KORIN TOWER SAGA

Chapter 26: Tribe of Natives

"It looks like we'll be there soon, I can't wait," Erasa said watching the tower grow ever closer.

Videl smirked confidently as she responded, "Yeah, me neither."

"I wonder how…" Erasa started to say before Gohan's arm suddenly shot out in front of her. The group responded by coming to a quick stop. Videl only caught a glimpse of Gohan's stern expression as he stared out into the surrounding forest, before a spear shot out and stuck into the ground several feet in front of them.

"What the…" Videl thought, before her thoughts were interrupted by a voice that sounded from all around the forest. "What business do you have on the Sacred Land of Korin!" the disembodied voice shouted.

Erasa hastily took cover behind Gohan, only peeking out to see what was happening. Videl and Sharpner took defensive stances, eyes focused on the surrounding forest for any movement. Gohan lowered his arm to his side as his features gained a neutral expression. His friends looked in confusion as the raven haired teen continued to stare at the path ahead.

Before long a rustling noise alerted the group as several people emerged from the shrubbery that surrounded the path. The mysterious dark skinned group of people all wore clothes fashioned out of deer skin, feathers in their headbands, and had assorted facial markings. These were obviously warriors as they carried bows, axes, or spears. The head of the group stood out among these tribal warriors, a man who looked young but could be in his early thirties. He was on the taller end of his people but his muscles were far more toned. He easily matched Sharpner's mass but with his stature it was far more fitting.

He made himself known as the leader when he took a few steps forward to speak. "We are the guardians of these lands," he said in an authoritative tone, although his voice softened a bit when he took a good look at the four teens. "Why have you come here?"

Stepping forward, Gohan spoke for his group. "Hi, my name is Gohan," he said calmly with a friendly smile, holding out his hand for the man. Videl and Sharpner dropped their guard, surprised about their friend's casual approach. Erasa simply smiled awkwardly while trying to stay close to Videl.

The native man looked at Gohan with surprise, before he broke out in a friendly smile of his own. "My name is Upa," he said as he extended his hand to shake with Gohan's.

After the friendly exchange Gohan went on to explain why they were going to Korin Tower. "So you see they've been working really hard, so will you allow them to try climbing the tower?" the young Saiyan finished.

Upa looked thoughtful with a hand rubbing his chin as the spoke, "Yes, I remember Victoria. She was a good person, but quite curious." Hearing this made Videl slightly blush, knowing she has inherited her mother's curious nature. "But they can try it. We don't judge who can and can't climb the tower. We protect the land and guide spirited fighters who take up the challenge, although recently we've been having a bit of trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" Videl suddenly asked. Her crime fighter side was starting to take over.

Erasa simply giggled at her best friend, while Sharpner palmed his forehead. Gohan on the other hand was a bit surprised, "Wow, this girl never takes a break."

Upa smiled fondly at the raven-haired girl. "You have a good heart, but these are not your concerns," he said before turning towards his group. "We'll lead you to our village at the base of the tower."

The teens quickly followed after the warriors with Erasa quick to start conversations with them to learn everything she could. Of course with her conversational "skills" it wasn't too hard. Even Sharpner questioned the stronger looking guys what kind of training they do. Videl on the other hand was content looking at the tower as it grew closer. She knew with this stepping stone she'll become much stronger, but could she do it.

"Nervous?" Gohan unexpectedly inquired. He was walking right next to her with his hands interlaced behind his head. Looking at him, she couldn't tell what he was thinking. His face was blank, no emotion. She still hasn't figured out how he does that when on a normal basis he can't lie or keep his facial expressions together.

"But in rare moments he seems…really mature," she thought absentmindedly. "Maybe a little," she admitted.

This time it wasn't hard to tell what he was thinking. His wide-eyed stare, the disbelieving look in his eye, and the fact that he nearly fell as they walked gave it away. If it wasn't because of something she said, she would have laughed. "And what's with your face?" Videl asked in a slight growl, as she prepared her fist to deliver a punch.

This time she watched as a mischievous smile spread across his lips and an amused twinkle appeared in his eye. "Oh~ The great Videl Satan admitting to being nervous?"

A crimson blush quickly spread across a mortified Videl's face, whether from embarrassment or anger. "You ..!" she began to scream before Gohan flicked her forehead, and luckily for her Gohan was holding back. The raven haired girl wore a pout while she rubbed her forehead. She was surprised it actually hurt a bit. "What was that for?" she questioned almost like a child.

