Post by Reikiko on Apr 7, 2016 21:45:28 GMT
Death, it had come just as swiftly and unexpected as the rainy downpours in the spring season. Although the darkness had already pulled itself into her embrace Reikiko couldn't help but feel the urge to resist, in the end Kaula had been fighting for her sake, and as both her lover and mentor it would had not been right for her to throw in the towel already. Yet when she tried to move her body not a single muscle moved at her command. Was this the end? A sudden cold sensation brushed again her cheek, and the moment she opened her eyes she found that rain had started to pour from the sky above. The clouded sky might had been something one would see in Vegeta, but as far as she knew rain wasn't something they experienced. Not to mention, when she pulled her body slightly upwards, her eyes gazing at her surroundings there was a sea of trees surrounding her from all sides. She was in a forest... Yet, did Vegeta even have forests?
"Where am I?"
She had just been defeated by the robotic servant of the wicked Saiyan queen, and yet the killing blow had somehow brought her here, an event that she couldn't exactly comprehend. A sudden breeze accompanied the rain that clattered on her carapace, making Reikiko feel a small chill run over her body when the sound of footsteps was accompanied by a voice, a very nostalgic and familiar voice.
"Now that is... a difficult question to answer, my child."
Reikiko turned around, facing the source of the voice, and to her surprise found a Namekian slowly approach the grassy field she stood in. His body supported by the staff he used like a cane, the man's presence caused Reikiko's eyes to widen slightly in disbelief.
"Otou-san..."
There was no doubt about it, if she was meeting Scargot at this time, then she must had perished. Yet, even despite her joy at seeing the Namekian there was too much left undone. She had a loved one to save, a friend to rescue and a grudge to settle. However, seemingly sensing her feelings the man gently released his hold on the staff, the peculiar object remaining afloat while he pulled his arms around her, whispering softly.
"It's alright Reikiko, there is no need to keep your heart closed."
The embrace of her adoptive father was one that left a certain warmth within her, a warmth and happiness she could rarely find elsewhere, but above all. It made her vulnerable, allowed her true feelings, and her fragile self to surface. It was that what caused Reikiko's tough shell to shatter, the childish side of her surfacing as tears started to trickle down her cheeks.
"I don't want to die papa!"
It was a desperate cry amidst her sobs, yet Scargot merely raised a hand to caress her crown. She knew, that within the depths of her heart this Namekian was merely a fabrication of her imagination, a illusion given form by her mind in an attempt to gently guide her into the afterlife, yet to her he was real, the father she had longed so much to reunite with. Reikiko's tearful declaration made the Namekian smile softly at her, explaining in that gentle and calm tone of his.
"Death is something that comes for everyone."
Yet it was a statement Reikiko couldn't accept. At this rate she would lose Kaula, another victim to the wicked ways of the queen of the Saiyans. Bing would still be trapped, a hollow soul within a metallic prison, and it would just be a matter of time before the empire invaded Earth and became a threat to the entire galaxy!
"But I still have so much to do! If I don't go now Zucceta will become a threat none can stop! Kaula is still fighting! I can't let those things go unresolved..."
However, Scargot merely shook his head, his expression seemingly turning more sorrowful as he explained.
"You misunderstand Reikiko. Death is not the end of a journey, it is merely a respite. A well-deserved break. However, before you can truly enjoy the rest you deserved there is one matter you still need to come to terms with."
Death was not the end of a journey, but merely a well-deserved rest? Although she knew that there were means to return from the afterlife, she had never considered such a view upon things. Still, when the matter was raised about her needing to come to accept the bio-android couldn't really help but feel a bit curious.
"Something I need to come to terms with?"
The Namekian nodded his head lightly, a little wave of his hand accompanied with a warm smile while he asked her:
"Shall we take a walk?"
The Namekian had started to wander into the direction of the trees, and as Reikiko chased after him it seemed the surrounding area seemed to blur into a canvas of images that represented her past. The first image was a rather obvious one to tie to her past, the little child-like entity hiding within the shadows of the entrance a cave was providing. She had been absorbing her very first apple while Scargot was smiling kindly at her within his disguise.
