Post by Gohan on Sept 14, 2023 18:51:43 GMT -5
It was another bright day at the Kame House, a lively day in fact. Master Roshi was exercising in front of the television monitor, ogling the women on screen while they walked the viewers through a few stretches. "Ehehe, that's right! And a one, and a two, and a three--" Gohan happened to arrive at the Kame House from visiting his good friend Tights, and when he walked through the front door his master sputtered.
"G-Gohan! What are you doing here?!" Roshi quickly regained his composure and turned off the television. Gohan simply waved, oblivious to what Roshi was watching. "Hey Master! I'm ready for some training!" The boy said excitedly as his tail swayed to and fro.
"Training? Oh, right, training. Hmmm..." Roshi stroked his beard in thought, then suddenly an idea popped into his mind. "I got just the person. You wait outside, I'll go get Tarble," He ordered.
Gohan blinked but quickly followed instructions. When he stepped out onto the beach he could hear the Turtle Hermit yell out Tarble's name. Usually Bra was around too, another one of Gohan's friends, but he couldn't sense her. Was Tarble another one of his students too?
---
Descending the stairs, Tarble found Master Roshi lounging on the couch, engrossed in an aerobics TV show. "How's it going, Master Roshi?" Tarble inquired.
Master Roshi flashed a grin, his attention momentarily torn from the TV. "I've got some training lined up for you," he replied. "His name is Gohan, a long-time student of mine. I believe it's time for you to step up your training."
Tarble nodded. Lately, he had been introduced to several of Master Roshi's pupils, though he hadn't heard of this Gohan until now. His encounters included an unexpected run-in with Nappa, leaving him eager to prove himself. "He's waiting outside for you," Master Roshi continued. "Let's see how you fare against him since Nappa wasn't much of a challenge."
Tarble nodded once more and made his way to the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, he spotted a few cold water bottles in the door compartment. Tarble grabbed one, twisted off the cap, and eagerly gulped it down, savoring every drop. Afterward, he neatly disposed of the empty bottle in the trash can by kicking it in.
With his thirst quenched, Tarble stepped outside, greeted by the sight of a young child standing there. This young warrior, like Tarble, sported a tail. "Another Saiyan," Tarble mused, as encounters with Saiyans on Earth had become increasingly common. He extended a hand and introduced himself, saying, "Hello, my name is Tarble."
(word count: 406)
---
As Gohan awaited for Tarble to meet him on the island's shore, his thoughts wandered endlessly much like the sky itself. There were moments, much like pockets in time, where he became somewhat anxious. It was hard to explain, but a level of nervousness set in, a fog of sorts that loomed over him.
Maybe it was because he hadn't known his parents much, and he desperately tried to fill in the blanks but to no avail. His mood soured a bit, so he shook his head and regained his composure. Never mind all of that, he thought to himself. Tights would be upset if she found out sad he'd gotten. Tights was his family now, as well as her mother and Dr. Briefs. Why dwell on the past?
Just then Tarble stepped out of the house and onto the shore, he was a small man with spiky hair and a tail much like Gohan had. He seemed nice though, and Gohan graciously accepted his hand to shake his.
"Nice to meet you Tarble, my name is Gohan," Gohan replied politely.
Afterwards he'd flash Tarble a smile and bow to him respectfully. "I'll be in your care today. Please teach me anything that you know."
---
Tarble observed as the young Gohan respectfully bowed. This planet had taught Tarble that Saiyans here had different customs and manners compared to those on his home planet. It was a rarity for a Saiyan to bow before a battle. Typically, there were no words exchanged; battle began with the first attack. Tarble had once believed that all Saiyans were the same, but his time on Earth was slowly changing his perspective. Perhaps, through this experience, he could find a way to redeem himself in the eyes of his family.
In this moment, he felt that sparring with Gohan would reveal more about himself than any previous encounter. Nappa, while kind in his own way, was a straightforward and aggressive fighter. Tarble could sense the potential for immense damage in Nappa if he unleashed his full power.
"I'll be in your care today. Please teach me anything that you know," Gohan had said.
