A Present Future

A strange energy could be sensed on a small planet, far away from most other planets, in the South quadrant of the universe. The keeper of the universe, Kaioshin, stood over his crystal ball. The image that appeared looked like gray clouds that were rapidly moving around. He sat Indian-style on the soft green grass and held his head in his hands.

Kaioshin’s bodyguard, Kibito, came up behind him. The tall, pink man looked down at the image as well. “Master Kaioshin,” he started. “What do you suppose it is?”

Kaioshin floated up and brought his feet to touch the ground. The crystal ball rose as well and stopped when it was about level with Kaioshin’s elbows. “I don’t know, Kibito,” he said in a soft voice. “Its nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

“Perhaps the planet has been destroyed and that is all that remains,” Kibito suggested, confused by the dark clouds that appeared before them.

“No,” Kaioshin said. He dismissed the image and took the crystal ball in his own hands. “The planet is still in tact—I can feel it. However, there doesn’t even seem to be any kind of life force on the planet. Its as if it just appeared out of nowhere. I don’t remember it being there before.”

“A new planet?”

“I don’t know. We’ll wait another day of so and see what turns up.” Kibito bowed and walked away. Kaioshin watched him for a moment, and then looked up at the lavender sky of his planet, Kaioshinkai, as the crystal ball disappeared from his hands. “Its so strange…” he thought out loud.

Kaioshin walked up to a hill and sat under a tree. He stretched his short legs out and leaned back against the smooth trunk. His hands rested in his lap and he closed his black eyes. “I’m sure its just some kind of energy storm that will blow off by tomorrow. I do hope that there is nothing wrong…”

Morning of the next day arrived like it usually did. Kaioshinkai didn’t have a sun; the light just came after a the hours of darkness came. The light poured into the young god’s room. At first Kaioshin rolled over and ignored the fact that it was time for him to get up. However, now that he was awake, his mind started wondering about. He sat up in bed when he noticed that the strange energy coming from that planet the day before had gotten stronger.

Kaioshin quickly got out of bed and dressed himself with the snap of a finger. He went down to the hall in the front of his mansion and found Kibito sitting in a chair. “Kibito,” he said. “I’m going to that planet.”

Kibito stood up out of surprise. “Master, don’t you think it might be dangerous?”

“There’s always a chance that it could be dangerous, however this is serious. I can feel the energy’s strength…its so very different than what I’m used to feeling. I must find out what it is.”

“If you wish it.”

“Kibito,” Kaioshin looked up to his friend. “I would like to go alone. I don’t think there is anything dangerous there, so your assistance will not be needed.”

“Are you sure?” His master’s look was his answer. “Of course, Kaioshin.” Kibito bowed.

Later that day, Kaioshin looked at the crystal ball again to see exactly what he should be expecting when he arrived on the distant planet. Kibito stood behind him and looked down as well. “Please be careful, sir,” the bodyguard said.

“Don’t worry about me,” Kaioshin said. “I’ll be fine.” Kaioshin smiled and bid his companion a good-bye-for-now. He focused his mind on the strange energy and disappeared out of sight.

Kibito looked to the sky and wished the god luck, and then returned to the house.

Kaioshin arrived on the planet in seconds after departing from Kaioshinkai. The wind blew harshly at his soft white hair. The climate was fairly cold, which sent a chill up his spine. The god looked around to see a barren wasteland. However, the planet was covered in a gray loud like he had originally thought. The land was red, as well as the sky. There was no life in site; not even the slightest bit of vegetation. He searched the planet with his mind and located the now enormous energy he had sensed. Looking behind himself, he noticed a dark gray cloud hovering over one place. The wind blew it around like a blender, but it didn’t change location. Small sparks of light shot out here and there, almost making it look as if someone was powering up to a transformation.

The god flew over to the cloud and inspected it carefully, trying not to be pulled into it. He couldn’t believe the force that was trying to pull him in. The energy didn’t seem to have any sort of dark or evil power. In fact, it had no feeling at all. The only thing that could be sensed was that the power was strong. A white eyebrow raised on Kaioshin’s face as he gently placed his feet on the ground.

The wind started to pick up, becoming so strong that it started to untie the knot holding on the orange sash Kaioshin had tied around his waist. His hair blew back, and it became almost impossible for him to keep his eyes open. He shielded his face with his arms as a huge gust blew by him, causing him to partly lose his balance. Being careless and forgetting about the energy cloud in front of him, the force pulled his small body into the cloud. Kaioshin’s eyes snapped open as he tried to fly out, but it was no use. The cloud completely engulfed his body, and everything went black.

* * *

A gentle, cool breeze could be felt against his face. Kaioshin gained consciousness and slowly opened his eyes to see a pink sky above him. He blinked a few times, still getting the same result when he looked back up. Slowly sitting up, he noticed he lay on a soft surface, not like the rocky surface he remembers seeing before he was knocked out. The young god came to discover that the environment of the entire planet was different. Unlike before, there were small plants scattered around the land. And there was no sign of any dark cloud. The energy was completely gone.

