Your mother didn’t die in an accident, that was a story I fabricated. She was killed…by the Saiyans,” the father confessed. Crimtae gasped in shock and her eyes grew large. “You were just a baby at the time, but It all happened on another planet your mother and I once lived on. The saiyans came and began destroying people’s homes, killing anyone that was nearby, whether they are a fighter or not. I watch as many saiyans transform into giant apes and destroy everything. We both saw one of the saiyan men preparing to kill a child. The blow was meant for the target, but your mother sacrificed herself and took the hit instead. You and I are the two soul survivors.”

I observed Crimtae with concern. Her expression revealed the effort she was putting into staying composed. Though tears seemed close to overflowing, she managed to hold herself together with remarkable poise.

“Do you understand now, Crimtae? That’s why it is important to end that Saiyan infant’s life, to ensure not just our lives, but everyone else’s lives will never again be threatened,” the father said.

I stared at Crimtae as she stared down at the ground looking deep in thought. After a minute of pondering, she shifted her gaze back at her father and narrowed her eyes with determination set in them.

“No,” Crimtae finally stated. “We’re not killing her.”

The father blinked in bewilderment.

“What?” The father was genuinely confused. “But, Crimtae—did you not hear what I said? That thing is dangerous, and—”

Crimtae cut her father off with a raise of her hand.

“I’ve heard what you said, father,” Crimtae interrupted calmly, her tone firm and resolute. “But I just can’t do it. Because something in my heart knows better; there is something different with this one, I can feel it.”

The father glared at his daughter.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You want to spare that abomination’s life based on a feeling?” The father demanded incredulously.

“My feelings don’t rule my actions,” Crimtae stated in defiance. “From what you have told me, these Saiyans were only taught to be cruel and heartless. But that doesn’t have to be that way with this child. We can raise her to be kind, loving, and gentle towards all life. Teaching her the difference between right and wrong.”

Bintin blinked at his wife. His eyes narrowed in determination and shifted his gaze towards the father.

“She’s right,” Bintin stated firmly. “And if they’re as savage as you say, then how come this baby didn’t attack my wife the second she saw her? No thrashing, no screaming, nor kicking. She allowed her to take her in her arms.”

The father shifted his glare at me.

“It’s obviously a trick,” the father said coldly.

Crimtae glared at her father.

“I don’t sense any trickery, father,” Crimtae retorted, stubbornness filling her voice.

The father clenched his jaw.

“You still don’t get it, do you? That thing will be the death of us all,” the father declared harshly.

“Stop calling her that!”

Everyone, including me, glanced down to the little girl. I watched in shock as Crimtae’s daughter marched towards her grandpa and stood before him with her hands on her hips.

“Stop calling her a thing, she’s a person!” The little girl shouted in anger, glaring at him in defiance. “No matter what you say, no matter how you explain it, it is still wrong. If we kill her as she is now, then we would be no better then those monsters who took grandma!”

The father’s glare slowly softened as he studied his granddaughter. He turned away from his granddaughter, his back facing her. I looked between Crimtae and her father, waiting to see which of them would break the silence.

“She’ll turn against us,” the father finally uttered. His voice trembled slightly.

Crimtae shook her head.

“She won’t,” Crimtae argued.

The father glanced at his daughter over his shoulder.

“And if she does?” The father asked.

Crimtae honored her father’s question with silence. The father sighed and turned his head away.

“You wanna keep her? Fine,” the father finally acquiesced with resignation. “But at least consider cutting off her tail.”

My eyes widened as soon as the man uttered that suggestion. I immediately curled my tail around my waist, almost without thinking. Bintin must’ve noticed my reaction as he shifted his gaze back at his wife’s father.

“We’re not doing that,” Bintin declared, shaking his head in disapproval.

The father didn’t turn around. He slightly turned his head and gave Crimtae and Bintin the side eye.

“Then keep her inside when the moon is out,” the father suggested. “Watch that girl like a hawk, and keep her away from me.”

We all watched in silence as the father began walking away. Once we couldn’t see him anymore, I turned my head in time to see Crimtae smiling warmly at me.

"Hi sweet pea," Crimtae greeted, raising me up and planting a soft kiss on my forehead.

I turned away Crimtae and watched with wide eyes Bintin effortlessly carried my saiyan pod over his shoulder.

“We best head back, honey,” Bintin said, walking past Crimtae. “We wouldn’t be late for dinner.”

Crimtae nodded. She trailed behind Bintin while smiling down at me. I looked down and saw her daughter walking beside her.

“Mama, what are you gonna name her?” The little girl asked, glancing up at her mother with curiosity.

I looked back up at Crimtae. She pondered for a moment before looking back at me with a smile.

“Come sweetheart,” Crimtae said, keeping up the pace. “Let’s welcome your siblings back home, your new baby sister: Teriya.”

I closed my eyes and finally let my consciousness surrender to dreamland.

Chapter Text

Time flew by in the blink of an eye. It’s hard to believe that three months have passed since I came to live with my new family. The planet where my saiyan pod landed three months ago is called Planet Alboron, home to two races that coexist peacefully. These races are divided into two factions, or clans. My new mother, who has been raising me along with my siblings, hails from the Inferno clan. This clan is made up of powerful warriors who have mastered martial arts and harness the element of fire, a gift bestowed upon them by the great fire spirit.

My father was born from the Arctic clan, known for its fierce warriors who excel in hand-to-hand combat and harness the powers of both ice and water. I remember how my new mother would read me bedtime stories that recounted the clan's rich history. From her tales, I learned that a hundred years ago, the Arctic and Inferno clans were at odds, locked in a bitter rivalry that threatened their very existence. The animosity between them escalated to such a degree that they even contemplated taking each other's lives, simply because they were so different. The deep-seated hatred and grudges grew, ultimately leading to a devastating civil war.

The war was fierce and brutal. But it eventually came to a halt before more lives were lost, thanks to two remarkable individuals from the Arctic and Inferno clans. My new mother often reminds me that she and my father are descendants of those very figures. It was through their efforts long ago that they changed their people's negative mindset and united the clans, paving the way for a fresh start where everyone could coexist in harmony. Instead of holding on to hate, they chose to embrace love and care for one another. This spirit of unity allowed them to live in peace for another hundred years.

But that’s enough talking of history; let’s get back to the present. I currently reside in a home nestled in the high mountains that is surrounded by lush jungle. I essentially live on a farm that includes land for agriculture, where my family grew crops and raised some unusual, alien-like animals, along with the necessary buildings and equipment. Although I’ve never lived on a farm before, I have to say it’s incredibly peaceful here. Never failed to make me feel as though I was in a sacred haven. It’s easy to see why Clark Kent cherished his childhood on a farm as well.

I wouldn’t be honest with myself if I claimed I accepted my new mother the moment she adopted me. I still long for the mother I had in my past life before reincarnation, which left me unsure about embracing Crimtae as my new mom. It felt unfair to her that my inability to move on would stand in the way of our relationship. I worried that accepting this new life without difficulty would somehow diminish my mother’s memory. Deep down, I just needed time to sort through my feelings – time that I hoped my new mother would be willing to give me. But enough with the sadness; I had months to deal with that.

My mother was a dedicated housewife who kept everything tidy and clean while taking care of me. My father worked during the weekdays but made sure to spend the weekends with the family, enjoying the usual activities that families do together. I had three older brothers, four older sisters, and one little sister who was still in preschool. After hitting the three-month mark, I finally began to display the adult-like consciousness of Teriya. I had moved past the typical baby behavior, no longer crying or throwing tantrums like infants usually do. My family definitely noticed this change, and my parents even started bragging to our neighbors about how their daughter was so well-behaved. I rarely cried unless I needed my diapers changed—something that, as an adult, I can tell you is quite unfortunate—or if I was hungry.

My parents had somehow earned the title of the "go-to gurus" for raising children and it seemed like everyone turned to them for advice on proper parenting. Given how often neighbors dropped by each week, it was clear that keeping a calm household was quite the novelty for new parents. Of course, it wasn't because I was basically an adult trapped in a saiyan baby's body—definitely not the reason at all! As a result, my siblings began to teach me things that you definitely wouldn't expect to share with a three-month-old. One sunny weekend, I found myself sitting in the grass outside our farm, happily watching my older brother and sister squabble playfully. It was during these family weekends that we truly bonded together.

What exactly were they bickering about? My older sister beamed at me with a huge smile as she began to teach me how to say her name. My older brother quickly caught on to her game and joined in, leading to a lighthearted competition between them to see whose name I would say first. I never understood why this mattered so much—was it some kind of favoritism? Did whoever’s name I said gain a claim on my affection, which I thought was rather silly? But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.

I found myself tempted to give in to either of my older siblings as I watched them try to outdo each other, a big grin spreading across my face. Over time, I gradually started to accept these two as my new family, coming to terms with the fact that my previous life was truly over. Did that mean I had forgotten about it? Not in the slightest; a part of me still carried the pain of losing my old life a few months ago. Yet, the ache no longer held me back from moving forward. Perhaps one day, I could finally lay to rest the memories of my past.

One step at a time.

Years slipped by, and at the tender age of six, I found myself stepping into every child’s worst nightmare: school. On the bright side, it was the same school my little sister, Breetae, had been eagerly waiting to join for years. As I stood in front of the mirror, I was dressed in a long white shirt that draped past my waist, paired with black shorts that reached my upper thighs, complemented by white socks and shoes. I had tucked my tail underneath my shirt, securing it snugly around my waist—just a precaution to keep any pesky kids from grabbing hold of it. Seeing me myself like this reinforced the fact that this life as Teriya was indeed real and not some sort of elaborate dream.

Without warning I felt Breetae embrace me in a tight hug.

"Oh I can't believe my baby sister is going to the same school as me, this is the best day ever!" Breeate gushed, a big smile gracing her lips.

"Breetae, please stop..." I strained to say under the pressure of my sister's bone-crushing hug.

"But I'm so happy!" Breetae gushed on.

I rolled my eyes at her.

“Yeah, you said that already.” I raised two fingers in front of her. “Twice.”

“Oh come on, Teriya. Aren’t you excited?” Breetae asked, spreading her arms wide. “We'll get to go to the same class together, do projects, and make some new friends.”

I looked down at the floor as I reflected on my feelings. Honestly, I felt more anxious about the prospect of making new friends than excited. As we grow older, forming friendships can become more challenging, especially with the complexities of adult life. Unlike childhood, where all that mattered was who to spend playtime with, adulthood brings its own set of worries. 

“I’m more worried that I won’t make any new friends, sis,” I said.

Breetae took my hands in hers.

“Aww, don’t put too much worry on that, Teriya. I'm sure all the kids at school would love to be your friends,” Breetae reassured, her eyes beaming.

Breetae blinked. She looked over her shoulder and gasped.

“Oh my gosh, the bus is here!” Breetae announced, snapping her gaze towards the kitchen’s doorway. “Mama! We’re heading off!”

“Okay, have fun at school you two! And be safe!” Crimtae returned from the kitchen.

“We will!” Breetae firmly grasped my hand. “Come on, Teriya!”

Me and Breetae started a sprint out of the house and towards the bus. Once we reached the bus doors, the doors opened and we embarked with poise. Me and Breetae took our seats close to each other and waited for the vehicle to reach its destination. The bus proceeded forward, rumbling towards its subsequent destination. Making several stops in various parts of the neighborhood, we encountered a few other children along the way, eventually approaching our school that came to view from my window.

Thus began my journey through school life. I won't lie; everything felt completely alien compared to what I was used to back in my previous life in high school, and I was genuinely apprehensive about making mistakes. However, once I started attending classes, I breezed through the material. With the mindset of an adult, I tackled every test my teachers threw my way without any trouble. I proudly presented my perfect test scores to my parents, who were thrilled to see how smart their child was.

While I excelled academically, I struggled significantly with socializing. I had never been the most outgoing student and often preferred the company of my sister, books, to that of my peers. It seems that habit carried over, as I frequently found myself reading material that most kids my age would find challenging. I didn’t make any real effort to connect with others; after all, being an adult in the body of a child made it difficult to form friendships. Yet, once it became clear that I was the smartest kid in class, I found myself in a position of unexpected popularity—almost as sought after as the most coveted toys by my classmates.

My popularity skyrocketed when I saved a kid from a bully. I vividly recall the day my sister left to hang out with her friends. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted three kids laughing at another boy who was desperately trying to retrieve his glasses from a much larger bully. That sight ignited something in me, and before I knew it, I was striding over to confront them. I stood defiantly before the bully, who smirked down at me.

This lead bully was a couple of years older, significantly bigger, and had the unmistakable presence of a typical menace. Most kids would have backed down at the sight of him. But having the body of a child while carrying the mindset of an adult gave me a confidence that set me apart from others my age. Coupled with the added confidence that comes from being a pure-blooded Saiyan, I made a split-second decision. I punched that kid square in the face, breaking his nose and sending him crashing across the school grounds.

I had gotten the biggest dressing down from both my parents when they found me at the principal’s office. But that quickly changed when they found out I was defending someone from bullies. After that incident, I reveled in the face of fear that the bully would have whenever our paths crossed with a confident smile on my face. The old me from my previous life would've dreamed of being this confident. But just as I have established, what I did not account for from that specific incident, was the amount of attention I’ve drawn to myself.

"Teriya, will you be my friend?" This was the line that echoed around my desk as kids rushed in, eager to befriend me like bees flocking to honey. 

It must have been quite the sight for my sister to see her normally composed little sister suddenly acting as if the world was ending because of this newfound popularity. My mother, meanwhile, was thrilled to see me become the center of attention. I genuinely tried to be the person everyone expected me to be, but eventually, I needed my teacher to step in. She noticed I was overwhelmed and kindly explained to the class that it was inappropriate to pressure me into friendship—that I had a choice, too. After that, the swarm of eager classmates quieted down, leaving just a few who were still genuinely interested in becoming my friends, which I could manage. I focused on doing my best to be friendly and approachable, helping anyone in my class who had questions about the lecture.

Life at home was pretty similar. Aside from birthdays and family gatherings, nothing too earth-shattering ever happened. I appreciated the relative calm; I didn’t want to be caught up in some grand prophecy or anything like that. Instead, I just wanted to live my life to the fullest. Still, that didn’t stop me from finally diving into something I had been thinking about for quite a while: training.

I recalled a moment from my days as a Saiyan baby when my father discovered my very own scouter inside my Saiyan pod. He was quite intrigued by the device and was eager to find a way to power it up. When my uncle—who, to be honest, had a real grudge against me—came over for a visit, he explained that Saiyans use these gadgets to measure an opponent's power level. My father successfully turned on the scouter and placed it against his ear. As he looked around the living room at each of his children, the scouter began to read their power levels.

Only when he shifted his gaze towards me did his face change from calm to shock.

My father announced to everyone in the room that my power level was four-hundred-&-seventy-five.

I was truly taken aback by the news. At that time, I had minimal expectations and didn’t really pay much attention to my power level. However, discovering just how strong I actually was not only gave me a sense of pride, but sparked a fire within me to begin my own training behind the scenes. My goal wasn’t just to become stronger for myself, but to gain enough strength to shield my family from any threats they might face. I even started working on overcoming the weakness in my tail by applying a gentle squeeze. It was definitely a tough battle, but I was determined to push through it.

Goku had his journey to grow strong.

So did Vegeta.

Now it was time to start mine.

Breetae and I stepped out of the school building. The warm sun casting a golden glow over the brick façade. The sky stretched above us, a brilliant canvas of orange, free from any clouds, signaling the end of another school day. Around us, a throng of children sprinted past, their laughter ringing out like music as they engaged in playful banter and shared inside jokes. The air was filled with a vibrant energy, a mix of excitement and freedom, as friends waved goodbye and ran in various directions, each on a mission of their own. I turned to my sister, her hair catching the light, and together we strolled down the sidewalk. 

“So what’s with those moves you were doing, sis?” Breetae asked, looking at me curiously with a tilt of her head.

I glanced back at her with a raised brow.

“What do you mean?” I was confused.

Breetae closed her eyes and laughed nervously.

“I saw you snuck out of your room last night, and watched you doing cool moves at the crop’s clearing,” Breetae replied.

I turned away and palmed my forehead.

“And here I thought nobody saw me,” I muttered under my breath.

“Don’t worry, I’m the only one that saw,” Breetae assured me, beaming at me with a smile. “But seriously though, what were you doing out there?”

I glanced down at the ground.

“I was training,” I replied.

Breetae blinked.

“Why?” Breetae inquired.

“To get stronger and be ready for whatever conflict that may arise,” I answered.

Breetae chuckled at my answer.

“But sis, we’re at a time of peace,” Breetae insisted. “Nothing super bad is gonna happen.”

I turned my gaze towards my sister. I parted my lips to say something, but paused. I faced forward and saw someone standing six feet away from us. A man wearing a nice suit, parried with a fedora stared directly at me with a friendly smile crossing his features. The man took a few steps forward until he stood before us, stared down at me.

“Howdy kid,” he greeted, tipping his fedora. “Mind sparing me time for a good old chat?”

I stared up at him suspiciously.

Chapter Text

I looked up at the stranger standing before me. He was a red-skinned humanoid, dressed sharply in a crisp white suit paired with a matching fedora, and his yellow eyes seemed to pierce right through me. Even though I had been reincarnated into the world of Dragon Ball, the presence of a stranger still made me uneasy, especially when they appeared out of nowhere like this. I couldn’t shake the haunting tales I’d read about children being lured away in white vans, never to be seen again; it left me on high alert, despite the fantastical circumstances surrounding me now. The old me would have been too anxious and shy to even talk to this man. But things are different now.

“About what?” I asked, crossing my arms and arching a suspicious brow at the stranger.

The fedora man chuckled a little.

“About you, of course,” he replied.

My sister Breetae peaked out from behind me. Her small hands trembled as she reached for my sleeve, clearly unsettled by his presence.

“Why my sister?” Breetae asked, glancing nervously at the man.

The fedora man shifted his gaze towards Breetae.

“Well, let’s just say your sister caught my attention,” he replied, looking back at me. “I saw what you did to that boy a week ago.”

I slightly tilted my head.

“What? You’re his father or something?” I asked.

The fedora man shook his head.

