APPLICATION: Saiyuki Gaiden - Son Goku [BACKGROUND ELABORATIONS]
This application has been ACCEPTED.
Original application is HERE.
Goku was born on Mount Kaka, at the point where the energies of the Earth and Heavens converge. Due to this, he could literally be called a “Child of the Earth”.
However, by the standards of the Heavens, Goku is what is considered a "Heretic". A creature that is not a human or a demon, but less then a God. Heretics are usually identifiable by their golden eyes ( which Goku has ), making them obvious in any situation. Because of their status of being neither human, demon, or god, and considering the power they hold, Heretics are considered abominations by the heavens, or a sin againt nature.
Deciding he needed an “immediate punishment” for his supposed sin, just as any other heretics brought into Heaven recieve, they took him from the mountain to the palace of Kanzeon Bosatsu, the Merciful Goddess, lured with the promise of food. So Goku agrees to leave his comfortable life atop Mount Kaka.
It is this event that sets the entire Saiyuki series in motion.
Upon arriving at the palace, Goku meets Konzen Douji, a minor deity and nephew of Konzeon Bosatsu, who has become bored with his privileged life. The heretic is instantly amazed at the older man, expressing delight at his blonde hair and how it “shines like the sun!” He grabs the deities hair, and ends up pulling out some of it, to quite the dangerous look from Konzen. His sheepish apology, however, was not accepted until the customary smack over the head had been delivered.
Amused at their antics, Kanzeon ordered her nephew to take Goku into his care, and give him a name. The Heavens wanted Goku kept somewhere, and they "seemed to get along so well" after all. (Until then, Goku had simple been “the boy” or “kid” and such.) Grumbling and groaning, Konzen does so, becoming the boy’s official caretaker. This, however, proves to be quite the task as it becomes quickly evident that Goku is not only an energetic child, but quite mischievous. He spends more time chasing Goku around the palace for messing up his paperwork than actually getting it done! But the boy is clearly fond of his new guardian, thinking at first that he is the only one he really likes. Up in the Heavens, people are too boring. They go through their day with blank faces, just doing what has to be done and not having any fun at all. To Goku, Konzen is different. The man is vibrant and full of life. Goku e njoys being with him.
It is during one such time of mischeif that Goku, still unnamed mind you, meets Nataku. Nataku is a young War God, the only person in all of Heaven permitted to kill and only when told to by God, engaging in antics suited to kids his age when his father’s back is turned. He is usually kept at his fathers side, unable to indulge in the acts of children under his strict watch. This time, he has drawn a moustache on the Jade Emperor and is hiding out. They end up hiding together, Nataku from an attendant, and Goku from Konzen. Goku reveals that the people in Heaven call him a heretic, and that he has no name. Both seem to bother him, and as he speaks, he looks lonely. Nataku is fascinated at Goku;s uniqueness, much to the other boy's surprise and delight. Here is another person who isn't as dull and boring and lifeless as the other in the Heavens.
The two quickly become friends, the first one for both, and agree to meet up at another time.
Later when Goku has finally returned to Konzen’s room, he eagerly tells him about the boy he has met, unaware of the deities musings over the other boy’s identity. When Goku demands to be named, Konzen reacts in annoyance, saying he’ll do it later. Goku persists, and Konzen suggests he be called Monkey. But Goku is very serious about wanting a name, and finally Konzen settles on Goku. Something short enough that even a monkey can remember it, he says. The night ends with Goku begging to know what his name means.
An unspecified amount of time later, Goku finally meets Tenpou, a “friend” of Konzen’s and an army Marshall. The only thing that really happens at this time is we learn of Kenren, and army general, and the final member of the soon-to-be notorious group of traitors, and the trouble he usually causes in the upper ranks (which is being allowed by Tenpou).
Soon, Goku meets Kenren in person when wondering around one of the high ranked palaces looking for Nataku, and we get some exposition about the chains Goku wears. They have been attatched to his arms and legs because, as a heretic, he is "dangerous" and they somehow limit him. He doesn't seem to have any difficulty moving with them, thought they are heavy and hurt.
