Dragonball M, Chapter 1: Silent Menace Aproaches!

[Miburo]

Spoken with a touch of playful sarcasm, "As long as we're not enemies, I'm not aggressive. Just don't underestimate me."

"I'm not that reckless." Held retorted with a smile, "As long as we both plan to save the earth, I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

"Indeed. Although it is a stunning coincidence that so many of us would arrive during this planet's time of need." Koorimaru agreed with Held, "I hadn't even heard of this planet until a few months ago, although now I'm beginning why that would be the case."

Motioning off-handedly to the dragon ball in Held's hand, Koorimaru continued, "For example, I'm certain a great number of my people would be all too eager to make use of these baubles for their own purposes. Not that I don't see the allure. I have my own petitions to make of the dragon balls myself."

Making his way into the ship, Koorimaru took a brief glance around, "Kami mentioned two other group of allies before we departed. She mentioned that one of them was already at our Destination. I trust that no mention was made of escorting the other group to the Capital?"

Held shook his head at the question.

"We were heading straight to Captial city when Kami radioed us." He explained, gesturing to the ships control panel,"She told us to pick you up and gave us the directions...Megan met us half way, and we followed her lead."

I wonder how the others plan to get there....Well, it'll become obvious soon enough.

"I pretty much know as much as you do about these other groups."

Held paused for a moment, considering Koori's thoughts on the dragonballs.

"Honestly, I most joined in on this because I didn't particularly want to see this planet destroyed." He replied, stating the obvious truth, "It's not a bad place, and even if it was, that's a bit much for my tastes...Especially while I'm on it, but that's neither here nor there."

He scratched his head, thinking.

"If there is something I need the Dragonballs for, I don't have a damned clue for now."

[Miburo]

"What? Oh, come on! Honesty works, doesn't it? Look, Totoma here's reciprocating! Thank you for that!" The acrobat smiled widely and waved. "Hey, I'm Chuan! If you're a human, I can heal you just fine. If you're not, speak to me later and we'll figure something out. I'd like to help you out with medical matters!"

"Hey, I'm not complaining." Held said, laughing at his friends response, "I'm just used to playing my cards a little bit closer to the chest is all. You saved us alot of time, so if anything, I should be thanking you."

Karine gave a light chuckle. "I wouldn't word it quite like that, but its accurate. We're all strangers here, it be naive to expect complete trust but there's no reason we can't be civil in the mean time. Totoma has the unique talent of breaking the ice."

Kinda always been like like that in some aspects, he had always been more straight forward and adventurous then she was. ..Which also meant being dragged along for whatever they had planned when they were younger.


Karine heard Sarada but thought it best to ignore them for now. Giving a child the negative attention they craved only reinforced that behavoir. "You're a Nevadian, correct? I have to be honest this is my first time meeting one of your people in person. More details can wait until later; we can leave once everyone else is settled."

"You'd be correct." The Nevadian replied with a grin, "And I'm not surprised. This planet is nice, but it's a bit of a ways out here for us...Not to mention it's a trading empire, and most of us didn't think Earth was big enough by itself to warrant the effort required for outreach."

He shrugged.

"Having been here, I disagree, but I don't run things,eh?"

Totoma listened to the man's recap of what they'd gone through. Not surprising they'd gotten into trouble, and the other groups would probably have similar stories to tell. In a way, he sort of suspected that these... situations... had been a test, of sorts. After all, if they couldn't handle a bunch of fodder, then what chance would they have against the big bad?

"Sounds fu--er, rough. Yeah, rough. But if you need some alcohol, I'm pretty sure that my old house still has a full liquor cabin--"

He stopped, his expression going blank as he remembered how he'd raided the cabinet after his father's death. What a... week? that had been. Probably. He couldn't really remember it too clearly.

"...about one-third full liquor cabinet. Might not have what you specifically want, but I figure any drink is good after all that."

Held paused, considering the offer.

After several long seconds, he declined gratiously.

"I don't think me getting plastered the first day I meet you all will go over well with anyone, let alone Kami." He replied with a grin, "And while I'm sure Chou or someone could pilot the ship, I was just starting to put the grove in this chair the way I like it."

