East City- Chapter 2 Event

[Rutaba]

Rutaba was still hiding behind Shinji’s shoulder when Bamba suddenly appeared. One second nothing was there. The next, this red guy was just… standing there.

Rutaba froze. His tail puffed up like a scared cat. Even his headache took a break for a second. This guy felt super weird. Not like the other bad guys. It felt like standing in front of a mountain that might fall on you if it got mad.

Slowly, Rutaba peeked around Shinji’s head with just one eye. Then he quickly hid again. He stayed quiet for a bit before whispering really loudly.

“…Why does he look like the secret final boss?”

Rutaba squinted harder.

“…Yeah. The one you fight after you beat the final boss.”

He ducked back behind Shinji’s shoulder for a few seconds before curiosity got the best of him again. Slowly leaning out, Rutaba stared at Bamba. Bamba stared back.

Rutaba regretted it immediately.

The little Saiyan swallowed hard. Every part of him was saying “be careful.” But he still couldn’t stop himself from talking.

“…Um…”

He pointed at Bamba.

“Who are you?”

A pause.

“And how did you get here? You just… appeared there.”

Rutaba blinked.

“…Can everyone do that except me?”

Suddenly his head hurt again.

“Uhhhh…”

He grabbed the side of his head and squeezed his eyes shut. After a second he opened them and looked back at Bamba.

He was still nervous. Still scared. But that stubborn feeling inside him wouldn’t let him stay quiet.

Rutaba slid off Shinji’s shoulder and landed on the ground. His legs wobbled like jelly and he almost fell, but he caught himself. He stood up as straight as he could and clenched his fists.

Even if his knees were shaking. Even if his head hurt. Even if this guy looked really strong.

Rutaba looked up at Bamba and tried to sound brave.

“…What are you doing here, and where did you come from?” Rutaba asked.

 

[CairoOnyx]

​

---

---

The smile on his face remained as Shinji spoke towards him, Bamba slowly walked took a few steps forward and bent down; Lowering himself to be eye to eye with Shinji. The smile on his face was now replaced by blank menacing gaze as if he's staring into the very soul of Shinji. However, his aura would slowly begin to leak from his body like smoke and his power level began revealing itself as well. Slowly rising from his suppressed BP of 12K and gradually rising until it hit 3M.
​

Bamba: Your blood is singing because it has finally entered the presence of its creator.​

As he spoke to Shinji, the smaller one kept peaking from around his shoulder with his own questions and responses. While the questions were kind of the same, he did smirk at the final boss comment which was probably what saved him. The child acknowledged his presence and power which his own worshipper didn't do. The smaller one just saved his own life with a simple comment, but the last question caused him to squint in slight annoyance. In that moment, Bamba reached to to move Shinji to the side in order to place his hand on the head of the child while responding to them both at once.
​

Bamba: Do not concern yourself with what I am. Concern yourself with what I can do to you.​

It was here a glowing green light surrounded Bamba's hand and releasing pulses over the boy and healing his wounds in just a few moments.​

---

---

​

 

[Deleted member 12]

Shinji Devil Man face to face with the creator of his bloodline it was known across that the demon realm that the Renkai demon were spawns of the blood god. Bamba eyes stared directly into his menacingly, he felt as if he was looking directly into his soul. Shinji would suddenly feel the "blood gods" power level rising quickly and a smokey aura slowly engulfed his body. "So that explains it...." all his life Shinji wondered why his father wouldn't reveal the origins of his heritage. Offering a genuine smile that could pass as a devilish grin similar to that of his creator, "I guess I should thank you for filling in the blank spaces." offering his gratitude he'd scratch his chin while pondering on the nature of his very existence which had been a mystery to him for so long; a part of his life that evaded him for so long. Meanwhile Rutaba would go on to ask the Bamba a bunch of questions surprisingly without provoking the blood god's wrath. Sliding aside like a piece of furniture without breaking his pose still pondering for a brief moment after turning his attention to Bamba and Rutaba.

Bamba: Do not concern yourself with what I am. Concern yourself with what I can do to you.