Kaioshin got to his feet, now very confused. “What happened?” He questioned himself. He looked around and tried to sense any kind of life energy, however he found himself to still be alone. “How strange. Perhaps it was just a storm.” Kaioshin shrugged his shoulders and returned home.

The warm and fresh air filled Kaioshin’s lungs as soon as he arrived. He was glad to be home after that little incident. I always knew the expression curiosity killed the cat had a significance. He decided to walk to the mansion instead of fly. However, for some strange reason Kaioshinkai seemed to be…different. As he strolled down a brick path, he noticed a figure sitting on a lawn chair with a magazine in their hands. Kaioshin stopped and looked at the unfamiliar figure. Who was this strange person? Their ki was very unfamiliar. He floated over to get a better look, but not to arouse whomever it was. He couldn’t believe what the cover of the magazine had on it. A young woman wearing a bikini! Who do I know would be reading something like that!?

“Now what’s your problem?” An elderly sounding voice said—coming from the person before Kaioshin.

“What?” Kaioshin said, not thinking before he spoke.

“What do you mean what?” The magazine lowered to reveal an old man that looked similar to Kaioshin himself. The young god gasped at the sight before him. “What in the universe…” The old man started.

“Who….” Kaioshin said, his mouth almost hanging wide open. It must be a dream…yes, that’s it. I’m still unconscious and this is all a bad dream.

The old man got up and stared at the person before him. “How did a knuckle head like you figure out how to unfuse!?”

Kaioshin backed away as the old man put his face in his. “Excuse me?”

“Kaiobit…I can’t believe you…where’s that bodyguard of yours then?”

“Kaio-who? And I just got back…I don’t know where Kibito is. I don’t sense him anywhere…”

The old man frowned. “You’re right…that big brut isn’t here. What’s going on?”

“That’s what I’d like to know…who are you anyway?”

The old man raised an eyebrow and then fell back into his chair laughing. “I get it…you’re not even Kaiobit! What a fool I am!”

“No; my name is Kaioshin, protector of the universe,” the god informed.

The old man stopped laughing and looked at him. “You’re who? I haven’t heard that name in years…”

“Would you be so kind as to tell me who you are?”

The old man got back up and paced the area. “You say you’re Kaioshin. But the Kaioshin that I knew that looked like that fused with that Kibito character.”

“Huh?” Kaioshin couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “I think you’re mistaken, sir.”

“Are you telling me I’m a lire!?”

“N-no! I just think you don’t have your story quite straight. I’ve never been fused with Kibito.”

Just as Kaioshin finished his statement, a taller person could be seen making his way towards them. The old man looked beyond the young god before him, his eyes popping out of his head. “W-what the…how in the universe…this is impossible!”

Kaioshin looked at the old man in bewilderment. He too turned around to see the tall man walking towards them. And somehow he looked somewhat familiar. “Kibito?” He questioned at last.

The figure approaching was wearing the same apparel that Kibito wore. And his hair was long, white and brushed back like his as well. However, his skin was a light purple…almost like Kaioshin’s himself. In one arm was a bunch of apples, and the other was being used to hold onto one that he was eating.

“Hey Rou! I got a whole bunch of these for us!” The man said with a stuffed mouth. Then he noticed the younger person standing next the old man. “No way!”

“Kaiobit?” The old man, called Rou by this familiar, yet unfamiliar character.

“Wow…that’s a real good costume. Who came up with the idea of dressing up as my former self? It looks just like me.”

Kaioshin stood in amazement, listening to what their conversation. “Costume? Excuse me, but I happen to be myself. I am Kaioshin, known as the Supreme Kai to most.”

“That’s impossible,” this Kaiobit responded. “I’m the Supreme Kai…and my name used to be Kaioshin.”

“Then you must be a former Kaioshin…I’m the only one alive. How did you come back? And where’s Kibito?” Kaioshin questioned.

“Kibito?”

“Yes, my bodyguard and trusted friend.”

“Whoa…hold on there. You mean to tell me…” He turned to Rou. “Rou Kaioshin…this can’t be…me? Can it?”

Rou Kaioshin looked back and forth between the two. “He does look just like you before you fused with that bodyguard of yours. But how did he get here?”

“Fused?” Kaioshin asked.

“He must be from the past!” Kaiobit shouted.

“Of course…that’s it…” This Rou Kaioshin said, putting his arms behind his back and looking proud as if he thought of the idea.

“Wow! So that’s what I almost forgot how I used to look,” Kaiobit said.

“What is going on?!” Kaioshin shouted. “Would one of you please be so kind to tell me what is happening?” He asked in a calmer voice.

Appalled by his loud remark, both Kaiobit and Rou Kaioshin stopped and looked at the new arrival. “You’re me and I’m you!” Kaiobit said with a smile, putting his arm around Kaioshin’s shoulders.

“I am?”

“Sure you are!” Kaiobit said. “Somehow you must’ve come here from the past. That’s the only explanation why you look and think that you’re Kaioshin…because that’s me and I’m here.”

“But…”

Rou Kaioshin gave a slight chuckle. “This is what you become in the future. You’ll fuse with Kibito eventually. Scary, ain’t it.”

“I do? Then who are you?”