[Miburo]

The smallest smirk crossed Ochazuke's face as he nodded in kind.

"I say we have an understanding."

With a quick snap, the six-star Dragonball disappeared into the confines of an old capsule. Its counterpart flickered as its resonance was briefly interrupted.

"A smaller target attracts less attention."

Or at the very least keeps both hands free.

"Then we must not delay. We'll have to move quickly to the capital."

Held smirked slightly as the orb vanished into the minute container the man before him held. Great minds think alike and all that.

Well, I'm glad things are going pretty smooth so far.

"I won't argue with you there." Held replied, his own Dragonball vanishing in a puff of smoke back into the capsule from which it came, "I think he should fine, but we're trying to figure out Where Jinzi Pantaloon ran off to."

The Billionare should be fine, his ship rocketing off at a break neck pace.

Still, Willa was quite the warrior, and Held was unsure as to what quality of men Jinzi held on his payroll.

"The Red Raiders seem to know he's capable to making a device to track the Dragonballs, so...He's kind of important in this contest."

[KamenRaida]

Held shook his head at the question.

"We were heading straight to Captial city when Kami radioed us." He explained, gesturing to the ships control panel,"She told us to pick you up and gave us the directions...Megan met us half way, and we followed her lead."

I wonder how the others plan to get there....Well, it'll become obvious soon enough.

"I pretty much know as much as you do about these other groups."

"And that's little enough as it is. Still...." Koorimaru frowned, before his eyes carefully rested on each face on the aircraft, "If the dynamics of our respective groups are any indication, I have to wonder what Kami intends with so erratic a squadron of 'avatars' as she called it."

Held paused for a moment, considering Koori's thoughts on the dragonballs.

"Honestly, I most joined in on this because I didn't particularly want to see this planet destroyed." He replied, stating the obvious truth, "It's not a bad place, and even if it was, that's a bit much for my tastes...Especially while I'm on it, but that's neither here nor there."

He scratched his head, thinking.

"If there is something I need the Dragonballs for, I don't have a damned clue for now."

Koorimaru chuckled softly, "Well, I hardly have any complaints about that. Kami promised me a wish from the dragon ball and I have every intention to collect when this matter is dealt with. Although, I can't deny that in the time I've been here, I share your fondness for this planet. I'm sure as a Navadian, you appreciate the range of techniques this planet has to offer. It makes one wonder why Kami would need to gather so many offworlders to thwart her predecessor."

He paused, as if taking the weight of his own words into consideration.

"Speaking of whom, we might put ourselves in a better position if we shared what information we have on our mutual foe. As our Totoma said," Koorimaru began gesturing to the half-breed Saiyan, "We encountered creatures under the thrall of the old Kami. They are no longer a threat, but I fear that may not be the case for the one you've encountered. You mentioned the Red Raiders earlier, and Kami had informed us that they already possess one of the Dragon Balls.

"I think it would be best if you shared as much information as you could about them. If they're working for the Old Kami, I have no doubts we'll encounter them sooner or later. If not to keep our dragon balls out of their hands, then certainly to make sure that theirs are returned to Kami."

[Sol_M]

The small girl smiles slightly.

"Not unexpected. Deal."

She does something and the air ripples for a moment before a small pill shaped capsule lands in Kabuto's hand.

"Press the top and it will open. Consider it a down payment for services rendered, if needs be."

Should he press the capsule, it will open in a puff of smoke and reveal a small collection of rock like gems unknown to earthlings. There composition, Kabuto will recognize, come from his home world. These are Thane Gems, a well recognized standard through the space that the Galaxy Police maintain. The amount there is more than enough to cover Kabuto's fee.

A surpised Kabuto caught the small capsule as it materialized before him.

Well, that was...quick.

"A down payment? Now we're talking."

But a small capsule like this? It couldn't contain that much. He shrugged and opened the capsule as Kami instructed.

As the smoke cleared, Kabuto was greeted by another surprise. He struggled to maintain a neutral expression as the gems glittered in his hand.

"Woah. That'z...how did you...nevermind, I don't even want to know.", he smirked "Yez, thiz will do. Az expected of a god."

