Rivals and Arrivals

[Antary]

Finally, the storms stopped. In the far distance a massive object was clearly visible. They were getting closer and closer to it. Antary never thought he`d be so glad to see the clear blue sky. Apparently on the huge spherical thing that they were flying at was some sort of a ladder. How considerate of whoever designed this thing to put a ladder in such a-

“Who the hell would even put this here?!” Yelled Antary before dispersing his beam and taking hold of the conveniently placed ladder. “Real funny, whoever made this. “ Still mumbling about how ridiculous this ladder is, he started quickly climbing. It really was silly, but actually helpful right now. This whole trip was a tough one, and it was about to come to an end. Antary spent the whole month running to this place, but he was prepared to be disappointed by the fact that this might simply be a notable check point that serves no other reason but to simply be here… In the sky. Hanging in the air. Yeah.

After climbing up as high as the ladder allowed and jumping up a hole, they were finally at the top. This is a strange place, indeed. The floor consisted of white tiles, big enough to fit in a foot, but the most notable feature was the large building to the front. Not too concerned about it, Antary took off the improvised “bikepack”; Alice was already standing on the ground, looking at the surroundings. They were both happy to finally not be constantly on the move. Instead of patiently waiting for someone`s arrival, Antary yelled.

“Is anybody here?!” His voice echoed, however it was easy to tell that there were many energy signatures around. Some even familiar. So either they were just looking at a wrong angle, or there was nobody here.

[Geurin]

"Is anyone here, well no not just anyone, but rather myself and my companions"

Kami said from across the tile floors. He had been kneeling down next to his garden, so it was understandable that the young saiyan would not have seen him right away. And it was even more likely that Kami's power was significantly less than the others Antary was sensing. However their was something special to his, something warm and inviting. Unlike the other powers that seemed extreme, or simply for sheer gain, this one appeared to be inviting Antary closer to it. Drawing into his own energy to give him peace.

Kami however had yet to look up from his flowers, as he continued the light rain of water down on the pedals.

"No, I like to think of myself as more than just anyone. Anyone seems rather ordinary, and I am no ordinary man, nor is anyone who makes it all the way to my lookout, isnt that right...Antary"

Kami finally set the water bucket down, and turned to face the young saiyan as he said his name. Antary was a wiley individual, and was often very difficult to read, so Kami would simply have to address him just like he would with any other person.

[Antary]

Antary was slightly startled by the sudden voice, but the voice itself was strangely calming. He was not paying attention to the gardens, instead too busy enjoying the rest he earned and deserved after the long trip, however the voice was coming from there. There were some pretty flowers, along with a calming energy source, but it was pretty different than that of a saiyan`s or human`s, and not because it was overly strong or weak. The nature of the energy was… peaceful. It lacked the foul intentions that everyone else has, which was unique. Antary noticed something lurking in the garden, well, it was easy considering how big it was compared to the flowers. It then rose up. Antary turned to Alice, and asked.

“Did… Did that plant just move… and talk?” He certainly never saw anything like this. It was a green humanoid… plant thing. At his question the girl sighed.

“It`s not a plant. Plants don`t move like that, don`t look like that, don`t talk, and don`t have an energy signature. If this is really the Lookout, there can be only one person here, although he is not the only energy signature here. Due to this being`s specific energy, I am going to assume that he is the so called Defender of the Earth.” Alice crossed her arms, giving the green creature a scolding look. “So much of a help you were when Central City was destroyed. What would we ever do without you?” She sarcastically remarked. By her voice it was easy to tell that she was angry. At her comments, Antary finally stood up. He really saw no green creature like this one back in Central City. He had nothing to say in the green guy`s defense, nor did he want to add anything. As he is now, this “defender” would not be able to defeat Meishi.

“So… What is this place, really?” Antary decided to calm everyone down with a casual question. He came here for a reason, although that reason was not known to him.

[Geurin]

Kami could do nothing but smile as the girl, whom was clearly the brains of their outfit, scolded the Kami for not have thrown himself in front of the onslaught that happened at central. Their ignorance to the monumental role he had played did not bother Kami. He was not out for praise, nor did he believe he deserved it. For this was his job, and one that he pleasured in doing. He responded to the girl with the same peaceful tone he had before and said.

