As the feast was in full swing, my attention was drawn to the small yet noticeable energy boosts I was receiving from each bite of food. It was a subtle sensation that I might have missed had I not been paying close attention, but it was there nonetheless, a mere point or two of energy with each mouthful. However, my gourmet cells didn't seem to be satisfied with the meager amount of energy each bite provided. I couldn't help but it was still delicious and filling so I was still a bit confused. Turning my gaze back to the other Saiyan's, I couldn't help but notice how much food Toriko and his group were consuming. They seemed to be eating just as much, if not more, than the Saiyans, While Tato seemed to be trying to outeat them. but choked and Gine had to help him by patting him on the back.
As I observed the scene in front of me, I couldn't resist smirking and shaking my head in disbelief at the president's foolishness. Across the room, a short elderly woman with bright pink hair was engrossed in a lively conversation with Gine while continuously serving more food. Despite her age, she wore a constant smile on her face, exuding warmth and kindness. Meanwhile, the president and Mansin were busy sipping their drinks, but it was evident that the former could not handle his liquor as he coughed awkwardly.
The other saiyans seemed to be eyeing me, while eating there food. I'm sure many of them would end up working for the food Corp. They all had food related experience, but what should I and my team do? They were my responsibility, he'll even my aunt after that beating just how much stronger would she be?
As I lifted the honey burger and bite into its sweet salty meat, I don't think I would be able to get any of the saiyans to willingly return back to our original universe. Not that I would blame them, but we should set up another Royal family here or should we stop with that all together? Obe would piss off Vegeta and the other would just disappoint him. Hmmm choices.
Suddenly, a few drops of the delicious sauce fell on my lap, breaking my train of thought. I quickly cleaned it up with my finger and licked it clean before refocusing on my meal. It was around 30 ish minutes after everyone had stuffed themselves that the president rose up and addressed us.
"I know that some of you are not happy about being forced to leave your friends and family behind, by our young friend here" His eyes landing on me with kindness while some of the saiyans looked angerly at me. If they had a problem with me about it they could fight me. I stared them down causing them to look away nervously.
"Whatever your feeling may be on this topic, they seemed to have believed that the being known as Frieza was set on destroying your race." As he motioned to the left a screen showed the image of Frieza. Every scouter that we had been given had the image of him in it. And it seems that they had searched its data banks as well.
"So Celera, tell me has your worries come to past?" I nodded as I left my seat and opened my hand in front of Tato who pasted me his scouter. As I tapped on the side of the scouter while putting it on my ear. Searching for the logs of recording and clicking on the one of the day before. As i wlaked towards the president that handed me a small cable that could connect to the scouter and to the screen on the side of the room. The audio and video coming out as fasted forward until the moment I arrived and asked them to follow me.
The scene played out with intense drama as Kakarot was sent off-world, and Bardock was engaged in a fierce battle in space. The sky was illuminated with small flashing lights, and then a massive red death ball approached. I quickly led my group into a portal, saving them from certain death. As we emerged, in this universe.
"As you can see, my worries were not unfounded," I stated calmly, still reeling from the adrenaline rush of that moment. And when I felt Frieza's power. "I saved you because you were innocent and becauseGine vouched for you, unlike the others who perished in your workplace. If any of you hold a grudge against me, feel free to come at me as a group. I won't waste time fighting you one by one."
I looked around at the Saiyans who met my gaze in defiance, that was very saiyan like of them. I couldn't help but smile. While the rest didn't meet my eye.
A hand touched my head and as I looked olup to see the president's gaze on me, a gaze that seemed to be judging me like a grandfather would a grandchild.
"Well, it is unfortunate that you had lost your home. But I welcome anyone that wishes to work for us. We have many places with many opportunities. And if you wish to remain together, that will be easy to accommodate." His voice calm and oddly kind. While the saiyan murmured about to each other. Spinela rising up, it seemed she would be speaking on their behalf.
"We would like to remain together, and As a people that has always had a royal family we would like to keep this tradition going. By creating a new royal family." She eyed me before looking at Gine. "Since it is Thanks to Gine that many of us survived we would like to make her family the new royal family! Long live Queen Gine! "She said followed by the many other saiyans muched to the dismaof Gines face.
Even Tato and Hanasia joined in and I couldn't help but say it as well. Guess that made Kakarot and Raditz princes. Oh boy it would be funny when Vegeta found out. Grinning at the though of what his face would look like when he found out.
And so someone entered from the side door. A drunk old man with another man in a suit that motioned for the saiyans to follow him. Turning to look at Gine as she went with them. Leave me, Tato and Hanasia behind in the room we had all been eating in, the doors closing as they left.
Right, if they had access to the data base then the would know what I and my team did. Sighing as I turned to face the president, Mansin, the old lady and old man that were eyeing us. Even if I wasn't trying to I could feel their power. And it made me feel small but if it came to a fight I'd die swinging.
"Celera, Tato and Hanasia please have a seat." It was more a order then a request. Hanasia and Tato looking at me for guidance, Taking a breath before looking the president in the eyes even if my hands were trembling.
"They are not at fault, I as team leader carry the blame." Making sure my voice came out clear as I felt more pressure on my from everyone around. Moving and placing myself infront of my Squad.
