The first thing I noticed as I slowly regained consciousness was the smell. It was a comforting, familiar mix of herbs and something sweet, almost like a delicate spice lingering in the air. It was a scent that I knew well, a scent that told me exactly where I was, the Country of Life.
I tried to open my eyes, but everything seemed so heavy as if the sheer exhaustion of battle weighed down on my body. The last thing I remembered was tanking Vegeta's blast when I saved Nappa. The pain had been unbearable, and now… Now, I felt a dull, pervasive ache radiating through my entire body.
I forced my eyes open, blinking away the haze that clouded my vision. The room was dimly lit, soft light filtering in through what looked like a natural skylight, bathing the space in a gentle glow. I recognized the earthy, comforting atmosphere immediately. This was Yosaku's place.
"Welcome home, girly," a gruff voice greeted me, cutting through the haze of my thoughts.
I turned my head every movement was painful and I saw Yosaku leaning against the doorframe. He had a cigarette dangling from his lips, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. His presence was a strange comfort.
"Didn't think… I'd be seeing you," I managed to croak out, my voice rough and weak.
Yosaku pushed off from the doorframe and walked over to my bedside. His eyes looked me over. "Yeah, well, you went and got yourself pretty banged up," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. He reached out, his hands surprisingly gentle for someone with his rough demeanor, and began checking the bandages that wrapped tightly around my torso, arms, and legs. You really did a number on yourself this time."
I chuckled or at least, I tried to, but it came out as more of a raspy cough. "You should see the other guy I gave him a run for his money."
"More like he gave you a run for your money," Yosaku muttered, shaking his head as he adjusted a poultice on my side. His hands worked and the smell of the healing herbs grew stronger as he shifted the bandages.
"You've got three broken ribs, a busted arm, and your inner organs… well, let's just say they're a mess. Bruised all over. You're lucky you didn't rupture anything major. Took some of the best ingredients we've got to stabilize you."
I winced as he touched a particularly tender spot on my abdomen. "And here I thought I was just a little sore."
Yosaku snorted. "You Saiyans always downplay everything. But don't be fooled your body took a beating. You've been out cold for a while, and it's gonna take time for you to heal properly." He paused, eyeing me critically. "even with your interesting body and cells…"
I closed my eyes for a moment, focusing inward. There, my ki, burning brighter, hotter than it had before. It was like a furnace inside me, roaring to life, more intense than ever. My power level… **20,000**. The Zenkai boost had worked its magic. I couldn't help but smile, despite the pain.
"Yeah," I said, opening my eyes and meeting Yosaku's gaze. "I should be good in a few days at worse."
Yosaku nodded, not surprised. "Figures. You Saiyans are something else. But don't get ahead of yourself. Those injuries won't just go away overnight, no matter how tough you are."
I sighed, the frustration bubbling up inside me. "So, what's the plan then? You know I can't stay down for long."
Yosaku grunted, pulling up a stool beside the bed and sitting down. "The plan is you rest. That's what. They're speeding up your recovery, but you still need time. Any normal Saiyan would have been out for weeks."
I frowned but nodded. I knew he was right. Even as my main desire was to get up and start training, I could feel the weakness in my limbs, the sharp pain that flared with every breath I took. Pushing myself now would only land me right back here, or worse.
"Your ribs are knitting back together, but it's slow going," Yosaku continued, as he adjusted the poultice on my arm. "The bone's not shattered, but it's cracked in multiple places. The herbs are helping, but you need to keep it immobilized." He looked at me sternly. "So stay in bed this time, understand?"
I rolled my eyes, but it was half-hearted. "Yeah, yeah, I get it."
Yosaku finished his adjustments and leaned back, studying me for a moment. "You're a stubborn one, Celera. But you've got guts. Just make sure those guts stay inside you this time, alright?"
I managed a small smirk. "No promises."
Yosaku chuckled, standing up and giving me one last look. "Rest up."
I watched him leave the room, the door clicking shut behind him. The soft light from the skylight cast gentle shadows across the room, and despite the pain, I felt a strange sense of peace. I was alive. I was stronger.