Tarble pondered these words. "In your care today... What did he mean by that?" Tarble had never been in a position to teach others. From the age of ten to eighteen, he had survived alone in the wilderness, struggling to understand life. In the past two weeks, he had undertaken tasks he never imagined, seeking training from Master Roshi rather than being the one imparting knowledge. These words weighed on him; he didn't want to disappoint the young Saiyan.
Stepping away from Master Roshi's house, Tarble walked toward the shoreline, seeking solitude. As he neared the water's edge, he halted, allowing the waves to wash over the sand. He turned back to take one last look at the polite Gohan, capturing that image before the warrior within him emerged.
"This spot will do. Here is where we'll begin our training. Show me what you've got," Tarble declared, sliding his left foot slightly behind him. He leaned forward, fists clenched and raised, assuming a balanced stance, ready for the training ahead.
word count: 323
---
There was a peculiar feeling that Gohan had while he studied Tarble's gaze. Almost as if the two of them shared a kinship of sorts, the same familiar feeling of a dark cloud looming overhead. Gohan tried his best to be lively and respectful, as it was his personality and a trait that he fondly remembered his mother beating into him - though her face was more or less a phantom to him.
Still, he also sensed great potential in Tarble, a bit of a quiet strength that was more subdued than Bra's, which meant maybe he didn't realize how powerful he could be. It made Gohan eager to learn from him not only because he was older and held seniority, but because so that they could aid each other in a mutually beneficial way.
The boy followed Tarble to the shoreline, stopping when the older Saiyan's strides ceased. He told Gohan to make the first move and slipped into a combat stance, and Gohan responded in kind.
"Right, here I come."
Gohan fell into his ready stance, his front leg slid forward against the sand and he took off with great speed, his body like a blur that kicked sand up all around him. He appeared in front of Tarble in a balanced squat and attempted to uppercut him in his chin, putting his weight into the attack.
---
In this pivotal moment, Tarble realized that size was not the sole indicator of strength. Gohan, though not significantly smaller than Tarble, was notably younger. As the battle commenced, Gohan surged forward with remarkable speed. His movements were a blur, leaving Tarble struggling to track his adversary's every move. In the blink of an eye, a resounding "CRACK" echoed through the vicinity.
Gohan's uppercut landed square under Tarble's chin with a devastating force that could have toppled buildings. Tarble's legs lifted off the ground, and Gohan's punch guided him precisely where he intended. Tarble's head recoiled, and a spray of saliva burst into the air. His eyes struggled to regain focus, darting in disoriented directions.
Then, with brutal force, Tarble's entire body crashed into the sandy ground. His head made a harsh impact, rattling his brain, and his body bounced, imprinting the sand beneath him. Tarble lay there, contemplating the sheer power of Gohan's strike, feeling as though he had been catapulted into the past.
After a few moments spent sprawled on the ground, Tarble summoned his resolve. He rolled over and planted both hands in the sand, using his knees and arms to push himself upright. Beads of sweat dripped from his chin onto the sandy surface. He had been struck just once, yet it felt as if he had endured a relentless beating.
With a burst of speed, Tarble dashed toward Gohan, his feet leaving deep imprints in the sand. As he closed the gap, Tarble leaned down, scooping up a handful of sand without hesitation. Without waiting to assess the accuracy of his aim, Tarble flung the sand toward Gohan's face, attempting to blind his opponent temporarily. Simultaneously, Tarble leaped into the air, swinging his entire body and delivering a powerful right-footed kick aimed at Gohan's head.
---
Tarble bounced back onto his feet with a resolve that reflected Gohan's own. It was refreshing to see, but expected as well. He quickly retaliated and charged at the boy with great speed, and Gohan measured him to attempt to anticipate what was to come next. Instead of a frontal assault however, Tarble scooped up a fistful of sand and flung it towards Gohan, which temporarily blinded him. In a fit he yelled out, "Hey, that's dirty!" And a powerful boot careened towards his skull, knocking him backwards.
He stumbled, nearly falling flat onto his back but he managed to regain his footing enough to shake off the pain and thrust his palm towards the Saiyan - an azure sphere of Ki energy blitzed towards Tarble's position, splintering into fours to attempt to pepper his body all over.
Dust and debris kicked up all around them and Gohan used it as cover to rush Tarble and attempt to tackle him onto the ground with all of his might, barreling into his body reckless abandon.
