King's Tour [Invite]

Nasu was… somewhat impressed? Even for Cheri, the solution would have just been to drive the Saiyans away. Admittedly he didn’t doubt her good heart but of course he wouldn’t have been surprised if things were to come to something far worse than that; yet something only made him respect her further if she was serious about not killing Saiyans. Nasu had nothing against his species, not something that he could just relate to every single other member of his species. However it wasn’t always like that, for a time he was stressed or concerned about it.

He even viewed himself as a walking bomb that was yet just being held on a statis before it’d be let free to pump out all of its destructive energy and cause some serious damage to even people who couldn’t deserve it. That was the true reason why, for a couple of reasons, he stopped trying to obtain or use strength and live a peaceful life. Perhaps, for a time, this had made him weaker and of course that was something he’d have had to make up for but there was no use in saying that Saiyans were evil.

He rejected that idea from the very moment he arrived on Plant and met some Saiyans. They did not pour evil from their veins but they were mis-guided and did not know better than taking another’s planet. That was all he believed was wrong, but he knew that, in reality, the Saiyan race could become wild and uncontrollable if one was to meet certain conditions. He knew it better than anyone. He saw his own men suddenly be taken off by the frenzy and blood lust and end up destroying their very world without realizing it.

Collateral damage that he did not wish to once more see on Plant, which only made him nervous. He realized it now that the topic was being brought up: at first he was a little concerned about the oddity of a Saiyan on the Tuffles’ side, but now, he just hoped nothing like an uncontrollable state of mind would take over Nasu. He had never done ‘proper’ war, after all.

“It is a good intent. Not one that I see as impossible. I have seen the Saiyans on Plant. I can not say whether they are evil or not, for I do not believe in either good or evil. Defeat alone I believe may perhaps teach them there is more to life than victory and conquest. That is the only way the Vegeteans can see better. For their pride won’t let them see just any lesson except the one in the very field they specialize and worship: battle.”

Of course, however. There was always an option that lingered in his mind: if they lost to Plant, there was nothing that debated the fact they could just up and switch planets. Possibly to another with a population even weaker than Plant. That implied the fact that change for the Saiyans was not possible, however, therefore he did not give that theory much credit but surely it could happen if the Vegeteans were to be led by the wrong person.

Nasu’s mind was shortly after then assaulted by the likes of terms such as ‘empire’, ‘monarchy’, ‘democracy’, or even liberals. What the hell was most of that? Monarchy and empire he could understand, besides the fact he didn’t enjoy politics at least he knew about them but then things began to spiral down and left him with no choice but to outright release the hold on his tail, as it wagged softly in the air, in a wave-like motion. He was confused no less.

“I believe I understand where Cheri is coming from, however, Azoth. Anyone would see the word Empire and think much like she does. Even now I have listened to your explanation and it made sense, but on an intergalactic scale, you’d have to be the voice of reason and hope they would understand even. In a way, perhaps, if you were to lend us a hand, the result of your assistance could speak to the galaxy alone and on their own. It would speak and convince people to earn an interest in joining forces with you.”

Nasu’s hand soon rose and fell again. He felt the need to specify a little detail, he could see the kind of talker Azoth was; he could probably do politics just great, as he had seen this before, they were good at debating and while Nasu wasn’t, he could at least count on enough brain cells to make something sound good.

“Just an example, of course. I do know you are already busy enough but it was a way to say that I, as a person who has never heard of Arcosians at all before, hearing the word Empire alone can be quite disheartening. In a way, as long as you are true to your words I am sure we will have none to say on the matter, for results speak better than words.”

In a way, he suddenly felt like he had to be some kind of translator between the two. Because he could tell Cheri was being interesting and analytical as ever while the Arcosian was being quite passionate about his ideals and such was no good. He realized that, with Cheri, to get the best and learn the most from her one needed a mind capable of questioning your own ideals. But Azoth was resolute on it. He could appreciate that much.

“I know I may sound like I am trying to speak for her. But Cheri and I share the heart to say that we just want the best for the Tuffles. But we are not trying to merely assume anything I assure you. I can say I am glad you are passionate about your ideals. You are ambitious and while I can not understand politics I believe you have it down. I see you as worthy of the help should you need it one day. But Cheri is also right in trying to predict that people will have prejudices. It is only natural. That is for you to figure out, however. You shall be the leader of Arcose one day, therefore we can only try and give you an idea of what you might face one day, as strangers.”

The Saiyan also slowly lowered his skull briefly and stared at the very floor; it was all tied in and perfectly adjusted nearly. It scared him, yet those could be seen as ideal on a first sight but it was not long that (if you were to look closely) you would soon realize many bent or broken tiles, perhaps even dirty or placed unwell. He knew that in the end Cheri was probably fine with getting help from Azoth but on another side, she was probably wondering if he was even loyal to his ideals or perhaps she was just giving insight.

Either way, one or another, all Nasu wanted to do now was trying to make Cheri look good. And he could tell things were getting tense: Azoth was slowly getting tired of themì both, surely.

“And of course, do not see yourself obliged to help due to us seeking allies. Should you want to help secure the Tuffles’ home, you would be welcome and we will remember it. I have an old saying: do whatever you like. To some, it might sound like an excuse to do what they please with no care through to what others might feel. But to me it is an anthem that we must do what our heart feels. If your heart shall tell you to look out for the Tuffles, then I believe you should do just that. As for me, I am ready, as a Saiyan even to give my life for them. It is a way I hope the blood of my blood may be forgiven, and that the Saiyan species may repent in the eyes of those whom they have wronged.”