“I,” Rou Kaioshin said proudly, “am the Kaioshin that was tragically imprisoned in the legendary Zed Sword, fifteen generations before your time.”

“Really?” Kaioshin said in more of a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

“Really.”

“How did you get here?” Kaiobit asked, interrupting Rou’s little moment of glory.

“I’m not sure. One minute I was on this deserted planet in my time…and then I woke up in this time.”

“There must be something more to it than that,” Kaiobit said.

“Well…I’m almost thinking it had something to do with that strange energy cloud…I was pulled into it and it knocked me unconscious. Then I woke up and found myself on a totally different planet.”

“Strange…” Kaiobit said, a bit confused.

“It wasn’t a different planet,” Rou said, his back now turned on the two gods.

Kaiobit and Kaioshin looked at him. “What do you mean?” Kaioshin questioned.

“You were on planet known as Galaxia. Every 500 years, a powerful energy cloud, as you saw, appears there. This cloud is able to bring a person to either their past, or their future, depending on the wind’s current.” Kaioshin and Kaiobit listened, their mouths opened at their unknown knowledge. “The wind’s current must have been going the way of the future, so to speak. You being pulled into the cloud caused you to go into your future. Once the cloud disappears, the planet returns to normal.”

“So…you mean I’m stuck here?” Kaioshin asked in shock.

“I don’t know. The cloud isn’t due for another 8 months. And if its current is that of the future, you’ll be thrown farther into the future.”

“8 months!?” They both said at once.

“Wow…that’s a long time actually,” Kaiobit said.

Kaioshin stood in place, looking at the ground. “And…if it’s the wrong current…I’m stuck here for eternity.”

“That’s right,” the old man replied. “But for my sake, I hope not. I couldn’t deal with TWO of you clowns!”

“Clowns?” Kaioshin asked almost bitterly.

“Kaiobit here is the biggest goof there is! How someone like you two got to be a Kaioshin is beyond me.”

Kaiobit’s face turned red from embarrassment. “I’m not that bad, Rou.” Rou let out a quick laugh.

* * *

Kaioshin and Kaiobit sat next to each other at a lakeshore on Kaioshinkai. Kaioshin had been there for about two days now. The two gods had been having a great time comparing stories of their past; and Kaioshin had learned all about the threat that would appear on the planet Earth. His old enemy, Bibidi’s son was going to unleash Majin Buu—the biggest terror Kaioshin had ever seen in his long life. During that, he learned, is when he fused with Kibito. Rou Kaioshin had revealed that the earrings he wore were used to fuse two people if they both wore one. Kaiobit, (or Kaioshin back then), was demonstrating them for the first time to a Saiyan called Goku; however, Kaioshin and Kibito were unaware that the fusion was permanent.

“I still can’t believe all of that is going to happen to me,” Kaioshin said pulling at a blade of grass.

“Yeah,” Kaiobit responded. “It all happens so quickly too. But everything turns out all right. At least, it did for me. I don’t know what will happen to you, now that you know what will happen.”

Kaioshin agreed. He looked up at the lavender sky. “Kaiobit, I have an idea.”

“What’s that?” Kaiobit said, glancing over to him.

“This planet Earth…I’d like to see it,” he said. “I’d like to see the planet that brings about my future self.”

“Okay then,” Kaiobit said with a smile. “Earth is a great place. The human race is a little funny in their ways, but for the most part they’re all good.”

“All right then,” Kaioshin said standing up. “Let’s go.”

“Now?” Kaiobit asked.

“Why not? There’s nothing here at the moment.”

“Well, yeah…but we have a whole 8 months before the cloud comes back.” He paused in his thoughts for a moment. “Let’s go.”

The two gods arrived on the busy streets of a city on Earth. Kaioshin was taken aback at the sight of some of the humans, with their peculiar style of fashion. “So this is Earth?” He asked looking around.

“Yup,” Kaiobit said, watching as a man and women walked by staring at them.

“Interesting,” Kaioshin said. They walked around the area a bit and looked at the various sites in the city.

“So what do you think?” Kaiobit asked.

“A very lively place. It’s a shame that it’s always threatened by some evil force.”

“That it is.” He looked around and noticed a small food stand not far from where they were. “Kaioshin! You must try the food! Wait here…I’ll be right back.” Kaioshin watched as he rushed off and stood in a long line.

While he was gone, Kaioshin noticed a large group of people exiting a large building. The looked over to read a sign that said “Southtown High School.” Kids, Kaioshin assumed to himself. He was right. Human teenagers rushed by him, some ignoring his presence, and some staring at him as if he was some sort of freak.

A tall kid bumped into him and looked down upon him. “Watch where you’re going!” The kid shouted.

“Excuse me, but I believe that you’re the one that bumped into me,” Kaioshin said.

“Punk,” the kid said and walked off.

Kaioshin watched the teen leave, who glanced back over his shoulder a few times before he turned the corner.

“Don’t worry,” a voice said. “He does that to anyone he’s never met before.”

Kaioshin looked around in surprise and noticed a girl standing near him. “Were you talking to me?”

“Yes,” she said. “I just thought I’d tell you that he’s just a jerk and not to worry about what just happened.”