“No, no I am not,” he replied. “But I am a business man, and I have come here to give you an offer.”

Me and Breetae exchanged a wary glance. The both of us tried to guess what kind of deal he was about to propose before he revealed his true intentions.

“Next month, a tournament will take place at the heart of Banglagu city. Every fighter across the globe will be there, both new and old,” he continued, smiling at us. “It’ll be a fight that’ll be remembered for generations, and the prize for winning the tournament will be 432 billion dreros.”

My eyes widened in disbelief as I processed the stranger’s words. Viewed through an American lens, that amounts to a jaw-dropping four hundred thirty-two billion dollars. With such a colossal sum, anyone could effortlessly wipe the slate clean—paying off debts that once felt insurmountable and settling every bill that ever loomed over them. It’s a life-altering fortune, the kind that could secure a comfortable existence for generations to come.

“Even though what I saw that day was brief, I can tell you have the eyes of a warrior,” he added, crouching in one knee and staring straight into my eyes. “Every fighter has great potential to become a strong, and powerful warrior at heart, and you are no exception, sweetheart. That’s why I’ve come here to not only ask you to be my fighter, but to offer you the chance to make a name for yourself, to make history.”

I glanced down at the ground. I felt my Saiyan blood surge at the thought of facing off against potentially formidable opponents. I fought the urge to let a curious smile creep onto my face, as a part of me was undeniably drawn to this offer. It promised a chance for me to gain valuable battle experience and grow stronger in the process. However, as appealing as it was, I knew I needed to tread carefully. This guy was still a stranger, after all; I wasn't about to lower my guard just because he knew how to play to my Saiyan instincts.

“Sorry, not interested,” I said flatly, raising my head.

The fedora man blinked. He smiled then stood up.

“Alright, I respect your answer,” he said, shoving his hand into his pocket. “But hey, if you happen to change your mind, here’s my card.”

The man in the fedora pulled out an orange card and handed it to me. I took the card and watched as he tipped his fedora to my sister and me one last time before turning away. In silence, we observed him saunter off toward another building in the distance, eventually blending into the bustling streets. Breetae tugged at my sleeve, her expression turning curious as she glanced at the card.

“You’re gonna keep it, right?” Breetae asked, shifting her gaze at me with curiosity. I arched a brow at her.

“Why would I?” I questioned, a bit puzzled.

Breetae blinked at me. looking a bit flabbergasted by my response.

“Why? Sis, four hundred billion is a big deal,” she argued, staring into space with stars in her eyes. “Can you imagine what we could do with that kind of money? I can buy lots of cute teddy bears and eat so much candy! Oh, the possibilities are endless!”

I rolled my eyes at her childish enthusiasm.

“The only thing you’ll be adding is a marathon of sugar rush in your system,” I retorted, smirking as Breetae pouted at me with narrowed eyes.

“Hey, don’t make fun of your big sister,” Breetae insisted, sticking her tongue out at me.

I snickered at her childishness.

“Too late, I just did,” I replied in a smug tone, winking at her. She puffed her cheeks in annoyance.

Without thinking I placed the card in my pocket.

“Come on, let’s hurry up and get back home. Mom’s probably wondering where we are,” I suggested, walking down the sidewalk.

Me and Breetae walked down the sidewalk in silence. But after a few minutes my sister spoke up again.

“Teriya, have you ever thought about your family?” Breetae asked, glancing at me curiously.

I glanced back at her with puzzlement.

“Of course I do,” I replied.

Breetae shook her head.

“No, I mean,” Breetae explained, trailing off. “Like…your REAL family, your saiyan home world?”

I stared at Breetae for a moment. It’s interesting she brought this up because I often found myself wondering what my real parents were like. Considering my power level, I speculated that perhaps my mom and dad were middle-class warriors. It would have been nice to have seen them before I was sent to this planet. But I didn’t dwell on it for long—I already knew deep down that Planet Vegeta was lost to me now. Even if it somehow still existed, I wouldn’t dare go back; not with Frieza lurking around.

“Sometimes,” I replied. “But it doesn’t matter. You and everyone back home are my family, and that’s enough for me.”

Breetae responded to my words with a gentle smile. Then she embraced me in a warm hug, which took me by surprise.

“I’m so glad,” Breetae said, sniffling softly. “Don’t get me wrong, I would've been happy for you to be reunited with your people. But I would also be sad at the thought that I may never see you again.”

I took a moment to collect my thoughts. A comforting warmth filled my chest as I reflected on our journey together since my childhood. In many ways, she feels like the sister I never had. I smiled genuinely and embraced her, grateful for the bond we share.

“Don’t worry sis,” I assured her in a soft voice, smiling. “I’m not going anywhere.”

We both stayed in that heart warming moment together.

It was another bustling day at school and the cafeteria was alive with the energy of students gathering in groups. The air was filled with the sound of animated discussions and laughter as everyone enjoyed their meals. The chefs were efficiently serving portions to each student who approached the line. My sister, Breetae, and I were seated at our table. Her friends were sitting across from us, engaging in a lively conversation with her. While I appreciated their interaction, my mind wandered as I reflected on my progress in training. 

I realized that I hadn't made any strides in my secret training due to my limited knowledge of hand-to-hand combat. However, I had achieved a small milestone: my power level had reached four hundred seventy-eight. With this foundation, I felt motivated to learn more and improve my skills in the future. Maybe I could ask my father to train me? I had heard from one of my older siblings that my father is a former champion. However, with how busy his schedule is, I don’t think he would have time.

Asking him is definitely off the table. Back in my previous life, there were karate dojos, so it's only logical that this city has one too. That's where I can truly hone my fighting style, which is essential for a Saiyan warrior. I've also been diligently practicing with my tail. While I’m not completely free from my weakness yet, I can feel significant progress. Once I overcome that weakness, I won’t have to worry about some punk grabbing my tail and freezing me in place.

“Hey sis, I'm heading to the bathroom,” I said, standing up from my seat.

Breetae glanced up at me.

“Okay, I’ll be waiting,” Breetae replied, smiling softly.

After leaving the bustling cafeteria, I made my way through the dimly lit hallways toward the bathroom. The air was thick with the scent of disinfectant and the faint echo of laughter seemed to fade as I pushed open the heavy bathroom door. Once inside, I opted for a stall toward the back, seeking a moment of solitude. As I took care of my business, I could hear the muffled sounds of chatter and footsteps outside.

Just as I was about to rise and return to my day, the sound of hurried footsteps intruded upon my moment of peace. I instinctively froze, remaining seated, my heart picking up pace. I peered down at the floor, watching a shadow flicker just outside my stall. The silhouette moved back and forth, each step echoing a growing sense of urgency. The person seemed restless, their nervous pacing suggesting something was amiss and pulling my curiosity with it. I strained to hear, pondering who it could be and what was causing their agitation.

“Hello? Yea, it’s me,” the feminine voice called out. Probably talking to someone on the phone. “Is my mother okay? Oh, thank goodness. …I’m…I will get you the money, I promise. I just need—. What? No! No, I didn’t spend your money I swear! I…I lost it. Someone snatched it from me without me noticing, I don’t know who—but I will get you more—MUCH more! No! No, no, please, please! Don’t hurt her! I swear on my life I will get you back the money!! Yes! Yes, I will! Two days? B-But I need more then—.…okay. Okay…I understand.”

There was a moment of silence. Then I heard the girl start to cry quietly. I decided right there and then to announce myself. I unlocked the latch before swinging the door open, and stepped out of the stall. The girl whirled around to face me and I began studying her appearance.

The little girl standing before me was a striking blue-skinned humanoid. She was petite, no taller than a child of five, with delicate features that reflected a curious blend of innocence and otherworldliness. Her large, expressive eyes sparkled like sapphires, filled with a mixture of wonder and mischief. Soft wispy hair framed her face, cascading down her shoulders in shades of brunette and a heart-shaped face. She wore a dark blue cardigan over her school uniform which features a white button down with a pink bow and white skirt underneath. She was also quite pretty.

“I-It’s you. The enigma girl,” the girl said, her countenance etched with surprise.

I arched a brow at her.

“Enigma girl?” I repeated, folding my arms over my chest. “Who told you that was my name?”

The girl shyly glanced at the floor while stroking her hair.

“Well, that’s what everyone is calling you,” she replied, shifting her gaze back at me. “You’re not exactly one of us, you know. No offense.”

I rolled my eyes.

“None taken,” I responded sarcastically.

I walked past her and began washing my hands over the sink with soap. Once I was finished, I ripped off a piece of paper towel and wiped my hands.

“Um, how much did you hear?” She asked.

I briefly glanced at her then returned back to wiping my hands.

“I’ve heard enough,” I replied. I crumpled up the wet paper towel and threw it in the garbage before turning back to face her. “I know this ain’t my business, but mind telling me what that was about?”

The girl hesitated. She glanced down at the floor with a frown, holding her arm shyly.

“My mother is sick. Really sick—she has stage four breast cancer,” she answered meekly. “The many doctors we’ve spoken to couldn’t help her, but one other doctor we talked to said she can be saved and the treatment can remove it for good. But the problem is we don’t have the money to begin the surgery, so, I’ve been trying to earn enough to help my mother. In case you ask, no, she’s not aware of what I’m doing. In fact, I managed to earn over 14,672 dreros. But some thief that I didn’t even notice at the time stole it from me, and by the time I realized what happened it was too late. Now I….I don’t know what to do.”

I couldn’t help but frown as I watched the girl in front of me start crying again. For some reason, her story brought back memories of my grandma from my previous life. She battled stage four breast cancer as well, and I clearly recall the times my family and I visited her in the hospital whenever we could. We did our best to provide her with as much comfort as possible. She was with us for two years before cancer finally took her from us. The pain of that memory still stung my heart.

“Who’s the person you were speaking to on the phone?” I asked.

The girl sniffled and looked at me with tears falling down her cheeks.

“I…I don’t know his name, but I met him a few days ago,” she replied. “He pulled me into a corner and forced a job upon me; he said he wanted me to collect 15,732 dreros and hand it to him in two days. He also said that if I don’t get him the money, he’ll kill my mother first then me.”

I felt my eyes narrow. “Did you try informing the police about him?”

She shook her head.

“I wanted to, but he warned me he had his boys watching me,” she answered. “If I tried anything, they’ll kill us.”

I looked down at the floor. I felt a deep sympathy for the girl’s situation. As I listened, it became clear that things were getting increasingly difficult for her. The thought of someone pressuring her into such a job stirred a strong sense of injustice within me. At that moment, I resolved to take action and find a way to help her.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

She blinked.

“Um, Silliya,” the girl named Silliya replied.

I stepped close to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“When school is over, meet me outside,” I instructed, pulling my hand back and starting toward the bathroom’s exit.

“Wait, why?” Silliya asked, twisting her torso and gaze bewilderingly at me.

I stood at the entrance with my back facing Silliya.

“First, you’re gonna take me to this person you’ve spoken to. I’m gonna make sure he and his boys don't bother you or your mother ever again,” I said, glancing at her over my shoulder. “Then I’m gonna help you get your money back.”

I turned away from Silliya and exited the bathroom without another word.

Chapter Text

The heart of Banglagu city pulsed with vibrancy and energy. It was a sprawling metropolis where dreams were chased, cultures intertwined, and history unfolded. Citizens, with their red and blue hues, moved through the streets, each wrapped up in their daily routines. Businessmen dressed in sharp black suits wove through the throngs, eager to reach their offices as quickly as possible. The roads were alive with an array of vehicles, ranging from ordinary cars and school buses to heavy trucks, all making their way toward various destinations. It kinda reminded me of New York for some reason.

I led the way down the sidewalk while Silliya and Breetae followed closely behind. I could see that Breetae was captivated by the sights and sounds surrounding her; her wide eyes absorbed everything with a sense of wonder and excitement. She had told me in advance that she’s never been this deep into the city before. Although I was also impressed by the vibrant scene, I made sure not to let it divert my attention. Right now, I was on a mission, and I needed to stay focused. I even took my scouter with me, anticipating it might come in handy for what lay ahead.

“Wow, this city is so big,” Breetae mused as she gazed around at the tall buildings.

Silliya turned her gaze toward me.

“Um, why did we bring your sister along?” Silliya asked, arching a brow at me.

I sighed.

“I wanted it to just be the two of us, but my sister overheard us and said she wanted to help too,” I replied, turning my gaze towards Breetae with narrowed eyes. “She even went as far as threatening to tell our parents my secret training if I didn’t bring her along.”

Breetae responded to my statement by sticking out her tongue. Silliya blinked at me in surprise.

“Secret training?” Silliya repeated, tilting her head slightly. “Is that why you’re so strong?”

I nodded.

“You can say that,” I replied. “Although I must admit that I don’t have much skill in hand to hand combat nor do I know any techniques to enhance the strength within myself.”

Silliya turned away from me. She tapped her chin with one finger and pursed her lips thoughtfully.

“Well…” Silliya began. “If you want, I could ask my elder cousin to teach you how to fight. She does know the importance of skill and technique better than anyone. And she’s really, really strong.”

I raised an eyebrow at the offer. The idea of learning martial arts from an adult seemed like a fantastic opportunity, especially the thought of fighting someone stronger than me. That really got my Saiyan blood pumping. As I reflected on it, I started to wonder if this was how Saiyans felt when faced with a challenge. It was odd, yet I found myself strangely enjoying it.

“Hmm… sounds fun, Yeah, I don’t mind,” I stated. “When will I meet her?”

Silliya closed her eyes and chuckled nervously.

“Heh, heh, I’m sorry Teriya. But she just left,” Silliya explained. “She won’t be back until next Monday.”

I felt a bit disappointed; I thought he would teach me right after we were down dealing with Silliya’s problems. But I guess that couldn’t happen now.

“Well, that’s too bad,” I commented as I shrugged my shoulders. “Anyway, how close are we?”

Silliya stopped in her tracks and pointed to her right.

“We’re close. There’s a secret hideout down the path of this alleyway,” Silliya replied. “But we should be careful. When we turn left, there will be a guard standing next to the door.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Okay, then this is where we’ll start,” I declared.

I began unstrapping my backpack from my shoulders and pulled down the zipper of the main compartment. As I rummaged inside, my hand emerged with my scouter in my palm. I carefully zipped the compartment back up before placing the scouter on my ear. I then handed my backpack to Breetae, who took it by the handle. Shifting my gaze towards the alleyway, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.

I started down the alleyway with Silliya and Breetae following behind me. The ground was littered with garbage strewn throughout the area. We walked in silence for several minutes until Silliya spoke up again.

“There,” Silliya said quietly.

Silliya stopped abruptly and pointed toward a doorway located directly beside another entrance into the alley. She pointed toward the red-humanoid guards positioned at either side of the door, alert, ready to act. I gave them a quick once over with my eyes, and took the opportunity to activate my scouter. The tech’s green lens came to life as the crosshairs locked on the guard to the right. Numbers dialed up in a blur on the scouter’s hud, until it reached man’s current power: Ninety.

Okay, his power level is ninety, I thought.

I shifted the scouter’s crosshairs towards the other guard. The device began to decipher said guard’s power before the numbers ended at his current position—ninety three. Damn, these guys are ants compared to me. This will be a piece of cake.

“Okay, you two wait here, I’m going in,” I declared. Silliya and Breetae nodded.

I marched toward the two guards with confidence filling my saiyan blood. The pair noticed me immediately, they were alert but were confused at the same time. I stopped before the guards and folded my arms and grinned at them.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” I greeted, looking between the two of them. “If you guys could kindly let me through, I promise I won’t embarrass you by introducing you to the ground.”

The two guards exchanged confused glances. Then the pair burst out laughing, as if I uttered the funniest joke they had ever heard.

“Haha, oh man. You’re funny, kid,” Guard 1 laughed.

Guard 2 nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, you should be a comedian,” guard 2 added.

Guard 1 cleared his throat.

“Jokes aside, you should really run off kid,” Guard 1 said, then placed a hand on my head while smirking . “This place i’snt for kids like you. So why don’t you run off to your momma and—”

I delivered a sharp, straight punch to the guard’s belly, feeling the impact reverberate through my fist. His eyes widened in shock, the color draining from his face as he gasped for breath, struggling to understand what had just happened. The sound of his labored inhalation filled the tense air around us. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of the second guard; his expression was a mix of disbelief and terror, his wide eyes practically screaming that he hadn't expected such a sudden turn of events. The adrenaline surged through me as the reality of the situation settled in, and I stared back at the shocked guard I assaulted with satisfaction.

“Thank you for your kind words, sir. But I’m not stupid,” I retorted, grinning confidently as the first guard fell to his knees on the floor clutching his gut. “And I’m not like other kids.”

The guard struggled to utter a few more indistinct words before collapsing face-first onto the ground. I glanced down at his motionless body for a moment before quickly shifting my gaze to the second guard. Before he could react, I sprang up, swinging my arm and delivering a powerful punch to his gut. He flew back, crashing into the wall with a loud thud. The impact was so severe that it left cracks radiating out like a spider web. He then crumpled to the floor, becoming the second guard to lose consciousness.

“Okay guys, you come out now. It’s safe,” I called out, glancing at Silliya and Breetae hiding from afar over my shoulder.

Silliya and Breetae slowly stepped out from their hiding places behind some trash containers and approached me. Once they reached me, Silliya looked at the wall where the second guard had struck. She stared in both shock and awe.

“Oh my,” Silliya breathed, gazing intently on the crack in the wall.

Breetae stared with sparkles in her eyes as she stared in complete amazement at the scene before her. Her mouth hung open as she gaped at the damage done to the wall.

“That was amazing! This is even cooler than those action scenes I’ve watched on tv!” Silliya exclaimed.

I glanced at my sister and placed my hand on her shoulder.

“Focus sister, we’re not out of the woods yet,” I advised, turning my gaze towards the door.

I stepped towards the door, lifting my leg to kick it open. With a forceful thrust, my foot connected with the wood, cracking it as the door tore free from its hinges and crashed to the floor in front of us. Cautiously, I stepped inside and took stock of my surroundings. A narrow hallway stretched out before me, veering sharply to the right at the end. I moved forward carefully, with Silliya and Breetae trailing closely behind me. We rounded a corner and proceeded cautiously down the hall.