Lying back against the pillow, I let out a slow breath, feeling the warmth of the healing poultices seep into my skin. My eyes drifted shut again, but this time, a smile tugged at my lips. Next time I won't need help Vegeta.
The next time I opened my eyes, the room was brighter, the soft light from the skylight filtering in more fully. I felt a little better, not great, but better. My body was still a patchwork of aches and pains, but at least I could move a little more without feeling like I was going to break in half.
As I shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. The door creaked open, and in walked Toriko, with that big, goofy grin of his, followed closely by Sunny and Coco. It had been a while since we were all in the same place.
"Well, look who's finally awake!" Toriko boomed, his voice filling the room as he strode over to my bedside. "You gave us all a scare, Celera."
I managed a grin, though it probably looked more like a grimace. "Can't keep a Saiyan down for long," I replied, my voice still rough but a bit stronger than before.
Sunny, ever the dramatic one, flipped his vibrant hair as he walked over, his feelers already extending toward me. "Ugh, you look terrible, Celera, Not beautiful at all," he said, though there was concern in his voice. "Let me check you out."
Before I could protest, his feelers touched my skin, and I immediately felt a wave of discomfort. Unlike most people, I could actually feel every tiny, subtle movement of his feelers against my skin, and it made me squirm. "Sunny, that's gross," I muttered, trying to shift away from him.
He pouted, but his feelers retracted. "You're always so sensitive," he said, crossing his arms. "I'm just trying to help."
Toriko chuckled, patting Sunny on the back. "She's just being her usual stubborn self," he said, turning back to me. "But seriously, it's good to see you awake. We were worried."
My gaze drifted to Coco, who had been standing quietly by the door. His expression was soft, almost wistful, and when our eyes met, I saw that familiar look of regret. I knew exactly what he was thinking, he really had to let that go already.
Coco and I had a complicated history. We were young and dumb, I had convinced him I could handle anything… I still remembered the sting of his poison on my lips, how it had nearly killed me when we kissed. It wasn't his fault, and I'd never blamed him. We were still friends, but there was always that shadow hanging over him.
"Hey, Coco," I greeted.
"Hey," he replied, stepping closer. "How're you feeling?"
"Like I got run over by a Great Ape," I joked, though the look in his eyes told me he wasn't in the mood for jokes.
"I'm glad you're okay," he said, his tone sincere. "I was… worried."
"I know," I replied, giving him a reassuring smile. "But you know me, I bounce back."
Toriko, sensing the tension, quickly changed the subject. "Oh! Almost forgot," he said, stepping aside to reveal someone else standing in the doorway. "Celera, I want you to meet Komatsu. He's been dying to meet you."
Komatsu, Toriko's partner and one hell of a cook, stepped forward nervously, holding a tray with a covered dish. He was shorter than the others, with a kind face and an air of humility that made him instantly likable. "I've heard so much about you, Celera," he said, offering a shy smile. "It's an honor to finally meet one of the Heavenly Queens."
I couldn't help but smile at his introduction. "It's good to meet you too, Komatsu." Sniffing the air I could smell the herbs, meats, and fruits he had worked with. "seems you're a cook, and if what Im smelling, you're a good one."
He blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his head. "I try my best. I actually bought something for you. Toriko thought it might help you recover faster." With that, he placed the tray on the table beside me and uncovered it to reveal a steaming dish that smelled absolutely divine.
My stomach growled audibly, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything substantial since… well, since before I got my ass handed to me. I could practically feel the energy radiating from the dish. Komatsu wasn't just a cook, he was a good one for sure.
I reached out, carefully taking the first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I felt a surge of warmth spread through my body. It wasn't just delicious, I could feel my ki responding, and my strength had grown by a decent amount.
"That's… incredible," I said between bites, already feeling a bit more like myself. " What is this?"
Komatsu beamed with pride. "I'm glad you like it! Toriko told me you'd need something to help you get your energy back, so I used some high-quality Regal Mammoth meat, Toriko said that your race loved meat."