---
"Hey, that's dirty!"
Tarble's foot connected with the side of Gohan's head, even as he maintained the motion of his extended leg.
"Expect the unexpected," Tarble muttered as he struggled to regain his balance for another attack.
But before he could steady himself, Gohan unleashed a pulsating energy sphere. The sphere divided into four, hitting Tarble like a shotgun blast. The impact shredded his right shoulder, left leg, chest, and left forearm, causing him to stagger.
Struggling to regain his composure, Tarble suddenly felt a small, powerful presence wrap around his waist, and a forceful shoulder slammed into his chest. All the air was forced out of Tarble's lungs as he let out a silent scream. The two combatants were sent hurtling backward. Tarble knew he was in serious trouble but was determined to minimize the damage.
Acting swiftly, he wrapped his legs around Gohan's back and clung to his opponent's back with both arms to cushion their fall. When they landed in the sandy arena, Tarble's entire body was jolted. His back crashed into the ground, forming a small crater, and he shut his eyes tightly as a cloud of sand billowed around them. He found himself in an uncomfortable position, one that was difficult to escape. Tarble's mind raced, trying to devise a plan, but his body was giving in to exhaustion. He realized that Gohan was far more formidable than he had initially thought.
In a last-ditch effort, Tarble decided to send quick jab’s to Gohan’s right side, hoping to loosen his grip and gain some breathing room.
word count: 261
---
Gohan was repelled by Tarble's lightning quick jab. It caught him unawares and he groaned, the pain stung and it was sharp like a bee sting. He shook his head in order to compose himself, and once more he charged at the Saiyan, except instead of a full on frontal assault he decided to go for a feint instead.
When the boy shot his fist forward towards Tarble's gut, he stopped short and instead squatted down quickly and aimed a kick to his ankle to offset his balance. Hopefully it would buy him enough time to maneuver himself towards Tarble's flank and reach for his tail, squeezing it tightly if he was successful.
"Expect the unexpected right?" Gohan said in a cheeky manner. He knew how painful it was when his tail was grabbed, so he figured that Tarble would experience the same amount of pain and discomfort that he also had.
---
Tarble's sudden jab proved to be his escape from Gohan's tight grip, and in that fleeting moment, he sensed a shift in the battle's momentum, favoring him. As they disengaged and rolled back, attempting to regain their footing, it became evident that Tarble needed a bit more time to compose himself compared to Gohan, highlighting their differing levels of combat experience.
As Tarble steadied himself, he glimpsed Gohan initiating another frontal assault. Tarble anticipated the move but lacked the agility to react swiftly enough. He braced for a punch aimed at his abdomen, resigned to his impending defeat. However, Gohan cleverly used this as a feint, surprising Tarble with a quick kick to his right ankle, forcing his legs apart.
Defenseless and disoriented, Tarble struggled to track Gohan's movements. Somehow, the nimble Saiyan managed to outmaneuver him and yank Tarble's tail, which had been wrapped around his waist all this time. An intense wave of pain surged through Tarble's body, a sensation he had never experienced before. Although his tail had suffered minor bumps and grazes in the past, this pain was excruciating, threatening to make him sick. His legs grew weak, causing him to slump forward while Gohan continued to lift his rear.
Gasping for breath and writhing in agony, Tarble could barely discern Gohan's words. "Expect the unexpected, right?" Gohan's taunt echoed in Tarble's mind as he fought through the pain, summoning every ounce of determination. With excruciating effort, he extended his right arm, letting out a painful yelp. Tarble began pounding the ground with his open hand, fingers splayed wide.
"I concede... I surrender."
Word count: 267
---
Gohan wasn't one to gloat, or to needlessly cause pain to others. Though, there were times where he felt a little cheeky from time to time. However, he always tried his best to remain respectful and courteous to others. Having manners were very important to him, and he couldn't place it why.
So when Tarble conceded, the boy immediately let go of his tail and dipped his head apologetically. "Sorry if I went too far mister Tarble sir," Gohan said. He flashed the Saiyan a smile and offered him a hand to help him up back onto his feet.