Gohan, continued walking with his hands in his pockets. A small smile graced his lips as he said, "You worry too much…" This made Videl frown and cross her arms. "School, Police work, training, spending time with family and friends, how can I help this person, am I strong enough, will I fail, is it true. I may not have known you for too long but that's what I've seen." Looking straight at her his smile grew into a grin. "If you really want to become stronger, do it for yourself and focus only on yourself. Right now you should only think about climbing the tower."

This time Videl was left speechless. He was right. "I've only been thinking about the tower as training. Slowly I've been thinking about how strong I'll be and if it will help me in the future. But this tower is right in front of me, I need to focus on that and only that," she thought with a determined expression.

Unbeknownst to the teens, Upa was watching them curiously. The one who gained the most of his attention was the dark haired teen. The wild spikes, the innocent nature, it seemed all too nostalgic. "We have some interesting guests this time Father," Upa thought as he continued to lead the group to the village.

[Base of Korin Tower]

It didn't take long for the group to reach the base of the tower. Gohan and his friends wore awed expressions when they walked into the large clearing filled with tents of varying sizes. Many of the natives were walking about doing their daily chores. Some women were mixing various herbs, others cooking, and some tending to children. Some of the men were cutting firewood and sharpening their weapons. There were small groups simply talking among themselves and children running around playing. Korin Tower was the center piece of the peaceful scenery. The elegant structure shot out of the ground, reaching high above the clouds, covered in artistic tribal carvings.

"Wow, this place is so nice," Erasa commented as the soothing calmness of the village overtook her.

Videl and Sharpner nodded their heads in agreement. Having spent all their lives in the big city, none of them had ever seen such a tranquil community. The idea of no one committing some crime was pretty foreign.

"Yeah, you have a good village here Upa," Gohan said turning to his new friend with grin.

Upa returned the gesture with a friendly smile of his own, but before he could speak his thanks a loud voice spoke.

"Upa, you've returned; with some guests I see," said the deep, calm voice. The teens and Upa turned their attention towards a large muscular man with a large scar on his chest, wearing a calm frown, and his attire matched that of the other tribal folk. As he walked towards them, Erasa shrunk back behind Gohan, being intimidated by the brutish looking man. Videl and Sharpner simply tensed up.

The native warrior stepped up to his father to introduce their guests, when another voice interrupted him.

"Hi, I'm Gohan," said the young Half-Saiyan with his Son grin in place which shocked not only his friends, but Upa as well. Looking at his father, the Chief's son knew he saw a resemblance as well. That innocent friendly grin was one of a kind.

With the friendly smile that spread over the daunting man, the other three teens felt more at ease. "My name is Bora, it is an honor to meet you and welcome to the Land of Korin," said the large Chief.

"This is my father, the Chief," Upa informed the four teens before turning to his father to continue. "And these three are Erasa, Videl, and Shartner," he said as he motioned to the three respectively. The sudden laughter of Gohan and the girls caught him by surprise however.

Both father and son looked towards the blonde boy who was looking quite mortified. "Hey Buddy, the name's SharPner, with a P, Sharpner," the boy proclaimed, making sure to emphasize the letter P.

With a look of guilt, Upa put a hand to his head and bowed apologetically. "My apologies, I'll be sure to remember it properly," He replied, still not understanding the laughter and embarrassment.

"Nice, I'm gonna remember that one for later," Erasa said in between breaths and small giggles.

"Yeah, can't believe I've never thought of it," Videl added to embarrass her blonde friend further. Gohan, having hung out with Sharpner and his buddies, has come to learn some teenage slang and curses. He found this quite funny and just laughed.

After the teens got over Sharpner's introduction mishap, they were led on a small tour through the village where they were kindly greeted by the natives. The tour ended at the base of the Tower.

"And this, as you know, is Korin Tower. For generations my family has been in charge of guarding these lands and await a warrior who could climb the tower," Bora informed as he finished the tour.

Surprisingly all four teens were interested in what Upa and Bora had to say during their tour. Sharpner was mostly fascinated with the manliness of living on the land and being a warrior. Erasa got hooked on the clothes and the natural shampoos they made. Videl was awed that so many people could live so peaceful and in harmony with nature. Gohan…well he was simply interested in what became of the two he had heard about from his father's adventures.