Toriko grinned, clearly pleased with the outcome. "Told you, just look at her eat! With food like that, you'll be back on your feet in no time."
I continued to eat, savoring each bite as I felt the warmth spread through my limbs. The pain was still there, but it was more manageable now, dulled by the energy coursing through me. When I finally finished, I let out a satisfied sigh.
"That's exactly what I needed," I said, leaning back against the pillow. "Thanks, Komatsu."
He smiled, looking relieved. "I'm just glad I could help. And if you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to support you, just like the others."
Sunny, who had been quiet for a moment, chimed in again. "See, you're already looking better," he said, though there was a hint of smugness in his voice. "they wouldn't have gotten that without my help, you know."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Thanks, Sunny."
He flipped his hair again, clearly pleased with himself. "Anytime."
As we all settled into a more comfortable atmosphere, talking and catching up, After what felt like hours of catching up, laughing, and exchanging stories, the room gradually began to clear out. Toriko, Sunny, Coco, and Komatsu all had their own duties to attend to, and despite their insistence on staying, I eventually convinced them that I was in good hands and didn't need a bunch of mother hens clucking around me.
"Take care of yourself, Celera," Toriko said, giving me a thumbs-up as he headed for the door. "We'll check in on you soon."
Sunny, always the dramatic one, tossed his hair back one last time before leaving. "Don't let yourself get too shabby, alright? I expect you to look fabulous the next time we see you."
I just rolled my eyes and waved them off. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be back to kicking ass in no time."
Komatsu lingered for a moment, still looking a bit nervous. "If you need anything, just let me know. I can bring more food if you're hungry later."
"Thanks, Komatsu," I said, genuinely touched by his concern. "I'll be fine, but I might take you up on that offer."
He smiled, nodded, and then followed the others out, leaving the room much quieter than before. I leaned back, letting out a slow breath. As much as I loved them, it was nice to have a bit of peace after all that commotion. Yosaku would pop in from time to time, grumbling about stubborn Saiyans and making sure I wasn't doing anything too reckless.
By the time night fell, I was exhausted, more mentally than physically. The room was dark now, save for a glowing plant Yosaku had left beside my bed. I stared at the ceiling, my thoughts drifting to everything that had happened, everything that was still to come.
As sleep finally claimed me, I dreamt of battle, of ki blasts, and the thrill of the fight. It was almost comforting in a way, like my body was reminding me of the amazing fights I had.
The next day, I woke up to the sound of the door creaking open again. I blinked, shaking off the last remnants of sleep as I tried to focus on who had entered. It wasn't Yosaku this time. Instead, I found myself looking at a small group of Saiyans four of them, standing in the doorway with expressions that ranged from cautious to outright excited.
They were all a few years younger than me, and seeing them stirred something in me. I didn't know them well, but I recognized a few of their faces from my past. The Saiyans babies I had saved, well four of them, this room wouldn't be able to have them all around me right now.
One of the women, a tall, muscular Saiyan with wild hair, stepped forward first, her face lighting up when she saw that I was awake. "Celera," she said, her voice warm and familiar. "It's good to see you're still in one piece."
I grinned, sitting up a bit more despite the dull ache in my body. "Yeah, well, it takes more than a Great Ape to put me down for good."
The others moved into the room, each holding something in their hands—fruits and meat, still fresh and vibrant, the kind of food that only Saiyans would bring as a get-well gift. The smell of the meat made my stomach growl, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since Komatsu's meal yesterday.
One of the men, a Saiyan with short hair and a serious expression, handed me a large piece of raw meat. "We brought you some food," he said, his tone gruff but not unfriendly. "Thought you could use the energy."
I took the meat without hesitation, my Saiyan instincts kicking in as I tore into it. The taste of raw meat was something only another Saiyan could truly appreciate, and I relished every bite. It wasn't as refined as Komatsu's cooking, but it was satisfying in a way that only raw, unprocessed food could be.
Another of the women, this one with sharp eyes and a playful smirk, handed me a cluster of exotic fruits. "And these are for when you're done with the meat," she said, winking. "There really Juicy so you can eat them to wash down the meat."