"Your journey started right around here didn't it? After you escaped from the laboratory and defeated the Chimera sisters who were send out to deal with you... the act of absorbing them gave you a modest power, but also burdened you with a great suffering, am I correct?"
It was a fact that when she had fought her unnamed sisters that Reikiko's act of absorbing them had caused the bio-android to develop such an intense hatred for the actions of the syndicate. They had robbed her sisters of any form of free will, truly forced them into mindless tools to be wielded by their master. However, it was likely her anger would have send her into a spiral of destruction that would end her life for sure. Yet it was at the same time it was the interference of the Kami of that time that had saved her, and set her onto the path that made her into who she was.
"Why are you showing me this Otou-san?"
Reikiko's question seemingly was one Scargot expected, because his smile turned into a more sober look while he answered her.
"Because your heart is shouldering a heavy burden right now, am I correct?"
Although she didn't want to admit it, Scargot did have a point. Her heart was filled with so many emotions, but the strongest one of all was...
"Do not let wrath consume the kindness within your heart, my child."
However, those words seemingly caused Reikiko to shout angrily at the Namekian.
"Then what do you propose I do?! Forgive her, while she uses her damned empire to turn the galaxy into her own twisted sandbox to play in?!"
Scargot shook his head lightly, gesturing toward the path they were walking.
"You'll have to find the answer yourself Reikiko. I can only watch over your journey, and provide you aid when you need it. However, there might be others who hold the knowledge you desire. Still, to allow your hatred to consume you, would only cause you more suffering."
Reikiko couldn't help but sigh lightly in defeat, and although she wanted to argue, she also understood the point he was trying to make.
"I guess... But if my answer is one you don't like, don't go complaining now."
Scargot couldn't help but chuckle as they continued walking, seemingly at last arriving at a large spacious doorway, a light from within concealing what was at the other side.
"This is it I guess... Hopefully she doesn't take too long to catch up with me, I'd hate to be stuck in Hell by myself for a while."
In response to that statement the Namekian merely chuckled, humming mysteriously.
"I wouldn't be so sure of your destination just yet."
And with those words he gently pushed her into the doorway, causing the Bio-android to find her vision blurred momentarily. By the time her sight recovered Reikiko found herself within an unfamiliar place. A large building towered in the distance, and small puff of clouds were being escorted toward the interior of the station.
"Hmm, what do we have here?"
A red-colored ogre had spotted her gazing absently from outside the ordered lines, but when he approached her a smirk appeared on his lips.
"Why hello there puffball, finally decided to grace us with your presence, didn't you?"
The ogre's laugh seemingly confused the bio-android, who only after a moment realized her body had literally become a little cloud, a actual puffball as the ogre declared so tactfully.
"Heh, no need to tell your name kiddo. Hell has been in an uproar about your little duel with the former Kami. Gods, King Yemma is still peeved when he kicked the bucket and decided to crawl inside it. Not to mention some people had even been betting on you. Reikobo"
The puff cloud hovered slightly up and down, as if it was trying to make a gesture, but instead only her voice came.
"Reikiko"
The Ogre nodded his head calmly.
"Sorry, my mistake Kikoho"
"That's the name of my technique, ugg just call me Rei."
The Ogre's hearty laugh made her sigh in annoyance while the ogre declared in amusement.
"Good idea Rei, I'm not that good at remembering the name of every puff ball that passes by. Anyway, King Yemma seemingly is waiting for you. At least I heard some people say that when he was reading his list he mumbled something and started to order a coin. Don't ask me if it's the truth or not. Either way, once it's your turn simply tell him what you consider your greatest deed, and your worst sin."
Sounded like a moral judgement, yet it was after a moment of eerie silence that the ogre's gaze shifted sideways. Nevertheless, as she was escorted back into the line the puffball couldn't help but let her thoughts return to the matter that had been plaguing her mind. She had failed... She had failed to protect the galaxy, failed to save Bing, failed to protect Kaula... but the most of all she failed to kill Zucceta.
Even after Scargot's warning her heart was still shrouded in grief and anger. What was it that had caused her to fall? Was it merely the lack of strength? Was it her weakness that allowed the queen to reign superior? No, there must had been another reason why she had such power. Bing had lost to her, and he was a powerful warrior in his own right.