He gazed at the gems thoughtfully. Hatefully tiresome their location and extraction was, resulting in a composition so rare and valuable, many lives had probably been lost over them. That Kami had chosen to pay him specifically using these very stones said a great deal about what she knew about him. It was frightening, really.

If there were any doubts Kabuto's mind over the veracity of Kami's claims and promises, they were swiftly evaporating.

Dusk City:


The young girl looks at them and asks.

“Will you aid me and my allies then? If so, I would take you to Capital City, or as close as I Can, to gather with my other allies so we might plan.”

Kabuto nodded.

"Of course. We have a deal."

Dusk City:

Kami, through the young girl, asks them all to step closer. She will teleport them as close as she can to Capital City, where further allies are to be found and where at least two more dragonballs are held by them.

As they prepare to teleport, he gives a thumbs up to Kami and grins behind his visor.

"Don't worry, I got thiz."

As it turned out, many of the rest of his group also asserted their desire to set out on this task, for reasons of their own.

Kabuto shrugged. To each their own.

He had better start thinking of these people as some large team for this job. He hated teams.

[Sion Reaver]

"Oh, that's a good thing to hear. It seems that it won't be as much of a problem as I thought it'd be!" Chuan beamed as he pressed his fingertips together. "I'd like to hear more about you and your race when you want to talk about it. For now, I'll settle for knowing this much."

Being raised by a man of higher learning gave him a high tolerance for lectures, and he was interested in this subject. Why not sit down and listen to what she had to say?

"Either way, I'll get to learn some more. Thanks a lot for the opportunity, Karine."

A new person was hard to judge but far as first impressions went he made a good one. A faint smile formed. "You're certainly spirited. So out of curiosity this healing style of yours do you know where it originated or at least who the founder was? It sounds like it have a interesting history behind it."

"Hey, I'm not complaining." Held said, laughing at his friends response, "I'm just used to playing my cards a little bit closer to the chest is all. You saved us alot of time, so if anything, I should be thanking you."



"You'd be correct." The Nevadian replied with a grin, "And I'm not surprised. This planet is nice, but it's a bit of a ways out here for us...Not to mention it's a trading empire, and most of us didn't think Earth was big enough by itself to warrant the effort required for outreach."

He shrugged.

"Having been here, I disagree, but I don't run things,eh?"



Held paused, considering the offer.

After several long seconds, he declined gratiously.

"I don't think me getting plastered the first day I meet you all will go over well with anyone, let alone Kami." He replied with a grin, "And while I'm sure Chou or someone could pilot the ship, I was just starting to put the grove in this chair the way I like it."

"Perhaps when this is all over there may be a change of heart? If you've been here enough you could make a sound case, although politics are a tricky thing I detest in the best of times. I don't pretend to know how the situation of your people's politics go, or even if its the same for off world colonies." It went without saying it also hinged on Held's standing and clout, which varied depending on what the culture put faith and respect in. For Sayains, it was simple and straght forward. For Nevadians and others it was notably more complicated and multi layered. Much as she disliked Sayain culture as a whole, there was something almost admirable in its simplicity. Keyword, almost.

"As for liquor..I..uh..don't think I'll ever be drinking again.." She fumbled slightly losing her normal pose a bit as red dusted her pale cheeks remembering something or another.

As Koori and Held exchanged with each other, the young woman had a idea. "It may be too soon, but I was thinking perhaps if its possible for them to build a Dragonball radar, they could maybe make one that sends false signals? That way our enemies go wild hunts to no where while giving us some breathing room. It wouldn't work for too long assuming basic competence but..its something. How we'd know the true signal from the fake I'm not sure, its just a rough draft assuming its possible to begin with.."

"There's also the idea of 'fake' Dragonballs to make it more authentic but not sure how long it take to make a convincing one."

[Yun Lao]

Dusk City:

Kami, through the young girl, asks them all to step closer. She will teleport them as close as she can to Capital City, where further allies are to be found and where at least two more dragonballs are held by them.