“Don’t worry,” Kaioshin said with a smile. “I wasn’t going to.” Kaioshin quickly looked over her features. Her hair was a dark purple, and her eyes were an emerald green. She was perhaps, a little bit taller than he was. She wore a white t-shirt, a black vest, and blue jeans.

She smiled. “You’re new here in town,” she said.

“You could say that,” Kaioshin said.

“I’d be willing to show you around sometime if you want,” she offered.

Kaioshin looked at her innocent looking face and smiled. “I’d like that,” he responded.

“Say…tomorrow night? Around 7?”

“Alright,” he said. She smiled once again and walked away.

Kaioshin was startled when Kaiobit walked up behind him, a strange looking item in both hands. “Here,” he said. “Try this.”

“What is it?”

“They call it a hotdog. It’s pretty good. I haven’t had one in so long!”

The next day, Kaiobit was looking at his crystal ball while Kaioshin sat back and watched. “I’m going back to Earth tonight,” Kaioshin announced quietly.

Kaiobit looked up, a bit surprised. “What for?”

“A girl offered to show me around.”

“Oh. Well, that’s great. See…with all of these events, 8 months will pass and you’ll be home in no time.”

“I hope so,” Kaioshin said.

Around 6:50 Earth time, Kaioshin appeared on the street in front of the high school where he met that girl the day before. Kaiobit had suggested that he’d wear human clothes, (which now Kaioshin almost thinks Kaiobit tricked him into doing just to get a laugh). He had on a dark blue, button-down shirt, beige slacks and black shoes. He thought he looked ridiculous, but Kaiobit assured him he’d fit in now.

Soon a girl could be seen walking towards him. “Hi,” she greeted with a smile. “We missed introduction before, so I guess this is as good as time as any. I’m Clarissa.”

Kaioshin bowed a slight bit and responded by telling her his name.

“So, what do you want to do?” She asked. She had on a short black skirt, and red shirt that’s sleeves came down to her elbows.

“I thought I’d leave that up to you. Honestly, I don’t know what there is to do here.”

Clarissa laughed. “Alright. Since it seems you’ve never been here before, I’ll give ya a tour of this side of town.”

“Sounds fair enough,” Kaioshin said. He extended his arm and she took it.

I don’t even know him, and he’s acting like such a gentleman, she thought to herself. Kaioshin smiled, having read her thoughts.

They walked along the streets for some time, Clarissa pointing out different things. They stopped at an ice cream parlor; each had a cone, and sat down on a bench outside.

“So,” Clarissa said after licking her ice cream several times, “where’re you from?”

Kaioshin hesitated. “Well, I come from a very distant place.”

“Really? How distant? Like the other side of the world or something?”

“No, not exactly. Its hard to say, actually.”

“Oh, I see.” Clarissa bit the cone. “Well, I’ve had a great time.”

“So did I. Thank you,” Kaioshin said looking over to her. Clarissa smiled and finished her cone. “Well, I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but I have a lot of homework I have to get done.”

“Perhaps we could do this again sometime,” Kaioshin suggested.

“I’d like that.” Clarissa smiled and took a few steps forward. “Talk to ya later!” Kaioshin waved and she walked away.

Kaioshin sat there watching her until she was out of site. “She’s a really nice person,” he said out loud. He stood up and looked around. The street lamps were on and the stars started to become more noticeable. The god teleported back to Kaioshinkai, thinking of a way he could see his earth friend again.

On her way home, Clarissa saw a large man walking towards her. She thought it best to mind her own business and keep walking on. When his features came into view she was shocked to see that he resembled Kaioshin. He didn’t seem to be paying attention and almost walked right into her.

“Oh!” He said when he was inches away from plowing into her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.”

“That’s okay.” She noticed his purple skin and pointy ears. “You look familiar.”

“I do?”

Clarissa thought to herself. “Oh yes! I remember now. I saw you yesterday with someone that looked like you.”

“Oh yeah. He’s kinda visiting me,” Kaiobit said.

“Well, nice to meet you again,” Clarissa said and continued on.

She seems nice, Kaiobit thought to himself. His mind switching back to reality, he searched for Kaioshin’s ki, only to find that he had returned home.

Kaiobit found Kaioshin sitting on a ledge overlooking a small stream. “So did you have a good time?”

Kaioshin smiled. “Yes. I find Earth to be a very pleasant planet.”

“Most of the time. There are those that are brutal, but I like it too.” He took a seat next to his past self. “You going to go back there?”

“Perhaps,” Kaioshin said, still trying to answer the question for himself. “Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. I’m thinking of going back tomorrow. I’m interested in meeting someone.” Kaiobit looked down at a small fish rushing against the stream’s current.

“Well,” Kaioshin said hopping off the wall. “I think I’m going to get some sleep. See you tomorrow.”

Kaioshin waited outside the school fence, waiting to see if Clarissa would come by. He had waited most of the afternoon, not quite sure of when school got out. Finally, however, teenagers flooded out of the building. Kaioshin looked around, but there was no sign of Clarissa.

“Looking for me?” someone said coming up behind him.

Kaioshin was startled. He turned around to see emerald eyes looking at him. “Yes, actually.”