"To protect the earth, one must equip the earth"

Regardless of if she would unerstand the metaphor Kami would be forced to move on in conversation as Antary asked about the location they were at.

"Oh this place?"

Kami said looking around jokingly

"This is my home, a lookout for which I can see all things. You are correct in your assuming that I am the Guardian of earth, and you should marvel at your abilities, as those whom are weak of mind cannot make the travel here."

Kami said setting down the watering can, and picking up his staff from the garden, using it to help himself walk forward. Kami was still weakened by his actions in the previous week, and couldnt walk correctly. His limp only added to the juxtaposition of grand energy, and a broken body.

[Antary]

Antary was beginning to feel a little awkward. What was he even doing here? Up until now he`s been running for practically no reason other than the fact that his teacher made him do so. But what is expected of him now? While Antary was busy thinking over it, Alice just wouldn`t stop attacking the green guy. Tenshu`s last words only seemed to fuel the fire.

“There is a difference in being wise and just hiding behind words, trying to sound smart. I`m sure that when you talk to the families who lost their loved ones with that noble and confident attitude of yours they will forgive you for everything.” Again with the sarcasm. “If you are going to act wise, you should at least make sense. What is the point of being wise if you can`t pass your wisdom? They call people like that something else. They call them insane.” At this point, Antary decided to calm her down. He didn`t spend most of the month getting here, only to get kicked out because of her rants. The saiyan approached her.

“Hey, you should cal-“ He couldn`t even say much before getting kicked in his weak spot for the third or fourth time ever since he met Alice. Covering the sensitive spot in pain, Antary fell on his knees, and then fell on his side. “God damn it!” Ironic in this situation, somewhat. Looks like Alice had nothing else to say, instead awaiting the Defender`s response. After listening to whatever he might have to say, Antary would get up and ask something of his own.

“Do you know an old man called John? He used to be my teacher, but said he has nothing to teach me anymore so sent me here instead. You know, a blind guy with sunglasses, red robes? Why would he send me here, is there someone I should ask to train me? Or is this place some sort of a marker that the old guy had in mind?” Antary had a lot to ask, but the main question was why exactly was he sent here. Hell, if this guy looks over the planet, maybe he knows something about that mysterious old guy?

[Geurin]

Kami allowed the young girl to continue her rant, if it made her feel better she could yell all she liked. Her expectations of Kami were increadibly high, and her understanding of his position considerably low, but again this didnt bother Kami at all. What happened at central was a tragedy, one that would never be forgot in Kami's heart and mind. And honestly he did feel slightly responsible for not having the warriors to back up the earth. However the actions that took place were not Kami's fault, One statement however peaked his attention, when she mentioned that families would not simply forgive him for his training and weaning of the planet earth. To this Kami replied,

"One does not forgive, those whom are not at fault"

With that Kami watched the annihilation of Antary's male pride once more. It surprised Kami that a saiyan of his strength would allow himself to be pushed around so easily, however Kami knew of Antary all to well, and of his achievements.

"I am not sure why John would send you to me. I am just a man guilty of the destruction of central, how could I possibly help"

He said sarcastically turning around to water his garden once more. Kami cracked a smile, he certainly was not going to turn Antary away, but that last statement would likely invoke some sort of reaction, and since Alice had made such a spectacle earlier, it would be no surprise if she had yet another witty, or sarcastic remark to give.

[Antary]

After some more wise words that neither Antary nor Alice understood, the girl sighed and walked away, taking a seat at the bike and taking out a familiar book with a blue cover, some Japanese symbols on them. Those who could understand that language would be able to read the words “Groundbreaking Science”. Although his witty sarcastic remark was meant for Alice, it annoyed Antary quite a bit as well. Isn`t it this person`s job to protect the people, at least according to his “guardian” title? Alice put her book down, ready to say something witty in her defense and Kami`s offense, but Antary had enough of their petty arguments.

“Both of you shut the hell up already! We get it, Central City was blown up. And while this green guy may not have done anything to prevent that from happening, I do not give a damn. He wouldn`t do much against Meishi either way, I had to use Kaioken to simply match his strength. Besides, we can`t magically restore the city, you know, nothing grants wishes. The people are dead, nothing we can do about it. I did not spend half a month to get here so that you two could argue about what already happened!” As Antary was letting some steam off, Alice put the book back in front of her face, so that only her eyes are seen, which were not looking at the book.