Their talk is interrupted with the announcement that Nataku has returned from a battle. Goku stubbornly refuses to leave Nataku’s side when he is taken to rest in his room. Goku comments on how depressing Nataku's room is, and shouldn't they giv him something better if he's hurt? He's clearly uncomfortable with the idea of the people not caring about his friend, but drops the subject. After some talking, he turns to leave and let Nataku get some rest. However, Nataku requests that he stay, and Goku happily obliges. They are later found by Konzen, Nataku deeply asleep in his bed, and Goku at his side.
Time passes.
One day, a bored Goku insists on going to the festival going on just outside the palace. Despite many protests by Konzen, Goku breaks him down, and they attend what turns out to be a birthday celebration for God. The whole affair is clearly boring, and Goku quickly becomes lost in the crowd, almost directly after Konzen tells him to stay close. During his search for Konzen, he runs into a small group of people who, upon realizing who he is, begin to bad mouth the minor deity. Angered, Goku attacks them, displaying rather excellent fighting skills. He’s soon joined by Tenpou and Kenren, attracting the attention of almost everyone at the festival. They make quick work of the group, and it looks like the situation is about to get bigger.
Konzen arrives just in time, and the group is thrown out. But the display has already made the statement it needs to: Konzen’s group is dangerous.
Unbeknownst to them, Li Touten has been watching with Nataku, and as he expresses his extreme disapproval, begins to plan.
Things calm down in the heavens for a short while. We take this time to learn that Goku can actually read and write, as long as it's something he proves to be interested in. During this time, Kenren is imprisoned and tortured for speaking out against the Gods in an effort to keep Nataku from being sent to banish another demon.
After Nataku returns, beaten and injured, Goku attempts to visit him constantly, only to be turned away by a supposedly kindly woman saying he isn't allowed visitors just yet. As Goku, while upset, leaves her with a necklace of flowers made especially for his injured friend, we find out they're tossed straight into a wastebasket, never to be seen by their intended.
Goku is recruited during this time to take care of the injured Kenren ( though "care" is a loose term, as Tenpou was telling him to tie the man to a chair with bandages. ). As Tenpou walks off to confront Li Touten for what has been done to Kenren, Goku is told to follow him, as Tenpou is "more hot-headed and impulsive" then even Kenren. When he comes across Tenpou and Li Touten, Touten is having him restrained. Goku interrupts, very nearly fighting the man for daring to harm his friend, and after a few snarky words (and a hilariously cute insult from Goku) the two are on their way.
Volume One ends with Nataku's return [just so we're clear, they send this kid out to fight a LOT] from the battle field once again. As Goku calls for him, waving wildly, Li Touten gives the silent order to kill him.
As Volume Two starts Tenpou, Kenren, and Goku return to Konzen's room, the heretic depressed from the cold brush-off given by Nataku, who had chosen to turn and walk away instead of follow his father's orders to kill Goku. He clings to his guardian, hurt at the rejection and not understanding why his friend would do such a thing. Noone seems to be able to offer him an answer to his unasked question.
As it turns out, Konzen has been pondering the true reason the Gods have brought Goku to the heavens. It can't just be so they can watch over him in case anything happens. Later that night, Konzen confronts the boy, telling him that it would probably be a good idea to send him back to the human world, for there are "characters" in the Heavens who would cause Goku harm. The heretic becomes angry, fearful that Konzen has decided he is tired of him, and insistent that he be allowed to sta. He doesn't want to leave Konzen's side, or the new friend's he's made. He accidentally injures Konzen as he argues against the decision. Horrified with what he's done and fearful he's actually hurt the man, Goku urgently apologizes. Konzen realizes how much staying with him means to the boy. In the Heavens, Goku has what he didn't before. While he was happy with the people and nature around him, he loves his new friends and experiences. He doesn't want to leave them behind. With this, he decides to let him remain in the Heavens in his care.