Charco took a step towards the girl, only to pause. He couldn't help but take note of a sound. It sounded like rustling, like a plastic bag caught in the wind and the sound was getting closer, fast. Turning, Charco's eyes nearly bugged out and, instinctively, caught the object that only moments away from taking his head off. His palms stung from the impact, making it difficult to inspect it at first. Wrapped in a Grinmart shopping bag, it seemed to be a trapper keeper...covered in ducks.

"...this...must be those books..."

Guess Mrs. Duck wasn't the type for farewells.

Sighing, he turned back and made his way to Kami so they could be teleported.

[Eternal Torment]

"Practitioners of the internal styles put a particular emphasis on fortification as a preventative measure," he replied, "I'm sure that the Heterodox Style must work with this root in common."

The remark about the loss of control caused him to raise an eyebrow. Ki, fundamental an energy as it was, granted the force of life beyond the composite body of flesh and nerves. One grew in a natural rhythm with the other; moving excessively caused the tandem failure of both.

It was the foundation of those techniques. Master Chahan's fanatical death-signature he'd sworn never to use again.

"Naturally. Of a fashion," he added, "placed correctly, even the smallest expenditure may topple a mountain, as they say."

"As a first step, yes. The practice is much weirder. It's not called Heterodox for no reason. Best way I know how to say it? Make the bowl stronger, then pour clean water into it until it overflows and pushes out the impurities."

Chuan's embarrassed laughter never was a good sign, especially not when he was talking about something so important.

"I wish I could explain better. At least the application holds up better than the theory."

A new person was hard to judge but far as first impressions went he made a good one. A faint smile formed. "You're certainly spirited. So out of curiosity this healing style of yours do you know where it originated or at least who the founder was? It sounds like it have a interesting history behind it."

Chuan tilted his head ever so slightly, almost wistful as he began to explain himself.

"My adoptive father never did tell me. I've spun a lot of theories over the years, but I'm just sure that he had a good teacher and a bad history. It's not nice of me to think ill of Doc Flan, but I think he got kicked out of his school before he raised me. His indifference to spiritual matters might be explained by that. Or maybe it was the cause of that issue. Who knows? Even now, I can't figure out everything about him."

He paused for a moment, taking the time to smile again before he continued.

"Well, it's a sordid little tidbit. I've talked enough about myself, anyways. What about yours? Fighting's not really my thing, but I am curious how you'd handle yourself, Karine."

While he did hold interest in her past, he'd keep his questions relevant to the ones she'd ask of him. Pushing too hard would just be too intrusive, at least at this point.

"Perhaps when this is all over there may be a change of heart? If you've been here enough you could make a sound case, although politics are a tricky thing I detest in the best of times. I don't pretend to know how the situation of your people's politics go, or even if its the same for off world colonies." It went without saying it also hinged on Held's standing and clout, which varied depending on what the culture put faith and respect in. For Sayains, it was simple and straght forward. For Nevadians and others it was notably more complicated and multi layered. Much as she disliked Sayain culture as a whole, there was something almost admirable in its simplicity. Keyword, almost.

"As for liquor..I..uh..don't think I'll ever be drinking again.." She fumbled slightly losing her normal pose a bit as red dusted her pale cheeks remembering something or another.

Of course, Chuan couldn't help but overhear that. Well, he liked what he heard, but he kept it down to a sideways smile. It was tempting to tease her about it, but he knew he wouldn't be able to stop once he started.

[Tami]

"If this is everyone," Meagan looked around, mentally counting everyone there, "then let's get going. Looking forward to seeing this Capital City."

[The Chou Lives]

Chou spoke in pilotvseat. “ The raiders I think are their own thing. As for Old Kami, I.... heard of things” He was to the point.

[Noldere]

Smiling, Midori pointed in a seemingly random direction as she said "You heard the mysterious voice in our heads! We need to go to Capsule Corp for the Dragon Balls and allies to find the rest so we can make wishes!"

Placing a soothing hand on Midori's shoulder, Shiro gently reminded her "First we need to find the location of Capsule Corp HQ so we're not wandering randomly around the city hoping for the best."

"... right." Midori agreed, turning to Slak and Ronin Kai as she asked "Do either of you know how to get to Capsule Corp HQ?" She decided not to ask Sasheem, since she sincerely doubted the toilet-dwelling fishman knew where it, or anything else for that matter, was.