The three of us approached a door that was slightly ajar. I raised my hand and gently pushed it open, revealing a spacious room. To our left was a kitchen, while to our right sat a living room where I spotted four people sprawled on the couch. One was absorbed in typing on his phone, another was engrossed in a game, controller in hand, and the third was sipping on a glass of wine. I exchanged glances with Silliya and Breetae beside me and signaled for them to stay put. They nodded in understanding, and I turned my attention back to the three men on the couch as I made my way toward them.

I rounded the couch and stood before the man holding the game controller. He and the two other men blinked in surprise upon seeing me. The man in the middle dropped his controller, immediately standing upright.

“Wh-What the—How did you get in here?” The man stammered. He had a deep, raspy voice that seemed to have some sort of Spanish accent attached to it.

I watched the third man look over his shoulder and staring at my sister and Silliya.

“Hey! Why are you here, runt?!” The third man demanded, pointing his finger in her direction. “Shouldn’t you be out collecting money for us?!”

I narrowed my eyes at the third man.

“Hey, eyes on me!” I barked at him, prompting the others to look at me by the snap of my fingers.

My eyes flickered to the red skinned man holding his empty glass of wine. He is a young-looking man with long, spiky chocolate hair that stretches above and slightly in front of his face. He wears a pair of earrings alongside his casual attire. He also has small pupils within his eyes.

The second man was a tall blue skinned adult with short dark brown hair and gray eyes. He was seen wearing a white buttoned-up shirt underneath a dull blue overcoat. The last man standing in the middle was tall, slim and middle-aged with slicked greying hair, black eyes and a strong jawline. His hands are noticeably hairy and adorned with an assortment of jewelry. He wears typical mafia clothing consisting of a black suit with blue tux and gray pants with a plum ascot tie.

“Now, look at the girl standing at the entrance,” I ordered. The man blinked in bewilderment before glancing at Siliya over his shoulder. “You know that girl, right?”

The third man looked back at me.

“Yes,” the third man answered.

“Okay, here’s the deal old man,” I started, folding my arms. “Whatever business you had with her, it’s over. I want you and your boys to leave her and her mother alone, and surrender yourselves to the authorities.”

The second man got up on his feet and glared at me.

“Kid, who the hell do you think you are?!” The second man shouted angrily. I remained calm and confident. “You think you can just barge in here, demand that we cease our livelihood, and we would just comply?!”

I chuckled at his outburst.

“Yeah actually,” I casually replied. “But if you don’t then I’ll just have to beat you guy’s noggins until you submit.”

The middle aged man crouched in eye level with me and smirked.

“Oh, yeah?” He challenged menacingly. “Need I remind you that you’re just a weak little child, and we’re three strong men.”

I tapped on my scouter the second he said that. The device scanned all three of their power levels, then stopped once the scan finished. The second man’s power level was sixty, eighty for the third, and one-hundred for the middle aged man.

“Alright.” I let my hand fall back to my side and grinned confidently at the middle aged man. “But remember…I gave you an out.”

Thus I began giving them the worst whooping unknown to man.

All the while my sister was silently cheering me on.

Two officers were eating their donuts together. Their police vehicles were parked near the sidewalk of Banglagu city. The pair had just finished a grueling twelve hour shift and needed some coffee and sugar. The officer’s partner swallowed down his food and glanced at the other man sitting across from him.

“Hey, can I tell you something crazy?” The young officer asked.

The older officer with a mustache glanced at the young man before shrugging his shoulders.

“Meh, go ahead,” the older officer replied.

The young man nodded at this.

“So, I have a grandma back home,” began. “For a while now, she’s been having these dreams that come to her every night, and it always ends the same.  She would see the silhouette of a boy—a child in height with a long and stretchy antenna on his head, and bright burning red eyes. She witnessed this mysterious boy destroying planets, one after the other. And the dreams of one other individual uttering his name.”

The older officer raised a brow.

“And, what is his name?” The older man asked, looking at his young partner curiously.

The young officer parted his mouth to answer. But before he could, the pair became alert by a soft knock on glass. The older officer snapped to his left as his eyes met a little girl with spiky black hair and a brown furry tail. Two other girls stood behind her, one waved happily with enthusiasm, and the other waved awkwardly. The older officer rolled down his window and looked at each of them with puzzlement etched on his countenance.

“Uh, can I help you kids?” The older officer spoke.

The spiky haired girl nodded her head.

“Yes,” she replied.

The spiky hair girl pointed to her right. The older officer followed the motion and saw three men sitting on the ground, tied up in ropes in a triangle formation. He blinked in shock when he saw how beat up they looked. Two men were bleeding from their noses, and their faces showed that they had already lost consciousness. One had a broken nose and groaned in pain. The older officer slowly turned his gaze back at the spiky hair girl.

“I like to report a crime,” the spiky haired girl said, her arms crossed over her chest.

The older officer blinked again as he listened attentively to the story the girl told.

Chapter Text

My sister and I were hiding behind a bush as we watched Silliya walking around the park. Said park was filled with kids playing with their friends, parents and siblings. Sons and daughters with their mothers and fathers pushing their children on swings, birds eating seeds off the ground from an elderly woman pulling more seeds off of her bag. From afar, a man was down on his knees holding a tiny black box and showing it to the women he loved; everyone already knew what’s bound to happen between those two. The woman squealed akin to a fangirl when the man asked her to marry him, and she instantly accepted the offer.

On the corner sat a couple of young men who had decided to take advantage of the weather and walk around town together. Groups of girls walked by whilst filling the air with their laughter and chatter about their plans. One teenage individual sat on the grass with their back against the tree, scribbling on their sketchbook. But whatever they were sketching is not of my concern right now. Right now I’m playing the waiting game.

The story of Silliya having her money stolen started here in this park. From what Silliya told me, she recalled sitting on the park bench alone, reading her favorite book. While reading said book, she suddenly felt the wind slightly blowing on her face which caused her eyes to close for a second. She didn’t pay it any mind even after she opened them, however, that changed when she was in a grocery store and discovered that all the money she had in her wallet was gone. Unfortunately she couldn’t see the person that took her money at the time; the thief was too fast for her to notice.

I immediately hatched a plan after Silliya told me her story. If we are to catch this thief before Silliya loses another portion of her money, then we need to rehearse the situation. Which is precisely why I had the shy girl sitting on the same bench where our current scenario occurred. We have been practicing this scene since yesterday afternoon; With everything in place, all we have to do now is wait and hope our thief will take the bait. Twenty minutes had passed by now and nothing happened so far. I could see from the corner of my eye that Breetae had suddenly fallen asleep.

I decided to leave her be.

Poor girl was getting bored doing all this waiting.

I proceeded to wait for another two minutes until I paused. Hidden beneath the tree’s mirage of leaves, I saw movement. Then something leapt out and landed on another tree as they disappeared into the bushy green leaves. All I saw of their appearance was a black blur. Through each leap they were getting closer to where Silliya was seated, the latter unaware of their presence. I narrowed my eyes at where the black blur was hiding as I prepared myself to pounce.

Silence eroded my patience once again as the figure remained still as a stone. The bushes were swaying and every time it seemed like the sound of a branch rustling would get my attention; however, it never did. It seemed like my prey wanted to go unnoticed or maybe they were simply waiting for the right opportunity. My fists clenched in anticipation for the hidden thief’s move. Sounds of the world around me seemed to cease; even my breathing became quiet. And finally, the blur leapt out and was followed by whips of wind as they dashed towards the unsuspecting Silliya. 

I stood up from my hiding position and leapt towards the blur, the world blurring past me. I tackled them to the ground as soon as I came within arms reach. I pinned the thief against the ground while pinning both their wrists behind them with my hands. They struggled against my grip as I held on tighter than ever.

“Ha! Caught ya red handed, you thief,” I spat out as I stared down the culprit.

I couldn’t see the thief’s face due to the hood that they wore over their heads. I pulled said hood off, revealing their identity to me and I blinked in surprise. Pinned beneath me in my vice grip, I stare back at the fear filled eyes of a child. A boy who I assume must be the same age as me, maybe younger. The boy had blue skin, charcoal curly hair that cascaded down to his shoulders and nape, and dark chocolate eyes. The two of us were so locked in a staring contest that I didn’t notice Breetae and Silliya approaching us until they stood beside me.

“Yay! You got ‘em,” Breetae cheered excitedly. 

Silliya crouched to one knee and glared at the thief.

“Give back what you stole from me,” Silliya demanded.

The thief looked away as if afraid of looking into Silliya’s eyes. When he only honored her with silence, I put more pressure onto his wrist and he winced in pain. The scared boy looked back at Silliya as his face strained with panic.

“Okay, okay, fine,” he said nervously. “Just don’t hurt me please!”

I picked him up and had him standing upright.

“You know where you’re keeping the cash?” I asked, looking at him sternly.

The thief nodded.

“Y-Yes, I can take you there,” he replied.

I exchanged glances with Breetae and Silliya before looking back at the boy.

“Okay, start walking. I catch even the slightest whiff if something’s not right, one hair standing up from the back of my head—It won’t end pretty for you. Got it?”

The thief nodded frantically and began leading the three of us out of the park. We walked down a sidewalk for two minutes until he led us to a dark alley. We stopped in front of a backpack situated next to a dumpster, and the thief picked it up. He turned around to face us with worry etched on his countenance.

“Before I give it to you, please promise me that you won’t tell the cops on me,” he begged.

The three of us exchanged glances with each other before I turned to the thief with narrowed eyes. The thief gulped.

“Alright, we promise. But in exchange.” I approached the boy and grabbed him by the collar. “You owe us an explanation for your crimes.”

The thief blinked and nodded his head in agreement.

It was another afternoon after classes had wrapped up and students flooded into the Westdrood Mall’s food court to unwind. The bustling space was alive with groups of friends chatting animatedly, their laughter and lively conversations echoing throughout the area. As they dug into their meals, the chefs efficiently served delicious portions to everyone in line. Throngs of individuals strolled through the mall, engaging in discussions that spanned topics from sports to politics. A few students who had come alone were making their way to work, juggling their jobs with school life.

The three of us sat across from the boy at the table. Breetae kept her gaze fixed on the thief, munching on the fries she had ordered. Sillya mirrored my sister’s intensity, narrowing her eyes as she scrutinized him. I took my place in the middle, arms crossed, waiting for the boy to explain his actions. The blue-skinned boy stared at the table with shame etched on his countenance. Looking deep in thought before lifting his head to gaze at the three of us.

“Five days ago, my father was taken into jail,” the boy began slowly. “My uncle told me the crime that the officers claimed my father had committed was the murder of twenty innocent people. From what my uncle told me, my father was just leaving the grocery store and ended up at the wrong place - at the wrong time. The cops who saw him thought he was responsible and despite my father saying otherwise, the police arrested him. My father already has a lawyer doing their best to fight for his innocence and freedom.”

I crossed my arms.

“That still doesn’t explain why you were stealing from my classmate,” I pointed out.

The boy flinched. He took a deep breath before speaking.

“I never wanted to commit theft, but I had no choice,” he explained. “I didn’t want my father to spend the rest of his life in prison with no hope of getting out. I thought if I collect enough dreros, I could bail him out—free him from his prison.”

I glanced at Breetae as she spoke up.

“Bail him out? How much dreros is required for his freedom?” Breetae asked, looking at the boy curiously.

The boy was quiet for a moment.

“Ten million,” he replied eventually, staring down into his food.

I blinked in shock hearing his reply.

“Ten million?!” Sillya and Breetae repeated in sync.

“Our family is not wealthy. Nor are we poor, but at the same time we didn’t have enough to bail my father out of jail. Not even my uncle can help him with the dreros he had,” he continued. “You can see why I did what I did; I was desperate, and I would have done more had you not stop me. But If I can’t even do that….I….I don’t know what else to do.”

I exchanged glances with Breetae and Silliya. I felt the weight of our conversation settle in as I looked down at the table, my mind began to process everything we had discussed so far. In that moment, the memory of the man in the fedora I had encountered just two days ago emerged in my thoughts. He had offered me a chance to enter the world tournament, with a tempting reward for whoever wins the final match. If I were to take part in the tournament and come out on top, I could use the prize money to bail this boy’s father out of jail.

“Teriya, what are we going to do?” Silliya asked, glancing at me with curiosity.

I briefly glanced at her before looking back at the boy across from me.

“I’ll admit, you seemed to be in a big pickle,” I commented to the boy. “But there’s still light at the end of the tunnel. After hearing all of what you told me, I now know what I must do.”

Breetae glanced at me with wide eyes.

“Teriya, you don’t mean…” Breetae hesitated, looking at me as though she knew what I was thinking. I nodded.

“Yup,” I replied, glancing at Silliya. “Silliya, your cousin won’t be back until Monday, right?”

Silliya blinked at me in surprise. 

“Oh, um, Yeah. Why?” She responded, confused by my sudden question. I smiled confidently as I felt my saiyan blood pumping in my veins.

“That’s good, then that gives me just enough time for one whole month,” I said.

I turned my head in time to look back at the boy.

“Time?” The boy repeated, his eyes flickering between mine and my sister. “Time for what?”

I grinned at the boy.

“To train for the world tournament,” I replied. The boy blinked at me in surprise.

“You’re participating?” He asked.

“Yes,” I replied, nodding my head. “The tournament won’t start until next month, so that gives me enough time to not only wait for Silliya’s cousin to come back to town but hopefully ask her to teach me a thing or two. Hopefully if I win the prize money, I’ll hand you the money you need so you can bail your dad out.”

The boy blinked. Tears began to well up on his eyes as he sat there. He slowly bowed his head out of respect for me.

“Thank you, thank you so much,” he said, his tone laced with genuine and sincere gratitude.”

I blinked while raising a brow. A surprising realization dawned on me.

“Hey, I never got your name?” I asked, looking at the boy curiously.

The boy wiped his tears away and smiled softly at me.

“Delo.”

In a distant corner of Universe Seven's galaxy, on a planet that remains a mystery to many who haven't ventured there, a powerful red-skinned woman named Tsukay stood amidst the remains of countless fallen fighters scattered across the alleyway. With her strikingly muscular yet curvaceous physique, she commanded attention. Tsukay sported short, choppy black hair streaked with white, styled in a chin-length cut complemented by crooked bangs that split at her forehead and flowed into side tails reaching her shoulders. She wore a simple white t-shirt, paired with snug dark blue jeans and pale yellow sandals, blending a casual look with her formidable presence. She grinned confidently at every gang member she defeated with her hands on her hips. Each and every one of them groaned in pain from the blows she delivered to them.

“I…can’t believe it,” one gang member said, panting heavily. “We’ve been beaten.”

“And by a freaking woman,” another gang member added.

Tsukay chuckled.

“Not just any woman, boys. The woman~,” Tsukay emphasized as her grin grew. “And you best not ever forget it, hahahahaha!”

Tsukay laughed triumphantly at the gang members, but her amusement faded as she blinked in surprise. In an instant, she rolled her body and with a swift motion, caught the last gang member’s hand in her grasp. His eyes widened in disbelief; he hadn’t expected such speed! Shock registered on his face as she effortlessly blocked him and yanked him down toward her. Before he could react, Tsukay thrust her knee into his gut, causing him to double over, gasping for breath. Tsukay turned her attention to another gang member and crouched down to one knee.

“Now.” She picked the man up by the hair and leveled him until their eyes met. “Where is your boss? And please, don’t try to lie. Because I’ll know if you are.”

The gang member gulped audibly.

“My boss will kill me if I talk,” he said.

The gang member she stunned slowly got up on his feet. He was about to reach for his pistol, but then the woman used her other hand, and channeled a ki-blast on her palm before hurtling the ball of energy at the gangster. Said gangster was vaporized in an instant and left behind dust of his remains.

“Uh huh,” Tsukay responded, unimpressed.

The gang member decided not to mess around any further and began telling her all she needed to know.

Chapter Text

The fourth day of school wrapped up on a rather dull note. After the lunch period, nothing of consequence happened. There were no strange occurrences, no unexpected visitors bursting into the classroom, and definitely no monstrous creatures disrupting the calm. It was during moments like these that I sometimes forgot I was born into the Dragon Ball Universe. My sister, Silliya, and I strolled leisurely toward the academy's gates, feeling no urgency to leave the school grounds. In contrast, students rushed past us, eager to escape and spend the rest of the day with their friends.

As I navigated the streets of Banglagu on autopilot, the world around me began to fade. My body moved effortlessly down the sidewalk beside my friends, while my mind wandered through the weighty events I hoped to avoid. Lost in thoughts of the future, I tried to distract myself from the looming shadows of uncertainty. Vivid images of this world’s fate played out in my head, interspersed with memories of iconic characters like Goku and Vegeta. Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t jump at the chance to befriend the main protagonist himself—the true hero of this realm.

But I've always pushed that thought aside. The idea of not just meeting Goku but also Vegeta—especially Vegeta—has lingered in my mind. I can vividly recall my childhood feelings toward him during the Saiyan saga, where his cruelty towards Goku and his friends and his overwhelming arrogance fueled by Saiyan pride genuinely disgusted me. If Vegeta were to discover my existence as a female Saiyan survivor who escaped the destruction of Planet Vegeta, I can only imagine the trouble I'd be in. I might put up a good fight, but let’s face it—this is Vegeta we’re talking about.

Nappa might try to involve himself, and as for Radditz, he'd stand no chance; I could easily take him down if I grow strong enough in the future. But ultimately, it’s Vegeta I need to stay clear of. The same goes for Frieza and his forces. I have no idea how close or far my home planet is in the universe, but I can only hope it’s far enough away from that tyrannical emperor's grasp. I’ve witnessed the horrors he inflicted on Planet Namek in the show, and I have no desire to experience anything like that firsthand. The very thought of seeing goons like Cui or Dodoria hurting my family sends a chill down my spine.

“Um, thank you,” Silliya spoke up.

Me and Breetae glanced at her.

“Thank you for helping me—getting those mean men to leave me alone and getting my money back,” Silliya elaborated, looking at me with gratitude set in her eyes. “I don’t know what I would do without your help.”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Don’t mention it,” I responded.

I faced the sidewalk again and proceeded to walk forward.

“So have you talked to your parents about it?” Silliya asked.

I glanced at Silliya.

“About what?” I inquired.

