3 Red Ribbon Subjugation p.I

The passage of time was a constant, as six years had elapsed since Lucian and Hakurei had met at the side of the lake and since, the red-haired and green-eyed boy had settled into life at the Town of Brayberry Hills on the edge of the northern wastelands and had taken up occupation in repairing the technological devices which the town at large or her residents had managed to scrounge for such as the new chefs automatron station which can easily prepare a meal in one-quarter the time of a professional chef and required none the skill, which was in the town's commisary.

However in recent days not all had remained quiet as the town had been visited by thugs of Red Ribbon Holdings in an attempt to push the settlers living within the Town of Brayberry Hill further north and instead turn the fertile land into a robotics laboratory and assembly. Hakurei heard the news immediately, upon returning home. Hakurei greeted by a teenage lady with light blue hair on this particular morning, riding on her hoverbike which very clearly bore the insignia of Capsule Corporation upon it. Everyone knew Capsule Corporation and Red Ribbon Holdings were rivals.

"Hello, I've heard that a strong warrior of the Umohga Tribe, Patal, lives within this village. I would like to hire Patal to teach those Red Ribbon Jerks a lesson!" spoke the blue-haired girl with a hint of kindness. The one she had spoken to was the old lady responsible for ensuring the village kept clean and the villagers fed. Of course Mulberry had heard of tales of the fierce Umohga tribe but knew the secret that these rumours were maintained to protect the peaceful Umohga who didn't desire to harm fellow men. She shook her head listlessly.

"I've never heard Patal, and Brayberry Hills is a town and not a village. The village I believe you speak of is twenty-two kilometers northwest where there are no roads or roadsigns as I'm sure you're used to in West City. Furthermore, wolves frequent as far as a half-kilometer north of this village so you'd have your work cut out for you." spoke the old maid in her kindest tone she could muster, though one may be able to tell the old maid wasn't exactly the kindest to young brats that came to the wasteland seeking adventure.

"My apologies, but compared to West City, this town seems very small. Now then, is there no-one in this town capable of standing up to the Red Ribbon Army?" The teen said with intentional distraught in her voice. Hakurei's ears pricked up when he heard mention of the Red Ribbon Army and quickly looked over towards the origin of the commotion, at Bulma Briefs, heir to Capsule Corporation. While it was true that West City was the closest major settlement and Mt. Paozu was also not far away, he had not expected this.

At that moment, Hakurei stood at the door leading into his workshop having stopped to speak with Lucien before planning to get to work, who had just arrived before his shop as the Tanuki did commonly each morning. Hakurei thought, would this not be the perfect time to acquire Goku and prevent the mistake that he had allowed in the prime timeline? Hakurei smiled to Lucien. "Would you like to leave with me on an adventure? We'll gain a new friend along the way, gain experience in combat, and do the world a favor should we be successful."

"I'm not sure we're ready for such a challenge, but I'll follow you." responded Lucien, receiving a nod from Hakurei. They had become close in these six years, basically inseparable childhood friends. Hakurei and Lucien would plot new adventures when not busy with work around the village and by now Lucien would understand that Hakurei would always protect her when things got dicey. And so they both stepped into Hakurei's workshop and headed off to go pack up for the new adventure. Hakurei packed quick then headed out.

"Ahh, fair lady! I've heard you are searching for warriors to subjugate the Red Ribbon Army! Leave that to my friend and I, even though we are young we are quite skilled in combat." Hakurei said, smiling warmly. Bulma looked over towards the voice but only found a red/headed boy where she was expecting to see a warrior. Her face contorted in concern for the boy, then looked back to the old maid who had by now been joined by the elderly town mayor. The old maid smiled almost sarcastically while the town mayor grinned.

"This 'Boy' as I'm sure you're thinking, is this town's most valiant defender. When the town was attacked by wolves and dinosaurs, both times this boy protected the townsfolk of Brayberry Hills. He would serve you as a most stalwart warrior." spoke the Mayor, bringing surprise to the face of Bulma. Defeating wolves was one thing, but defeating large dinosaurs meant he'd be able to fight against the Red Ribbon's forces. It seemed to Bulma that she shouldn't judge the book by its cover in this situation then.

"Very well, then. I'm Bulma Briefs. Since we'll be traveling together, may I ask your name?" inquired Bulma, just as the Tanuki Lucien arrived as well to the side of Hakurei. The pre-teen gracefully approached Bulma and quickly took a knee and took the hand of the girl into his. Hakurei placed a tender kiss upon Bulma's left hand, and spoke deeply in reply to her. He'd already planned to make her his own due to his knowledge of events due to reincarnation into this world.

"Yes, darling Bulma. You may know that my name is Hakurei, however my friend calls me Rei so now you may as well." Hakurei said, releasing her hand. He thought perhaps he was being too forward with his age in mind, but knew he had to strike while the iron was hot. As for Bulma, she was at-first taken aback however not for long, as she was charmed by this boy's cute appearance and noble demeanor. She thought, give it about four years and maybe just maybe she could see them dating. For now she stored her hover-bike.

"We'll head to Mt. Paozu then to the nearest Red Ribbon Stronghold.", replied Hakurei. Both he and Lucien flew into the sky, while Bulma activated a capsule for her aero-bike and quickly mounted it.  The three of them burst away from the Town of Brayberry Hill, it was goodbye for now, and head off towards the nearby Mt. Paozu. Flying throughout the air instead of taking the road, it wouldn't take them more than a half-hour before reaching the peak where a young boy about Hakurei's age walked out of an old house.