That same night, the group gathers underneath a sakura tree, where they promise to get together again, this time under a sakura tree in the World Below. They say in the World Below --the human world, life is completely different. It's isn't as boring, and the people live with more freedom. As the discussion continues, we find out just what Konzen had discovered earlier: The Gods want to keep Goku in the Heavens to make him a War God along with Goku.
As Tenpou and Kozen talk, Goku stands on the branch of the cheery tree. He takes a moment, and thinks about how truly happy he is. He's with his favorite people, in an area he likes, and just having fun. It's something he's never been able to do before. He does, however, realize the fact that he's also lonely. While he has the people he likes with him, Nataku, his very first friend, isn't there. It's something that bothers him greatly.
We're then treated to some of Kenren and Tenpou's memories for a few chapters.
When the story finally starts back up, Goku has once again gone to greet Nataku as he returns from battle. And as he did before, Li Touten orders Nataku to kill his only friend. This time, Goku hears, and in anger he attacks Li Touten, shouting about how Li Touten is the one to blame for Nataku ignoring him as of late (actually that's interpretation on my part. He only says "You're the one to blame!"). However, he is stopped by Nataku, who declares he will kill whoever hurts his father. The incident that ended in Goku's 500 years of solitude begins.
Nataku begins to attack Goku, who does not want to fight against him. Almost as soon as this starts, Kenren jumps in to protect Goku, who persists in refusing to fight his friends.
As Goku begs Kenren and Nataku to stop fighting, Tenpou also jumps in.
The situation quickly worsens. Nataku, having fended off Kenren, bring his sword to Goku's throat, prepared to kill him. Even then, Goku doesn't lift a finger, just smiles calmly at Nataku. With the smile still on his face, Goku finally tells Nataku his name. Nataku remembers his friendship with Goku and the promise they made to go find the best food in the heaven's gardens. It's apparent that both held this friendship in high regard. To keep from having to murder his only friend, Nataku attempts to kill himself.
Naturally, Goku reacts in horror. He can't seem to say much at first, too shocked by what just happened. But Nataku grabs his arm, and with the last of his life, attempts to point him to the tree they were supposed to climb together and find the birds nest. Unfortunately, he dies before he is able to finish the instructions. Goku clings to his body, sobbing and begging his friend to wake up and tell him where the tree is. He can't see it without Nataku.
Li Touten picks up Nataku's lifeless body, claiming it can "still be of some use". Once again, Goku is angered, and goes for him. This time, he is held down by the man's guards, who refuse to let him go, and prove to be too much for him to handle.
As Konzen calls for him, the emotional strain proves too much for Goku, and the power he holds in him, the power of the Setein Taisei overwhelms him, shattering his diadem and releasing his most dangerous form. As the Seiten Taisei, the only thing Goku cares for is killing, and in mere minutes he takes out nearly everyone in the room. Despite this, his focus remains of Li Touten, hell bent on revenge even in his madness. It's somewhat obvious, however, that Goku is not himself in this form, He shows none of his sweet and kind personality, nothing but cruelty and malice.
As Goku kindly relieves Li Touten of one of his eyes, Kenren speaks up, challenging the heretic to a fight the former would clearly not win. Before this can take place, however, Kanzeon Bosatsu interrupts, and with barely in effort, takes down the Seiten Taisei, and knocks him unconscious. It is not in his own cruelty that Goku has attacked the people around him, but in the madness released by his pain and rage at the unfair death of his friend.
Li Touten, once again, sends his men after the group, declaring them treasonous and to be taken down.
With the unconscious Goku in Konzen's arms, and one of the army's leaders as a hostage, they flee the palace.
While he is unconscious, Goku dreams of the tree he met his friends under. He stands alone, confused and unsure of where exactly he is. Behind him, Nataku materializes, inviting him to go with him, to presumably whatever afterlife the heavens had. But just as quickly, the smiling Nataku fades, and instead stands a broken and bloody one. Goku's horror quickly doubles as this vision of Nataku gives way to numerous corpses lying at his feet.
We discover that Goku is only dreaming. In fact, he is actually at Tenpou's house with the rest, unconscious on the couch with a terrible fever. Konzen sits next to him, tending to him and waiting for him to awake.