Soon a green light would engulf the saiyan child, pulsating, and illuminating the dark alley; Shinji watched closely and noticed that Rutaba was miraculously recovering from his injuries. The small scratches, the bruises, and blood stains all began to suddenly disappear; Shinji's eyes opened wide with excitement, "wooooooaaahhh... Rutabaga...." impressed and pleased he was glad to see the boy fully recover. At first, he was a bit nervous that Rutaba was about to meet an untimely end but instead he was given aid; as if the blood god had answered Shinji's prayers. Shinji's posture would stiffen offering a reverent bow to acknowledge Bamba as he creator. "Thank you" After he'd cheer quietly in picturing a miniature version of himself dancing around chanting "screw those stupid humans, oh yeah... oh yeah". However, despite this virtuous act what he wondered if the blood god had any ulterior motives or if this was just a genuine act of kindness, or if he was genuinely answering the prayers for one of his worshippers.

​

 

[Rutaba]

Rutaba stood completely still as Bamba’s big hand rested on his head. The strange green light felt warm and kinda tingly, making his messy hair move even though there wasn’t any wind. At first he squeezed his eyes shut tight, waiting for it to hurt after everything that happened today. Getting punched, thrown around, and smashed into the ground made him pretty sure glowing powers were supposed to sting.

“…Huh?” he mumbled.

Nothing happened.

Slowly, one eye peeked open, then the other. He reached up and poked the spot on his head that had been hurting so bad. He blinked, poked it again, then tilted his head side to side.

“…What?”

The pain was completely gone.

Rutaba bounced on his feet once, then twice, then jumped as high as he could and landed perfectly. No dizziness. No ringing ears. No aching anywhere. His eyes got huge as he looked down at his hands and saw all the cuts and scrapes had disappeared.

“My head doesn’t hurt at all!”

His tail shot straight up as he spun around in a circle, checking himself over. Then he looked up at Bamba with total confusion on his face.

“…Did you do that?”

He squinted for a second, trying to figure out the giant guy.

“So… you’re not a bad guy? Or are you one of those weird grown-ups who says scary stuff but then helps anyway? That’s really confusing.”

Rutaba turned and pointed at Shinji.

“He fixed my head.”

Then pointed at Shinji again.

“You set me on fire.”

He folded his arms and nodded very seriously.

“Pretty sure that means he wins.”

After a moment, Rutaba looked back up at Bamba. The little Saiyan scratched the back of his head, suddenly looking a lot less nervous.

“…Uh… thanks.”

A pause.

Then his stomach growled really loud.

Rutaba looked down at it, then back at Bamba with a hopeful grin.

“…Healing people probably makes you hungry right?”

He rubbed his stomach.

“‘Cause if we’re not fighting… do you know where we can get something to eat?”

 

[CairoOnyx]

​

---

---

Bamba simply let out a short sigh and a scoff after the responses from both of them, and was still waiting for Yatoru to find the other target so they could leave. Though, once the smaller one mentioned food; The red creature smiled in such a way that was almost like he agreed with what was being said, but there was one big difference.​

Bamba: Yea, I know where to get food. Buuut I don't think you'd like it.​

He didn'd need to see anything further for someone to realize what he was getting at, as he said those words while looking directly towards Rutaba with a death stare. However, his presence had been lowered back down to a mere 10K to avoid giving the two of them a heart attack; In that moment Bamba looked round.
​

Bamba: Don't get the wrong Idea, I healed you simply because you may be of use to me, you too, demon. - In fact, i might come back to get you before leaving.​

After finishing that sentence, he disappeared entirely from the location to head back to the last spot he had seen Yatoru.​

---

---

​

 

[Deleted member 12]

After a sigh of relief Shinji's soul left his body exiting through his mouth, having a complete and total meltdown his physical body stared at the sky lifeless and gloomy. His mouth opened wide and his jaw hanging low, a miniature ghost version of himself would appear from his mouth. The little ghost Shinji wiped the sweat from his forehead sighing in relief before returning his body. As Shinji mind returned to reality he looked around to find that the blood god had departed without any casualties, for now he'd assume that worse has yet to come. For now, he takes this act of kindness from the Bamba as a solid; he was sure that the crimson devil would want something in return.