"Thank you for taking the time to train with me! Let's do it again sometime okay?" Gohan offered. Tarble had a lot of potential and Gohan couldn't help but think that one day he could possibly overtake him! He'd have to remain diligent in his own training so that he could achieve his goal of being the best.
Tarble WC: 1663
"G-Gohan! What are you doing here?!" Roshi quickly regained his composure and turned off the television. Gohan simply waved, oblivious to what Roshi was watching. "Hey Master! I'm ready for some training!" The boy said excitedly as his tail swayed to and fro.
"Training? Oh, right, training. Hmmm..." Roshi stroked his beard in thought, then suddenly an idea popped into his mind. "I got just the person. You wait outside, I'll go get Tarble," He ordered.
Gohan blinked but quickly followed instructions. When he stepped out onto the beach he could hear the Turtle Hermit yell out Tarble's name. Usually Bra was around too, another one of Gohan's friends, but he couldn't sense her. Was Tarble another one of his students too?
---
Descending the stairs, Tarble found Master Roshi lounging on the couch, engrossed in an aerobics TV show. "How's it going, Master Roshi?" Tarble inquired.
Master Roshi flashed a grin, his attention momentarily torn from the TV. "I've got some training lined up for you," he replied. "His name is Gohan, a long-time student of mine. I believe it's time for you to step up your training."
Tarble nodded. Lately, he had been introduced to several of Master Roshi's pupils, though he hadn't heard of this Gohan until now. His encounters included an unexpected run-in with Nappa, leaving him eager to prove himself. "He's waiting outside for you," Master Roshi continued. "Let's see how you fare against him since Nappa wasn't much of a challenge."
Tarble nodded once more and made his way to the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, he spotted a few cold water bottles in the door compartment. Tarble grabbed one, twisted off the cap, and eagerly gulped it down, savoring every drop. Afterward, he neatly disposed of the empty bottle in the trash can by kicking it in.
With his thirst quenched, Tarble stepped outside, greeted by the sight of a young child standing there. This young warrior, like Tarble, sported a tail. "Another Saiyan," Tarble mused, as encounters with Saiyans on Earth had become increasingly common. He extended a hand and introduced himself, saying, "Hello, my name is Tarble."
(word count: 406)
---
As Gohan awaited for Tarble to meet him on the island's shore, his thoughts wandered endlessly much like the sky itself. There were moments, much like pockets in time, where he became somewhat anxious. It was hard to explain, but a level of nervousness set in, a fog of sorts that loomed over him.
Maybe it was because he hadn't known his parents much, and he desperately tried to fill in the blanks but to no avail. His mood soured a bit, so he shook his head and regained his composure. Never mind all of that, he thought to himself. Tights would be upset if she found out sad he'd gotten. Tights was his family now, as well as her mother and Dr. Briefs. Why dwell on the past?
Just then Tarble stepped out of the house and onto the shore, he was a small man with spiky hair and a tail much like Gohan had. He seemed nice though, and Gohan graciously accepted his hand to shake his.
"Nice to meet you Tarble, my name is Gohan," Gohan replied politely.
Afterwards he'd flash Tarble a smile and bow to him respectfully. "I'll be in your care today. Please teach me anything that you know."
---
Tarble observed as the young Gohan respectfully bowed. This planet had taught Tarble that Saiyans here had different customs and manners compared to those on his home planet. It was a rarity for a Saiyan to bow before a battle. Typically, there were no words exchanged; battle began with the first attack. Tarble had once believed that all Saiyans were the same, but his time on Earth was slowly changing his perspective. Perhaps, through this experience, he could find a way to redeem himself in the eyes of his family.
In this moment, he felt that sparring with Gohan would reveal more about himself than any previous encounter. Nappa, while kind in his own way, was a straightforward and aggressive fighter. Tarble could sense the potential for immense damage in Nappa if he unleashed his full power.
"I'll be in your care today. Please teach me anything that you know," Gohan had said.
Tarble pondered these words. "In your care today... What did he mean by that?" Tarble had never been in a position to teach others. From the age of ten to eighteen, he had survived alone in the wilderness, struggling to understand life. In the past two weeks, he had undertaken tasks he never imagined, seeking training from Master Roshi rather than being the one imparting knowledge. These words weighed on him; he didn't want to disappoint the young Saiyan.