“There actually is a way.” She started, to which the saiyan obviously reacted surprised. “According to history, the population of Earth was constantly jumping a long time ago. Apparently there was constant fighting between entities stronger than both of you combined, and as you expect, there were probably many casualties. At one point it went down to critical levels, but a couple years later, it was back to normal. Either the history is lying, or… Well, someone is hiding something.” Her eyes then returned to reading the book. Antary let off a sigh. If Tenshu had something to say, he`d let him do that first.

“So, John is probably expecting me to train here. And I guess you are my new teacher. Am I wrong?” He crossed his arms, awaiting Tenshu`s response.

[Geurin]

Kami was slightly put out that he had just been told to shut the hell up. For the guardian of earth these two certainly didnt hold any respect for him, or anything that he could possibly offer them.

Reasonably speaking however Kami knew that Antary's intentions were pure, and that to not help him would be spiteful, something that Kami simply was not good at. He would meet their aggressive behavior with something greater, he would meet it with compassion.

"Your master john was once my student"'

Kami said again putting down the watering can, but this time not turning back to face antary. He disliked looking at others when telling stories of sad importance.

"Long...Long ago, John and Nai made their way up to my lookout. The two were lovebirds, looking for a way to spend their honeymoon. However truth be told, they were both also seeking something else, and that was power."
Kami walked a distance away, and sat on a bench a couple meters from the garden, he had been weakened by all the standing and was unable to continue doing so, likely another testament to their already growing belief that Kami was worthless.

"The power they found was myself. I trained them, the same way that I train all of my students, but unfortunately I do not have a good record with students"

He said, finally looking Antary in the eyes

" one out of ten people who come to train here die"

Kami said thinking back to the day that it occured, Suddenly unbenounced to Antary, a small orb began to float out of the lookout building, and over to the bench. It was Kami's crystal ball which could show images of the past, and there before Antary was his old master john, considerably younger, and without his sunglasses. Yes he was not blinded at the time. In addition there was another, A stunning women who's looks were only met by her deadly fighting style. The two of them were facing something, something that nobody could recognize, but it was big, and evil. And in the blink of an Eye it happened.

Nai Dove infront of john, catching a large energy beam to the back, the life faded from her eyes as Kami appeared expelling the demon, and dropping to aid Nai, but it was to late, she was already dead.

After the presentation Kami spoke once more.

"Your Sensei was traumatized by the experience, and because of the stress went almost immediately blind. The last thing he saw was his wife, and lover, torn from his hands"

Kami motioned for the Crystal ball to leave, and it did so. Leaving the two of them to speak once more.

"Training here is a dangerous thing, and if John believes that you are meant to be here it means he has faith in you, but I have no interest in hosting someone who is not ready to face my training 100%"

[Antary]

Antary did not seem that affected by John`s backstory. He wasn`t exactly paying attention, especially now, that it was confirmed that he is here to train with this green guy. The warning he made only fuelled the fire of his saiyan soul, which caused him almost unwillingly to grin. 1 out of 10 means that the training is so insane not everyone survives (obviously). Though it did not make him scared one bit. He started hopping on the spot.

“You`re gonna have to pump up the difficulty if you want to give me a real challenge. Even with these things on…” He motioned at the blue gauntlets on his hands. “…I`m still going to take on whatever you throw at me.” The main reason for his cockiness and confidence was the fact that his friend`s energy signature was still noticeable. In fact, not just that. It was bigger than that of his own. He needed to go through more than Nam did, in the same period of time. “How about… 1 in a 100? And when do we begin?"


(short one, but not much to write about)

[Geurin]

Kami smiled at the enthusiasm this saiyan had towards training, he could tell that this one would be able to accomplish great things, and he already had a plan for antary, one that would undoubtedly lead to his power increasing tremendously, however if he failed it would mean his life.

Not that Antary seemed to be worried in the least, if anything death was a challenge to the young saiyan. This could work in their favor, especially with Kami's knowledge of the saiyan Zenkai. Perhaps they could train Antary in such a way that he could utilize the zenkai even further. But most importantly was the taming of his Oozaru, such a beast must never be seen by man again, and if it is, it should be seen as a hero fighting by their side.