Original application is HERE.
Goku was born on Mount Kaka, at the point where the energies of the Earth and Heavens converge. Due to this, he could literally be called a “Child of the Earth”.
However, by the standards of the Heavens, Goku is what is considered a "Heretic". A creature that is not a human or a demon, but less then a God. Heretics are usually identifiable by their golden eyes ( which Goku has ), making them obvious in any situation. Because of their status of being neither human, demon, or god, and considering the power they hold, Heretics are considered abominations by the heavens, or a sin againt nature.
Deciding he needed an “immediate punishment” for his supposed sin, just as any other heretics brought into Heaven recieve, they took him from the mountain to the palace of Kanzeon Bosatsu, the Merciful Goddess, lured with the promise of food. So Goku agrees to leave his comfortable life atop Mount Kaka.
It is this event that sets the entire Saiyuki series in motion.
Upon arriving at the palace, Goku meets Konzen Douji, a minor deity and nephew of Konzeon Bosatsu, who has become bored with his privileged life. The heretic is instantly amazed at the older man, expressing delight at his blonde hair and how it “shines like the sun!” He grabs the deities hair, and ends up pulling out some of it, to quite the dangerous look from Konzen. His sheepish apology, however, was not accepted until the customary smack over the head had been delivered.
Amused at their antics, Kanzeon ordered her nephew to take Goku into his care, and give him a name. The Heavens wanted Goku kept somewhere, and they "seemed to get along so well" after all. (Until then, Goku had simple been “the boy” or “kid” and such.) Grumbling and groaning, Konzen does so, becoming the boy’s official caretaker. This, however, proves to be quite the task as it becomes quickly evident that Goku is not only an energetic child, but quite mischievous. He spends more time chasing Goku around the palace for messing up his paperwork than actually getting it done! But the boy is clearly fond of his new guardian, thinking at first that he is the only one he really likes. Up in the Heavens, people are too boring. They go through their day with blank faces, just doing what has to be done and not having any fun at all. To Goku, Konzen is different. The man is vibrant and full of life. Goku e njoys being with him.
It is during one such time of mischeif that Goku, still unnamed mind you, meets Nataku. Nataku is a young War God, the only person in all of Heaven permitted to kill and only when told to by God, engaging in antics suited to kids his age when his father’s back is turned. He is usually kept at his fathers side, unable to indulge in the acts of children under his strict watch. This time, he has drawn a moustache on the Jade Emperor and is hiding out. They end up hiding together, Nataku from an attendant, and Goku from Konzen. Goku reveals that the people in Heaven call him a heretic, and that he has no name. Both seem to bother him, and as he speaks, he looks lonely. Nataku is fascinated at Goku;s uniqueness, much to the other boy's surprise and delight. Here is another person who isn't as dull and boring and lifeless as the other in the Heavens.
The two quickly become friends, the first one for both, and agree to meet up at another time.
Later when Goku has finally returned to Konzen’s room, he eagerly tells him about the boy he has met, unaware of the deities musings over the other boy’s identity. When Goku demands to be named, Konzen reacts in annoyance, saying he’ll do it later. Goku persists, and Konzen suggests he be called Monkey. But Goku is very serious about wanting a name, and finally Konzen settles on Goku. Something short enough that even a monkey can remember it, he says. The night ends with Goku begging to know what his name means.
An unspecified amount of time later, Goku finally meets Tenpou, a “friend” of Konzen’s and an army Marshall. The only thing that really happens at this time is we learn of Kenren, and army general, and the final member of the soon-to-be notorious group of traitors, and the trouble he usually causes in the upper ranks (which is being allowed by Tenpou).
Soon, Goku meets Kenren in person when wondering around one of the high ranked palaces looking for Nataku, and we get some exposition about the chains Goku wears. They have been attatched to his arms and legs because, as a heretic, he is "dangerous" and they somehow limit him. He doesn't seem to have any difficulty moving with them, thought they are heavy and hurt.