Clarissa laughed. “I’m surprised.”

“Why?”

She looked around at the people walking by them. “Most people don’t bother to come back; especially with me. I’m more of an outcast.”

Kaioshin gave a small frown. “I don’t understand why.”

“Well,” Clarissa said, choosing her words carefully. “I’m not like everyone else. They…don’t want to waste their time with me I guess.”

“So you don’t have any friends?”

“Oh no! I have friends. I’m talking about guys,” she laughed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you in any way.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He turned towards her. “I was wondering actually, if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight.”

Clarissa’s eyes widened. “Really? Are you actually asking me out?”

Kaioshin chuckled to himself a bit. “I guess so,” he said confidently with a smile. “Where would you like to meet?”

“If you want, you can meet me at my house.”

“Alright then,” he said. “I’ll see you tonight then.” He smiled and left.

Clarissa watched after him, almost wanting to jump up and down. Someone had finally asked her out. She honestly couldn’t believe it. Then again, he didn’t completely know her.

Later that day, Kaiobit saw Kaioshin leaving again. Where does he disappear to all the time? He walked along the brick path down by the lake. He noticed Rou Kaioshin sitting on a hair with sunglasses on.

“What are you doing?” Kaiobit answered. The former god didn’t reply. “Rou?”

The old man sat up and, though Kaiobit couldn’t see his eyes, could tell Rou’s look was a harsh one. “Can’t an old man get some rest around here?”

“Well, you just…never mind.”

“The nerve of some people,” Rou said to himself as he settled back down into his chair.

Kaiobit then remembered Kaioshin. “Hey Rou, you wouldn’t happen to know why Kaioshin keeps taking off to Earth, do you?”

“He’s seeing some girl I think,” he said without looking at Kaiobit.

“Are you serious!? Why didn’t he tell me?”

“How am I supposed to know? You two have the same brain, you should know.” Rou Kaioshin smiled. “I must admit though…he has good taste,” he said, this grin becoming wider.

“Well, he’s not the only one that can go to planets and find some girl to go out with him. I’ll show him…”

“What do you plan on doing? Finding someone yourself?”

“Yeah.”

“Good luck,” he said sarcastically.

Clarissa laughed. “You’re a really funny guy, Kaioshin.”

“You think so?” Kaioshin asked with a surprised tone of voice.

“Yeah.” She sipped what was left of her water. “Dinner was great.”

“I agree.”

After leaving the restaurant, Kaioshin driving her home, (in a car he made appear). He parked the car outside of her home and they sat in silence for a moment. “Thank you so much, Kaioshin.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’ll see you later.” They embraced in quick hug and she left.

Kaioshin returned home to find a somewhat annoyed Kaiobit. “Did you have a good time?” He asked, leaning against a wall in the house.

“Yes, it was very nice.” He noticed the resentment on Kaiobit’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. Anyway, I have to get some rest. I have to go on a search tomorrow. Good-night!” He said, his mood seeming to change rather quickly.

Kaioshin stood in place with a confused look on his face as Rou Kaioshin came up next to him. “What’s wrong with Kaiobit?”

Rou shrugged and made a gruff sound. “Who in the universe knows what goes through that boy’s mind. I hate to say it, but he was a lot brighter when he wasn’t fused with that Kibito.”

Kaioshin smiled, taking that somewhat as a compliment. He went to the library to find a book to read.

The next afternoon, Kaiobit searched the streets around the school he was at the other day. “Darn,” he said. “Just my luck, not being able to find her.” Then he saw her out of the corner of his eye. She was in a library, sitting at a table next to a long window.

Clarissa looked up, a bit surprised. “Hello again.”

“Hello.” Clarissa offered him to sit down. “I’ve been thinking to myself.”

“Have you?” She said, a little amused.

“Yes. I was wondering…um…” Clarissa looked at him with curious eyes. “Well, I’m Kaiobit,” he got out at last.

Clarissa giggled. “Clarissa,” she said getting control of herself.

“So…what are you doing?” Kaiobit asked, looking at her open notebook.

“Calculus homework,” she said looking down at it.

“Oh.”

Clarissa smiled. “Was there something you were going to ask me?”

Kaiobit looked up quickly. “Well…oh shucks. Clarissa I was wondering if you’d like to go somewhere with me tonight.”

Clarissa was surprised at the question. What’s up with these pointy-eared guys asking me out all of the sudden? “I guess so…Why are you asking me?”

A shade of red spread across Kaiobit’s cheeks. “Well, I kinda was thinking about you and…I wanted to get to know you better.”

“Oh.” How sweet! “Alright then. Umm…how about tomorrow night then?”

“Sure, whatever you want. I’ll…uh…I’ll come pick you up?”

“That’d be great. Come around…oh say eight?”

“No problem.” Kaiobit got up and smiled. “I have to go…but I’ll see you later!”

“Bye…Kaiobit.” When he was gone Clarissa looked at her notebook and then at the seat Kaiobit had just sat in. I think I’ve just done something very wrong, she thought to herself. I think that I’m going to have some trouble in the future between Kaioshin and Kaiobit. What am I going to do? I’ve never had a boyfriend in my life and now I’ve got two at the same time!