"So you are taking responsibility for the world you took and the people you slaughtered?" The old woman asked me, her eyes now visible to me as she stared into what felt like my very soul. I nodded my head. "I won't make any excuses, we are warriors. And it would be a insult to their deaths."
I had my pride as a fighter, and I wouldn't deny what I did. Even if it was something that I had gotten use too.
"Child soldiers" Stated the skiny old drunk man, with a hint of sadness.
The president sighed as he sat down and leaned back, rubbing his temples. "Truthfully I didn't believe you when you first said you were from a different universe." He started before leaning forward to look at me and my team. "I believe you were just a child with a wild imagination that invented a interesting device." Pulling out the scouter Igiven him when we first meet on the table.
"Image my suprise when you opened a gate infront of us all and stepped through. After that day we had spent day and night working to gain access to the data files your scouter had. Learning that your race was known for wiping out races on planets and then sell said planets." Interlocking his fingers ingront of his face as he leaned on the table.
"Setsuno what are your thoughts" His eyes shifting towards the pink haired old woman.
Setsuno, maintaining a composed demeanor, responded to the president's revelations with a thoughtful expression.
"I believe in the potential for redemption and growth in every individual," Setsuno began, emphasizing the role of circumstances in shaping choices. "Child soldiers are victims of a system that failed them, and acknowledging their plight is the first step towards understanding and rectification."
Directing her attention to me, she continued, "The responsibility lies not only on the individual but also on the circumstances that led to such choices."
"Children at such a tender age should never be subjected to the harshness of warfare," Setsuno expressed empathetically. "Their circumstances, coming from a different universe, are undoubtedly complex. It becomes crucial to provide them with a nurturing environment, education, and emotional support to help them assimilate and overcome the traumas they may have faced."
"And what about you Jiro?"
As the conversation shifted towards Jiro, the atmosphere in the room seemed to thicken with tension. Jiro, with a bottle of sake in hand, took a deep swig, right he was the knocking master I think.
"Setsuno's got a point," Jiro began, his voice slightly muffled by the lingering taste of sake. "Those kids... they deserve a chance to live a better life. Can't just sweep this under the rug, and hell, throwing them in jail for something they did in another universe, that won't fix a damn thing. They're just pawns in a messed-up game."
His eyes turned towards me, and there was a weight to his gaze. "You owned up to it, and that's something," he acknowledged, a hint of gruff sincerity in his tone as he took another swig, "Now, we gotta figure out how to help those kids move past this, make sure they don't end up down that dark path again."
Jiro's hands clenched briefly as if grappling with the gravity of the situation. "I've seen enough messed-up stuff in my life. These kids don't need more of that. We need to find a way to give them a shot at a different life, one where they're not just tools for someone else's twisted game."
In the dimly lit room, Mansin, sat with an air of silent contemplation. His eyes, like windows into a shadowed past, met the president's gaze with a hardened intensity.
After a moment of lingering silence, Mansin spoke, his voice a gravelly symphony of experience. "We're teetering on the edge of a blade here. These kids, no matter their origin, got caught in something far beyond their tender years. Blindly punishing them won't untangle the web they're stuck in."
His eyes sharpened as he addressed the president. "We're all products of our pasts. I was a bandit once, and I understand the gray hues that choices can wear. These kids might not have had much say in the matter."
Leaning back, Mansin's gaze shifted, now encompassing the whole room. "Separation might be the first step. Hanasia, go with Setsuno; Tato, you're with me. It's time they started talking, even if it's just to understand each other."
Mansin's eyes bore into me, a mix of scrutiny and understanding. "As for you, kid, admitting your part is a start. But we need to navigate this mess carefully, find a way to fix things without shattering more souls along the way."
After absorbing the diverse perspectives from Setsuno, Jiro, and Mansin, the president sat back, contemplating the complex web of choices laid before him. The room, filled with the echoes of their discussions, awaited the decision that would shape the fate of me and my team.
The president sighed, recognizing the gravity of the situation. "We find ourselves at a crossroads," he began, addressing the room. "It's evident that the path forward cannot be one of hasty decisions or blind judgment. These children, regardless of their origin, are victims of circumstances beyond their control."
He turned towards me. "They are right, admitting fault is a commendable step, but we must also acknowledge the need for understanding and rehabilitation. It's clear that separating you three would give you all a chance to communicate wirh us and learn, is a sensible approach."
The president looked at Setsuno, Jiro, and Mansin in turn. "Setsuno, Jiro, Mansin, I trust your judgment in guiding these young souls towards redemption. Establish a plan for their rehabilitation, ensuring that their past does not define their future."
He leaned forward, his gaze serious. "But let it be known that consequences will not be absent. We cannot erase the actions that brought us here. There will be a process of accountability, and part of that journey involves making amends and proving growth, that blood will never truly be gone from your hands but this is a good start."
And with a heavy sigh, "We will be running tests on you three. And after we have a better understanding of how your bodies work, then we can set the punishment that is need."
I really wasn't sure what to think, I was tens as I had been ready to fight even though I knew it wasn't going to end well for me. But this was a twist I had to expected. I know Tato and Hanasia would be well taken care of but it still felt weird being separated from them like this. I knew I had to compromise and there wasn't really anywhere else I could have brought the saiyans. So I would just have go with it.