Their talk is interrupted with the announcement that Nataku has returned from a battle. Goku stubbornly refuses to leave Nataku’s side when he is taken to rest in his room. Goku comments on how depressing Nataku's room is, and shouldn't they giv him something better if he's hurt? He's clearly uncomfortable with the idea of the people not caring about his friend, but drops the subject. After some talking, he turns to leave and let Nataku get some rest. However, Nataku requests that he stay, and Goku happily obliges. They are later found by Konzen, Nataku deeply asleep in his bed, and Goku at his side.
Time passes.
One day, a bored Goku insists on going to the festival going on just outside the palace. Despite many protests by Konzen, Goku breaks him down, and they attend what turns out to be a birthday celebration for God. The whole affair is clearly boring, and Goku quickly becomes lost in the crowd, almost directly after Konzen tells him to stay close. During his search for Konzen, he runs into a small group of people who, upon realizing who he is, begin to bad mouth the minor deity. Angered, Goku attacks them, displaying rather excellent fighting skills. He’s soon joined by Tenpou and Kenren, attracting the attention of almost everyone at the festival. They make quick work of the group, and it looks like the situation is about to get bigger.
Konzen arrives just in time, and the group is thrown out. But the display has already made the statement it needs to: Konzen’s group is dangerous.
Unbeknownst to them, Li Touten has been watching with Nataku, and as he expresses his extreme disapproval, begins to plan.
Things calm down in the heavens for a short while. We take this time to learn that Goku can actually read and write, as long as it's something he proves to be interested in. During this time, Kenren is imprisoned and tortured for speaking out against the Gods in an effort to keep Nataku from being sent to banish another demon.
After Nataku returns, beaten and injured, Goku attempts to visit him constantly, only to be turned away by a supposedly kindly woman saying he isn't allowed visitors just yet. As Goku, while upset, leaves her with a necklace of flowers made especially for his injured friend, we find out they're tossed straight into a wastebasket, never to be seen by their intended.
Goku is recruited during this time to take care of the injured Kenren ( though "care" is a loose term, as Tenpou was telling him to tie the man to a chair with bandages. ). As Tenpou walks off to confront Li Touten for what has been done to Kenren, Goku is told to follow him, as Tenpou is "more hot-headed and impulsive" then even Kenren. When he comes across Tenpou and Li Touten, Touten is having him restrained. Goku interrupts, very nearly fighting the man for daring to harm his friend, and after a few snarky words (and a hilariously cute insult from Goku) the two are on their way.
Volume One ends with Nataku's return [just so we're clear, they send this kid out to fight a LOT] from the battle field once again. As Goku calls for him, waving wildly, Li Touten gives the silent order to kill him.
As Volume Two starts Tenpou, Kenren, and Goku return to Konzen's room, the heretic depressed from the cold brush-off given by Nataku, who had chosen to turn and walk away instead of follow his father's orders to kill Goku. He clings to his guardian, hurt at the rejection and not understanding why his friend would do such a thing. Noone seems to be able to offer him an answer to his unasked question.
As it turns out, Konzen has been pondering the true reason the Gods have brought Goku to the heavens. It can't just be so they can watch over him in case anything happens. Later that night, Konzen confronts the boy, telling him that it would probably be a good idea to send him back to the human world, for there are "characters" in the Heavens who would cause Goku harm. The heretic becomes angry, fearful that Konzen has decided he is tired of him, and insistent that he be allowed to sta. He doesn't want to leave Konzen's side, or the new friend's he's made. He accidentally injures Konzen as he argues against the decision. Horrified with what he's done and fearful he's actually hurt the man, Goku urgently apologizes. Konzen realizes how much staying with him means to the boy. In the Heavens, Goku has what he didn't before. While he was happy with the people and nature around him, he loves his new friends and experiences. He doesn't want to leave them behind. With this, he decides to let him remain in the Heavens in his care.
That same night, the group gathers underneath a sakura tree, where they promise to get together again, this time under a sakura tree in the World Below. They say in the World Below --the human world, life is completely different. It's isn't as boring, and the people live with more freedom. As the discussion continues, we find out just what Konzen had discovered earlier: The Gods want to keep Goku in the Heavens to make him a War God along with Goku.