“About you participating in the tournament,” Silliya replied.

I shook my head.

“No, but I plan to tonight once the whole family is gathered,” I answered. “I just hope my mother and father would be understanding of my decision, and not reject out of paranoia for their daughter’s safety.”

Breetae tilted her head and smiled at me.

“Well, you are our family’s greatest treasure, even if you have the spirit of a warrior,” Breetae stated.

I glanced at the floor with a frown.

“Not everyone, sister,” I reminded her.

Breetae arched a brow at me.

“What do you mean? Of course our—oh! Oh,” Breetae realized, her face crestfallen.

Silliya looked between me and my sister with confusion washing over her countenance.

“What’s wrong?” Silliya asked, her tone laced with concern.

Breetae and I exchanged a wary glance. We decided it would be best to take Silliya to a cliff overlooking the city of Banglagu, as discussing my dark heritage and family issues in public felt unsafe. Once we reached the spot, we began to share everything she needed to know. I explained that I was a Saiyan, touching on bits of the Saiyan's troubled history and how I had come to their home planet. We also shared the story of my uncle, who held a deep-seated grudge against me simply because of my origins, despite my upbringing in a humble family. Silliya was silent for a moment as we finished our tale.

“I’m so sorry, Teriya,” Silliya finally spoke after an extended silence. “I can’t imagine how hard that must be. Dealing with a family member that loathes you, for being born into something that isn’t your fault.”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Meh, it’s fine. I’ve gotten used to it by now,” I answered nonchalantly.

Breetae shook her head from the corner of my eye.

“No, it’s not fine Teriya,” Breetae insisted. “We’re supposed to be a happy family. Yet uncle is so chained to the past that he refuses to see you as his niece, and what’s worse? He doesn’t even come to our family gatherings anymore—simply because of not just your presence but what you are.”

I couldn't help but frown at Breetae's words. Deep down, I knew she was right. Ever since my adoptive parents took me in as a baby, my uncle had refused to acknowledge my existence, despite my mother’s constant pleas for him to join us at family reunions. I vividly remember a time when he did show up; he approached my crib and looked down at me with a glare that brimmed with contempt. That turned out to be his last visit to the farm, and I hadn’t seen him since.

“But even so, I won’t lose hope,” Breetae continued. Me and Silliya stared at Breetae in shock and interest, wondering where she gets so much of her optimism from. “I have hope that uncle will one day come around, and truly see you as family.”

I felt my lips forming a small smile as I looked at her.

“Yeah. One day, sis,” I agreed, turning my gaze towards the beautiful sight of the far away city. “One day.”

The three of us sat and stared peacefully at the faraway city.

I gathered around the table with my siblings while my mother busily cooked in the kitchen. Her culinary skills had blossomed, especially since she had to keep up with my enormous appetite. It was something my family just couldn’t grasp—how could one person eat so much? Sure, my family has a hearty appetite, and my mother had some peculiar cravings when she was pregnant with Breetae—she never liked space burgers until then! But I was on a whole different level, devouring around seven times the usual amount on a slow day and even up to twelve times after training sessions. It baffled her to no end.

My family and I finally sat down to eat once my mother had dinner ready for everyone. Breetae and I were close together in our seats, enjoying delicious space spaghetti. At the far end of the table, my parents were savoring their meals while my two older siblings sat next to Breetae, their smiles reflecting a warm sense of contentment as they twirled their spaghetti. Now that they’re here, I haven’t mentioned their names, have I? I turned my gaze towards the two older siblings as they ate their food.

I spotted my older brother across the table. He’s a lean, muscular young man of average height, with a slightly cyan skin tone and striking dark chocolate eyes. His spiky silver hair, which he got from our father, adds to his unique look, and his abnormally sharp canines give him an extra edge. He was dressed in a simple black uniform, reminiscent of what you’d see in high school anime shows.

I turned my focus to my older sister, who has striking amber eyes and raven-black hair that falls to her shoulders. She styles it into a small ponytail on the right side, secured with ribbons of various colors, while the rest flows freely. With her curvaceous figure, she certainly turned heads at school—at least that's what our older brother often told me. Like all other girls in her school, she wore the traditional high school uniform, complete with a sailor-style collar and a pleated skirt. Every student and teacher in their school—including me and my sister—know them personally as Binjin and Crira.

I finally turned my attention to my parents. As I watched them enjoying their space spaghetti, I tried to find the right words to bring up my desire to join the tournament. Despite parting my lips, nothing came out. Suddenly, I felt a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I looked over to see Breetae, who gave me an encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself before directing my gaze back at my parents.

“Mom, dad?” I called.

My mother perked upon hearing me calling her. She met my gaze and smiled softly.

“Yes, sweetheart?” Crimtae returned.

I closed my eyes.

Here we go, I thought.

“Are you aware of the upcoming world tournament next month?” I asked, opening my eyes.

Bintin adjusted his round-frame glasses.

“Yeah, now that you mention it,” Bintin replied, arching a brow at me. “Why do you ask, sweetpea?”

I inhaled an air of confidence in my lungs.

“I want to participate in the tournament,” I answered simply.

My parents blinked in surprise at my statement, their eyes wide. Even Binjin and Crira had ceased their eating and looked at me in shock. Breetae looked between me and my parents expectantly.

“Participate?” Bintin repeated. “Why?”

“For two reasons actually. The first is to help out a friend by earning the four-hundred & thirty two billion drero reward,” I explained, gazing at my parents. “You see, his father was arrested for murder—something that he didn’t even do. The only way he can bailed out, ten million dreros is required for his release. Neither my friend nor his uncle have the money to bail him out. That’s why I want to participate in the tournament.”

My parents exchanged glances before looking back at me.

“And the second reason..?” Crimtae asked, looking at me curiously.

I grinned confidently.

“I know they’ll be strong fighters participating in the tournament; so I thought it would be fun to participate and fight them,” I replied.

My mother hesitated.

“I’m not sure sweetie. I mean, without the proper training or skill of hand to hand combat, you’ll be at a disadvantage,” Crimtae said.

I smiled reassuringly at my mom.

“I already got that covered. My friend Silliya has an older cousin who is planning to return, who won’t be back until tomorrow,” I said, gesturing my hand. “I was told that she is a master of both martial arts and techniques. But I wanted your permission to participate in the tournament first before I start my training under her.”

My mother went quiet for another moment. My father noticed this before placing a hand on her shoulder, smiling at her. My mother turned her attention toward him.

“I’ll admit honey, I’m worried for our daughter’s safety just as much as you,” Bintin began. “But you nor I can’t deny that what Teriya is doing is for a noble cause. If she wants to participate in the tournament, in the hopes of saving an innocent man from living a life in prison, then she gets my vote.”

My attention shifted to Crira as she spoke up.

“I agree. If I were in her shoes, I’d do the same thing,” Crira responded, smiling at me.

Binjin’s lips curled into a toothy, confident grin.

“Same here,” Binjin added, nodding firmly. “Plus, It’ll be cool to watch my baby sister fight in her first tournament. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

Breetae nodded in agreement.

“I’m on the same boat, big brother,” Breetae chirped, smiling happily.

All of us shifted our gaze back at my mother. She seemed hesitant, but after a few seconds she got up from her chair. She walked around the table until she approached me, then crouched to one knee. She took my hand in hers and gazed into my eyes with worry plastered on her face.

“Teriya, I understand what you’re trying to do,” Crimtae said gently, glancing down on the floor. “Your father is right, what you’re doing is undoubtedly noble, and I am so proud of you for doing such a good thing. And I know better that you come from a warrior culture. So, if you believe that this is the right thing to do? Then I’ll allow it.”

My mother looked back at me.

“Just…promise me one thing,” Crimtae continued, squeezing my hand. “Promise me, that no matter what happens, you’ll be careful.”

I blinked at my mother before nodding to her request.

“I promise,” I replied sincerely, giving my mother a confident smile. My mother smiled back at me.

“In that case, I’ll be rooting for you sweetheart,” Crimtae replied.

I turned my gaze towards Breetae in time when she hugged my arm.

“I’ll be rooting for you too, sister,” Breetae said, grinning while her eyes are closed for a cute effect.

I looked over my shoulder to see Binjin and Crira giving me a thumbs up.

“Me too,” Binjin declared, smirking widely.

“Me three,” Crira chimed in, also flashing me a smile.

I heard footsteps approaching me and turned my head to see my father standing behind my mother. Looking down at me with a supportive and warm smile.

“We’ll all be rooting for you, Teriya,” Bintin said.

I smiled back  in appreciation of my whole family’s support.

Tayber, wearing his signature fedora, whistled a cheerful tune as he navigated his black space truck along the scenic road of Planet Alboron, located on the west coast of a lush tropical island. It was a stunning summer morning, and the winding path hugged the cliff's edge, offering breathtaking views of the vibrant jungle and the rich purple hues of the ocean below. The guidebooks hailed this island as untouched paradise, and seeing it in all its glory convinced Tayber that his vacation was finally on the right track. He had come to this island with his wife and daughter for a two-week holiday. The trip had actually been his wife’s idea; for weeks Hennue had filled his ear about the island’s wonderful national parks, and how good it would be for Jaynue to see them.

It was then that Tayber’s phone went off.

“Oh, who could be calling you now in the middle of our holiday?” Hennue wondered, folding her arms over her chest.

Tayber chuckled.

“It's alright honey, I’m sure it’s probably one of my friends,” Tayber reassured her.

Tayber retrieved his phone while smiling. However, he blinked in bewilderment when he saw an unknown number on his screen. He tapped on the screen with his thumb, then brought the phone up to his ear.

“Hello?” Tayber called. “…Ahhh, so you finally called. Hahaha, and here I thought you changed your mind. Mmhm, mhmm…really? Well that’s wonderful news! Yes…of course, take all the time you need! Then it’s settled: I’ll see you at the tournament. Catcha later, kid.”

Tayber hung up and began typing numbers on his phone. Hennue and Jaynue exchanged confused glances before shifting their attention back at Tayber.

“Um, honey? Who was that on the phone?” Hennue asked, arching a brow at her husband.

Tayber glanced at her wife with a confident smile.

“Someone that’s gonna shake up the world,” Tayber replied, emphasizing his words with epic intensity.

Tayber shifted his attention back on the phone. He typed the last number as he brought the device up to his ear.

Waiting for whoever he’s calling to pick up.

Location: On a planet far, far away from Planet Alboron

The middle-aged man named Brutethom stood with his arms crossed as he took in the view ahead. This alien humanoid had a tall, slender build, with pale skin and messy, shoulder-length orange hair that partly obscured his face. His half-opened red eyes gave him a striking appearance. He wore a black jacket adorned with faux spikes that extended from the sleeves to the shoulders, paired with a gray t-shirt beneath, dark blue jeans, and white sneakers. His contemplation of the scene was suddenly interrupted when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

Brutethom retrieved his phone without taking his eyes off the scene far from him. He tapped his thumb on the screen before bringing the phone up to his ear.

“Hello?” Brutethom returned, his voice was deep, resonant, and powerful.

Brutethom blinked. He finally shifted his attention towards the device.

“She’s in?” He asked, looking a bit surprised but his countenance returned to his well composed state. “Hmm…alright. Yeah…yeah, I’ll let ‘em know. Alright, see ya.”

Brutethom hung up and placed his phone back in his pocket. He stared ahead whilst raising his hand close to the side of his face.

“Hey runt!” Brutethom called. “Playtime’s over, pack your stuff. We’re leaving!”

Standing twenty feet away from Brutethom was a mysterious little fighter whose presence exuded both strength and intrigue. Though their features were obscured by the shadows, the silhouette revealed a well-toned physique, honed from countless battles. This enigmatic figure surveyed the scene with a calm intensity, towering over the thirty fighters sprawled on the ground in a diamond formation. Each combatant lay groaning in agony, whispers of defeat on their lips, their bodies a testament to the merciless assault inflicted upon them. The air thrummed with tension, as the survivor in the center emanated an undeniable aura of dominance that both intrigued and terrified those who dared to challenge them.

The mysterious fighter looked at Brutethom over their shoulder. Glaring at him with bright amber eyes.

Followed by a long low growl.

The airship glided gracefully above Planet Alboron’s forested landscape. Its vast size accommodated a multitude of civilians eager to explore the City of Banglagu. Each new passenger that came to see the planet’s city were captivated by the breathtaking views unfolding before them. The lush gold and towering mountains of Alboron bore a striking resemblance to some of their home planets, creating a sense of familiarity amidst the adventure. As they soared through the sky, glimpses of quaint villages dotted the terrain below, yet none appeared particularly remarkable, blending seamlessly into the natural beauty that surrounded them. The excitement in the air was palpable as they anticipated their arrival in this vibrant new locale.

"Wow, it looks pretty out here," one passenger observed, awestruck at the scenery around her.

“I know, right? And look at the mountains,” another passenger added.

Tsukay rose from her seat as she sensed the airship slowing down. The aircraft glided gracefully and descended smoothly onto the landing platform that clung to the cliffside. As soon as the engines quieted, the passengers eagerly unbuckled their seatbelts and began to spill out. Excitement buzzed in the air as Tsukay weaved her way through the crowd. She made her way to the edge of the platform, where a sturdy railing offered a breathtaking view of Banglagu city sprawling below. The city of Banglagu, with its intricate architecture and lively streets, felt alive, and the sun cast a warm glow over the landscape, enhancing the beauty of the moment.

“Ahh, home sweet home,” Tsukay muttered under her breath.

Tsukay turned away from the view and followed the crowd toward the steel staircase.

Chapter Text

I had finally overcome the weakness associated with my tail. The training was long and quite uncomfortable, but I persevered and emerged successful. Now, I no longer have to worry about someone sneaking up and grabbing my tail; I can stay on my feet without collapsing. With that goal checked off my list, it’s time to move on to my next objective: mastering hand-to-hand combat and learning to harness ki from my own energy. I’m hopeful that Silliya’s cousin will be the one to guide me in unlocking this potential.

That's exactly why I'm standing in the middle of the station's interior. Breetae and Sillya are by my side, with the latter scanning the crowd for any sign of her cousin. An ocean of individuals with red and blue skin, both male and female, bustle past us in all directions. The air is thick with a mix of scents, reminiscent of the airports from my previous life. The sound of countless footsteps reverberates around us, and the station subtly vibrates beneath our feet. Among the throng are solo businesspeople, affectionate couples, and families rushing to catch their flights.

“Oh, Silliya~!”

We shifted our attention towards the voice that called out to us. As she approached from about twenty feet away, my gaze locked onto a striking woman. Her red skin and impressively muscular yet curvaceous figure commanded immediate attention. She sported a chin-length bob of choppy black hair, touched with streaks of white, and her slightly crooked bangs parted at her forehead to flow into side tails that brushed her shoulders. Dressed in a simple white t-shirt and snug dark blue jeans, she completed her look with pale yellow sandals, effortlessly blending style and comfort.

“Tsukay!” Silliya returned, her voice toned with joy.

I watched as Silliya took off in a fast sprint toward her cousin. Tsukay quickly dropped to her knees, arms wide open, and embraced Silliya as she launched herself toward her. The two of them laughed joyfully as they tumbled onto the ground, while my sister and I looked on. Once they got back on their feet, Silliya and Tsukay began to chat animatedly. I noticed Breetae step away from my side to join them, while I remained rooted to the spot. As I watched the trio converse with each other, a thought came to my head.

I blinked. I unstrapped my backpack from my shoulders and pulled down the zipper of the main compartment. I rummaged inside until I pulled my scooter out. I carefully zipped the compartment back up before placing the scouter on my ear. I set my gaze back at the Tsukay through the green lens, feeling my lips curled up in a confident grin.

“Okay Tsukay, let’s get a look at your power,” I muttered under my breath.

I pressed my finger down on the small red button. Almost instantly, the tech's green lens lit up, locking onto Tsukay with precision. I watched in anticipation as the numbers on the scouter's HUD began to rapidly increase, waiting for them to hit a final value. However, my eyes widened slowly as I realized the digits were climbing to astonishing new heights.

1,000

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

18,000

28,000

35,000

42,000

48,000

50,000

54,000

59,000

67,000

71,000

77,000

80,000

My body began to tremble violently. I watched in amazement as the digits on my scouter’s lens proceeded to climb higher, and higher. Through each new number appearing before my eyes, I could feel the device growing hot on my ear. The last number it stopped at, before I quickly turned my scouter off to avoid it exploding was: one-hundred thousand. But you wanna know the crazy part? It wasn’t stopping.

The numbers were still climbing even after I shut my scouter off.

That is…that’s not that far off from Captain Ginyu’s power, I thought.

I paused.

Wait, where did she go?

I caught a glimpse of Tsukay out of the corner of my eye, and there she was, crouched on one knee, grinning at me while playfully waving her hand. Startled, I lost my balance and tumbled backward, landing on the ground with a thud. Lying there, I gasped for breath, my heart racing as I processed Tsukay’s sudden appearance. She stood up, laughing at my reaction, her hands resting confidently on her hips.

“So you finally noticed me,” Tsukay said, her tone laced with playfulness. “It took you long enough, too.”

I scrambled back to my feet, my eyes never leaving her. Breetae quickly moved to my side, helping me regain my balance. As I steadied myself, I turned to Silliya, who was advancing toward her cousin with a disapproving glare, her hands firmly placed on her hips.

“Tsukay, I thought I told you to stop sneaking up on folks like that,” Silliya chastised.

Tsukay rolled her eyes with a playful smirk. 

“Oh come on, I didn’t scare her that bad,” Tsukay protested, glancing at her little cousin.

Silliya sighed before turning her gaze towards me.

“Teriya, this is my cousin, Tsukay. The one I’ve told you about,” Silliya explained, gesturing towards her elder cousin.

I took one step toward her. I extended my hand out.

“Nice to meet you,” I said sincerely.

Tsukay glanced at my proffered hand, then smirked before shaking it firmly.

“Nice to meet you too, kid,” Tsukay replied coolly. “My little cousin told me about you over the phone. She said you needed me for something.”

I nodded my head.

“Yeah. However, it’s better if we discuss this somewhere else,” I suggested, jabbing my thumb behind me in the direction we just came from. “Somewhere we can talk more privately.”

