confounding suggestions. [kaula]

A wave of relief swept over him. He realized how far he was pushing his luck once he got a better look at the laceration. It wasn’t lethal or severe but it was nothing to scoff at either. So long as he continued to apply pressure and got it treated, then he would be a-okay. However, Kaula’s harsh comments weren’t helping him deal with his overwhelming sense of defeat nor the pain from the fierce cut. Eyes half-lidded, the researcher gave the hybrid an unamused look. It was strange how the two saw each other. Kaula saw Beryl as a weak, annoying human brat, one who was clearly over his head when it came to any kind of real fighting. Beryl saw Kaula as an arrogant, big-headed Saiyan, one who clearly let her strength go to her head. It was interesting how the two’s dynamic worked.

“I’m not dead so that’s a plus,” Beryl responded, passing a look at Kaula. It worried him how nonchalantly she said that his death would’ve most likely happened if they had continued sparring. So, she would’ve killed him and since they were out in the middle of nowhere, it’s not like anyone would’ve traced the cause of his death back to her. Saiyans really were something else. Even if you were a close ally of theirs, it wouldn’t stop them from dropping you if the situation called for it and let’s just say that those situations had plenty of leeway.

Kaula didn’t say much of anything after Beryl spoke, leading Beryl to believe that she wasn’t the “social” type. However, he was surprised once she introduced herself on her own accord. She did tell him to not forget it, a subtle threat. “I’m Beryl. Nice to meet you,” the dark-skinned human responded, dipping his head into a nod of acknowledgement. What came next was even more unexpected. Kaula asked for him to seek her out if he managed to increase his strength. Blinking twice, the twenty-three year old nodded once he was asked if he understood what was being said so far. “Yeah, I understand. Keep going,” he invited, listening further as the half-Saiyan began to describe the meeting place in detail. It was called Avalon and apparently, it was a place in the sky. That much didn’t sound too surprising despite how out-of-place it sounded. Like Beryl had said many times before, there were some extremely, extremely strange things out there and Earth was not exempt from having its own kinds of oddities and wonders. Still, he hadn’t heard about Avalon before; if it was planning to be an airborne city, he figured that he would’ve heard all about it by now. “Trust me. I’ll find you once I’m stronger; that’s a promise,” the researcher stated, his resolve firm. Even with this crippling loss, his confidence hadn’t been dampened. If anything, it flared up like a fire being fed by fresh oil. Yeah, he could’ve died; yeah, he could’ve gotten horribly maimed but he didn’t. That must’ve meant something even if Kaula was holding back.

“We’ll see each other soon. Stay safe until then,” Beryl said, waving back at the hybrid with his free hand. As Kaula took her leave, Beryl watched her closely. “… I’ve got to get started now,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. He headed in the opposite direction of the Saiyan-Human hybrid. His steps were a little slower due to the injuries he had sustained but he was stable. It wasn’t like he was going to drop to the ground and fall unconscious. “What I’m doing now isn’t enough,” he pondered. “I have to do something to accelerate my gains. The hard work is there; it just needs something extra to push it along.” What could do that though? He could find a mentor but that was a little tough. Mentors and teachers were usually very picky about their students and many of those who claim that they are qualified to teach others weren’t exactly the best at doing so. Most were more concerned about flaunting their strength and stroking their egos rather than actually teaching and instilling knowledge within their students.

Then, an idea hit him. “Weights!” Weights were a common tool used by martial artists and for good reason. The increase in physical strength by those who used training weights had been documented numerous times and the proof was in the numbers: those who used training weights generally increased in strength and power at a much greater rate than those who didn’t use weights. Besides, it’s as if every single person Beryl met had the things on and even with the weight on them, they were still stronger than him. So, that was their secret! It was official; he had to get his hands on one of those things. If he remembered correctly, training weights came in differing weights. Usually, the heavier the weights, the harder it was to move and maneuver with them on. It was basic stuff but the heavier the weights, the more gains the wearer experienced as they continued to train with them on. Beryl originally thought that it would be best for him to start off with the lightest weights available so that he could get used to the feeling of having unnecessary weight on his body at all times. However, as he thought on it more, he figured that wouldn’t be the best thing for him to do. No, he would get the heaviest weights he could possibly find and start from there. To him, it was either go big or go home and if he could teach himself how to use ki, which was no doubt one of the most grueling and painful experiences in his twenty-three years of life, then he could get used to some training weights on him. No biggie!

Good, he had gotten that out of the way but there was something else in the back of his head. The additional weight was fine and dandy but there had to be something else that he could use in order to further enhance his gains. “A gravity machine …” He had read plenty about them. After all, Capsule Corporation was well known for its production of gravity machines and how the devices were utilized by martial artists to further enhance their physical training. Gravity machines were a bit different than training weights; eventually, Beryl would get so used to the training weights that using them won’t make a lick of difference. Gravity, on the other hand, would be something that he would never get so comfortable with to where training under its effects wouldn’t reap any additional gains. Training under normal gravity (Earth’s gravity) was taxing enough; Beryl couldn’t imagine what it would feel to train under ten times normal Earth’s gravity or hell, twenty times and higher. He figured that the gravity machine would be something that he would get along with the weights though the problem was that … gravity machines weren’t cheap. He’d have to buy the actual machine itself and then find an actual place to install it in. “The only thing I can think of is … an actual spaceship.” Intergalactic travel wasn’t one of Beryl’s initial interests but since he would have to buy a spaceship along with the gravity machine, he thought it was best for him to put the ship to good use. Besides, this would give him a perfect opportunity to see the rest of the universe and all of the amazing, crazy things it had to offer.

Still, he would have to watch his back; there was no telling what kind of scary shit was out there. “As soon as I get treated, I’m starting to train,” Beryl told himself, brow furrowed. “I’m sick of being stuck in the same spot; it’s time to change that.”

He would be damned if he proved those that doubted him right.

OOC -- Yeah! The thread can end here. Also, thank you for threading with me. Once Beryl gets a -lot- stronger, he'll be paying Kaula a visit! I will be requesting Zeni for my rewards. Also, I wasn't given the bonus 500 Zeni that Humans start off with. Also, to whomever is grading the thread, be sure to remember the 10% Zeni bonus Humans have. Oops, I forgot to mention that I would like Zeni for this thread.