Kami was prepared to make that happen.

"Well Antary in that case welcome to my lookout, you will find your room already prepared down the hall in the main house...As for"

Kami looked over at the young lady still pouting about her inability to verbally abuse kami further

"Well.... I dont suppose you are here for training as well, if not I will have to ask you to leave, and if so...well...why?"

[Antary]

Antary smirked and started walking towards Alice, eyes closed and smiling with a really big grin.

ÒAw, that`s too bad. But you probably shouldn`t worry about it too much, not like this is the last chance you`ll ever get of getting up here, heh.Ó He tapped her on the shoulder, while giggling uncontrollably. In response, Alice kicked him in the balls, hopped on the bike, and while balancing with a single leg, span and kicked Antary in the back of the head. Normally, this wouldn`t have much of an effect, but in his ÒweakenedÓ state it was enough to knock him to the ground. She hopped back to the sitting position, calmly reading the book as if nothing ever happened.

ÒIf training is your only condition for staying, I don`t mind.Ó After saying that, she sighed. The mortality rate was quite a bothersome thing, at least for her. Although she was fully aware of the risks and strangely enough, was willing to take them. In the meantime, Antary had gotten up.

ÒALRIGHT, ENOUGH WASTING TIME ALREADY! TIME FOR SOME ACTUAL TRAINING!Ó He yelled, obviously directed at Tenshu. ÒGive me your best shot.Ó

[Geurin]

Kami was pleased with the excitement being portrayed through the young saiyan but was worried about the young women who had come up here so aggressively. Not because she was rude, but rather because his training really did kill many people, and it was more than likely that she would not make it, especially training at the same rate as Antary, and for that his tone needed to change. The happy and loving voice they had heard moments ago was replaced by one of a more serious Dialect.

"Alice, Antary is a special individual, He is different by the means that his survival is far more likely then your own. I do not see you doing well here and I must highly recommend that for your own safety you find another means of training"

Kami always had the best interest of Earths children at heart, and knowing the intensity of the training, he was also familiar with Alice and her abilities, which frankly were not up to par with what Kami had in mind.

(You Henchmen cant train with us. If she is your alt account, I will need you to post from there.)

[Antary]

While the fact that Alice had pretty much no choice did not bother Antary, who was too excited for his new training, it did bother her, and quite a bit. She was outright refused to stay, an ultimatum by Tenshu. To her it was simple stubbornness, like an old man refusing you from playing in his yard even though there`s lots of stuff that can be used for fun and he never even bothers visiting the place, nor is there any danger to his property. Nothing could be done about it, some people are simply paranoid, she thought. Elegantly sliding on her shoe, turning her back on Tenshu, she started quickly walking to the edge of the lookout. Antary was a bit surprised, considering there was no witty remark aboutÉ anything. Well, on the other hand, her current emotions were clearly visible. She was pissed.

She walked quickly, almost hopping, to the border. There, she stopped. With her palms facing downward, she moved her hands near her stomach, loudly filling her lungs with air. After doing so, she jumped, hanging in the air for split seconds, before diving downwards head first. Antary had no real choice but to react. He rushed to where she jumped from at his full speed, just barely not sliding off the lookout (which would be quite troublesome considering he still can`t fly because of his weights), not to mention that the floors were so smooth and clear and not even a pinch of dust was set off with his emergency break. Alice already ÒconcealedÓ herself behind some clouds, her energy signature constantly changing its pace and strength, sometimes released into the air, similar to flying.

After a little while, Antary leaned back and scratched the back of his head. ÒShe`s weird. Probably the weirdest person I know, and John doesn`t count. After hearing your story I am certain that he is insane. Well, at least I have a break from her for nowÉ From them both.Ó It was a bit weird, but Antary spent a lot of time with those two, without actually getting to know them much. Not to say that he was too open, either. But he felt comfortable when around those people, even though it was easy to see why he would call them weird. That reminded him of Nam, too. Nam wasn`t ÒweirdÓ, but he was also pretty closed. At least, that`s what Antary thought. As a saiyan that only knows how to fight, he was not an expert in people. The Earth changed that, here he met people he would easily end up calling friends without even wanting to say so. ÒI won`t go soft. I still have my pride.Ó He reassured himself, although there was so little of the latter and his steel saiyan nature had melted ever since getting on Earth. Antary`s current fear was to become too weak because of this very softness.