"Thanks," I mumbled through a mouthful of meat, Saiyan biology was something else, we could eat raw foods without getting sick at all.
As I ate, the Saiyans settled around the room, not too close but close enough that I could feel their presence. It was comforting in a way, having them here, these people who shared my blood and my warrior spirit. We didn't need to say much; just being here together was enough.
The tall woman from before, who I remembered as Kaela, spoke up again. "You did a good job out there, Celera. We heard about the fight with Vegeta. My mom used to tell stories about him, and said he was stronger than the old royal family King when he was a kid. Could you share the story about your battle?."
I swallowed the last of the meat and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. "I got lucky," I said, though I couldn't help but feel a bit of pride at her words. And so I told them about the battle I had, retelling how some of the Saiyans that were there had gone Beserk because they couldn't control their great ape. And as I looked at them from the looks they made it seem they couldn't either.
The short-haired man said, nodding as I reached the end of my story. "You've always been one of the strongest. We're just glad you're okay."\
There was a moment of silence, filled only by the sounds of me finishing off the fruit. It was sweet, the juices running down my chin. When I was done, I leaned back, letting out a satisfied sigh.
"Thanks for this," I said, genuinely touched by their visit. "It means a lot."
The others nodded, and for a moment, we all just sat in comfortable silence. It felt good, being surrounded by my own kind.
Eventually, the Saiyans started to stand, one by one, preparing to leave. "We'll be around if you need anything," the playful woman said, giving me a small salute. "Just let us know."
"I will," I promised, watching as they filed out of the room, leaving me alone once again. But this time, the room didn't feel quite so empty. My belly was full, my energy was returning.
A few hours had passed since the Saiyans left, and I was feeling more like myself with each passing moment. The aches and pains were still there, but they had dulled, reduced to a persistent but manageable throb.
I was lying back, letting my thoughts drift, when the door to my room suddenly swung open. when I saw who it was, a grin spread across my face.
Fasha stood in the doorway, her familiar smirk firmly in place. And right behind her, towering as always, was her husband, Mansam. The sight of them together was enough to make me chuckle, especially seeing how Mansam looked much more composed than I remembered. His usual bottle of alcohol was nowhere in sight, though I knew Fasha had been working on that for a while. The thought of her managing to curb his drinking habit, even just a bit, made me giggle.
Fasha's smirk widened as she walked over to my bedside. "Looks like I saved your ass this time," she said, her voice filled with teasing affection.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. "Yeah, yeah, you got me. I guess I owe you one."
"You owe me more than one," she shot back, her tone light. But then her expression softened, and she glanced back at Mansam before turning her gaze back to me. There was something different in her eyes something warmer, more vulnerable.
"So," Fasha started, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant, "I've been thinking… I think it's time I started my own family."
For a moment, I just stared at her, trying to process what she'd just said. Fasha, talking about starting a family? It seemed almost surreal, but then I noticed the way her hand subconsciously drifted to her stomach. My eyes widened slightly, realization dawning on me.
"You're serious," I said, my voice a little softer.
Fasha nodded, her eyes meeting mine with a mix of determination and tenderness. "I missed him too much," she admitted, nodding toward Mansam, who was standing by her side, his usual grin tempered by a warmth that was reserved just for her. "And I don't want to be away from him again. I want to be a mom, Celera."
Her words hit me harder than I expected. A mix of emotions swirled inside me happiness for her, but also a pang of guilt. I had kept her away from her home, her husband, for over a year. I hadn't realized just how much she'd been sacrificing.
Before I could say anything, Fasha continued, "I've decided to stay here, in this universe. I've been away from him for too long."
As if to emphasize her point, Mansam stepped forward, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. The look they shared was one of pure love, a deep connection that had weathered time and distance. They were both so strong when they were together, it was like nothing else mattered.
Mansam smiled down at Fasha, his usual boisterousness softened by the love in his eyes. "I'm glad you're home, Fasha," he said, his voice low and sincere. "It hasn't been the same without you."