"But things changed many years back when I was just a boy," Upa said drawing in his small audience. He could see these were good kids and knowing what two of them were aspiring to do, he felt he should inspire them. "You see one day some bad men came to our land searching for something. This turned out to be a small round orb, almost like a beautiful jewel." At this Gohan smiled, interested in hearing this story from another perspective. He'd always heard stories from his father and his friends, but hearing it from the people they met, that's different.

The other three teens were sitting at the edge of their seats, if they had seats, waiting for the Chief's son to continue.

"This orb was sought after because of the magical power it possessed; the power to grant a wish," Upa informed with enthusiasm. Suddenly three of the teen's faces took on a look of skepticism. Undeterred by the teens, the native warrior continued.

"I can understand if you don't believe me. I was just a boy at the time when my father and I happened across this treasure, but the bad men seeking the wish also found us. My life was saved thanks to a boy not much older than myself. He explained to us the power of the wish and the reason he was searching for them."

"He probably wanted some cool toy," Sharpner suggested with a shrug.

With a punch in the arm and a sharp glare, Videl managed to silence her obnoxious blonde friend. Despite the absurd notion of a magical ball that grants wishes, she was quite interested in this man's story. Her mother, told her to be open minded when meeting with the natives.

"No, in fact the wish was not his goal. You see the ball we found was one of a set of seven and only by gathering all seven can your wish be granted. The boy, who soon became an unforgettable friend, was searching for one ball specifically; a memento that was very important to him." Hearing this made the three teens smile. A boy searching for a precious memento was quite admirable, although foolish. "Despite the orb we found being the one my friend was searching for, things soon turned very bad. A truly evil man was sent in search of the balls in the boy's possession. They sent a mercenary of, at that time, unmatched strength."

"At that time?" Erasa questioned curiously, which earned a knowing grin from Upa.

"Yes," Bora began to speak and continued off where his son left off. The teens didn't miss the saddened smile that took over Upa's features. "Since this man was of pure evil it was my obligation to remove him from our lands, but despite my strength, I was not but a fly to this man," Bora admitted with a slightly shamed smile. The three teens were slack-jawed at the massive man's confession. Though, Gohan knew exactly what Upa and Bora spoke of so in turn knew what would happen next. This and the fact Gohan's reactions were different from his three friends, didn't go unnoticed by the two tribal warriors.

"What the…? Who could treat this huge guy like a fly," was the thought the three city teens shared.

Taking the story back into his hands, Upa continued, "My father was killed with his own spear before I knew what happened."

This bit of news was more than a shock for the three teens, but the shock quickly formed into annoyed disbelief. "That's a nice story, but your father is sitting right there," Videl pointed out with an accusatory glare.

Her reply was a bright smile from Upa. "Our friend was quite angered by the death of my father and was surprised when he charged at the man with all he had." Although Videl wasn't satisfied with being ignored, the three teens resumed listening with more criticizing thoughts in mind. "Although he fared better than my father against this assassin, the boy soon fell just as my father had. Or so I believed. While the man spared my life do to being a mere nuisance, he took only three of the four spheres in the boy's possession. The last was hidden away beneath his shirt where the man delivered the final blow, which in turn saved the boys life. After recovering, my friend knew this man would return for the ball he still possessed. In order to become strong enough to face this foe, he decided to climb the tower."

This made the three teens focus more on the story again. "Maybe this questionable story was just meant for motivation," thought the blonde beauty, hoping this would inspire her two friends. Whether the story was true or not didn't matter to Erasa, she was really enjoying it.

"So this kid actually climbed the tower?" Videl questioned skeptically.

"Wait do these magic ball things have a name?" Sharpner asked, slightly interested in the possibility of a wish.

Upa calmly smiled at the curious teens. "They are called Dragon Balls and yes, my friend was the first who my father and I know of that managed to climb the tower. Just as the evil mercenary returned seeking the Dragon Ball, my friend returned; only four days after he began climbing. This time the battle was just as one sided," Upa told them, causing a chain-reaction of disappointed faces from the three teens. "The only difference was, the one dominating the fight was my friend." With that Upa managed to gain an awed glimmer of hope to shine in the young teen's eyes. "As absurd as this story sounds if there is any truth to this then…I could really become stronger" thought the raven-haired crime fighter.