* * *

A little more than a month passed. Clarissa had managed to go out with both Kaiobit and Kaioshin. Though they were both her first boyfriends, she wasn’t doing this just for her own image. She honestly started to love them both. Only she didn’t know whom she loved more. She knew she’d have to tell both of them her secret, but she didn’t want to ruin anything.

The biggest shock came to her when she learned that Kaiobit and Kaioshin were friends and lived together. She remember Kaiobit telling her about Kaioshin having come to visit, but now she knew that this would be even harder to settle. The last thing she wanted to do was ruin their friendship.

Kaiobit had left once again for the night. It seemed that every other night, either Kaioshin or Kaiobit had somewhere to go. Kaioshin knew he was going to Earth, but he didn’t quite know why. He wished Clarissa didn’t have other plans for the night; he hadn’t seen her for two days. And lately he couldn’t find anything to do. Rou Kaioshin was best if he was left alone; otherwise he’d start to make some comment on how poor of a job the new generations have been doing on watching the universe.

Kaioshin sat in a large cushioned chair in the house. He thought about various things, such as getting home to his own time, and what Kibito must have thought what happened to him. His mind wondered to him becoming Kaiobit. Then it hit him. Every time Clarissa said she had other plans and couldn’t see him, Kaiobit had taken off. “No…” Kaioshin said to no one. “He wouldn’t do a thing like that. And Clarissa wouldn’t cheat on me…would she?”

“What are you mumbling about?” Rou Kaioshin made his way into the room and plopped himself in a chair.

“Oh nothing.”

“Sounded like something to me,” the old man replied.

“Well, I’ve been seeing that Earth girl, Clarissa. And Kaiobit is constantly taking off to Earth now too. The thought just passed my mind that maybe he was seeing her as well as me.”

Rou laughed. “Its amazing how long it takes you to figure things out. I could’ve told you that weeks ago.”

“You knew?!”

“Sure I did. It doesn’t take a pure genius to figure it out.”

Kaioshin quickly stood up. “Excuse me, Rou Kaioshin.” He disappeared, leaving the old man by himself.

Kaioshin had arrived on Earth and locked onto Kaiobit’s ki. He flew there quickly and found himself in a park. The sun was setting, so it wasn’t hard to see. The young god walked down a path and found Kaiobit sitting on a bench with a girl. Clarissa, he thought after seeing the purple-haired girl’s head on Kaiobit’s shoulders. He had his arm around her, which almost made Kaioshin blow up. “Why that…” Not thinking, he marched over to the two and stood in front of them.

“Kaioshin!?” They both said at once, only for different reasons.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Kaioshin asked Kaiobit angrily.

“I’m with Clarissa here,” he responded, not knowing why the god in front of him was so angry.

“Clarissa,” Kaioshin almost yelled, “what are you doing with him?”

Kaiobit looked at the two. “How do you know Clarissa?”
Kaioshin gave him a harsh look. “She happens to be the girl I’ve been seeing!”

“What?!” Kaiobit said shocked. “That’s ridiculous. I’ve been seeing her.”

“You stole her from me!”

“I did not! How was I supposed to know that she was seeing you as well as me!?”

“Stop it!” Clarissa yelled, stepping away from both of them. They turned and looked to her. “I’ve been seeing you both, and this is all my fault. I didn’t mean to deceive either of you, but…”

“You said you loved me…and I thought that kiss meant something,” Kaiobit said, a little disappointed.

“You kissed her?!” Kaioshin yelled.

“Please don’t start again,” Clarissa said. She sat back down and put her head in her hands for a brief moment. “I love both of you…you’re both so sweet and kind to me…and I’ve never had anyone like you guys before. Kaiobit asked me out after our second date, Kaioshin. I didn’t know that it would turn into this. I mean…I didn’t know that I’d end up loving both of you.” There was silence for a moment. Both Kaioshin and Kaiobit looked at her.

Kaioshin was the one to break the silence. “I understand….” He said in a melancholy voice.

“You understand what?” Kaiobit asked, a little bit on the stern side.

Kaioshin tried not to act or look hurt, but he failed miserably. “She’s yours, Kaiobit.” He turned and slowly walked off, his eyes focused on the ground.

“Kaioshin!” Clarissa called after him.

Kaiobit couldn’t believe what Kaioshin had just done. He gave Clarissa up so he could be with her. He looked at the girl’s face, tears running down her cheeks. “I didn’t want this to happen. I should have told you guys sooner…” Kaiobit didn’t answer. Clarissa bit her lip. “I’m going to go home…I’m sorry Kaiobit…” She got up and slowly walked away.

Kaiobit stood in the same spot for a few more moments. He couldn’t believe he didn’t see this. He felt guilty that he took Kaioshin’s girl, but he honestly didn’t even put two and two together. He looked over to see that Clarissa was gone. With a sigh, Kaiobit was about to return home, when he realized he shouldn’t leave Clarissa alone. Kaioshin had said that he could have her, but that wasn’t the reason. He knew she was just as hurt as he was.

Kaiobit walked up to the porch of Clarissa’s house. He took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell. Footsteps could be heard coming towards him, and the door opened.