As Tenpou and Kozen talk, Goku stands on the branch of the cheery tree. He takes a moment, and thinks about how truly happy he is. He's with his favorite people, in an area he likes, and just having fun. It's something he's never been able to do before. He does, however, realize the fact that he's also lonely. While he has the people he likes with him, Nataku, his very first friend, isn't there. It's something that bothers him greatly.
We're then treated to some of Kenren and Tenpou's memories for a few chapters.
When the story finally starts back up, Goku has once again gone to greet Nataku as he returns from battle. And as he did before, Li Touten orders Nataku to kill his only friend. This time, Goku hears, and in anger he attacks Li Touten, shouting about how Li Touten is the one to blame for Nataku ignoring him as of late (actually that's interpretation on my part. He only says "You're the one to blame!"). However, he is stopped by Nataku, who declares he will kill whoever hurts his father. The incident that ended in Goku's 500 years of solitude begins.
Nataku begins to attack Goku, who does not want to fight against him. Almost as soon as this starts, Kenren jumps in to protect Goku, who persists in refusing to fight his friends.
As Goku begs Kenren and Nataku to stop fighting, Tenpou also jumps in.
The situation quickly worsens. Nataku, having fended off Kenren, bring his sword to Goku's throat, prepared to kill him. Even then, Goku doesn't lift a finger, just smiles calmly at Nataku. With the smile still on his face, Goku finally tells Nataku his name. Nataku remembers his friendship with Goku and the promise they made to go find the best food in the heaven's gardens. It's apparent that both held this friendship in high regard. To keep from having to murder his only friend, Nataku attempts to kill himself.
Naturally, Goku reacts in horror. He can't seem to say much at first, too shocked by what just happened. But Nataku grabs his arm, and with the last of his life, attempts to point him to the tree they were supposed to climb together and find the birds nest. Unfortunately, he dies before he is able to finish the instructions. Goku clings to his body, sobbing and begging his friend to wake up and tell him where the tree is. He can't see it without Nataku.
Li Touten picks up Nataku's lifeless body, claiming it can "still be of some use". Once again, Goku is angered, and goes for him. This time, he is held down by the man's guards, who refuse to let him go, and prove to be too much for him to handle.
As Konzen calls for him, the emotional strain proves too much for Goku, and the power he holds in him, the power of the Setein Taisei overwhelms him, shattering his diadem and releasing his most dangerous form. As the Seiten Taisei, the only thing Goku cares for is killing, and in mere minutes he takes out nearly everyone in the room. Despite this, his focus remains of Li Touten, hell bent on revenge even in his madness. It's somewhat obvious, however, that Goku is not himself in this form, He shows none of his sweet and kind personality, nothing but cruelty and malice.
As Goku kindly relieves Li Touten of one of his eyes, Kenren speaks up, challenging the heretic to a fight the former would clearly not win. Before this can take place, however, Kanzeon Bosatsu interrupts, and with barely in effort, takes down the Seiten Taisei, and knocks him unconscious. It is not in his own cruelty that Goku has attacked the people around him, but in the madness released by his pain and rage at the unfair death of his friend.
Li Touten, once again, sends his men after the group, declaring them treasonous and to be taken down.
With the unconscious Goku in Konzen's arms, and one of the army's leaders as a hostage, they flee the palace.
While he is unconscious, Goku dreams of the tree he met his friends under. He stands alone, confused and unsure of where exactly he is. Behind him, Nataku materializes, inviting him to go with him, to presumably whatever afterlife the heavens had. But just as quickly, the smiling Nataku fades, and instead stands a broken and bloody one. Goku's horror quickly doubles as this vision of Nataku gives way to numerous corpses lying at his feet.
We discover that Goku is only dreaming. In fact, he is actually at Tenpou's house with the rest, unconscious on the couch with a terrible fever. Konzen sits next to him, tending to him and waiting for him to awake.