“Sure thing, kid,” Tsukay responded, dodging through me. “Come on, let’s get us something good to eat. The money’s on yours truly.”

We followed Tsukay out of the station and walked across the street toward the sidewalk.

Tsukay took the three of us to a café in Banglagu city. The place was bustling this morning, practically overflowing with students from both classes and their friends. Some folks were there for their morning coffee while others just wanted to unwind and enjoy a bit of caffeine. Employees bustled about, serving cups of steaming coffee and delivering plates of freshly baked pastries, scones, and other breakfast goodies to tables where ponies were happily eating. Occasionally, some would pause to catch up with coworkers, while others seemed too energetic to sit still long enough to finish their food.

The entire café was alive with chatter. Conversations flowed freely, creating a thick atmosphere of excitement and joy. The commotion was so lively that not even the sound of a bell could cut through the noise, which only added to the vibrant ambiance. The entire building felt electric as ponies laughed and enjoyed one last sunny summer morning before autumn rolled in. As for the four of us, we settled comfortably into our chairs. All four of us were eating what I can only describe as some form of soup.

The soup was a slate color, featuring a medley of different types of meat and vegetables swirling together. Known as Fushigina hodo oishī, this dish is one of the cafe’s standout offerings at Banglagu. Interestingly, this wasn’t my first encounter with such a dish. My mother used to feed me a similar soup when I was a baby, and when I first saw it again, I felt a wave of hesitation wash over me. To my surprise, I found the flavor to be both delightful and unexpected. Now, whenever my family and I pay a visit to the cafe, I always make sure to order this particular soup.

As we enjoyed our soup, I began to fill Tsukay in on everything. I explained the situation with Delo’s father, talked about the upcoming tournament next month, and asked if she could help me train in preparation for it. When I finished, Tsukay crossed her arms and fell silent. Me, Breetae, and Silliya exchanged glances, waiting for her to respond. After a moment of stillness, she opened her eyes and locked her gaze onto mine.

“Hate to break it to you, but I’m gonna have to say no,” Tsukay said calmly. The rest of us gasped in shock.

“But why, Tsukay?!” Silliya pleaded, frowning at her cousin.

“Your friend here is not the first person to ask me to train them. The last person I trained quit on the first day, saying it was too much for them to handle,” Tsukay explained, looking back at me. “If you were to be trained under me, you wouldn’t last one day.”

I grinned confidently.

“Is that a challenge?” I inquired, folding my arms over my chest.

Tsukay chuckled at my inquiry.

“Take it however you like, but my point stands. I’m sorry for what’s going on with Delo’s situation, I really am. But I don’t take anybody under my wing who’s not worth my time and energy,” Tsukay replied. “You’ll just have to find someone else to whip you up to shape.”

Breetae placed her hands on the table and leaned forward.

“Oh come on, please? There has to be something my sister has to do to convince you to train her,” Breetae begged.

I looked down at the table as I was torn between hope and anxiety. A part of me wished she would agree to my request without hesitation, but I guess I was being overly optimistic. Still, I couldn't just let someone as strong as her walk away; that would be a huge missed opportunity. Especially after witnessing her power level, I knew I had to act.

“What if I can land one blow on you,” I blurted out, glancing quickly at Tsukay.

Tsukay blinked at my statement.

“One blow on me?” Tsukay repeated, a bit bewildered.

“Yeah,” I replied. “If I were to land one clean blow on you. Will that convince you enough to train me?”

Silence eroded the air around us. Breetae and Sillya exchanged nervous looks while Tsukay stared intently at me. Finally, a small smile formed upon her face as she leaned forward from her seat.

“I don’t know,” Tsukay replied, her eyes narrowing and her grin slowly widening. “Guess you’ll just have to show me whatcha got.”

I smirked confidently back at her.

Chapter Text

Tsukay gazed down at the little girl named Teriya. They stood together in the middle of a spacious clearing, not far from Teriya’s home within the forest. Breetae and Silliya watched from a distance, exchanging knowing glances before turning their attention back to the pair. Surrounding Tsukay and Teriya was a wide circle made of sticks that Tsukay had carefully arranged. The golden blades of grass swayed gently in the breeze, the trees danced lightly with the wind, and the warm sun embraced the area where the two stood. It was the perfect setting for Teriya to begin her important test.

Tsukay slowly closed her eyes. Before testing the little girl’s perseverance, she distracted herself with thoughts of her childhood, where the temple of Banglagu had been her true home. Her father hailed from the inferno clan; her mother was a hybrid. Tsukay inherited her mother’s eyes, but she carried her father’s heart. Her father raised her to be a warrior.

Fighting was in Tsukay’s blood. She didn’t care for school or sports; she dropped out when she was fifteen. She spent her adolescence in the temple with her father, training and honing her skills, learning to find a fighting style befitting a master belt warrior. Her fighter’s heart had led her to her first world tournament, where she had fought and defeated countless casual and professional opponents until she turned eighteen, and eventually to space, to look for anyone worthy enough to be a challenge for her to fight.

Tsukay had carried her fighter's spirit across the galaxy. Eventually, she took up the role of a bounty hunter, chasing down criminals in search of worthy challengers. With memories of taking out mafia bosses, bringing down self-proclaimed strongmen, and defeating petty crooks, she solidified her place at the top of the food chain. However, as the galaxy expanded, so did her workload; no one could match Tsukay's martial arts skills. While many warriors would celebrate the thrill of being unbeatable, she felt a persistent sense of dissatisfaction. Over the years, Tsukay grew so powerful that she often found herself disappointed when a fight ended in just a couple of seconds.

Tsukay often wondered if she would ever encounter an opponent worthy enough to challenge her; someone who could genuinely prove their strength and potentially defeat her, even if it meant investing time and effort. She didn’t find the answer until one fateful day when she faced her first true contender: a Saiyan warrior. This Saiyan was powerful enough to push Tsukay to actually fight back, forcing her to engage rather than merely block his blows like a typical warrior would. The Saiyan came remarkably close to defeating her, but in the end, Tsukay managed to overpower him. It was unfortunate that the Saiyan had such a nasty personality; she mused that he could have made an intriguing sparring partner. However, it was precisely this attitude that left her with no choice but to eliminate him.

That incident happened ten years ago.

After that incident, Tsukay dove into research, seeking any useful information about the Saiyan race—delving into their history, culture, and the location of their home planet. It took her six months to uncover that the Saiyans resided on a planet called Vegeta. Armed with this knowledge, she immediately began preparations for her journey to the planet. Despite warnings from friendly beings across various worlds about the dangers of going to Vegeta, Tsukay remained undeterred. The prospect of encountering other Saiyan warriors, possibly even stronger than the last one she had fought, was an opportunity she couldn’t let slip away.

However, Tsukay soon received the heartbreaking news that Planet Vegeta had been obliterated by a massive meteorite. When her sources informed her of this catastrophe, she was engulfed by a whirlwind of emotions—devastation and confusion. It pained her deeply to think that not a single Saiyan had survived the destruction of their home. Yet, the fact that they hadn’t anticipated the disaster left her with a multitude of unanswered questions. All she could grasp was the stark reality: it was too late, and the chance to meet any Saiyans who could satisfy her warrior's heart had vanished forever.

That is, until she met Silliya’s friend: Teriya.

Tsukay recognized Teriya as a Saiyan the moment she laid eyes on her. The girl’s spiky black hair, dark eyes, and the tail peeking out from under her shirt made it all too clear. Tsukay believed this little one was the last surviving Saiyan, although there might be others out there that she hadn’t discovered yet. Regardless, Tsukay saw not only a promising student to mentor but also a potential rival to contend with. She had been bluffing to her cousin when she claimed she wouldn’t train Teriya to become a formidable fighter for the upcoming tournament.

It would be a shame to turn Teriya away. From her research, Tsukay learned that Saiyans who narrowly escape death return even stronger than before. If she followed this approach, Teriya could evolve into a more powerful warrior with each day of training. Who knows? She might even surpass Tsukay one day. Tsukay only hoped she’d be around to witness that moment firsthand. But that’s enough daydreaming; she has a potential student to test.

“Alright kid, listen up,” Tsukay declared, opening her eyes to stare down at her. “Here’s how this is gonna go down. Just as you have established back in the cafe, if you want me to take you as my student, then you’ll have to land one blow on me. Simple as that. Just to make this slightly easier for you, I will hold myself back. If you manage to land a blow on me, you win. But if you don’t and manage to last long enough to stay in the circle, you’ll still win. But If I knock you out of the circle before you could even land a hit on me, you lose. Understand?”

Teriya nodded quickly.

“Yes, ma’am,” Teriya said.

Tsukay grinned confidently.

Let’s see what you can do, squirt, Tsukay thought.

Teriya assumed a fighting stance as she raised her fist.

I took my fighting stance before my opponent. I locked eyes with Tsukay as we faced off in a spacious clearing nestled among the trees, not far from our farm. She had crafted a makeshift ring from sticks and wood, marking the boundaries of our duel—a test of how long I could fend her off before her overwhelming power sent me tumbling out. It was the perfect setup to prepare me for this challenge. Tsukay stood confidently with her arms crossed, wearing a sly grin as she patiently awaited my first move. I remained rooted to the spot at attention as the cogs of my mind whirled with ideas on how best to land a hit on her.

My eyes slowly narrowed. It is painfully clear that the gap in power between me and Tsukay is insurmountable. I am pretty much an ant compared to her; she’ll make my introduction to the ground intimate if I make any mistakes. I could try to land a blow on her, but it is highly unlikely that I would manage without her parrying it away. Tsukay did state that I still have a chance at winning so long as I could last long enough to stay in the ring without being knocked out of bounds. If that is the case, then I’ll just have to stick to my second plan by conserving my energy and stamina.

If I can sharpen my focus and react more quickly, I only need to anticipate her next move and counter it effectively. I'll also have to maintain my distance to avoid getting grabbed and tossed out of the ring. However, something told me that with Tsukay’s power level, that would be easier said than done. Still, I wasn’t afraid—in fact, I felt a rush of excitement. Perhaps it was my Saiyan instincts getting pumped for the challenge ahead. If I somehow manage to find an opening from any angle on Tsukay, I’ll take it, and deliver the final blow.

I just have to wait for the right opportunity. 

I took a deep breath before starting a sprint towards Tsukay. I retreated my heel behind me and leapt forward. But before I could reach Tsukay, she vanished in the blink of an eye. I blinked twice, trying to process what happened.

“Teriya!” I heard Breetae shouting my name. “Above you!”

I glanced up in time to see Tuskay coming straight down at me. She outstretched her arm to grab me, but I quickly dodged it by propelling myself backwards with my tail. Tsukay glanced at me with a smirk before disappearing and reappearing in front of me midair. I instinctively raised my arms in a cross to block a heavy punch that sent me tumbling to the ground. I rolled onto my backside and quickly sprang upright. Tsukay landed with both feet firmly planted on the grass and leapt forward with normal speed.

I matched her speed with my own, but not to throw a punch—but to leap past her. Then I used my tail to wrap around her leg and threw myself in the air. I snapped my gaze towards her profile, twisted my torso, and delivered a punch filled with twenty percent of my strength. But my punch unfortunately didn’t make contact as Tsukay caught my fist in her palm.

“Heh, too slow,” Tsukay said.

Tsukay quickly grabbed me by the arm and pulled me forward. Before I could even react, she swung me overhead and slammed me hard on the ground. The impact rattled my bones, making it difficult to breathe. My vision blurred, and my ears rang loudly. Pain exploded from my backside when Tsukay took advantage of my stunned state by kicking me up in the air. I shouted in agony but my scream was cut short when I felt a hand grab me by the head with a vice grip.

The ground rushed up to my face with a hard slam. The world around me spun as I tried to catch my breath, only to taste grass and dirt when I sucked air into my lungs. My muscles protested when Tsukay lifted me again, then threw me back on the ground on my backside. I gritted my teeth and tried to ignore the pain as I forced myself to get back on my feet. Tsukay rested her hands on her hips whilst chuckling at me.

“Aww, come on, squirt. I’m not even doing much to you,” Tsukay said with a soft smile. “What I did just now was me playing with you, like a little doll.”

I raised my head to shoot a fierce glare at Tsukay. For some reason, her words struck a nerve within me, igniting a surge of anger. It felt as if her remarks wounded my pride. I suppose this is what Saiyans experience when their pride is challenged by their opponent's taunts. Much like a certain prince I know. But her taunts were all the more reason and motivation for me to win.

“Let’s try again. But try not to hold back this time; I wanna see what you’re really made of,” Tsukay said with a grin.

I clenched my fists in preparation.

“Oh, don’t worry. I plan to,” I replied with a cocky smirk.

I channeled my energy into my legs and I leapt at Tsukay with incredible speed. Tsukay swung her fist in an arc, but I quickly dodged and countered with a punch. Tsukay caught it with her other hand and used that grip to spin me around and toss me onto the ground. I quickly shot back to my feet while keeping my balance, then retreated backwards as she suddenly appeared in front of me. I quickly raised my arms to block her barrage of punches raining down me whilst backing up. My eyes flickered to her and a shocking realization dawned upon me.

I’ve found an opening.

I ducked under another volley of punches. I managed to land two consecutive hits to Tsukay’s belly while avoiding the third. Once I’ve finished the deed, I leapt backwards twice before staying stationary. I watched Tsukay warily as she stood there with a blank expression, frozen stiff like a statue. She slowly smiled at me as she slowly stood up on her feet. Tsukay rested her hands on her hips and approached me slowly.

“Not bad, squirt,” Tsukay complimented with an admiring grin. “Not bad.”

I grinned back at her.

“You did it! You did it! My sister won!”

Breetae was beaming as she wrapped me in a tight hug. Tsukay and Sillya watched us, chuckling in amusement at the whole scene. I wiggled and squirmed in her embrace, trying to break free from her crushing grip, but she held on too tightly for me to escape. To make matters even more challenging, my sister leaned in and affectionately rubbed her cheek against mine. I made another attempt to wriggle out, but Breetae showed no signs of letting go, her big goofy smile only growing wider.

“Breetae, I get that you’re happy for me. I really appreciate your support.” I chuckled in embarrassment while patting her shoulder to appease her. “But can you loosen your grip? It hurts.”

Breetae immediately released her death grip on me and let me fall to the ground with a thud. I quickly stood up straight and brushed off my clothes before looking up to see Tsukay standing before me.

“I’ll admit kid, you got the fighting spirit of a warrior,” Tsukay said, smiling at me. “You won fair and square, and for that, I’ll take you under my wing.”

Tsukay crouched down to one knee and raised one finger. Her eyes narrowed and her confident grin unwavered.

“However, there’s a few basic rules we need to go over first,” Tsukay went on.

I nodded my head and listened intently on whatever she had to say.

“First: you will do what I say. No complaining, no questioning,” Tsukay stated. “Two: You must commit one-hundred-&-fifty two percent to this training. Three: You can never, EVER, tell me you can’t. If you commit fully, then I’ll happily be your teacher. How’s that sound, squirt?”

I smiled confidently.

“I’m cool with that,” I replied. “I won’t let you down, coach. I promise I’ll be the best student you could ever have. And by the end of this, I will surpass you one day.”

Tsukay chuckled at my bravado.

“Kid, the day you surpassed me will be the day I can finally be at peace,” Tsukay replied, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “I’ll be looking forward to training you, my little prodigy.”

I smiled happily at her words. I’ll admit, I’m happy to finally have a teacher who will help me to get stronger.

Things were going to get interesting from here on out.

Chapter Text

It had been several days since I began my afternoon training sessions with Tsukay after school. Each day, once I wrapped up my classes, I would head back to the clearing in the forest where Tsukay and I would train without interruption. Although I was still a child, my master didn’t hold back. Our training sessions were grueling and often painful for me. My parents—especially my mother—and my sister Breetae were increasingly worried that Tsukay was pushing me too hard. However, she assured them that the intensity was necessary to prepare for the upcoming tournament.

To my surprise, Tsukay revealed some important insights about Saiyan biology to my parents. This prompted me to ask her whether she had known I was a Saiyan when we first met. I was taken aback when she confirmed that she had. As we continued our training, I accepted the punishing blows she delivered, knowing that they were only making me stronger. With my Saiyan biology in mind, I could feel the benefits of the training. Each day, I noticed myself growing stronger and more resilient.

My arms and legs were now well defined and thickened from my sparring sessions with my master. In the eyes of my old folks in my previous life, this would look unnatural to see a child that had muscles for their age. But here, in the world of Dragon Ball, this was normal. I mean Gohan had muscles when he was a kid and none of the citizens on earth bat an eye at him. While I was enjoying my time training with Tsukay, there has been one issue that’s been on my mind ever since I had gotten rid of the weakness associated with my tail. My one and ultimate trump card: the Oozaru.

I’ve seen in my previous life how chaotic the Oozaru was the first time I saw kid Goku transform. While the Great Ape’s power could be beneficial against kaiju size threats or opponents the size of titans, without proper control of its power, it can spell doom for everyone around me. The thought of cutting off my tail had crossed my mind a few times before, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Not because I thought it would be a waste of potential but because my tail is more then just something that gives me great power: it’s a part of me. And removing it would be akin to erasing a part of myself. Plus, it’s not everyday you reincarnate in a new body with a tail of your own.

I mean, come on! Who wouldn’t want to have a tail?!

One intriguing detail to mention is that Tsukay always took me to this river after our training sessions. However, this wasn’t just any ordinary stream. The water was a milky white, undulating with waves as if it had a mind of its own. What’s even stranger is that this river is alive. Yes, you heard that right—this wide, circular stream is a living creature.

These remarkable creatures can be found in various jungles throughout Alboron's planet. According to what Tsukay shared with me, both factions, Inferno and Arctic, refer to them as ‘Sutorīmuhīrā,’ or simply muhira. These river-like beings are incredibly friendly towards all living organisms and possess the extraordinary ability to heal any wounds, whether major or minor. Essentially, they function like the senzu beans that the Z fighters frequently rely on—only on a much larger scale, resembling a massive river that welcomes anyone needing healing. Thanks to these water-like entities, I've experienced numerous results from my training.