Pathetic...
The word she whispered had been one that haunted her mind, a reminder that she had lost so much out of kindness. She was too weak to protect the things she loved, and now she was paying the price. The bio-android's eyes closed themselves, simply letting her body hover along the line into the station as she allowed her thoughts to drift further onto the subject.
Was it merely because she was too kind? Was her kindness keeping her from obtaining true power?
No, that wasn't the case. She knew it within the deepest reaches of her heart, a concern she had been trying to hide from. The fact she couldn't obtain true power was all because people were keeping her from obtaining the sacrifice she needed. Vi didn't want to see her obtain the ability to reach perfection because he feared the power she would obtain. It was for that reason he and the Blue Banner Army refused to aid her when she wanted to save Earth.
Traitors
She was betrayed by the very people she had tried to protect, and it filled her heart once more with both anger and sorrow. Betrayed by her best friend, it made Reikiko realize something, a tragic realization. There was no such thing as her being able to trust those people. Only a select few seemed willing to aid her, and Reikiko knew that only those handful of people were the ones she could call her allies, her friends.
Is that it Vivi? Did you refuse to let me obtain my true power out of jealousy? Because I would grow stronger?
A sigh followed, her eyes slowly opening as she started to feel colder. The puffball chuckled sadly, all too well aware of the fact that there was no reason for her to protect Earth. She hated it, the fact that people feared her noble intentions so much.
"I... I only wanted to help everyone, to make the galaxy a better place."
And where did it get her? In a line ready to be judged and thrown into the afterlife like a failure! The puffball could feel something, a new feeling rise up within her chest. No more, if this was how things were going to be then she would finally allow herself to be truly selfish. She would live only for herself, her beloved ones and her ambitions. If anyone would threaten or oppose one of those things...
No, perhaps it's all a mistake. Perhaps I merely need to obtain the right answer.
It seemed that no matter what she thought, she wouldn't find the answer she needed by herself. However, as she arrived at the interior of the check-in station the puffball suddenly heard a voice, the panicked tone of Walker following. Yet all she did was merely close her eyes and after a moment answer his intrusion into her mind with a sober tone.
I failed Walker... Earth refused to see the threat the empire represented. In fact the ones we call our planet's heroes tried to stop me, afraid of the power I would gain, or perhaps merely jealous. In the end I tried to go to Vegeta, to find Kaula and gain her aid. Still, didn't expect to see that ascended Queen of the Saiyajin around. Pretty much messed up when her aura and that of the others forced me out of my disguise. But what made matters worse...
She sighed deeply, the pause seemingly making no thoughts follow for a moment before she finally spoke again.
She did the worst thing I could ever imagine. Bing's body is being used as a weapon, his soul trapped within a metal prison and his power far greater than anything I could get within this form. No... I failed... and because of me Kaula is going to die.
It was only for a moment, but it seemed the last words were accompanied by a darker and slightly different tone
This would have never happened if they saw the importance of my ascension. Instead they doomed Earth, waiting for the empire to come knocking at their doors. I don't know anymore Walker. Is an Earth like that truly worth protecting? I devoured my own children for the sake of giving this planet a fighting chance, and yet they mock my determination and dishonor the sacrifices that were made. Perhaps this was never our battle Walker... Betrayed... Abandoned... And left to die, at least I had the comfort of dying in the arms of my lover. But I swear... The empire will pay. It doesn't matter if Earth remains passive, I'll find a way to obtain true power... But yet the answer remains out of my reach. What does it mean to be a god? What does it mean to have true power? It doesn't matter anymore Walker. Yes, I failed you... However, my revenge upon those who slighted us will be even more bittersweet than your sap.
Standing before the grand desk of King Yemma she turned her gaze upwards, idly thinking about how behind every desk there is an even greater man, and then she spoke.
"Heroic deeds is something only a hero possesses... and I'm the greatest failure of a hero when it comes to that... My worst deed? The willingness to sacrifice nearly anything if it's for the sake of what I believe to be the greater good. I absorbed innocent bystanders, allowed the sacrifice of heroes, and even tried to devour one who I considered family for the sake of my dream."