Earth is so easy on him. It is a calm and peaceful planet that knows no war. Even the leader of this planet, who he assumed was standing in front of him, was so accepting of people, calm and caring. During his first days on Earth, he found it difficult to believe that such a beautiful place could possibly exist. The people here are so friendly it was difficult to trust them. But now that`s all behind him, Antary is now used to all of this. It wasÉ Just as weird.

Going a bit too deep into thoughts, he completely forgot why he got here. The saiyan looked awkward, just standing there, looking at the floor with his fists clenched. Realizing the awkwardness of this, he snapped out, looked up to Kami, and loudly yelled.

"I`m ready to train!"

[Nam Reikonaga]

Nam closed the door behind him; he had left his sleeping rival in his room for rest after waking up from the plated floors of the Gravity Room. He walked along the passage with his head lowered, remembering Zach’s flustered face during the end of the fight. Why was he so determined to win? it was great that they both gave their all, they literally fought until their bodies couldn’t take it anymore… But in the end, it was just a spar between old friends. Nam couldn’t help but feel there was something more to the fight which he was blind to see –something unusual because his mind was always capable of plotting so many reasons and solutions, it was annoying at times.

He even went as far as wishing he had an off button for his brain, because sometimes it kept him awake during the night. Surprises had been spoiled, because his mind wouldn’t stop wondering what was happening and so he always knew what to expect. Nam wished he could stop being so analytical at times and just act his age, do reckless things and have fun. But he could never, even if he tried. This was a different case though. Nam couldn’t figure out why his partner was so mad. In Nam’s head, it was an honest and pure fight with the intention of helping both members improve –but it seemed like Zach had a different approach.

Nam looked up to the roof, puzzled by his friend’s awkwardness. He then glanced at the tag above the incoming door, which had his name on it. He didn’t know why, but out of all the doors around him, his peripheral noted this door evening without his knowledge of it. Guess he unconsciously noticed something was odd and made him look, as if a different type of sense. Nam curiously opened the door to take a look inside: it was a clean and simple room with all the basic needs. He had a wardrobe, a bed for a single person, windows, etc. There weren’t any electronics like TV’s though, but he didn’t mind.

The half-saiyan walked in front of a full body mirror to inspect his condition. His body was rested, although it still ached. His left forearm was still reddened from Zach’s incredibly powerful punch. Nam gripped it lightly with his other hand, it still hurt. His stomach also hurt a little when he moved, but it wasn’t serious. If he hadn’t broken out of Zach’s grip when he did, it would’ve probably been very painful still. Nam then gasped for a split second as he noticed he wasn’t wearing his scabbard; although he already knew where it was. He hated when that happened. It was like the moment when people would reach into their pockets and get a mini heart-attack when they don’t feel their cell phones after reaching in so confidently to get it. Their eyes widen as they inhale quickly but short, inflating their chest. But they don’t really panic because a split second later they already remembered where they left it. It was such a pointless and annoying experience every time it occurred.

Nam was tired of forgetting his sword so much. Maybe if he began to learn techniques that included his double-edged weapon, he wouldn’t forget it so frequently. But the battles that required them were so few, Nam couldn’t bring himself to it and he just focused on improving his hand to hand combat and other energy attacks. The only reason why he used his sword to perform his binding technique was because he couldn’t manage to make the thin layer of energy without using it as guidance. But his sword worked as training wheels for the moment and sooner or later he would outgrow it, leaving it useless once more. So technically speaking, he didn’t have a single sword technique to his disposal.

Nam excited his newly discovered room, closing the door behind him and walked towards the gravity room to retrieve his sword and scabbard. As he entered, he scanned the room, remembering the fight that took place not too long ago. Once he spots it on the floor, he walked up to it and picked it up from the ground, unsheathing it. He held it out in front of him, observing the stainless steel from which his face was being reflected. It shined from the sunlight that arrived from the roof windows.