My power level is currently at five-thousand-four-hundred and eighty. But I still have twenty-three days left in my training regime with Tsukay until the day of the tournament. I can only hope and pray that I’ll be strong enough to handle whatever strong warrior that’ll participate in the tournament. Now that I mention it, the thought of fighting a strong opponent made me internally excited. I guess that’s the Saiyan in me showing through again. I hope this trait doesn’t become a problem in the future.

It was another day of training as me and my master brawled back at the wide spacious clearing. We trailed along the area in a circle, dodging and deflecting each other’s punches and kicks. I threw a punch at Tsukay but the latter caught it with ease. She stared down at me with an amusing smile, and chuckled. I growled in annoyance.

“Nice, nice, Teriya. You’re definitely improving,” Tsukay complimented me, then her eyes slightly narrowed mischievously. “However…”

Tsukay gut-punched me with the force of a speeding car. My eyes bulged out of my skull at the sudden blow and I was sent flying across the grassy field. My world spun crazily around me, wind whipped at my face, and a dull pain pulsated through my head when my temple hit the ground hard. I could feel my body bouncing along the ground a couple of times until I came to a complete stop. I laid on my side as I held my gut where the pain radiated, gritting my teeth. Tsukay’s feet appeared in my vision and I glanced up to meet her gaze.

She looked down upon me with amusement.

“You’re still too slow~,” Tsukay said playfully.

I spat out blood as it stained the golden grass. Tsukay clapped her hands once to signal the end of our training session.

“Alright, squirt. Let’s take a break,” Tsukay suggested.

Tsukay carefully picked up and threw me over his shoulders. I heard multiple footsteps coming towards us, and I lifted my head. Approaching us were familiar faces—Breetae, Sillya, and even Delo who Sillya had invited to my family’s farm. Breetae walked beside Tsukay as she stared at my condition with worry plastered on her countenance.

“I…I know this is part of my sister’s training, but…” Breetae started, glancing down at the ground with a frown. “I don’t like this. I don’t like seeing her getting hurt.”

“Well, this was your sister’s idea.” I heard Tsukay reply with a light chuckle. “If she’s really serious about wanting to win at the tournament, she has to be prepared for anything.”

Tsukay pulled me off of her shoulder and threw me. My world spun until I landed in something wet and cold.

My world envelopes in milky white.

The expansive spaceship surged through the vastness of hyperspace. Its engines hummed with power as it reached unprecedented speeds for the third time that day. Inside the sleek command center, Captain Arin sat at the helm, his posture relaxed yet attentive, surrounded by his eclectic crew. Each member occupied their own uniquely designed chair, crafted to accommodate their diverse anatomies. As they sipped steaming mugs of rich coffee, the aroma wafting through the air, lively discussions filled the room, shifting from tactical maneuvers to their upcoming explorations of unknown planets. Captain Arin, with his humanoid features and sharp attentive eyes, presided over the gathering, his voice steady and confident.

His crew, a vibrant mix of alien species, added a vivid splash of color to the scene. One crew member, with the head of a seasoned fisherman, sported scales that shimmered in the soft overhead lights, while another, reminiscent of an anthropomorphic fly, had large, multifaceted eyes and iridescent wings that fluttered occasionally. The twenty percent of the team comprised anthropomorphic dogs and cats, each showcasing distinct fur patterns and expressive traits, adding a playful dynamic to the discussions.

Upbeat notes of jazzy music filled the air throughout the command room. Punctuated by the smooth, velvety voice of the singer echoing through the speakers. Each note mingled seamlessly with the laughter and chatter of the crew, creating an ambiance of camaraderie and relaxation. It was a welcome reprieve amidst the vastness of space, encompassing the crew in a warm, comforting atmosphere that fostered connection and joy as they embarked on their interstellar journey together. Other members that are engineers occupied themselves tinkering with various machinery, such as a drone or broken tech that needed repair.

Standing alone near a window with arms folded was a black werewolf named Kuro. He was a young pup who wore a dark purple coat with gray fur trimming, paired with admiral blue shorts that ended just above his ankles. His face held a stoic countenance and had an old scar on his right eye. He wore red fingerless gloves as well as charcoal combat shin pads, and an advanced collar encircled his neck. His calculated amber eyes were filled with experience of many battles, intelligence, and discipline.

“How long are you gonna stare through the window?”

Kuro turned his narrowed gaze toward the source of the question. To his left stood Furoku, a member of the captain's crew. With pale skin and long antennas jutting out from either side of his head, Furoku had a striking appearance. He wore a pink scarf loosely around his neck, along with a simple white t-shirt and blue jeans. His feet, resembling those of a bird, had three toes each, adding to his unique look. His eyes mirrored a bird’s, creating a dramatic contrast against his dark brown wings that were folded neatly behind him. Dark brown, curly hair tumbled down to his shoulders, completing his distinctive appearance.

“It’s bad for your eyes if you stared for too long, you know,” Furoku chided, flashing the wolf with a friendly smile.

Kuro regarded Furoku for a moment before turning his attention back to outside the ship.

“Heh, heh, not much of a talker, huh,” Furoku noted.

“Please forgive him, darling~”

Furoku looked over his shoulder towards the new arrival. Approaching the pair was a yellowish skin woman with bluish eyes, long silver hair wrapped in a ponytail, and pointed ears. She wore a long emerald dress, with her signature jewelry being a long necklace studded with precious gems, and green high heels. A white tiara rested atop her hair, complimenting her beautiful eyes. She was Kuro’s slave master and her name was Sadista.

Sadista rounded Kuro before placing her hand on top of his head. She slowly ruffles his soft fur, affectionately rubbing his scalp. Kuro closed his eyes in an attempt to keep his composure intact. It took everything in him not to growl at his master. Sadista stared down at the young pup in amusement with a playful smile.

“My little pet is not a social person,” Sadista stated, shifting her gaze back to Furoku. “And besides, he has no time for chitchats. He needs to be prepared for the upcoming tournament.”

Furoku blinked in realization.

“Oh, you mean the tournament taking place at Planet Alboron next month?” Furoku asked, looking at Sadista curiously. Sadista chuckled.

“That’s the one,” Sadista replied. “And my pet will be participating in it, and win me the prize money. With his strength, I expect nothing less of him.”

Sadista lowered her head and glanced at Kuro with a mischievous grin.

“Right, Kuro?” Sadista prodded.

Kuro honored her prodding with a slight nod of his head.

“Good boy, make your master proud,” Sadista encouraged. Kuro didn’t respond to her encouragement.

Furoku looked between Sadista and Kuro.

“Strength you say? How strong are we talking?” Furoku asked.

Brutethom approached Sadista and Kuro with a cigar in his mouth. He pulled said cigar out of his mouth, and stared at Furoku with a blank expression.

“You’ll just have to witness it yourself once he enters the tournament,” Brutethom answered. “I just hope all the training I put him through won’t be a complete waste.”

Kuro looked down at the floor of the ship. He let those around him converse with each other and retreated to his thoughts. While he did intend to compete in the upcoming tournament, he had no plans to take the prize money and give it to his master. No, he had other plans with said money. He waited years for an opportunity like this and he wasn’t gonna let it slip by him.

Kuro will win and buy his freedom.

Whatever it takes.

Location: Planet Alboron, Inside a Divine Time chamber underneath an ancient temple

Five days passed in the outside world while five years unfolded within the divine chamber. The mother watched her child grow into a toddler, and as soon as he took his first steps, she began teaching him to fight. But her lessons didn’t end there; she recognized that a sharp mind was just as crucial for a great warrior. She introduced him to strategy, vocabulary, and mathematics. Her father had also provided her with several books, suitable for ages three to ten, to aid in his education.

By the time he was three, her son spoke fluently and could do nearly a thousand push-ups in one session. Remarkably, he finished reading all the books by the time he turned four. Meanwhile, the mother took the opportunity to train herself while her son napped. Initially, the vast pale blue of the chamber unsettled her, but after a year, she grew accustomed to it. Aware that the room extended endlessly, she made it a priority to always keep track of her surroundings, especially near the door.

The mother’s son pushed his limits relentlessly, going even further than anyone expected. She could only hope that his efforts would be enough. As he excelled in standard fighting skills, she began to introduce him to the more complex fire and water techniques. This was no small feat, as it’s quite rare for a child to be born with the ability to master two elements. Yet, astonishingly, her son had learned both in just a few months.

What amazed her even more was his remarkable intelligence. He absorbed her every word and never voiced a complaint about the tasks she set before him; he faced each challenge with determination. Finally, the moment arrived for them to leave the safety of their chamber. He stood tall, but she noticed a flicker of nervousness in his eyes. He was uncertain about what awaited him in the outside world, and that apprehension was a good sign; a cautious mindset is invaluable for a fighter.

The mother opened the door and stepped outside. Her martial arts uniform was torn and frayed from countless hours of training. Her son's suit also bore the marks of their hard work, with holes and tears scattered throughout. She knew he was strong—perhaps even as strong as his father. Three straight years of relentless training would certainly do that, especially with a dedicated teacher like her guiding him.

The mother was an arctic blue skinned woman with dark chocolate eyes. She wore a white cheongsam with dark blue pants, paired with dark blue armbands, black shoes, white socks, and a cyan sash. Her silver hair was styled in a ponytail and she had pointed ears.

Her son inherited her skin. But he took after his father’s hazel eyes. He had mid-back length silver hair with varying shades of color such as bright cyan, blue, and, ultimately, plain white. He wore a white gi secured with a cyan bow-tied obi over his waist, dark blue wristbands, and dark blue shoes.

Their names were Amable and Pulmon.

No one was there to greet them. Amable looked around before descending the stairs. Her son remained at the top for a moment, staring. She looked back and then recalled that he had never seen a staircase before.

“Come son, we mustn’t keep the others waiting,” Amable said.

Pulmon looked at her and his face set.

He nodded his head and descended down the stairs.

Chapter Text

Pulmon stood at the center of a square sise ring. Young fighters donning their white gis surrounded him in a diamond formation, each one assuming their fighting stance. Many masters in their middle and elderly age sat present nearby on benches around the ring. Pulmon’s mother seated herself beside an older woman with her hands resting gently in her lap. Some children who were too young to be trained sat with their parents, brothers, sisters, and caretakers to watch the fight between Pulmon and the young master fighters.

Pulmon closed his eyes. The world around him began to slowly fade as he escaped to the depths of his mind. His mind conjured up a bright flame that swayed back and forth, then slithered around the black void akin to a snake. Appearing beside the snake-like flame was a long icy smoke in the same shape as the fire. The pair slithered forward in a narrow line until they slowly started to twirl around each other before coming together, forming a bulb shaped vortex. The two elements merged together as they gracefully spun around.

In the past, Pulmon had a hard time trying to control two of his gifted elemental abilities. He first started by mastering the water element during his few months inside the time chamber. For an average student, it would have taken any young man or girl five years to fully master this art. But Pulmon managed to master the water element within two days. Which is to be expected since he’s a born prodigy. But the young man unfortunately struggled a little on mastering the flame element.

Despite his struggles, he fortunately managed to master the fire element by the end of the month.

And it was now time to show everyone the fruits of his training.

“Begin!” One of the elder masters called.

Pulmon snapped his eyes open. The first fighter leapt at him with a battle cry, raising his leg high, intent on swinging his feet at Pulmon’s temple. But all the young man’s foot made purchase of was an afterimage, much to the latter’s surprise. Pulmon reappeared before his opponent by rushing his knee fast towards his opponent’s belly. Pain shot through the young man as he doubled over with eyes bulging and his mouth agape. Pulmon finished the boy off by raising his palm, gracefully thrust forward with the slightest movement of his arm, and air blasted his opponent out of the ring.

That’s one, Pulmon thought.

Pulmon landed back in the ring’s center, just in time for two of his other opponents to charge at him. The duo reigned down on Pulmon with a volley of punches and kicks that were too fast for even a child to track. Pulmon dodged all of their attacks with gracefulness and agility. Pulmon parried more of their attacks before delivering fatal blows of his own against his assaulters. Pulmon grabbed the first fighter by his outstretched arm, pulled himself close to him, and elbowed the young fighter hard on his chest—knocking the wind out of him. Then Pulmon threw the stunned fighter towards his partner as they flew across the ring.

The two young fighters managed to slow themselves at the very last second from being knocked out of the ring. The pair landed near the edge of the ring, shaking off the effects of their impact, and set their focus back at a Pulmon. The duo leapt forward with speed while zigzagging in different directions as an attempt to confuse their opponent. The former teleported to Pulmon’s side while latter reappeared to his opponent’s left. Their arms extended, their fist clenched, aiming at their target. Pulmon gracefully stopped their punches with a simple raise of his arms.

Pulmon followed up with crossing his arms before instantly spreading his arms outward. Letting out a brief shout as he channeled his flame element, and discharged it from his palms. His flaming element was so powerful that it sent two of his opponents flying out of the ring. Pulmon snapped his focus just in time to his right, seeing another fighter dashing toward him. Pulmon welcomed the challenge as he too lunged towards his next opponent. Their clash created wind-like ripples that traveled throughout the ring.

The two fighters assumed an intense brawl as they trailed across the ring. Dodging and deflecting each other’s punches and kicks. But in truth, Pulmon was the one in control of the battle; he anticipated the attack beforehand, blocking every blow and sending his opponent hurtling backwards. With precision and accuracy, Pulmon delivered deadly blows upon his opponents’ weak points that resulted in incapacitating them within seconds. It wasn’t long until Pulmon defeated his opponent and had them on their knees. Pulmon finished him off with a spinning kick that sent him flying out of the ring.

Pulmon turned his head in time to see another fighter lunging at him. Pulmon narrowed his eyes, and propelled himself at his opponent. The two of them vanished and as quickly as they disappeared they flew and brawled at each other. They trailed along the ring, dodging and deflecting each other's punches and kicks. As time went on the two seemed to become more and more powerful with every passing second, until finally, Pulmon landed a hit on his opponent’s jaw with an upward kick.

The male fighter howled in pain as he straightened himself in the air. Aiming his hand out at Pulmon with a grunt, a ball of blue energy quickly builds up in his hand. Pulmon's eyes blinked, seeing the ball increasing in size. The fighter let out a shout before discharging a wave of blue ki from his palm. Pulmon swerved just in time to avoid it head on. The fighter didn't have time to react before Pulmon charged and slammed her fist into Kolard's stomach. 

He doubled over groaning in pain while the latter swung his feet, and connected to his head.

Sending his opponent flying out of the ring.

Pulmon scanned his surroundings with narrowed eyes. Once he saw there was no left to challenge him, he straightened his posture whilst raising both of his hands. He followed it up by inhaling air to his lungs, then exhaled slowly into the empty space while lowering his hands to his waist. It was then the claps of the audience reached his ears and turned around to face them. Even his mother congratulated him by clapping along with them and smiled proudly.

“Well done, well done!” The elderly master proclaimed, standing up from his seat and approaching Pulmon. “Your mother has definitely taught you well during your time in the chamber, boy. Although, I can tell throughout your battle that you’ve been holding back.”

The second elder walking beside his I’ll companion nodded in agreement.

“Indeed,” the second elder stated in a gruff voice. “But after witnessing his great potential from birth, it’s understandable. Had he not held back, this fight would’ve been over far more quickly.”

Amable walked up the two elder’s pace until she stood beside her son.

“My son still has a lot to learn, as well as improving his skills,” Amable admitted. “And I believe he can test said skills by participating in the tournament. But only if my son wants to participate, of course.”

The two elders turned their gaze back at Pulmon.

“Well, what say you boy?” Elder 1 asked.

Pulmon stared at the old man as his mind processed the words of his mother carefully before making a decision.

I wrapped up another day of training with Master Tsukay as night settled in quickly around us. We gathered by the fire pit she had built, where Tsukay stirred the flames with a stick to ensure they were burning brightly. My sister Breetae, along with Silliya and Delo, sat on a log enjoying a dinner made by our mother. Tsukay joined us, diving into the food on her plate with enthusiasm. Just then, my parents arrived, taking their seats around the fire as we all shared stories about our day. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I felt myself relaxing, surrounded by the company of friends and family.

I let my body go on autopilot as I ate. I distracted myself with thoughts of my internal concerns, which I’d been harboring throughout these past few days. I’ve been thinking about transforming to a great ape tonight, in order to find some way to control the great ape’s power. With how weak I am in terms of power, it should be easy enough for my master to knock me around. But transforming into a giant ape isn’t the issue here. It’s the fact that I don’t know where exactly I want this change to take place—and I can’t do it in our training area due to how close the farm is.

“Teriya?”

I lifted my head to meet my mother’s concerned gaze.

“Are you okay?” Crimtae asked, her concern was evident in her tone. 

“Yeah, I'm fine mom,” I replied. “I’m just thinking.”

Tsukay swallowed down her food and turned her gaze toward me.

“Does it have something to do with your tail,” Tsukay commented, pointing at my now visible appendage.

I blinked, startled at the mention of my tail.

“How did you know?” I asked, looking at my master curiously.

Tsukay grinned at me.

“I noticed whenever we were done with our training, you stare at your tail. A lot. You were too obvious, kiddo,” Tsukay replied, slightly widening her grin.

Everyone looked at me expectantly, waiting for an explanation. So much for my secret plan to transform tonight. I parted my mouth to say something, but quickly shut it when Tsukay spoke.

“Are you two aware of the power that lies with your daughter’s tail?” Tsukay asked, looking at my parents.

My father adjusted his glasses.

“Well, my wife’s father had recommended that we cut off our daughter’s tail,” Bintin replied. “However, he never gave us a reason as to why we should. Why? Is it something bad?”

Tsukay finished her food as she placed her plate down between her legs. She folded her arms and her face grew slightly serious.

“From what I have gathered, Saiyans have the ability to transform into giant Great Apes only on a full moon night,” Tsukay explained. “A Great Ape's battle power is equal to the Saiyan's power level prior to the transformation multiplied by ten. At least that’s what I’ve read. Of course, I’ve never seen these Saiyans transform. The Saiyans also use the power of the Great Ape to decimate civilizations in different planets across the galaxy. And your daughter has the ability to do so through her tail.”

My parents gasped audibly. Even my sister, along with Sillya and Delo.

“That means…” Crimtae began, staring intently at me.

Tsukay nodded in response, then turned her attention to me.

