[Audio-Voice (Japanese)]

[dothefusion]

Gohan- Anyone, if there's anyone at town hall who needs help, sit tight!

[A click as the communicator turns off, and then another click as it turns back on. All sounds are muffled, as if heard through cloth.]

Fucking ridiculous- Used to punch through mountains for God's sake-!

[Insane laughter, grunts and the thumps of fists connecting with

Comments

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[fatherofalegend]

[Voice]

[fatherofalegend]

Fucking bastards!

[ the sound of hurried footsteps can be heard before the transmission cuts off ]

[Commentlog]

[dothefusion]

[Goten's just taking a little breather over near the edge of the wreckage that was Town Hall. Be careful, Bardock, there's still some nasties walking around.]

[Commentlog]

[fatherofalegend]

[And he's running as fast as he can now, but trying to pace himself at the same time, knowing that if he wears himself out now, he won't be worth shit against whatever the hell is wandering around Town Hall. Goddamn chip, goddamn scientists, and goddamn this fucking place! He would be there already if not for them.

Still, he slows as he approaches, scouting the surrounding area first, extremely aware of how weak he really is, at the moment. And there- he sees one of them. What an ugly looking fucker. He doesn't have time to stare, though, so he sneaks around the other side, looking for Goten. He spots him not too far away, only barely managing not to rush up and check the stupid kid to see if he's OK. He waits, though, making sure the coast is clear before getting closer. Bardock crouches next to Goten and checks his vitals, irritated but...somewhat relieved.]

Idiot. [He mutters the word under his breath, not wanting to draw attention to them.] Think before you pull shit like this, not after.

[Commentlog]

[dothefusion]

[The blast of that monster thing had been extremely disorienting, but Goten halfway shakes it off to become aware of a nearby presence. Even without the ability to sense ki, he can already tell who it is...although the lecture was clue enough.]

Grandpa...

[His words sink in and Goten feels a flare of indignation that further clears his head; with a groan and a pop of tightened muscles, he attempts to push himself up, unwilling to look weak in front of Bardock.]

Not like I meant to get blown up...

Re: [Commentlog]

[fatherofalegend]

[The 'Grandpa' takes him by surprise, but he ignores it for now as it is obviously not the time to be busting the kid's chops about a sentimental nickname. He doesn't really care for the excuse, though, and is this close to giving the boy a verbal lashing. However, Bardock refrains-- right now, getting the hell out of dodge is much more important.]

We'll talk about it later. [He gives Goten a serious look.] Can you stand?

[Commentlog]

[dothefusion]

[Goten doesn't bother giving a verbal answer, instead reaching out to grip Bardock's shoulder and lift himself to an unsteady knee. He can already feel his other leg throbbing; something wet is sliding down his knee to soak his pant leg and sock. He was probably knicked by some debris during the blast, but it's not enough to keep him floored.

After catching his breath, Goten grits his teeth and pushes himself further, although his right leg his shaking something fierce. God, he hated being this weak. If that stupid chip hadn't been in, the blast wouldn't have even affected him-!]

[Commentlog]

[fatherofalegend]

[As his grandson's hand latches around his shoulder, Bardock shifts accordingly, giving them both room to maneuver and enough leverage to stand together. Glancing down briefly, he notes the blood and trembling leg- a liability that will slow them down. Something else to lecture Goten about later. Still, grudging as the admission may be, he'll give this boy this much: he's a tough one.

Mostly, anyway. The past few weeks of training probably helped.

Finally, though, he pulls Goten's arm over his shoulder and, after a brief exchange of looks to make sure he's ready, Bardock starts walking, keeping out of sight and moving as quietly as possible, all the while providing Goten with whatever support he needs.]

[Commentlog]

[dothefusion]

[Goten walks with Bardock for a while before jerking away, turning back to Town Hall.]

W-wait- Wait-! I think Gohan's here, I think there's people here-

[Commentlog]

[fatherofalegend]

[And Bardock's grip tightens, decidedly not pleased as he pretty much yanks Goten back.]

Idiot. You just barely got away with your own skin, and you want to go back? Tch. I don't think so.

[Commentlog]

[dothefusion]

[Goten stumbles into him but turns to give Bardock a rather hefty glare, snatching his arm back.]

What if they need help?!

[Commentlog]

[fatherofalegend]

[Unimpressed by the glare, Bardock growls and grabs the front of Goten's shirt, none-too-gently jerking him forward. He's not in the mood to deal with this crap, and he's not going to stand for it.]

So what if they do? You think you can help with no ki and a busted leg? Tch. Idiot. You're not going to prove anything by throwing your life away, and that's exactly what will happen if you go back there.

Use your head.

[Commentlog]

[dothefusion]

[Goten cringes when Bardock wrenches his shirt up and snarls right in his face. His anger bubbles for a moment, but unlike before Goten checks himself and pauses; he's right. Bardock is entirely right; he's useless as he is, and would only prove as a hindrance.

Goten hung his head. He was useless. Absolutely and totally powerless, while people were getting slaughtered by those monsters. His fingers curled into fists and shook.]

...damn it...

[Commentlog]

[fatherofalegend]

[Bardock watches the anger fade into acceptance, which is desired response, certainly. After all, he's right and knows he is. Still, he isn't nearly as pleased about it as he could be, the look in his grandson's eyes far too recognizable for his own comfort. To want to help but not have the means ... it's a road he's walked down before, but it isn't one he's going to walk down tonight.

That being said, Bardock waits a moment before pulling Goten's arm over his shoulder once again. It's time to leave.]

C'mon.

[His tone is gruff, as usual...but not entirely unkind.]

[Commentlog]

[dothefusion]

[Goten leans against Bardock again without resistance this time, allowing his younger grandfather to lead him away from Town Hall. As they shuffle along the roads, Goten strikes up a murmured conversation.]

...Grandpa? What was your planet like?

[Commentlog]

[fatherofalegend]

[He wasn't really planning on making conversation along the way since getting to the clinic is most important right now. As such, the question (not to mention the title 'Grandpa') surprises him. It's not a subject he feels like breaching, especially not now, but...

Bardock says nothing, and for a moment, he isn't really sure himself whether he'll answer or not. Finally, though, he does.]

Harsh. Brutal. A place that could kill you if you weren't careful or strayed too far from the cities. A world stained red with the blood of the conquered. [He doesn't smile, but there's the slightest hint of wistfulness in his voice as he continues on.] The home and training ground for the finest warriors the universe has ever seen.