It was either simple or difficult to tell what was up with Nasu’s point of view: it was honor. The Saiyans had wronged, there was no doubt. Back then as a Marshal, he would have thrown them into prison but that was not an option in this case. All he could do was become the very, punished member of his own species. It did not matter to him if the very people he helped were to treat him badly due to his Saiyan genes: it was a weight one had to take.

He was the one to carry it for now, but perhaps one day the very Vegeteans would do that until they’d be forgiven, hopefully.

But even a Knight had feelings and to hear such a nice thing of him being spoken from, first Cheri, who earned a brief stare before he quickly looked away, his tail just briefly wagging and once more Azoth insisted. At this point the Saiyan man just looked away as if he began to mind his own business. Even he had a weak spot for compliments.

“Hm.”

Even Saiyans on high positions were not interested in war? That was rich. To think their own leaders did not mirror the minds of the people was either funny or somewhat strange to Nasu, he expected them to try and fuel such, but perhaps they had to do just that in reality. Just like Cheri said, people of that opinion would not live long and such led to terrible loss. It had to be horrible no matter what. Nasu himself wondered, with curiosity as her very expression shifted and expressed his.

Did she have some kind of experience? The Saiyan briefly mused and stared at her, hoping she wouldn’t notice as he did not intend on asking her that but he was still curious enough to try and wonder about her state. He knew what losing somebody was like. By now he had lost about anything and anyone in his life: his family, his wife, his children and more. Not even his parents or grandparents made it, to even make it worse there was a matter that was doubt.

He was resolute on helping the Tuffles no doubt right now but it also led him to wonder: what was next? An intricate thought in Nasu’s mind but he began to wonder if he would have really been at the Tuffles’ service for the rest of his life. He didn’t see himself as a soldier, after all. He didn’t mind helping them of course, however the man had settled close to nowhere in the latest years. Therefore the thought alone of doing so was worrying, in many ways.

“I have not met Vegeteans like that. Those I have met believe the Tuffles are cretins. But so far I like the ones I met.”

Basically just Cheri, he didn’t really meet any other relevant Tuffle yet (in the story, at the current time of this event) but of course he did not see in Cheri any reason that he had to dislike the Tuffles for but then it came to the question: what would have been next? If the Vegeteans were really driven away, what would he do later?

Perhaps a question better suited for another time, as instead Nasu nodded towards Azoth. That was the fact, they could probably help the Saiyans but it would have taken too many resources and not to mention the fact that the Vegeteans wouldn’t have let themselves be helped that easily. It was a fact, nothing else or more. He honestly had no idea what morphing the ground was like, but he guessed that was also an option: forcing the terrain to adapt on empty and barren planets, right?

That could work. It would use unused space and one that the Vegeteans would not have to conquer. At that point it was only a matter of seeing whether or not they would have been fine with it or if they were to miss the action and brutality of trying to making another species submit as they take over a world.

“Life beyond what will happen is a mystery. All in all, we are talking as if we would win. But perhaps it could even be the other way around. Maybe I could die, or you could. And well, even if we would win, to be fair, I wonder what I will do then.”

Nasu sighed briefly before he looked towards Azoth. He guessed people that were willing to help the Saiyans all the way were probably going to exist. Nasu could not be one of those people, regardless. If he was to fight them, he would lose any kind of trust even his heritage could earn him. In the end, it would be useless for him to get involved with their rehabilitation process.

Perhaps he’d even make them angrier if he tried. Therefore, he preferred to leave that either to the Tuffles or perhaps Azoth. But the Vegeteans would definitely mark him as a traitor after the war, so he doubted any interactions could produce much of an effect. If anything at all.

The Saiyan’s tail wagged slightly at the mention of the Great Ape. Such non-elegant transformation, he thought. While Cheri said some still used weapons and armor, and more in said form, back on his homeworld he found dexterity and agility to be essential. Things one couldn’t keep by transforming into a huge monster. Surely he had no sword either but he had been trying to figure out a solution by using ki; so he could at least wield a blade in battle.

“I can not transform into a Great Ape that easily. But I can harness its power in another way. Regardless, you can still count on me, Cheri. I will make sure to head straight on against any Oozaru in the way of conflict. I am sure I may see more than I can chew but once I power up I should be able to help you out some.”

Cheri held hope, hm? That was a bit funny, to Nasu. Especially since he earlier remembered just how little he believed in hope itself. Not that he didn’t believe in it, but rather he stopped trying to hope for much. Instead he believed if one worked hard enough, there had to be no hoping to be done; the things one wanted would have come along just fine. It was the spirit of his family: work hard, grow strong. And he had to keep doing it. Even if all of his family was now gone.

“Yeah. Hope will never die.”

He preferred to also nod towards Azoth in thanks, due to his willingness of helping Plant despite his own problems. There had to be some kind of interesting factor if Azoth could truly join the conflict, but alas, the chances were slim. Therefore it was more of a possibility than something that was certain. Nothing they could take for granted but it was indeed better than nothing.

“Thank you, Azoth. I will be sure to remember your politeness.”