“I take it you want to transform Into a Great Ape tonight? So you can find a way to control that form of yours?” Tsukay asked.

I nodded in reply.

“I’m afraid of transforming out of nowhere, losing control. But I’m more afraid of hurting my friends and family or much worse,” I said, looking at my parents, my master, and my friends. “I want to learn how to control this form, so that I won’t go wild when I need it the most.”

Tsukay nodded thoughtfully and took another deep breath before speaking again.

“If it helps, there’s an island that is not too far from where we are. It’s big enough and wide enough for you to wreak havoc without worry of hurting anyone,” Tsukay offered. “The moon will be out soon so this should be a perfect opportunity.”

I glanced at my parents. Looking for permission to follow through my plan. My parents exchanged glances before looking back at me.

“If this is really what you want to do, Teriya. Then, we’ll allow it,” Crimtae stated. “But, is it okay if we watch?”

I blinked in surprise.

“Um, I’m not sure,” I confessed, looking uncertainly at my mother. “It could be dangerous, mom.”

Tsukay waved me off dismissively.

“Nah, let ‘em watch, squirt,” Tsukay said cheerily. “Besides, it’s not everyday that you see a Saiyan—let alone a child transformed into a giant ape. I’m quite curious to see how this transformation will unfold.”

My sister raised her hand suddenly.

“Can I watch too?” Breetae asked.

“I wanna come as well,” Sillya added.

Delo glanced up at Tsukay.

“Will we be safe?” Delo asked, his face etched with concern.

Tsukay glanced down at him.

“As long as all of you keep a safe distance, away from Teriya’s sight, then you’ll be fine. If it gets bad, I’ll be the one to take her down,” Tsukay said reassuringly, placing her hand on the boy’s shoulder.

“In that case, mind if I tag along.”

All of us froze upon hearing the voice behind us. We all turned at the same time, and my eyes landed on a familiar figure standing five feet away from our campfire.

It was my mother’s father. My uncle.

And he was glaring daggers at me.

It took five minutes for us to reach the island by my uncle’s aircraft. The island was the size of Texas itself, and was untouched by the hands of man—making it like a lost world. It kinda reminded me of that one island—Isla Sorna from the lost world Jurassic park movie. Except this one was bigger, way bigger, and there was no dinosaurs around. Although there were creatures inhabiting the island that I have seen only in children’s book back in school. But they left us alone and allowed us to go exploring on our own.

I stood at the center of the island’s clearing. Said clearing was as wide as a football field and surrounded by tall trees. Master Tsukay stood twenty meters away from me as she watched me with curious eye. The air was filled with crickets playing music from the grass, and alien frogs croaking from overhanging branches. The wind was cool but not too cold, and the sky was clear with stars scattered amongst the velvet painted sky. It all looked so peaceful and inviting.

It won’t be for long though.

“Alright, squirt. Heads up! The moon’s out!” Tsukay shouted.

I closed my eyes as I inhaled air into my lungs. Once my lungs were full to capacity, I slowly exhaled through my nose. I lifted my head up slowly, my eyes climbing from the long field of grass that stretched to a narrow line. My eyes looked higher until I saw the round shape of the moon illuminating the night. At first, I didn’t feel any different. I just stood there for a long moment, staring at the full moon while listening to the gentle breeze blowing through the surrounding trees and crickets chirping their sweet tunes in the distance.

It was then that a red veil descended over my eyes. Followed by pure hatred filling my mind; the hate that consumed me like a raging wildfire consuming everything that stands in its way. I could feel my muscles expanding, the sounds of my clothes tearing apart due to the force as I grew larger and larger. In my last fleeting moment of consciousness, the world around me slowly faded out and was replaced by a blinding blood red.

A powerful, fury filled roar was the last thing I heard before slumber claimed me.

Chapter Text

Tsukay stood floated midair as she watched her prodigy from below. Teriya cast her gaze up towards the luminous full moon, and Tsukay could see the transformation beginning in her eyes. Initially bright and vibrant, they shifted to a deep glowing red, emanating an otherworldly energy that sent shivers down her spine. She noticed her small frame shudder, the muscles beneath her skin pulsing and throbbing rhythmically with each rapid beat of her heart. In a matter of moments, her body began to grow—stretching upward in a breathtaking surge that sent ripples through the air around her. She expanded to an astonishing sixty feet, and as she did, a thick coat of fur erupted across her skin, transforming her appearance into something primal and majestic.

Tsukay’s heart raced as Teriya’s stomach and chest darkened, marking her evolution into a powerful being. In mere seconds, Teriya, whom she had known as a spirited girl, was no longer recognizable. She had morphed into a colossal Great Ape, towering over the landscape, her immense form casting a long shadow in the moonlight. The Great Ape raised its massive arms high above its head with a feral grace and a bone-chilling bellow erupted from its throat. The sound was steeped in raw, primal fury that echoed across the night, leaving Tsukay both captivated and Teriya’s family and friends terrified.

“Woah, hahahaha, incredible!” Tsukay exclaimed, awestruck of what she was seeing. “So this is a Great Ape, huh? Interesting. Let’s see if those ancient texts I’ve read about your race match up.”

Great Ape Teriya began stomping across the long field. The behemoth swung its mighty fist, destroying trees and earth alike in the course of its path as it went. The giant ape spread its jaws and fired a powerful wave of energy that obliterated everything in its path—including any nearby creatures who were too slow to dodge out of the way. This in turn, left nothing but smoking ruin behind. Great Ape Teriya twist its head from one side to another as it fired another wave of energy at the landscape. Growling and roaring with animalistic ferocity.

The giant ape continued on its rampage through the area until it looked up to meet Tsukay’s gaze. Tsukay grinned at her ape turned prodigy. She raised her hand up to the side of her profile and parted her lips.

“Hey Teriya! Are you still in there?!” Tsukay shouted, her tone still casual as if she wasn’t staring at a giant beast.

Great Ape Teriya roared in reply. The behemoth leapt with a growl, extending its massive arms as it prepared to catch its prey. Tsukay chuckled as she gracefully dodged out of the way. Great Ape Teriya continued to pursue Tsukay with a barrage of attacks, trying desperately to land a direct hit on the tiny woman. However, every time it managed to strike Tsukay, she would effortlessly teleport away, causing the great ape to miss its mark by mere inches. Somewhere in the creature’s mind was telling it that its prey was toying with it.

And that only infuriated the giant ape further.

After a few minutes Tsukay stopped dodging. She floated in the air as she watched Great Ape Teriya anchoring its massive arm behind it, preparing to launch yet another assault. The gigantic ape launched itself forward, roaring with seismic force, and swung its fist. Tsukay lazily raised her hand and caught the behemoth’s fist. Although the impact didn’t damage the woman in any way, Tsukay could very faintly feel a ripple of power rippling throughout her entire body. A sensation similar to when she fought that Saiyan warrior decades ago.

Tsukay deduced that Teriya’s power has increased while in this giant ape form. But despite this, she still wasn’t strong enough to take her down. Which is unsurprising since the young Saiyan was still an eight year old kid. This fact alone caused Tsukay to chuckle again, filling her with excitement and wonder of how strong Teriya will become once she reaches the same level as her in the future.

“Impressive. Your power has definitely increased, squirt,” Tsukay praised, grinning at the giant ape.

Tsukay slammed her palm with such force that Great Ape Teriya was sent flying. The massive creature crashed onto its back with a bone-rattling thud, sending up a cloud of dust and debris. Birds burst through the canopy and spiraled through the night sky as shadowy fragments. As the giant ape pushed itself back up, it shot Tsukay a look filled with pure disdain. Tsukay met its furious glare with a playful smirk in response. Then she playfully waved her finger, inviting it to come at her. Great Ape Teriya let out a deep growl that swelled into a thunderous roar as it charged toward its target.

Great Ape Teriya rushed at Tsukay with volleys of blows. But no matter how many punches the beast had thrown at its target, Tsukay proceeded to dodge and deflect them all. Even when the behemoth’s punch landed, it failed to inflict enough pain for her to fall. All the beast was doing was tickling her. Tsukay decided to channel a fraction of her power as she delivered two punches at the giant ape. Striking it from the chest, and rushed her arm up to uppercut the beast by the chin. The woman’s assault caused Great Ape Teriya to stumble back for several seconds before it righted itself.

The behemoth opened its immense jaws wide and unleashed a beam of blue energy toward her. Tsukay quickly pulled back while hovering in place, swiftly thrusting her arm forward and aiming her palm at the colossal creature. In response, she released a wave of crimson energy aimed directly at Great Ape Teriya. The two beams collided with a resounding bang, each struggling fiercely to overpower the other. The shockwave from their clash sent blades of grass and towering trees bending low, overwhelmed by the sheer force of the wind.

Great Ape Teriya’s glare hardened.

Tsukay chuckled in amusement.

Crimtae and Bintin were horrified by what their daughter had transformed into. Crimtae most specifically. But she was also saddened at how quickly her beloved daughter’s mind had changed into this monstrous ape. Her feelings extended to her husband as Bintin felt the same way about his daughter’s change in appearance and personality. It reminded him of those scary stories his brother read to him when a man transformed from man into beast, then began wreaking havoc to everything in their path. He and his wife can only hope their daughter’s master will end this chaos soon.

Breetae stared at the sight before her with both fear and worry. Breetae clenched the fabric of her shirt close to her heart as she watched Great Ape Teriya roar to the heavens with primal fury. She could hardly believe it but seeing her baby sister transformed into a giant ape was not something that she ever thought would happen. Seeing Teriya destroying the landscape with her destructive fists and bellowing in an unholy rage caused the poor girl to tremble violently. It was scary, seeing her baby sister go from confident and well spirited, into a mindless monster. Breetae prayed that her sister was still in there—somewhere within the giant ape’s monstrous nature.

Sillya and Delo stared with wide eyes at Great Ape Teriya’s animalistic rampage.

But there was one person among them that did not share their feelings.

Crimtae’s father named Balegon glared at Great Ape Teriya with sheer contempt. Seeing the giant ape rampaging across the island’s long field resurfaced memories that he would much rather forget. To this day he still had recurring nightmares that contained images of the Saiyans destroying everything, including his home. He remembered the cacophony of screams of the city’s citizens, the army of Saiyan troops killing everyone in their path, and many of them transforming into Great Apes whilst filling the air with their roars. The same savage, barbaric race that killed his wife—along with his unborn child. It made his blood boil even now to think back on that time.

Balegon’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. He didn’t voice his opinions, but he believed his daughter made a grave mistake in adopting the Saiyan girl into their family. Balegon had seen Saiyan children emulating the adult’s actions in slaughtering his former home’s inhabitants; a repulsive sight that struck a chord within him. If he had killed Teriya while she was baby at the time, it may have saved the lives of his people on his home planet. Now she was living in his daughter’s farm; being treated as another member of their family. Balegon’s glare hardened as he witnessed Great Ape Teriya shooting a mouth beam at Tsukay.

Balegon felt an internal hatred and distrust with Teriya. The very moment he laid eyes upon Teriya and saw her new family had already bonded with her, he couldn’t help but feel disgusted. He was not fooled by the girl’s innocence, or naivete; she was anything but innocent and naïve. In his mind’s eye, he believed it was all an act; a ploy to make everyone around her believe that she was a good Saiyan and not savage or cruel like her race. Balegon could see the girl’s trickery; his family did not. Balegon knew better than anyone how much of a threat Teriya is.

Had he been the one who found her, he would’ve ended her life without a second thought.

Even if she was a baby.

“What’s with that face?”

Balegon blinked. He turned his gaze away from the fight towards Bintin. Bintin and Crimtae stared at him with furrowed brows. 

“Nothing,” Balegon replied, trying to mask whatever he was feeling.

Bintin blinked. He looked at the fight between Great Ape Teriya and Tsukay, then back at his father in law. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“It’s about Teriya, isn’t it?” Bintin pressed. Balegon didn’t respond.

Crimtae frowned, looking concerned.

“Father, are you still harboring ill feelings towards our daughter?” Crimtae inquired cautiously. Balegon honored her inquiry with silence.

Crimtae parted her lips to say something but shut it quickly when a loud thud rang through the air. Crimtae snapped her gaze back at the battlefield, and saw Great Ape Teriya on the ground again. But the giant ape didn’t get up this time; the behemoth lay motionless on its back. Crimtae’s breath hitched as she took in the sight, and started a sprint towards the downed ape. Bintin, Balegon, her daughter and her friends followed her. As they drew close, the giant ape began to slowly shrink until its human sized form returned.

Crimtae was the first to reach Teriya in her daughter’s naked state. She knelt next to her, carefully stroking her cheek with trembling fingers.

“Oh, Teriya,” Crimtae whispered, her tone laced with concern.

Crimtae glanced up in time to see Bintin handing her a blanket. Crimtae gladly accepted it with thanks and wrapped it around Teriya. She slowly took the unconscious, young Saiyan girl in her arms before standing back up. Crimtae brushed Teriya’s spiky hair back gently with her free hand as she smiled down at her daughter.

“Is she gonna be alright,” Breetae asked, glancing up at Tsukay.

Tsukay glanced down at her with a grin.

“Yeah, little squirt will be alright,” Tsukay replied, folding her arms. “I gotta admit though, that Great Ape form was quite impressive. She can take my heavy blows like a champ.”

Crimtae slowly turns her head to glare daggers at Tsukay, Tsukay, Breetae, Sillya, Delo, and Bintin flinched under her glare. Even Balegon was taken aback by the ferocity with Crimtae’s expression. The last time he ever saw a harsh look like that was when his wife was pregnant with Crimtae. Tsukay gulped audibly, sweat dripping down her forehead.

“But I made sure to hold back, heh, heh,” Tsukay continued, attempting to lighten the mood.

Silence eroded the atmosphere and Crimtae was still glaring at Tsukay.

The day of the tournament had finally come. I stood before the mirror as I stared at the clothes my reflection was wearing. I donned a black long sleeve cheongsam with a long knee length skirt that split apart with a red trim. Paired with red pants, gray shoes, white socks, and a red sash. My spiky hair wrapped in a ponytail was the last finishing touch to my appearance. I placed my hands on my hips.

I really liked my fighting gi. My mother told me her mother, my grandmother, used to wear this when she was the same age as me. My grandmother was a young champion back in the day. She fought many opponents every year when a new tournament came along, and soon retired while she was still in her prime. So seeing myself wearing my grandmother’s old gi filled me with warmth and pride. I truly felt like I was part of the legacy that she left behind for me.

I turned away from the mirror towards the door. I exited the bathroom whilst wrapping my tail around my waist. I was met with my parents, my siblings, and two of my friends who’re standing in the hotel room. Breetae placed both hands on her cheeks as she smiled brightly at me. Said smile extended to my parents, my older siblings, and my two friends stared in awe at what I was wearing. My mother approached and knelt down beside me.

“I knew it would fit you,” Crimtae said, smiling at me. “How is it?”

I inspected my new clothing before looking back at my mother.

“Honestly, it fits perfectly,” I replied.

Crimtae’s smile slightly widened with a mix of warmth.

“I’m glad,” Crimtae responded.

Bintin rested his fists on his hips.

“Well, let’s get going everyone. The preliminaries are today,” Bintin announced.

All of us exited the hotel as we walked down the sidewalk leading to the tournament. Once we reached the entrance, we saw Tsukay standing amongst a crowd of people that walked past her. Tsukay snapped her gaze towards us and smiled whilst waving her hand.

“Hey, you made it,” Tsukay greeted, fixing her gaze on me. “Woah, nice fit squirt. Where’d you get that?”

I grabbed a handful of my gi’s fabric from my chest.

“This fit belonged to my grandmother,” I explained. “She was a former champion before I was born and participated in the same tournament as I am.”

Breetae came to my side with a bright smile.

“She looks so cool in it though,” Breetae commented.

Tsukay nodded in agreement. “I second that, kiddo.”

Sillya stepped up beside Breetae.

“Well, we should go and find our seats. The tournament will begin soon,” Sillya stated, turning her gaze towards me with a smile. “Do your best, Teriya.”

Delo stepped beside Sillya.

“We’ll be cheering for you,” he reassured.

I glanced up in time to see my father place a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

“We all will,” Bintin confirmed, placing his hand atop mine. “You can do this Teriya.''

I gave them all a warm smile. “Thanks guys.”

I waved at my friends and family as they walked away. The last thing I saw was Breetae waving at me with her unwavering bright smile before the group disappeared behind the crowd. I inhaled air into my lungs, exhaled slowly through my mouth, then turned away. I followed every participant (ranging from children the same age as me and adults) to a large building where the preliminaries were being held. The line was quite long and it looked like it was gonna take a while for me to have my turn. I reached into my pocket and pulled out my scouter.

I adjusted the scouter on my ear as I looked around at all the people. I pressed my scouter button periodically. 36, 22, 25, 13, 41, 19. Seeing how pitiful these readings were caused me to chuckle a little. But despite my disappointment, I pressed my scouter again, hoping that someone here might be even a little bit of a challenge. 15, 27, 395, 482, 543, 538, 695, 3,248, 4,532, 6,789…6,789?

That last reading is higher than mine. I peered over to get a better look at who gave me that reading. Across the crowd were three individuals standing in line, my eyes setting on a boy with arctic blue skin and hazel eyes. He had mid-back length silver hair with varying shades of color such as bright cyan, blue, and, ultimately, plain white. He wore a white gi secured with a cyan bow-tied obi over his waist, dark blue wristbands, and dark blue shoes.

I turned my attention to the other person. Said person was a young boy with red inferno skin with black hair shaved into an undercut style, with the shaved portion being gray. He had small, intense brown eyes, and had a vicious look in them. He wore a black gi similar to mine, secured by a red knot-tied obi over his waist, red wristbands, and gray kung fu shoes.

I shifted my gaze to the last individual whom my scouter read last. He was a young wolf pup who wore a dark purple coat with gray fur trimming, paired with admiral blue shorts that ended just above his ankles. His face held a stoic countenance and had an old scar on his right eye. He wore red fingerless gloves as well as charcoal combat shin pads, and an advanced collar encircled his neck. His calculating amber eyes were filled with intelligence, like that of an actual wolf. The same wolf who had a power level of six-thousand.

I’m in trouble, I thought.