"I'm familiar enough with the location to guide you there from here," Kai said before leading the way, at several points hesitant for reasons he could not discern. "I take it the two of you are willing to aid this... Kami? Against unknown but almost absolutely powerful opposition such as the man that was here just a few moments ago?"

[Sion Reaver]

"As a first step, yes. The practice is much weirder. It's not called Heterodox for no reason. Best way I know how to say it? Make the bowl stronger, then pour clean water into it until it overflows and pushes out the impurities."

Chuan's embarrassed laughter never was a good sign, especially not when he was talking about something so important.

"I wish I could explain better. At least the application holds up better than the theory."



Chuan tilted his head ever so slightly, almost wistful as he began to explain himself.

"My adoptive father never did tell me. I've spun a lot of theories over the years, but I'm just sure that he had a good teacher and a bad history. It's not nice of me to think ill of Doc Flan, but I think he got kicked out of his school before he raised me. His indifference to spiritual matters might be explained by that. Or maybe it was the cause of that issue. Who knows? Even now, I can't figure out everything about him."

He paused for a moment, taking the time to smile again before he continued.

"Well, it's a sordid little tidbit. I've talked enough about myself, anyways. What about yours? Fighting's not really my thing, but I am curious how you'd handle yourself, Karine."

While he did hold interest in her past, he'd keep his questions relevant to the ones she'd ask of him. Pushing too hard would just be too intrusive, at least at this point.
.

So they didn't know. Slightly unfortunate as she was curious but not the end of the world. "I use a combination of my natural powers and magic, but I can't claim to be the best at it mostly due to lack of interest besides learning enough to defend me and mine. Nosferartu can use physical shadows for defense and offensive purposes though I'm not at the level I would have been if I kept at it. The only application of it is pretty basic; I mainly use a lance for melee or throwing it at enemies to explode."

"As for hand to hand.." Karine trailed off, giving a slight shrug. "It's something called Youkai Fist, the name is due to the founder supposedly being just that according to legend. It's an all around style but like with most there's variations of it. I'm competent at it, but not to the extent to some here. Truth be told, until now I really had no incentive to further improve until now."

She supposed she'd ask Totoma for lessons, even if he was rusty he had much more experience then she did.

"If this is everyone," Meagan looked around, mentally counting everyone there, "then let's get going. Looking forward to seeing this Capital City."

The other woman had a point. "You're right. I don't think there's an point in delaying it anymore.."

There was plenty of empty seats so she picked one randomly to get comfortable, at least she wouldn't have to worry about her back bothering her unlike the other times she had been on trips like these. Only thing she was slightly weary about was flying over water, heights didn't scare her so much as water considering she swam like led put in the shape of a rock as is, never mind her natural weakness.

She had her spot to where she could still talk to people though, no need to be a social hermit.

[Eternal Torment]

So they didn't know. Slightly unfortunate as she was curious but not the end of the world. "I use a combination of my natural powers and magic, but I can't claim to be the best at it mostly due to lack of interest besides learning enough to defend me and mine. Nosferartu can use physical shadows for defense and offensive purposes though I'm not at the level I would have been if I kept at it. The only application of it is pretty basic; I mainly use a lance for melee or throwing it at enemies to explode."

"As for hand to hand.." Karine trailed off, giving a slight shrug. "It's something called Youkai Fist, the name is due to the founder supposedly being just that according to legend. It's an all around style but like with most there's variations of it. I'm competent at it, but not to the extent to some here. Truth be told, until now I really had no incentive to further improve until now."

She supposed she'd ask Totoma for lessons, even if he was rusty he had much more experience then she did.

"Even if your shadow control isn't at a high level, that still sounds cool. I could already think of some teamwork ideas already!" Chuan moved his hands around excitedly before catching himself. "Ahem. Sorry, the idea's got me all pumped up. I actually feel like fighting sounds fun for once."

Right then and there, he got a glimpse into the Saiyan mindset. It wasn't a particularly deep look, but he could understand the allure of combat.

"Youkai Fist also sounds just fine. Well, hey. If you feel like it, I wouldn't mind a spar with you and Totoma. The two of you seem like you work together well!"