Stepping away from Master Roshi's house, Tarble walked toward the shoreline, seeking solitude. As he neared the water's edge, he halted, allowing the waves to wash over the sand. He turned back to take one last look at the polite Gohan, capturing that image before the warrior within him emerged.
"This spot will do. Here is where we'll begin our training. Show me what you've got," Tarble declared, sliding his left foot slightly behind him. He leaned forward, fists clenched and raised, assuming a balanced stance, ready for the training ahead.
word count: 323
---
There was a peculiar feeling that Gohan had while he studied Tarble's gaze. Almost as if the two of them shared a kinship of sorts, the same familiar feeling of a dark cloud looming overhead. Gohan tried his best to be lively and respectful, as it was his personality and a trait that he fondly remembered his mother beating into him - though her face was more or less a phantom to him.
Still, he also sensed great potential in Tarble, a bit of a quiet strength that was more subdued than Bra's, which meant maybe he didn't realize how powerful he could be. It made Gohan eager to learn from him not only because he was older and held seniority, but because so that they could aid each other in a mutually beneficial way.
The boy followed Tarble to the shoreline, stopping when the older Saiyan's strides ceased. He told Gohan to make the first move and slipped into a combat stance, and Gohan responded in kind.
"Right, here I come."
Gohan fell into his ready stance, his front leg slid forward against the sand and he took off with great speed, his body like a blur that kicked sand up all around him. He appeared in front of Tarble in a balanced squat and attempted to uppercut him in his chin, putting his weight into the attack.
---
In this pivotal moment, Tarble realized that size was not the sole indicator of strength. Gohan, though not significantly smaller than Tarble, was notably younger. As the battle commenced, Gohan surged forward with remarkable speed. His movements were a blur, leaving Tarble struggling to track his adversary's every move. In the blink of an eye, a resounding "CRACK" echoed through the vicinity.
Gohan's uppercut landed square under Tarble's chin with a devastating force that could have toppled buildings. Tarble's legs lifted off the ground, and Gohan's punch guided him precisely where he intended. Tarble's head recoiled, and a spray of saliva burst into the air. His eyes struggled to regain focus, darting in disoriented directions.
Then, with brutal force, Tarble's entire body crashed into the sandy ground. His head made a harsh impact, rattling his brain, and his body bounced, imprinting the sand beneath him. Tarble lay there, contemplating the sheer power of Gohan's strike, feeling as though he had been catapulted into the past.
After a few moments spent sprawled on the ground, Tarble summoned his resolve. He rolled over and planted both hands in the sand, using his knees and arms to push himself upright. Beads of sweat dripped from his chin onto the sandy surface. He had been struck just once, yet it felt as if he had endured a relentless beating.
With a burst of speed, Tarble dashed toward Gohan, his feet leaving deep imprints in the sand. As he closed the gap, Tarble leaned down, scooping up a handful of sand without hesitation. Without waiting to assess the accuracy of his aim, Tarble flung the sand toward Gohan's face, attempting to blind his opponent temporarily. Simultaneously, Tarble leaped into the air, swinging his entire body and delivering a powerful right-footed kick aimed at Gohan's head.
---
Tarble bounced back onto his feet with a resolve that reflected Gohan's own. It was refreshing to see, but expected as well. He quickly retaliated and charged at the boy with great speed, and Gohan measured him to attempt to anticipate what was to come next. Instead of a frontal assault however, Tarble scooped up a fistful of sand and flung it towards Gohan, which temporarily blinded him. In a fit he yelled out, "Hey, that's dirty!" And a powerful boot careened towards his skull, knocking him backwards.
He stumbled, nearly falling flat onto his back but he managed to regain his footing enough to shake off the pain and thrust his palm towards the Saiyan - an azure sphere of Ki energy blitzed towards Tarble's position, splintering into fours to attempt to pepper his body all over.
Dust and debris kicked up all around them and Gohan used it as cover to rush Tarble and attempt to tackle him onto the ground with all of his might, barreling into his body reckless abandon.
---
"Hey, that's dirty!"
Tarble's foot connected with the side of Gohan's head, even as he maintained the motion of his extended leg.