After a few minutes I finally got my number. I’m not gonna lie, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be allowed to bring my scouter with me to the tournament. But after explaining to some of the workers what it was, I was allowed to keep it, so long as I wasn't using it to cheat. I followed all the participants through a narrow tunnel as I stared forward. In the distance, I can hear the audience cheering from afar. All of us emerged from the tunnel as I looked around. Finding myself entering the field surrounded by thousands of people sitting on bleachers.

I blinked. I saw a familiar face standing at the field’s center. It was the same fedora man that had stopped me and my sister for a small chat. He was standing at the center of a large square size ring, megaphone in hand as he paced around to look at the audience all around him.

“Ladies and gentlemen: welcome to the thirty-fifth world tournament! Where the next generation of fighters will face off against each other to see who is the strongest! I am your host, Tayber Loke,” Tayber yelled, via mic. The crowd went wild after his introduction. “Now, are you ready?”

The crowd honored Tayber with a cacophony of cheers in reply.

“Alright, then…” Tayber leaned slightly back with one arm spread wide. “Let the tournament begin!”

The crowd responded with many more cheers.

“Now, you all know the drill fighters. You wait your turn by sitting in the bleachers. When I call out your number, that means you’re up,” Tayber explained.

Me and participants turned our heads in time to see a red skinned woman donning a pink sun dress approaching us. She smiled at us, and gestured toward the side bleachers connected to the audience at the lower sideline.

“This way, everyone,” she said politely.

We all made our way to the bleachers and settled in. As the fights began in the ring, I watched the action unfold with patience. I have to admit, though, that the battles dragged on for far too long. Some of the fighters seemed to flail around, their movements clumsy and uncoordinated. It felt more like watching toddlers than seasoned competitors. While others were actually taking the battle seriously as they intensely blocked and deflected each other’s moves.

“Number nine! Please enter the ring!” Tayber called over the megaphone.

"Finally," I breathed.

I descended down the stairs and marched to the platform. I hopped up on it, walked a few paces forward, and folded her arms. My opponent I was facing did not seem to think I was a threat. The little boy’s grin was confident as he got onto the stage and crouched, squaring off against me. He had long brown hair and blue eyes and a slightly chubby body. 

"Listen, doll face, I'll try to go easy on you." He winked at me. "After all, I wouldn't want my first maiden's face messed up. That would just be a crime."

I shook my head in amusement. I reached up and pressed my hand to my scouter.

"21," I said, chuckling. "This isn't worth my time."

The boy smirked cockily at me.

“Aww, what’s wrong doll? Are you shy?” The boy taunted. He began to run toward me. "It won't hurt at all, I’m just put a little—"

His words were cut off when I casually leapt forward with my foot to strike him in the face. My kick sent him flying across the field until he landed on his back, groaning. He’ll probably need an ice pack for that bruise. Tayber stepped up beside me from the corner of my eye and gestured his hand to me.

“Teriya wins! She advances to the next round,” Tayber announced, via radio.

The crowd cheered for my victory. I walked back towards the bleachers and sat back in my seat. The fights in the tournament proceeded, and I got to see some of the stronger fighters whose power levels were aligned close to me. But the one I focused on the most was the young black wolf with the six-hundred battle power. His battle went just as easily as my own. With his speed, he darted around his opponent and knocked him on the back of his head, making him fall unconscious instantly. 

No one but me had been able to follow his movements and even I was impressed. 

For his power level, he was skilled for a kid.

Another strong fighter I paid close attention to was that Pulmon guy. He was just as efficient as that black pup. I kept an eye on his battles and he easily defeated anyone he was set against like it was nothing. Of course with a power level like his, it was nothing. No effort even had to be made on his part.

Another minute passed and it was my turn again. I stepped into the ring, then looked ahead. My eyes met my opponent’s gaze who stepped onto the stage. He was a shirtless blue skinned man with white hair wrapped in a ponytail, paired with baggy white pants and black boots. He pointed at me, a big wild laugh bursting from his barrel of a chest that made me perk a brow.

"Alright, little girl, I've seen you putting up quite the fight, but I hate to tell ya that it all ends now! You had the unfortunate luck to be placed in the ring with me! He bellowed in a loud, confident voice.

I pressed my Scouter.

"68. Better than most of these guys here," I said carelessly, crossing my arms. "Still so small though."

"Begin!" Tayber called.

My opponent let out a wild cry as he rushed at me. I shook my head at his silly attempt as I leapt forward. Kicking him straight to the face, sending the man sailing clean off the stage and down to the ground. I landed gracefully on the ring’s center, turned on my heel and hopped off the stage.

“Teriya wins! She advances to the next round,” Tayber announced, via radio.

The crowd once again cheered for my victory.

“That’s my sister!” I heard Breetae faintly shouting with pride.

I chuckled a little and made my way back to my seat.

Kuro shot a hard glare at the Saiyan girl making her way back to the bleachers where he and the other competitors were waiting. He had braced himself for a tournament filled with young fighters, but he never imagined he’d encounter a Saiyan child here of all places. Old, painful memories bubbled to the surface as he watched Teriya. He recalled the chilling screams of his wolf tribe, the relentless Saiyan army decimating everything in their path, and countless Great Apes unleashing destruction on their homes with devastating mouth beams. But now, seeing possibly the last of the Saiyan’s kind here of all places.

It was a shame he isn’t allowed to kill.

Kuro’s glare slightly deepened. He still intends to win this tournament with his strength in order to complete his goal. However, the second he is put against this Teriya girl…

He.

Will.

Break her.

Kuro sits patiently on his seat as he waits for his chance to fight Teriya. A dangerous opponent far stronger than the latter. One who has an internal loathing for both Teriya and her kind. Is Teriya prepared for whatever assault this young warrior has in store for her?

Don’t miss the next chapter of The Saiyan Extra!

Chapter Text

I clashed my arm against my opponent’s arm at the same time the announcer declared to begin our fight. We brawled across the ring too fast for anyone to make sense of what was happening, the world around me spinning in a blur. I could hear the audience in the stadium go wild as our fight grew intense. I briefly assumed a short retreat, then launched forward to punch the young warrior hard across the face as he built an orb of energy in his right hand. But he recovered quickly, rushing in a kick at my side. I dodged the kick through teleport and reappeared with his back to me before swinging a roundhouse kick that sent him flying.

The young warrior shouted in pain but recovered quickly enough to stop his momentum midair. I leapt forward when he looked over his shoulder, landing an elbow on the side of his face. I followed up by uncoiling my tail from my waist, shooting it down to wrap around his ankle like a leash. He gasped out in surprise when my tail tightened. I twisted my torso with fast grace, throwing the young warrior out of the ring, and hit the grass on his back with a slight rough landing. He grunted slightly as he regained his breath. 

I straightened my posture while wrapping my tail around my waist once more. I turned to my left in time to see Tayber Loke approaching me. He grinned proudly at me as he clapped his hands, as a way of congratulating me for winning the fight. As he announced to the audience both my victory and my advancement to the next round, I started forward towards the ring’s precipice. I hopped off the edge and walked towards the young warrior until I towered over him. He glanced up at me with confusion etched on his face.

I smiled and offered my hand to help him stand. He blinked in surprise, his eyes flickering between my hand and me. Then he reached out and took said hand, helping himself to standing. The young warrior pulled his hand back to his side and smiled back at me. He clasped his hands together in an interlock before bowing his head in respect.

“It was a good fight, and an honor to face you,” he said, lifting his head to look back at me. I nodded in return.

“The honor‘s all mine, buddy,” I replied in a voice laced with sincerity and pride.

I watched him walk toward the bleachers. I noticed something from the corner of my eye, and turned my gaze towards the ocean of people seated above me. My eyes ascended until they landed on my family and teacher. My parents smiled warmly at me as they clapped their hands joyfully along with everyone else. Breetae jumped excitedly while clapping her hands, Silliya stayed seated but nevertheless cheered alongside, and Delo clapped his hands as well. Tsukay was the only one not clapping but nodded her head proudly in approval. I nodded back before walking towards the bleachers.

“Number eight! Please enter the ring!” I heard Tayber called over the microphone.

I looked ahead in time to see a familiar figure approaching me. It was the same silver haired boy I saw back at the line, walking towards my direction with a calm expression, and halting me in place with his hand on my shoulder. I turned to face the boy as soon as he stopped.

“If you’ll have it, I’d like to speak to you once I finish my match,” he stated.

I blinked in surprise. Then nodded my head.

“Yeah, sure,” I responded.

The silver haired boy nodded in return. He let go of my shoulder as he proceeded towards the ring, while I continued walking. I focused my attention on the ring once I took my seat. The silver haired kid assumed his fighting stance the same time his opponent did. Tayber looked between the pair, uttering something to them, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Tayber retreated a step back and raised a hand above his head.

Since I don’t know the silver haired boy’s name, I’ll just call him Silver. At least until he tells me his name.

“Begin!” Tayber cried out, rushing his hand down.

The first fighter leapt at him with a battle cry. Raising his leg high with the intent on swinging his feet at Silver’s temple. But all the young man's foot made purchase of was an afterimage, much to the latter's surprise. Silver reappeared before his opponent by rushing his knee fast towards his opponent's belly. Pain shot through the young man as he doubled over with eyes bulging and his mouth agape. But he recovered in time to parry Silver’s punch, then followed by blocking his elbow with his arm.

The two fighters assumed an intense brawl as they trailed across the ring. Dodging and deflecting each other's punches and kicks. Any average individual would’ve had a hard time trying to track them with their eyes. Silver was in control of the fight; he anticipated his opponent’s attacks beforehand, blocking every blow and sending him hurtling backwards. Silver delivered deadly blows, with precision and accuracy, upon his opponents' weak points that resulted in incapacitating them within seconds.

The young fighter was sent flying by Silver’s kick. But he managed to slow himself at the very last second from being knocked out of the ring. He landed near the edge of the ring, shaking off the effects of his impact, and set his focus back at Silver. The young fighter leapt forward with speed while zigzagging in different directions as an attempt to confuse his opponent. Silver snapped his focus just in time to his right, seeing his opponent dashing toward him. Pulmon welcomed the challenge as he too lunged towards his next opponent. Their clash created wind-like ripples that traveled throughout the ring.

They proceeded to trail along the ring as they deflected each other's punches and kicks. As time went on their fight got more intense with every passing second, until finally, Silver landed a hit on his opponent's jaw with an upward kick. The male fighter howled in pain as he straightened himself in the air. Aiming his hand out at Silver with a grunt, a gust of cold ice quickly building up in his hand. The fighter let out a shout before discharging a torrent of blue ice from his palm. Silver swerved just in time to avoid it head on. The fighter didn't have time to react before Silver spun to deliver a roundhouse kick that sent him flying.

The opponent landed face down on the grass with a grunt. Once Silver saw his opponent was out of the ring, he straightened his posture whilst raising both of his hands. He followed it up by inhaling air to his lungs, then exhaled slowly into the empty space while lowering his hands to his waist. It was then that the air was filled with the cheers and screams of the crowd.

"Pulmon wins! He advances to the next round," Tayber announced, via radio.

The crowd cheered for his victory. The silver haired boy named Pulmon stepped out of the ring and walked back towards the bleachers. He passed the seated fighters until he took a seat next to me. He glanced at me with a calm expression, and extended his hand.

“I’m Pulmon. It’s nice to meet you,” Pulmon greeted, politely.

I smiled and accepted his hand in mine. Shaking it firmly without breaking eye contact.

“Teriya, and it’s nice to meet you too,” I returned, bringing my hand back to my lap. “So Pulmon, not that I’m bothered of course, what made you want to talk to me?”

Pulmon folded his arms.

“I find you…interesting,” Pulmon replied, tilting his head at her. “I noticed that you’re the only soul here that doesn’t share the same features as both clans. I’ve never seen anyone like you before. Are you perhaps a member belonging to a race comprised of warriors?”

I blinked in surprise.

“Wow, you’re quick to pick up things,” I remarked. “But to answer your question, yes. I’m a Saiyan, which is the name of my whole race. And one thing you need to know about us, is that we love to fight.”

Pulmon cupped his chin in thought before nodding in understanding.

“Hmm, I see,” acknowledged Pulmon.

Me and Pulmon turned our attention back to the ring when he heard a shout. Outside of said ring was another fighter laying on her back in defeat. My eyes flickered towards the arena, where the winner stood at the center. It was the black wolf I had seen earlier. He stared down at his downed opponent with narrowed eyes before turning away and strutting out of the ring. Tayber gestured towards the wolf as he walked away, a grin etched on his face.

“Kuro wins the match! He advances to the next round,” Tayber yelled over the microphone.

The crowd applauded enthusiastically while cheering for Kuro. After several minutes, Tayber raised his hand for the audience to quiet down.

“Okay, people. I know you all must be having a great time. I know I am,” Tayber said, pacing around the ring. “But now, we’re gonna take an afternoon break for lunch before we continue the rest of the tournament. So until then, ta ta~.”

Tayber waved at the crowd as he exited the arena. Me, along with Pulmon and every fighter that were still left got up from our seat and we all walked towards the narrow tunnel. We reached the exit where crowds of citizens of the city began pouring out from other areas of the stadium. It wasn’t long until I saw my family and teacher exiting another entrance not too far from my position. I blinked in surprise when I saw Breetae starting a sprint towards me with an enthusiastic smile. She slowed down when she reached me, giving me a big hug.

“You were awesome out there, Teriya!” Breetae exclaimed, smiling brightly. My lips curled upwards, returning her embrace and patting her shoulder lightly.

“Thanks, sis,” I replied, chuckling slightly.

Breetae released me from her hug. She parted her lips to say something, until her gaze shifted to Pulmon.

“Oh, you’re that guy at the arena earlier. Pulmon, right?” Breetae inquired, looking curiously towards the silver haired teen. Pulmon nodded his head.

“Yes,” Pulmon replied, extending his hand. “I take it your Teriya’s sister.”

Breetae beamed with joy as she shook Pulmon’s hand firmly.

“Yup,” Breetae agreed, nodding her head. “And she’s not just my sister, she’s my really, really pretty baby sister.”

I rubbed the back of my nape bashfully.

“Okay, Breetae. No need to exaggerate,” I replied with an embarrassed chuckle.

I stopped laughing when Breetae’s expression changed. She blinked, turning her gaze towards the city. My parents, Silliya, Delo, and Tsukay followed the same direction my sister was looking. Even Pulmon followed their line of sight with curiosity. The faint sounds of beating drums could be heard from afar, drawing our attention towards where the source came from. I shifted my gaze towards my older siblings when Crira gasped.

“By the stars, you hear that, Binjin?” Crira asked, glancing at Binjin.

“Yeah,” Binjin replied, nodding his head.

Delo’s eyes slightly widened. Followed by a small smile creeping onto his face.

“That can only mean one thing,” Delo stated.

Breetae jumped whilst throwing her arms into the air excitedly.

“It’s the start of the Tamasetsu Festival!” Cried Breetae, jumping excitedly in place.

I blinked blankly at my sister.

“The what..?” I was genuinely confused.

My mother took me by the hand without warning.

“Oh, we need to get dressed, quickly,” Crimtae stated, pulling me out of the crowd and starting a sprint towards the direction of the hotel in a hurry. “Come Teriya! We must get you ready!”

I blinked at my mother in bewilderment.

“Wait, hold on!” I protested.

Me and my family continued sprinting until we reached the hotel.

The Tamasetsu Festival was packed with people consisting of both arctic and the inferno clan. Everyone was wearing their traditional clothing, decorated with their unique colors as well as their symbols, which gave each a different identity. Food stalls lined up every corner, selling foods from all over Alboron, as well as exotic foods from distant planets and galaxies, along with fresh fruit juices and beverages. A few people sat at the booths, either to enjoy a delicious snack or just have a bite of their food. They were also accompanied by various types of musicians and singers as well as dancers who performed intricate dance routines. Children walked beside either their friends they’ve accompanied or parents that brought them to the festival.

I entered the festival’s entrance with my family members beside me. No longer in my gi, I was wearing a black kimono decorated with red and pink patterns of flames. My waist encircled with a white obi with a red sash, and my spiky hair tied into a ponytail. Paired with simple wooden sandals that resembled my mothers and a small pouch hung from my hip. The pouch held some extra money allowance that my mother gave me; in case I wanted snacks and drinks since it was only our first day here. I’ll have to ration it wisely before I even buy anything.

“So, what is this festival all about?” I asked curiously, turning my gaze towards my mother.

My mother looked back at me with a smile. She wore the same kimono as me, but the flaming patterns were orange and amber.

“Well, the Tamasetsu festival is an event where both clans not only gather to celebrate life and joy with love and friendship, but to honor the memory of two ancestors,” Crimtae explained, raising a finger as if she’s giving me a lecture. “Long ago, my great, great, grandmother, Crimtae the fifth, met her lover in the year of the full peak.”

My father stepped forward to stand by my side. He wore a white jinbei with pale blue patterns of snowflakes swiped across his clothing.

“That said lover was my ancestor, Bintin the fourth,” Bintin added, glancing down at me with a smile. “The pair met on top of a mountain that divided their two villages. They found these special flowers called ‘Dabels’ that brought the two lovers together. The villages were enemies during that time, so they could not be together, but their love was strong and they found a way. The two lovers found an area in the mountains that was not discovered by their people, and they go there everyday to meet secretly. But one day, fueled with bravery and determination, they decided to try and stop both villagers from fighting each other. It was hard but they fortunately managed to end the war and unite both clans to live together in peace. The two lovers are also the same people that created this Tamasetsu festival, for the sole purpose of giving both clans the chance of finding their future soulmate through the festivities.”

My eyes slowly widened as realization began to dawn on me.

“So, we’re not just here to have fun,” I breathed out. “We’re here to…”

My sister stepped into my view. Staring at me with a bright smile.

“That’s right, baby sister,” Breetae giggled, giving me a big hug. “We’re here to find our future soulmates! isn’t that amazing!”

I blinked shockingly as I stared into space.

I don’t know how to feel about this.

Teriya is weighed with the obligatory tradition of finding her future soulmate. However, the young saiyan is unsure about all of this—uncertain if she’s ready to love again. Will she be able to find a loophole in this tradition?

Don’t miss the next exciting chapter of The Saiyan Extra!