“Oh, Kaiobit,” her mother answered in a sweet voice. They had met when he had picked Clarissa up for the first time. “Come on in…”

“Actually…I’d rather stay out here, if that’s okay. May I talk to her though?”

“Of course,” she said. She called Clarissa, who came walking down the stairs. She stopped at the bottom when she noticed Kaiobit standing at the door. Her mother left them alone, and Clarissa stepped onto the porch, shutting the door behind her.

Clarissa looked at him for a moment, and then sat down on the swinging bench that was off to the side. She looked up a Kaiobit, with tear-filled eyes. “Kaiobit…I’m so sorry…”

Kaiobit kneeled down in front of her. “I know…and so am I. If I had only known that you were the girl Kaioshin was seeing…I wouldn’t have asked you out like I did. Its just as much my fault.”

“No,” she said quietly. “It was my fault for trying to be with both of you. Deep down I knew it wouldn’t work out, but I refused to listen to my conscience.”

Kaiobit picked up her hand and smiled. “Kaiobit…” she said. “There’s something else that I haven’t told you…”

A curious look came over his face. He could see that there was something terribly wrong by her expression. “What is it?”

Clarissa looked at his loving black eyes. She couldn’t bare to tell him what she was about to say. “I…I think that it might be best if I you didn’t see me anymore…I don’t want you to suffer a deeper heartbreak.”

“What are you talking about? You don’t want to be with me anymore?”

“Oh no. I love being with you. I always looked forward to seeing you guys. But…I…” Her voice became scratchy and she started to stutter from holding back the tears. “I’m not well…”

“You don’t feel well?”

“No…I’m very sick…”

“Then you should go to bed and get some rest…”

“Kaiobit,” Clarissa interrupted. “It’s not something like that…”

Kaiobit looked at her with a confused look. “What is it then?”

A tear escaped her eye. “I only have a few more months left to live…”

Her words hit Kaiobit like a punch in the face. Did he just hear her say she was going to die? “Why? What’s wrong?”
“I have a very rare cancer…and there’s nothing they can do for me. The doctor said I have about six months to live…and that was four months ago.” Kaiobit looked down in shock. “I don’t want you to have to deal with this…”

“No,” he said looking up and tightening his grip on her hand. “I’m not leaving you. I’ll be here for you all the way.”

A smile peeked through the sadness on her face. “Thank you…” Kaiobit got up and sat next to her and put his arm around her, holding her close. “Kaiobit…I didn’t tell you before because I didn’t want to lose you. I was afraid you’d be like all the rest…and if you knew then you’d forget about me and never want to be with me.”

“I’m not like that, Clarissa. I’m not like that at all.” He paused for a moment. “Does Kaioshin know?”

She shook her head. “I was afraid of telling him, too. I didn’t know how you guys would react…so I kept it a secret. But instead…I think I hurt you more by not telling you two about the other…”

Kaiobit kissed her forehead. “Clarissa, don’t worry about that. I know Kaioshin will understand.”

“You think so?”

“I know so…because,” he paused. “Because we’re the same person.”

“What? I don’t understand…”

“We’ve been keeping some secrets from you as well. You see…I am Kaioshin fused with another person. The Kaioshin you know came her from the past by accident. He’s…me.”

This was having a little trouble sinking into Clarissa’s head. “You mean you two are the same person…but you’re…fused?”

Kaiobit gave her a brief explanation about Majin Buu, the Patora earrings, and how he and his bodyguard Kibito had used them to demonstrate fusion. “There’s something else, though…”

“Something else?”

“Yes. I’m not from Earth at all. I’m from a planet on the outside of the universe known as Kaioshinkai. You see…I’m a god.”

“A…you’re kidding me.”

“No, I’m not. I’m called the Supreme Kai. I watch over everything in the universe. Every galaxy, every planet…”

“So…if what you say is true…does that make Kaioshin the Supreme…too?” He nodded. “I was going to ask why you didn’t tell me…but I guess we’re even know.” She smiled.

“Do you believe me?”

“Yes, I do.”

* * *

Kaioshin sat on the shore of the lake, throwing rocks into the water. He had never been so depressed in his life. As a matter of fact, he had never been in love either. He let Clarissa go so she wouldn’t have to chose between them and make her unhappy. He didn’t respond when Kaiobit sat down next to him.

“That was nice of you,” Kaiobit said quietly.

“Well, I hope you two are happy.” Kaioshin said trying not being mean or sarcastic when he said that sentence. He threw another rock into the water and watched the water ripples grow and then disappear.

“That’s not what I meant. I mean I think it was very bold of you to give her up for me like that. I honestly didn’t know about you two. I want to apologize.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Kaioshin…she didn’t mention seeing the other to us because she’s a lonely girl. People have backed away from her for the wrong reason, and she was afraid we would too.”

“How does that relate to her seeing both of us and not saying anything?”

“She’s going to die,” Kaiobit said, bringing shock to Kaioshin.

“What do you mean she’s going to die?”

“Exactly what I said. She has a terrible human disease known as cancer and there’s nothing that can help her now. She’s had all the treatments possible, but nothing helped. She doesn’t have much longer.” Kaioshin sat in silence, trying to take this all in.