She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to ask the King.
"Yet, despite this I was still too weak to protect the things that truly mattered. I am lost, blindly chasing an answer in an abyss of darkness, and lack the power to create a path to reach it. I am neither a saint nor truly a sinner, but if you know anyone who might possess the answers I seek... then please grant me the permission to see them. I do not care about heaven or hell, as long as I can prevent history from repeating itself..."
"Where am I?"
She had just been defeated by the robotic servant of the wicked Saiyan queen, and yet the killing blow had somehow brought her here, an event that she couldn't exactly comprehend. A sudden breeze accompanied the rain that clattered on her carapace, making Reikiko feel a small chill run over her body when the sound of footsteps was accompanied by a voice, a very nostalgic and familiar voice.
"Now that is... a difficult question to answer, my child."
Reikiko turned around, facing the source of the voice, and to her surprise found a Namekian slowly approach the grassy field she stood in. His body supported by the staff he used like a cane, the man's presence caused Reikiko's eyes to widen slightly in disbelief.
"Otou-san..."
There was no doubt about it, if she was meeting Scargot at this time, then she must had perished. Yet, even despite her joy at seeing the Namekian there was too much left undone. She had a loved one to save, a friend to rescue and a grudge to settle. However, seemingly sensing her feelings the man gently released his hold on the staff, the peculiar object remaining afloat while he pulled his arms around her, whispering softly.
"It's alright Reikiko, there is no need to keep your heart closed."
The embrace of her adoptive father was one that left a certain warmth within her, a warmth and happiness she could rarely find elsewhere, but above all. It made her vulnerable, allowed her true feelings, and her fragile self to surface. It was that what caused Reikiko's tough shell to shatter, the childish side of her surfacing as tears started to trickle down her cheeks.
"I don't want to die papa!"
It was a desperate cry amidst her sobs, yet Scargot merely raised a hand to caress her crown. She knew, that within the depths of her heart this Namekian was merely a fabrication of her imagination, a illusion given form by her mind in an attempt to gently guide her into the afterlife, yet to her he was real, the father she had longed so much to reunite with. Reikiko's tearful declaration made the Namekian smile softly at her, explaining in that gentle and calm tone of his.
"Death is something that comes for everyone."
Yet it was a statement Reikiko couldn't accept. At this rate she would lose Kaula, another victim to the wicked ways of the queen of the Saiyans. Bing would still be trapped, a hollow soul within a metallic prison, and it would just be a matter of time before the empire invaded Earth and became a threat to the entire galaxy!
"But I still have so much to do! If I don't go now Zucceta will become a threat none can stop! Kaula is still fighting! I can't let those things go unresolved..."
However, Scargot merely shook his head, his expression seemingly turning more sorrowful as he explained.
"You misunderstand Reikiko. Death is not the end of a journey, it is merely a respite. A well-deserved break. However, before you can truly enjoy the rest you deserved there is one matter you still need to come to terms with."
Death was not the end of a journey, but merely a well-deserved rest? Although she knew that there were means to return from the afterlife, she had never considered such a view upon things. Still, when the matter was raised about her needing to come to accept the bio-android couldn't really help but feel a bit curious.
"Something I need to come to terms with?"
The Namekian nodded his head lightly, a little wave of his hand accompanied with a warm smile while he asked her:
"Shall we take a walk?"
The Namekian had started to wander into the direction of the trees, and as Reikiko chased after him it seemed the surrounding area seemed to blur into a canvas of images that represented her past. The first image was a rather obvious one to tie to her past, the little child-like entity hiding within the shadows of the entrance a cave was providing. She had been absorbing her very first apple while Scargot was smiling kindly at her within his disguise.
"Your journey started right around here didn't it? After you escaped from the laboratory and defeated the Chimera sisters who were send out to deal with you... the act of absorbing them gave you a modest power, but also burdened you with a great suffering, am I correct?"
It was a fact that when she had fought her unnamed sisters that Reikiko's act of absorbing them had caused the bio-android to develop such an intense hatred for the actions of the syndicate. They had robbed her sisters of any form of free will, truly forced them into mindless tools to be wielded by their master. However, it was likely her anger would have send her into a spiral of destruction that would end her life for sure. Yet it was at the same time it was the interference of the Kami of that time that had saved her, and set her onto the path that made her into who she was.