"Expect the unexpected," Tarble muttered as he struggled to regain his balance for another attack.
But before he could steady himself, Gohan unleashed a pulsating energy sphere. The sphere divided into four, hitting Tarble like a shotgun blast. The impact shredded his right shoulder, left leg, chest, and left forearm, causing him to stagger.
Struggling to regain his composure, Tarble suddenly felt a small, powerful presence wrap around his waist, and a forceful shoulder slammed into his chest. All the air was forced out of Tarble's lungs as he let out a silent scream. The two combatants were sent hurtling backward. Tarble knew he was in serious trouble but was determined to minimize the damage.
Acting swiftly, he wrapped his legs around Gohan's back and clung to his opponent's back with both arms to cushion their fall. When they landed in the sandy arena, Tarble's entire body was jolted. His back crashed into the ground, forming a small crater, and he shut his eyes tightly as a cloud of sand billowed around them. He found himself in an uncomfortable position, one that was difficult to escape. Tarble's mind raced, trying to devise a plan, but his body was giving in to exhaustion. He realized that Gohan was far more formidable than he had initially thought.
In a last-ditch effort, Tarble decided to send quick jab’s to Gohan’s right side, hoping to loosen his grip and gain some breathing room.
word count: 261
---
Gohan was repelled by Tarble's lightning quick jab. It caught him unawares and he groaned, the pain stung and it was sharp like a bee sting. He shook his head in order to compose himself, and once more he charged at the Saiyan, except instead of a full on frontal assault he decided to go for a feint instead.
When the boy shot his fist forward towards Tarble's gut, he stopped short and instead squatted down quickly and aimed a kick to his ankle to offset his balance. Hopefully it would buy him enough time to maneuver himself towards Tarble's flank and reach for his tail, squeezing it tightly if he was successful.
"Expect the unexpected right?" Gohan said in a cheeky manner. He knew how painful it was when his tail was grabbed, so he figured that Tarble would experience the same amount of pain and discomfort that he also had.
---
Tarble's sudden jab proved to be his escape from Gohan's tight grip, and in that fleeting moment, he sensed a shift in the battle's momentum, favoring him. As they disengaged and rolled back, attempting to regain their footing, it became evident that Tarble needed a bit more time to compose himself compared to Gohan, highlighting their differing levels of combat experience.
As Tarble steadied himself, he glimpsed Gohan initiating another frontal assault. Tarble anticipated the move but lacked the agility to react swiftly enough. He braced for a punch aimed at his abdomen, resigned to his impending defeat. However, Gohan cleverly used this as a feint, surprising Tarble with a quick kick to his right ankle, forcing his legs apart.
Defenseless and disoriented, Tarble struggled to track Gohan's movements. Somehow, the nimble Saiyan managed to outmaneuver him and yank Tarble's tail, which had been wrapped around his waist all this time. An intense wave of pain surged through Tarble's body, a sensation he had never experienced before. Although his tail had suffered minor bumps and grazes in the past, this pain was excruciating, threatening to make him sick. His legs grew weak, causing him to slump forward while Gohan continued to lift his rear.
Gasping for breath and writhing in agony, Tarble could barely discern Gohan's words. "Expect the unexpected, right?" Gohan's taunt echoed in Tarble's mind as he fought through the pain, summoning every ounce of determination. With excruciating effort, he extended his right arm, letting out a painful yelp. Tarble began pounding the ground with his open hand, fingers splayed wide.
"I concede... I surrender."
Word count: 267
---
Gohan wasn't one to gloat, or to needlessly cause pain to others. Though, there were times where he felt a little cheeky from time to time. However, he always tried his best to remain respectful and courteous to others. Having manners were very important to him, and he couldn't place it why.
So when Tarble conceded, the boy immediately let go of his tail and dipped his head apologetically. "Sorry if I went too far mister Tarble sir," Gohan said. He flashed the Saiyan a smile and offered him a hand to help him up back onto his feet.
"Thank you for taking the time to train with me! Let's do it again sometime okay?" Gohan offered. Tarble had a lot of potential and Gohan couldn't help but think that one day he could possibly overtake him! He'd have to remain diligent in his own training so that he could achieve his goal of being the best.
Tarble WC: 1663
Gohan WC: 866