With a simple hand gesture a tiny yet puffy smoked cloud appeared from thin air for a brief moment and as it disappeared a bag of chips appeared. Shinji chuckled as he opened the bag and taking in a deep whiff... "AWE MAN! this just what I need..."

He'd devour the bag of chips in just a few seconds, holding the bag above his head allowing the chips to fall directly into his mouth without wasting a single crumb. After he'd let a fiery burb that scorched the air and the flame on his tail started shimmering with tiny embers floating from it.

"Hey Rutabaga! Do you still want to get checked out or what? Ya know since you're all healed up and stuff..."

His hands rested on the back of his neck fingers locked together, his bare foot tapping the ground, he wondered if the boy should still get seen about despite being magically healed. Shinji felt the need to keep searching for others who may be able to help in this time of need, the destruction of east city was catastrophic, and Shinji could sense a few ki signatures still slowly fading away one by one. "This getting depressing, we should go..." his mood turned sour and he couldn't take being around people who ignorantly pointed the finger of blame towards him, despite trying to help, judging him based of his demonic appearance. "None of these idiots, seem to know anything anyway!!!" Shinji walked away locking his fingers behind his head, displaying self-restraint instead of lashing out against an already frightened crowd; destroying them would have proved nothing. His only desire was to find someone capable of answering his question, he had hoped that Rutaba's friendly face would eventually get some to open up to them.

​

 

[Rutaba]

Rutaba stood there frozen for a second after Bamba disappeared.

The little Saiyan slowly looked down at himself, patting his arms, his chest, his face, and then his tail real quick.

“…I’m not dead.”

He blinked hard.

“…I’m REALLY not dead.”

Then it all hit him at once and he exploded into motion.

“YES!!”

He jumped almost ten feet straight up, pumping both fists before landing in a crouch that turned into a goofy stumble. The world spun for half a second but the nasty pounding in his head was totally gone. He blinked a bunch, realizing the dizziness had vanished too.

His eyes got huge.

“The headache’s gone!”

Rutaba started hopping around the wrecked street like a maniac, throwing a couple playful punches and kicks at the air. He twisted around, stretched real big, then spun in a full circle before grabbing his own tail just to make sure it was still there.

“Haha! It worked! I’m okay!”

He suddenly stopped and stared in the direction Bamba had flown off.

“…That guy’s still super creepy though.”

A shiver ran down his back.

“He looked at me like I was the food.”

Rutaba shook it off dramatically before turning back toward Shinji just in time to see him inhale a whole bag of chips in seconds flat.

The six-year-old Saiyan stared in total horror.

“…You didn’t save me any?!”

His jaw dropped open.

“You healed me with that weird blood-god magic and then ate all the chips WITHOUT ME?!”

He pointed accusingly at the empty bag.

“That’s evil! That’s like… super extra evil!”

Before Shinji could even say anything, Rutaba’s own stomach let out a huge growl.

GRRRRLLLLLLL…

The little Saiyan grabbed his belly with both hands.

“…Okay maybe I’m dying a little bit.”

He looked around at all the scared refugees, the smashed buildings, and the smoke still drifting up into the sky. His excited face got serious for a second.

The city was still a total mess.

People were still scared.

His fists clenched tight.

“…We can’t just leave everybody like this.”

Without another word, Rutaba took off running through the crowd.

Even though he was small, he darted between groups of survivors, helping lift heavy chunks of broken stone off trapped people, dragging fallen beams out of the way, and carrying little kids toward safer spots. A few times the heavier stuff almost knocked him over, but he grit his teeth and pushed through anyway.

“Hang on!”

“I got this!”

“Move your foot! I’m trying to get this rock off!”

His new outfit got covered in ash and dirt almost right away.

After helping another survivor stand up, Rutaba looked back at Shinji and waved both arms wildly over his head.

A big goofy grin spread across his face.

“If we hurry, maybe somebody’ll give us food as a reward!”