"Why are you showing me this Otou-san?"
Reikiko's question seemingly was one Scargot expected, because his smile turned into a more sober look while he answered her.
"Because your heart is shouldering a heavy burden right now, am I correct?"
Although she didn't want to admit it, Scargot did have a point. Her heart was filled with so many emotions, but the strongest one of all was...
"Do not let wrath consume the kindness within your heart, my child."
However, those words seemingly caused Reikiko to shout angrily at the Namekian.
"Then what do you propose I do?! Forgive her, while she uses her damned empire to turn the galaxy into her own twisted sandbox to play in?!"
Scargot shook his head lightly, gesturing toward the path they were walking.
"You'll have to find the answer yourself Reikiko. I can only watch over your journey, and provide you aid when you need it. However, there might be others who hold the knowledge you desire. Still, to allow your hatred to consume you, would only cause you more suffering."
Reikiko couldn't help but sigh lightly in defeat, and although she wanted to argue, she also understood the point he was trying to make.
"I guess... But if my answer is one you don't like, don't go complaining now."
Scargot couldn't help but chuckle as they continued walking, seemingly at last arriving at a large spacious doorway, a light from within concealing what was at the other side.
"This is it I guess... Hopefully she doesn't take too long to catch up with me, I'd hate to be stuck in Hell by myself for a while."
In response to that statement the Namekian merely chuckled, humming mysteriously.
"I wouldn't be so sure of your destination just yet."
And with those words he gently pushed her into the doorway, causing the Bio-android to find her vision blurred momentarily. By the time her sight recovered Reikiko found herself within an unfamiliar place. A large building towered in the distance, and small puff of clouds were being escorted toward the interior of the station.
"Hmm, what do we have here?"
A red-colored ogre had spotted her gazing absently from outside the ordered lines, but when he approached her a smirk appeared on his lips.
"Why hello there puffball, finally decided to grace us with your presence, didn't you?"
The ogre's laugh seemingly confused the bio-android, who only after a moment realized her body had literally become a little cloud, a actual puffball as the ogre declared so tactfully.
"Heh, no need to tell your name kiddo. Hell has been in an uproar about your little duel with the former Kami. Gods, King Yemma is still peeved when he kicked the bucket and decided to crawl inside it. Not to mention some people had even been betting on you. Reikobo"
The puff cloud hovered slightly up and down, as if it was trying to make a gesture, but instead only her voice came.
"Reikiko"
The Ogre nodded his head calmly.
"Sorry, my mistake Kikoho"
"That's the name of my technique, ugg just call me Rei."
The Ogre's hearty laugh made her sigh in annoyance while the ogre declared in amusement.
"Good idea Rei, I'm not that good at remembering the name of every puff ball that passes by. Anyway, King Yemma seemingly is waiting for you. At least I heard some people say that when he was reading his list he mumbled something and started to order a coin. Don't ask me if it's the truth or not. Either way, once it's your turn simply tell him what you consider your greatest deed, and your worst sin."
Sounded like a moral judgement, yet it was after a moment of eerie silence that the ogre's gaze shifted sideways. Nevertheless, as she was escorted back into the line the puffball couldn't help but let her thoughts return to the matter that had been plaguing her mind. She had failed... She had failed to protect the galaxy, failed to save Bing, failed to protect Kaula... but the most of all she failed to kill Zucceta.
Even after Scargot's warning her heart was still shrouded in grief and anger. What was it that had caused her to fall? Was it merely the lack of strength? Was it her weakness that allowed the queen to reign superior? No, there must had been another reason why she had such power. Bing had lost to her, and he was a powerful warrior in his own right.
Pathetic...
The word she whispered had been one that haunted her mind, a reminder that she had lost so much out of kindness. She was too weak to protect the things she loved, and now she was paying the price. The bio-android's eyes closed themselves, simply letting her body hover along the line into the station as she allowed her thoughts to drift further onto the subject.
Was it merely because she was too kind? Was her kindness keeping her from obtaining true power?