She smiled back at him, and for a moment, it was like they were the only two people in the room. Then, in a rare display of affection, they shared a tender kiss. It was a simple gesture, but it was filled with so much love that it made my chest tighten in the best possible way.
Watching them, I couldn't help but feel a swell of happiness for my Aunt. Fasha deserved this, she deserved to be happy, to have a family, to live her life with the man she loved.
"I'm happy for you, Fasha," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "Really, I am. And… I'm sorry."
Fasha looked at me, surprise flashing in her eyes. "Sorry? For what?"
"For keeping you away from all of this," I replied, gesturing to her and Mansam. "I never realized… I should have let you go home sooner."
She shook her head, stepping closer to me and placing a hand on my shoulder. "Don't be stupid, Celera. I chose to help you. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat. You're my family. And family sticks together."
I nodded, feeling a little lighter. "Thank you,"
Mansam, ever the supportive husband, gave me a grin. "Don't go getting all mushy now, Celera," he teased, though there was a softness in his tone that made it clear he understood. "I need to kick your ass for taking my wife once you are all healed up."
I laughed, the sound breaking the emotional tension that had built up. "I'd make it much harder this time," I said, smirking at him.
Fasha smirked again, the usual fire back in her eyes. "Good. Because the next time I won't be there to save you ass."
I grinned, feeling more like myself again. "You've got a deal."
We spent a few more minutes catching up, but it was clear Fasha had made up her mind. She was ready to start a new chapter in her life, I was genuinely happy for her. She'd earned this.
As they finally left the room, I couldn't help but call after them, "Hey, Mansam, keep her out of trouble, will ya?"
Mansam turned back with a wide grin. "I'll do my best." Fasha rolled her eyes and pulled him out the door, leaving me alone again.
The door had barely clicked shut behind Fasha and Mansam when I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, testing the weight on my feet. My body protested, every movement sending a sharp reminder that I wasn't fully healed yet. But I ignored it. Sitting around and waiting to get better wasn't in my DNA.
With a grunt, I stood up, every muscle in my body screaming in defiance. I paced around the room, each step more steady than the last. The pain was still there, but it was manageable, something I could work through. I focused on my breathing, channeling my ki, letting it flow through me, stabilizing the shaky energy that had been running wild.
The room was too small for anything serious, but that didn't stop me. I started with basic movements, punches, kicks, and a few quick dashes from one side to the other. My muscles burned, my ribs ached, but it felt good. It felt right. I wasn't going to let a few broken bones keep me down.
I was in the middle of a particularly sharp combination when the door swung open, and I froze, mid-punch. Yosaku stood in the doorway, arms crossed, an expression of pure annoyance and anger.
"Really, Celera?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar gruff edge. "Can't even let yourself heal properly?"
I smirked, not bothering to lower my fists. "You know me better than that, old man."
He sighed, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. "You're going to rip those stitches if you keep this up." Yosaku just shook his head, walking over to me. "You Saiyans are all the same. Stubborn as hell."
I grinned, landing a particularly solid kick before turning to face him fully. "That's why you love us."
He didn't bother arguing, just gave me a long look. "You've got a lot of fight left in you, I'll give you that. But if you don't take it easy, you'll end up back in that bed for even longer."
I rolled my shoulders, trying to ignore the twinge of pain that followed. "I'm not about to sit around and do nothing. You know that."
"Yeah, I do," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "But you're not indestructible, Celera. No matter how much you want to think you are."
"Maybe not," I admitted, though my tone was far from defeated. "But if I don't keep moving, I might as well be dead."
Yosaku sighed again, clearly torn between the healer in him and the part of him that understood exactly what I was feeling. "Fine," he said after a moment. "But at least let me make sure you don't tear yourself apart while you're at it."
I flashed him a grin. "Deal."
With that, he stepped back, giving me the space I needed. I didn't waste a second, diving back into my routine with renewed focus. Yosaku watched, grumbling under his breath, but I knew he'd rather see me like this, fighting, pushing, and striving than lying helpless in bed.
Because that's who I was. That's who I'd always be even since I was a kid when I first met him. And no amount of injuries was going to change that.