“Why didn’t she tell us?”

“Because she thought if she did we’d leave her like others have. They didn’t want to be bother with someone who wouldn’t be around to have a long relationship.”

“I can’t believe this…”

“Neither can I, but its true.” Kaiobit pulled out a piece of grass from the ground and played with it. “I told her.”

“About…”

“Us. About us being gods, and that we’re the same person.”

“What did she say?”

“Nothing much. She didn’t quite understand at first. But I think that she got the basic picture.”

“You should try to spend as much time as you can with her then.”

“So should you.” Kaioshin looked up. “I think we should forget about this whole ordeal and just be there for her. She needs the support.”

Kaioshin smiled, his face looking more at ease now. “Lets go.”

* * *

Kaioshin had been in the future for eight months. It was time for the energy cloud to make its 500-year appearance. No extreme force could be sensed on Galaxia, so Kaioshin patiently waited. He and Kaiobit stood on a hill, overlooking the vast landscape of Kaioshinkai.

“It has been a strange past eight months,” Kaiobit commented.

“It has,” Kaioshin responded. “I’ve enjoyed it though. I almost don’t want to go back. But I know I must…who knows what’s happened in the eight months I’ve been gone.”

Kaiobit nodded in agreement. His minded shifted to Clarissa. “I’m glad everything turned out okay for her…”

Kaioshin looked up at the sky. “So am I. She’s finally at peace and doesn’t have to suffer anymore. I’ll miss her.”

“Me too.” He smiled and chuckled to himself. “I like to believe that it was easier for her seeing that we were there for her and didn’t leave her alone.”

“I agree. She was happy until the end. She was so sick in the end that she couldn’t even get out of bed, but she never lost her spirit of happiness and hope. She truly was an amazing girl.”

At that moment, Kaiobit picked up a large energy forming on Galaxia. “That must be it,” he said to Kaioshin. His crystal ball appeared in front of him. A dark gray cloud came into view; a cloud that looked all too familiar to Kaioshin.

“So I take it that the current is right for your return home?” Rou Kaioshin asked coming up behind them.

“I believe it is,” Kaioshin said as he watched the image.

“Well, I guess I should wish you luck.”

“Thank you, Rou Kaioshin.”

“Oh,” the old man said putting his hands behind his back, “Seeing that you know that fusion with the earrings is permanent, don’t demonstrate it. Otherwise you’ll turn out absent minded like him.” He pointed to Kaiobit.

Kaioshin laughed. “Thank you.” He bowed out of respect and looked back at the image. “I guess I better be off.”

Kaioshin and Kaiobit arrived on Galaxia. The entire planet was red and the wind blew harshly. Kaiobit stood his ground, holding his arm above his face to block some of the wind and dust that came at him. “So that’s it?”

“Yes it is,” Kaioshin said watching the sparks fly out of the cloud. He turned to his future self. “It’s been a pleasure, Kaiobit. I’m glad we’ve met.”

“It was a pleasure Kaioshin. I wish you luck with Majin Buu and the rest of your future.”

“Thank you, my friend.” He took a few steps towards the cloud. He turned around for a moment and gave Kaiobit a smile.

“Say hi to Kibito for me!” Kaiobit called after him. “And don’t worry about Rou Kaioshin when he’s freed. Oh and Kaioshin,” he said. Kaioshin turned around and looked at him. “Take good care of Clarissa when you meet her.”

Kaioshin smiled, bowed his head slightly, and continued on his way. He looked at the cloud for a moment before he jumped in, able to feel the tremendous force that was pulling at him. He took a deep breath and then jumped in, leaving the future world.

Kaiobit looked around when he was gone. “Why am I staying here!? This wind is terrible!” He rose into the air and looked up. “Good luck, Kaioshin.” And with that, the god returned to his home.

Kaioshin found himself lying on the ground when he woke up. He sat up and looked around, seeing Galaxia as he saw it in the future when he first arrived. He could tell that he was back in his own time. He stood up and looked back, quickly remembering his trip before he teleported home.

“Master Kaioshin!” Kibito called out in a worried voice. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Kibito. Thank you.”

“Thank the heavens. I was afraid something terrible happened to you. When I went to the planet you had gone to, I couldn’t find you, nor did I see that cloud. Where have you been?”

“It’s a long story, Kibito my friend. Which reminds me, I told Kaiobit I’d say hi to you for him.”

Kibito looked at the young god strangely. “Kaioshin…are you feeling okay?”

Kaioshin laughed. “I’m fine Kibito. I’ll tell you about it later. But first, there is something I must see, if you’d excuse me.” Kibito bowed and walked away.

The crystal ball appeared in front of Kaioshin. He waved his hand over it once and an image of teenagers rushing out of a school building came into view. He smiled when the view went in closer to reveal a young girl with purple hair and emerald green eyes. She walked slowly by herself and then stop to talk to some guy she must’ve known. The guy said something to her and then walked away, leaving her standing alone once again. Kaioshin dismissed the image. He decided to tell Kibito his story, and then make a small visit to Earth…

~The End~