Suddenly, a very familiar power signature spawned in the air. Nam froze for a moment, taking the feeling in and sheathed his sword back in the scabbard and hung it over his back, with the handle and pommel sticking out over his right shoulder. The half-saiyan walked out of the building, from within his body looked like a simple shadow, but as he approached, the sun lightened his face and revealed him. Nam smiled as he realized he was correct. The power he was sensing was the same he felt from his friend Antary, the full saiyan. He wondered why it took him so long to get to the Lookout. Then again, he received his weighted clothes long before Nam and his body had to endure it on a weaker level. Nam wondered what his old friend would think of his new found power; although, Antary wouldn’t feel his full power as he was being suppressed by his own weights.

“Antary!” Nam called out as he jogged towards the pair, waving his right hand. He was wearing his new black tunic, identicle to his old one, but it promoted his new status as a member of the Guardian Special Forces with the symbols emblazoned in a round circle over his left chest and a second larger one centered in his back. Around his neck line, he could see a little red from his heavy shirt. Nam also wore his black martial arts pants, his black heavy boots, and his heavy wrist bands. His hair was combed backwards as usual with a single strand of hair fringed on his forehead which ended at the edge of his lower lip.

[Antary]

When Nam spoke, Antary did not recognize his voice at first, after not seeing him for quite a while. Not to mention that he did not speak that much during the time when they were both training. He turned his head in the direction of this voice, and unwillingly his facial expression changed into a smile. Not an often occurrence, that`s for sure.

How strange, Antary didn`t expect himself to be glad to see Nam. It was weird, because the small amount of time they spent together training was probably not enough for either of them to become good friends. But Antary never had real friends, so maybe Nam is the closest to that, and that is the cause of his unusual feelings. As a saiyan warrior, he only knew rage, bloodlust, despairÉ Those feelings bottled up after his arrival on Earth, maybe for the best for everyone here.

Although after sensing Nam`s true power, he was a bit uncertain at that last part. Nervously his tail moved, ÒconcealingÓ itself behind his back. It was a common and unique to Antary trait when he felt worried. Although he noticed that unlike most people, he never shivers because of fear, only his tail ÒhidesÓ behind him. Fear was felt as usual, however. This was not exactly fear, but more like a combination of amazement and worry due to Nam`s incredible increase in power in just a couple of weeks. Thinking over this a little more, his tail relaxed and stopped hiding. ÒApparently training with this green guy over there actually works, surprisingly. Looks like the weirder an old guy is, the more effective is the training he does, huh.Ó Thought the saiyan.

Weird, but mostly true. The old people he encountered on this planet so far ended up training him in ways that he never imagined could be used for training. First John and his Kaioken, as well as that weird cave where no senses work, now this floating fortress place. Not exactly a fortress, but Antary never seen one, and this place was massive, so it`s probably a fortress. ÒFair enough.Ó He agreed with his subconsciousness. Quickly he realized how stupid it was, but that was a bit beside the point right now. This whole confrontation made the young saiyan only more excited for the training he was about to receive. This time from someone green. ÒMaybe he trained so hard his skin color changed.Ó

Antary was getting this new bad habit. He would think over things way too much, and end up creating awkward pauses. He still didn`t say a single word. Taking a deep breath, he said as he exhaled. ÒHi, Nam.Ó He made it sound like he was disappointed, however in who was probably up to the observers to decide. Antary was not disappointed in anybody, other than the fact that he couldn`t fly because of those gauntlets on his wrists and feet, but that was not a reason to be disappointed. The only reason why he and Nam had to take different routes and Nam ended up with a much, much quicker one.

After greetings, he seemed satisfied. His eyes turned to Tenshu, now containing more excitement and dedication than before. He now had a bigger reason to train, a short term goal instead of a long term one. Surpassing Nam would probably take a while. ÒWell, then, Guardian. I think it`s about time we begin.Ó Maybe his behavior was a bit cold, but he had no idea how to act when it comes to friends, especially those who he wishes to surpass. Rivals, they are called. Quickly, he started walking towards Tenshu.

The saiyan was getting concerned on his notable change of attitude on this planet. This quickly seeded doubt deep in his heart, making him believe that his true goal has been getting too far out of reach like this. To achieve that goal he needed to be ruthless, and just as violent and unforgiving as any other saiyan. He was purposely bottling up those aggressive feelings to receive acceptance and to be able to train peacefully on this planet, but it felt like Antary was reaching the point of no return.