No, that wasn't the case. She knew it within the deepest reaches of her heart, a concern she had been trying to hide from. The fact she couldn't obtain true power was all because people were keeping her from obtaining the sacrifice she needed. Vi didn't want to see her obtain the ability to reach perfection because he feared the power she would obtain. It was for that reason he and the Blue Banner Army refused to aid her when she wanted to save Earth.
Traitors
She was betrayed by the very people she had tried to protect, and it filled her heart once more with both anger and sorrow. Betrayed by her best friend, it made Reikiko realize something, a tragic realization. There was no such thing as her being able to trust those people. Only a select few seemed willing to aid her, and Reikiko knew that only those handful of people were the ones she could call her allies, her friends.
Is that it Vivi? Did you refuse to let me obtain my true power out of jealousy? Because I would grow stronger?
A sigh followed, her eyes slowly opening as she started to feel colder. The puffball chuckled sadly, all too well aware of the fact that there was no reason for her to protect Earth. She hated it, the fact that people feared her noble intentions so much.
"I... I only wanted to help everyone, to make the galaxy a better place."
And where did it get her? In a line ready to be judged and thrown into the afterlife like a failure! The puffball could feel something, a new feeling rise up within her chest. No more, if this was how things were going to be then she would finally allow herself to be truly selfish. She would live only for herself, her beloved ones and her ambitions. If anyone would threaten or oppose one of those things...
No, perhaps it's all a mistake. Perhaps I merely need to obtain the right answer.
It seemed that no matter what she thought, she wouldn't find the answer she needed by herself. However, as she arrived at the interior of the check-in station the puffball suddenly heard a voice, the panicked tone of Walker following. Yet all she did was merely close her eyes and after a moment answer his intrusion into her mind with a sober tone.
I failed Walker... Earth refused to see the threat the empire represented. In fact the ones we call our planet's heroes tried to stop me, afraid of the power I would gain, or perhaps merely jealous. In the end I tried to go to Vegeta, to find Kaula and gain her aid. Still, didn't expect to see that ascended Queen of the Saiyajin around. Pretty much messed up when her aura and that of the others forced me out of my disguise. But what made matters worse...
She sighed deeply, the pause seemingly making no thoughts follow for a moment before she finally spoke again.
She did the worst thing I could ever imagine. Bing's body is being used as a weapon, his soul trapped within a metal prison and his power far greater than anything I could get within this form. No... I failed... and because of me Kaula is going to die.
It was only for a moment, but it seemed the last words were accompanied by a darker and slightly different tone
This would have never happened if they saw the importance of my ascension. Instead they doomed Earth, waiting for the empire to come knocking at their doors. I don't know anymore Walker. Is an Earth like that truly worth protecting? I devoured my own children for the sake of giving this planet a fighting chance, and yet they mock my determination and dishonor the sacrifices that were made. Perhaps this was never our battle Walker... Betrayed... Abandoned... And left to die, at least I had the comfort of dying in the arms of my lover. But I swear... The empire will pay. It doesn't matter if Earth remains passive, I'll find a way to obtain true power... But yet the answer remains out of my reach. What does it mean to be a god? What does it mean to have true power? It doesn't matter anymore Walker. Yes, I failed you... However, my revenge upon those who slighted us will be even more bittersweet than your sap.
Standing before the grand desk of King Yemma she turned her gaze upwards, idly thinking about how behind every desk there is an even greater man, and then she spoke.
"Heroic deeds is something only a hero possesses... and I'm the greatest failure of a hero when it comes to that... My worst deed? The willingness to sacrifice nearly anything if it's for the sake of what I believe to be the greater good. I absorbed innocent bystanders, allowed the sacrifice of heroes, and even tried to devour one who I considered family for the sake of my dream."
She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to ask the King.
"Yet, despite this I was still too weak to protect the things that truly mattered. I am lost, blindly chasing an answer in an abyss of darkness, and lack the power to create a path to reach it. I am neither a saint nor truly a sinner, but if you know anyone who might possess the answers I seek... then please grant me the permission to see them. I do not care about heaven or hell, as long as I can prevent history from repeating itself..."