"After the mercenary was defeated, my friend swore to me he would find all seven Dragon Balls and use the wish to revive my father. I was young and had little knowledge of the outside world, so unlike you young ones I had no reason to doubt his words or the magic these balls held," Upa told them in hopes of opening their minds. Though Videl was still skeptical of the validity of this man's story, the two blondes were less doubtful. All three teens could agree that they may not know as much about the world as they may have liked to believe, but magic? "To retrieve the final ball, we had to seek out a wise and frightening fortune teller. After battling her warriors in place of paying a large sum of money, my friend managed to find the Dragon Ball and with it we returned here were my father lay. Till this day I could never forget what I saw, as he gathered the seven balls right in this very spot," Upa said as he looked at the ground on which they all stood. Erasa gulped, getting drawn into the pace of the story. Even Videl began to forget her earlier doubt. "Although it was mid-day, the sky grew dark; lightning flared, and from these magical balls a dragon arose."

"Dragon," the three teens mimicked.

"Yes a dragon as large as the tower, maybe bigger," The native warrior said, hands raised to the sky to emphasize the size. "My friend spoke without fear and kindly asked the dragon to bring my father back to life. With all my heart I prayed then with a confirmation and a flash of the dragon's eyes, my father burst from the ground where I buried him."

At this point the three teens were frozen in wonder, but the deep voice of Upa's father caught their attention. "I remember clearly being dead, though my memory of what was beyond was vague at best. Seeing my son again and hearing the unbelievable tale from him, I was deeply grateful for what our young friend had done and amazed at the possibilities the world held. My son swore he would become strong just like that boy and he would climb the tower as well. Meeting that mysterious boy riding atop a golden cloud changed our lives forever."

"Unfortunately, I only met him once after that," Upa began again. "But in my youth I met other warriors who also managed to climb the tower…five to be exact."

"Five! So how many people have climbed this tower?" Videl question eagerly, surprised to find that there were quite a few who managed this task.

Sharpner was getting eager as well, "Yeah, and why doesn't anyone know about this? I mean…They would be really strong right?"

Gohan was a bit on edge with the curiosity the blonde teen jock brought forth. "If Videl picks up on this and asks for names…" Gohan thought as he started to panic. Everyone that climbed the tower was someone Gohan knew.

"Well I don't know what became of them after, but nine people including me have climbed this tower since my time," Upa informed with a smile.

"Or not…wait Dad, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, Chiaotzu, Yajirobe, who knows how many centuries ago Roshi climbed the Tower so Upa, and…" No matter how much Gohan thought about it he could only account for six. "That means there are two fighters who have climbed this tower I don't know."

While Gohan was busy with his own thoughts. Videl and Sharpner were getting filled with aspiration. Now they knew this goal was achievable, if only by a few.

"So how long did it take you?" questioned Erasa curiously. Her two long time friends quickly focused back on Upa, feeling slightly dimwitted for not asking themselves. They were the ones climbing the tower after all.

With a thoughtful expression, Upa replied, "The entire journey took me about four months."

"Four months!" Videl shouted in shock. Sharpner's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. The other blonde had sweat run down her brow and felt like fainting just from the thought of climbing for four months.

"Yes well, I was a bit older than you. But the true journey lies at the top of the tower. I never even shared what lied above to my tribesmen. The courage to climb without knowing what lies before you is just another test of the tower."

Gohan smiled when Upa said this. These tribal warriors took this tower seriously and held all the keys to make a strong fighter. "It's no wonder these people are as strong as they are. With proper training they would be amazing."

Sharpner and Videl shared eye contact as they contemplated all they heard, Erasa watched on slightly anxious. This was the moment, to decide whether to move forward or back down. Videl just couldn't bring herself to just say she could do it. For the first time in a long time, no…maybe her entire life, this is the single most difficult obstacle that stood before her. As Gohan watched his friends come to a decision, he felt he needed to help and give them some confidence. He was sure they had the capability or were at least close enough to overcome those limits. What they needed now was confidence and unbreakable spirit.

"A test!" The spikey-haired teen suddenly shouted, which garnered everyone's attention. Everyone looked at him as if he had grown a second head.

Upa, being confused as he was, managed to reply, "Yes a test of courage."

Gohan smiled brightly at him and said, "Not that test."