[The Dog]

"I'm familiar enough with the location to guide you there from here," Kai said before leading the way, at several points hesitant for reasons he could not discern. "I take it the two of you are willing to aid this... Kami? Against unknown but almost absolutely powerful opposition such as the man that was here just a few moments ago?"

"Yes... Aren't you? I mean, he harmed a bunch of innocent people and did something horrible to that man who we fought in an alleyway. He needs to be stopped, and I have a feeling we're gonna be the ones to stop him!" Midori said, fist clenched before her and eyes shining heroically.

"And if your obvious worries about this person calling themselves Kami are founded, we'll stop them too." Shiro added with a small nod.

[Monstrous Bird of Qin, Ou Ki]

"Hehe. A chance a wipe that dumb grin off your face. How could I possibly pass that up?"

She was reasonably -- as reasonable as a Saiyan could be -- that she would win. He was trained by Tasure, but that was ten years ago. He had admittedly lapsed in his training.

By all accounts, she should have no trouble against him, even if they were almost even in power level.



"Hmph."

Challenge or no, she was going home, and going home stronger than she ever could have hoped of becoming. She could feel it. The blood of a Saiyan Elite coursed through her veins. There was little reason why she shouldn't ascend to those ranks by the end of this endeavor.

"Sorry, the dumb grin's part of the package," said Totoma, teasingly. "Still, looking forward to it. Should be pretty fun, even if I'm pretty sure I know how it's gonna end."

Well, Sarada's victory was not a foregone conclusion. His skills may be rusty, and his power diminished, but he could be a pretty tricky fighter, if he needed to be. Still, he'd probably lose, and she'd probably taunt him about it, but he'd just treat it as a learning opportunity.

Saiyans came back from defeat stronger than ever... earthlings, on the other hand, came back from defeat smarter. He had the best of both worlds... maybe. Or the 2nd best of both worlds?

...whatever.

"So, anyway... your style... is it the Crimson Fist?" asked Totoma. Their styles were fairly similar, which... wasn't surprising. Saiyan-Do was taught at the academy, both for historical reasons--it's considered the foundational art of all saiyan fighting styles--and for practical reasons, seeing as it gives a solid base a Saiyan can use to build their fighting skills on, whether that's a personal style or a pre-existing one.

Most opted for the latter, but his mother had developed her own style based on Saiyan-Do. She had encouraged him to do the same, but he'd... neglected... that advice, even when she was alive. He'd simply been able to overwhelm most opponents with sheer power, so why bother learning more than the basics?

Yeah, that mentality had come back to bite him on the ass. If his mother were to come back to life, she'd tell him "told you so" and then kick his ass back into shape. Probably on an exploding planet with ten times the gravity of Earth. Or a trip to Nevada.

"Hey, I'm not complaining." Held said, laughing at his friends response, "I'm just used to playing my cards a little bit closer to the chest is all. You saved us alot of time, so if anything, I should be thanking you."



"You'd be correct." The Nevadian replied with a grin, "And I'm not surprised. This planet is nice, but it's a bit of a ways out here for us...Not to mention it's a trading empire, and most of us didn't think Earth was big enough by itself to warrant the effort required for outreach."

He shrugged.

"Having been here, I disagree, but I don't run things,eh?"



Held paused, considering the offer.

After several long seconds, he declined gratiously.

"I don't think me getting plastered the first day I meet you all will go over well with anyone, let alone Kami." He replied with a grin, "And while I'm sure Chou or someone could pilot the ship, I was just starting to put the grove in this chair the way I like it."

"Yeah, probably for the best," said Totoma, returning the grin. "Besides, we're probably gonna get there just as the shit hits the fan or something."

Not that he wouldn't welcome a chance to become stronger, of course, but things were likely to be pretty hectic from here on out. He'd have to savor every bit of downtime he got.

"Speaking of... did they say you're a Nevadian? Huh, my mother took me to Nevada once," said Totoma. "Training... real tough training. Not as tough as that time she decided a self-destructing planet would be the best sparring ring ever, but... close."

Well, it had been good training. Tough, but he'd survived and come out quite a bit stronger.