 

[Deleted member 12]

Shinji would normally snicker after trolling someone, but his emotions were running wild, and he felt a bit irritated. He'd turn his head to see Rutaba meanwhile an old weird looking guy wearing a shrouded cloak with a milky eye hissed at him trying catch his attention, Shinji raised an eyebrow as the man waved a hand trying to catch his attention. Shinji hesitated for a moment; it was as if he was the only one capable of seeing the old man, no one else was paying attention, the rest of the people nearby had been distracted by the young Saiyan's heroic actions. Rutaba's efforts inspired the refugees to try and help each other, meanwhile Shinji followed the old man to dark corner where the old stranger would sit resting his old and rigged bones.

Mysterious Old Man: "So you're looking for a healer, eh? I've heard of a legend about this mysterious cat...." *Cough cough* "they say this cat has the ability to grow these magical beans that can restore one's health."

Shinji continued to listen to the old man’s story, completely captivated, taking in every word the old man had said; he still and his impatience completely forgotten. The old man’s raspy voice painted vivid images of the feline and their mystical beans; Shinji’s eyes were widened with a fixed gaze. He wasn’t just listening; he was seeing the story unfold, a child once more, lost in a tale of impossible wonders. The legend of the magical beans capable of mending wounds, resonated deep within him stirring a desperate hope he hadn’t felt in a while. A long, silent moment stretched between them after the old man's final, lingering cough. Shinji's gaze never wavered, he leaned forward, his voice a low eager whisper "So old man, any idea where to find this cat?" The question wasn't just spoken it was filled with a burning desire for a path, a clue, anything that might lead him to this mysterious cat. A cryptic smile crossed the old mans weathered face as he offered Shinji directions to this legendary cat.

"Alright!!!" Shinji cheered as his voiced echoed throughout the dark alley, he'd rush back towards the saiyan child who was had just finished helping some of the survivors to safety. "Let's go hero, I think it's time for an adventure" Shinji shouted to Rutaba, his face was full of joy, and he reached a handout to help Rutaba onto his shoulder so that he may preserve his energy when traveling or so he wouldn't have to struggle to keep up.

​

 

[Rutaba]

Rutaba had just finished helping another survivor stand up when Shinji came running back, all hyped up about some magical cat and magical beans.

The little Saiyan blinked a couple times. “A cat?” His tail flicked once. “A magical cat?” Another flick. “…That comes with magical food?” For a split second it looked like he was totally hooked on the idea.

Then something shifted. Rutaba froze in place. His smile dropped. All the noise from the refugees, the crackling fires, and even Shinji’s excited yapping faded into the background.

A familiar feeling brushed against his senses. Faint. Way far off. But he knew it right away. His black eyes went wide. “…Huh?”

The feeling hit him again. A ki signature. One he recognized. One he hadn’t felt in what felt like forever.

Rutaba slowly turned toward the distant horizon. Toward Central City. The energy felt weaker than the big fights he’d been in lately, but there was no mistaking it.

“Inugami…” The name slipped out before he even meant to say it. His heart started pounding super fast.

Without another word he shot straight up into the air, hovering over the wrecked streets while reaching out with his senses. There. Definitely there. Far away. But alive.

A huge wild grin exploded across his face. “INUGAMI’S OVER THERE!”

The excitement slammed into him like a giant punch. Every thought about magical cats, beans, and adventures disappeared in a flash. The six-year-old Saiyan pointed toward the horizon so hard his whole arm shook.

“I KNOW THAT KI!” Golden sparks crackled around him for a second as his power flared up. “I haven’t felt him in so long!”

He didn’t wait for permission, explanations, or anything else. Rutaba kicked off the air hard. BOOM! A big shockwave exploded under him as he blasted forward like a rocket.

The ruined streets blurred way below. His tail streamed out behind him. Wind roared past his ears. “INUGAMIIIIII!!” He screamed the name at the top of his lungs even though they were still miles apart.

The little Saiyan laughed like crazy as he flew faster, dodging between clouds and climbing higher into the sky. For the first time all day he wasn’t chasing bad guys. He wasn’t fighting for his life. He wasn’t just trying to survive.

He was racing toward someone he actually knew. Someone important. And nothing was gonna stop him from getting to Central City.