"Geez Nerd-Boy it's summer, so you don't have to worry about any tests for school. Have you even been listening?" Sharpner said as he put him in a weak head-lock.

Erasa just giggled at the poor Half-Saiyan, while Videl crossed her arms in a huff. Gohan sweat-dropped as he pulled out of the blonde boy's head-lock. "Not that kind of a test. A test for you two," explained the young Saiyan while he gestured to the two fighters.

Videl stared at him with curiosity, while Upa smiled at the prospect; having caught on to what Gohan was suggesting.

"What kind of test did you have in mind, Gohan," Erasa asked curiously.

Gohan had never climbed Korin Tower; at least he never had a need to, so there was no way to gage just how strong they had to be. But Upa has climbed it. "Well," Gohan started with a smile. "If Videl and Sharpner spar against Upa, then he should be able to judge whether you two are strong enough to climb the tower."

Upa smiled brightly at the idea. "I would be happy to."

Videl was actually quite stunned, it was brilliant. "Told ya, having a smarty like Gohan around would be great. Can't solve everything by hitting it," Erasa said with a nudge to Videl's side.

"Yeah, Yeah, but we still have to go easy. We can't climb the tower if we're all banged up." Videl replied with a roll of her eyes, before she added with a pointed glare towards Erasa, "And I don't try to solve everything by hitting it. Though most things usually work out when I do."

"Take it easy and we'll rest here tonight. Then you can get a fresh start in the morning," suggested Gohan.

Sharpner grinned at the idea. "Yeah sounds good to me. Let's do it Videl."

Videl matched him with her usual competitive grin, "Alright I could use some experience against different fighters. But we'll do it one on one."

"Sounds good, I'll be able to test each of you properly," Upa agreed with a smile.

"Well this should be interesting. You are never this anxious to fight, Upa," came a female voice near the group. The teens turned to find a woman not much taller than Erasa making her way towards them. She was slim, beautiful; her face had a calming charm to it. Although she was a bit on the short end you could tell she was a grown woman since she was quite well endowed, which was accented by the child on her waste pressing against them. Gohan and Sharpner both tried to avert their eyes inconspicuously, while Videl blushed. Erasa just wondered if she'd be as buxom when she grew up. Seems the natives here weren't all too familiar with modesty, when their clothes were considered.

"Allow me to introduce my wife and my son, Tula and Balo," Upa said as he smiled fondly at his family.

The four teens respectfully introduced themselves as well. Upa's son Balo climbed down from his mother and approached the four teens with a curious expression, before he smiled and ran off. His hair was tied in a short ponytail; he looked about four or five from what they could tell.

"Don't mind him; he's not use to strangers. Although he enjoys meeting them in hopes of meeting someone like the boy from his father's stories," Tula informed the young teens. "It's a pleasure to have you stay with us. Would you all like something to eat?"

"Food?" Gohan replied as his stomach let out a loud growl in anticipation. He rubbed the back of his head and grinned shyly then admitted, "I could use some food"

His three friends nearly fell over. "Gohan's all consuming stomach strikes again," Videl thought with a sweat-drop.

Erasa just giggled while Sharpner shook his head and replied, "I don't think I'll ever get use to you and your stomach."

Gohan just chuckled as Tula led them to a place to eat. Bora, Upa, Videl, and Sharpner stayed behind for only a moment. "You will find Upa is easily the strongest in our Village," Bora announced with a serious tone, directed at the two teens. "You will find beating him will be equivalent to climbing the tower."

Videl smiled confidently at Upa, "Won't stop me from trying."

"Heh, maybe we'll just do that then," Sharpner added self-assuredly as he flicked some of his hair behind his shoulder.

Upa grinned back boldly as well; even he was quite excited to see what these young teens were capable of. But someone else had his overall attention, as well as Bora's. The young spikey-haired teen with a kind grin, friendly nature, and easily swayed stomach. The one who reacted completely opposite of his friends when they told their story. "This might well turn out to be my second most interesting meeting with an outsider. Only time will tell." Upa thought happily.

A/N: yeah so it's been a while. Kinda got caught up with work, then some new and old manga/anime, a video game binge, etc. I just got completely sidetracked with what I'm doing. But finally back and trying to get more time in for writing. Anyway here's another chapter. Next one should be a bit longer. Again sorry for the wait for all those who were expecting a chapter a lot sooner. Well read and review.