A Leap into the Unknown

"Where... are we?" Gine's voice trembles, barely a whisper over the sudden symphony of this new world.

"Somewhere safe," I reply, keeping my tone even as I scan our surroundings. We had arrived at the black grass plains where I had left, it seemed that there was a fixed point. So if I head back to the Dragon Ball universe I would be in space where Planet Vegeta once was. Taking a deep breath as I added that as a note for later in my brain. The air here tickles the inside of my nose, it was as if the very air was a plate of fresh food.

"Safe? This place looks wild," Tato pipes up, his eyes scanning our surroundings.

"Wild, yes, but free from Frieza's reach." It wouldn't be so bad here, while it would take them time to get used to this place, none of them really posed a threat to what I was trying to make. Someone of the creatures here would honestly wreck me quite easily, not to forget the ones that were even stronger than Bardock, which I wanted to fight once I was strong enough.

The ground beneath us feels alive, almost pulsating with energy that seems to be eating at my ki that was expelled from my body. Though the looks the others had as they looked around made me chuckle, I could never get used to the idea of some of the plants around us. All around us, the landscape teems with life, and the plants... they're nothing like the vegetation on Planet Vegeta or Earth. Their leaves are broader, their stems taller, some exuding a soft glow that provides a natural luminescence the night as their meaty fruits hang within reach.

"Are you sure about this, Celera?" Gine asks, her words laced with a mother's concern that stretches beyond the immediate present.

"Trust me," I answer. "This place, A universe where the gourmet cells thrive, where everything is more... intense."

"Intense how?" Hanasia's question comes from behind me, tinged with curiosity.

"Every sense is heightened. What we taste, smell, see... It's all amplified here." I pause, letting the reality of our situation sink in. "But you all will first begin to weaken, As your body lack Gourmet cells it will enter a state of awakening forcing it to adapt."

"Adapt..." Gine repeats softly, her gaze lingering on the alien skyline. "Saiyan's have always been good at that, haven't we?"

"Yes," I affirm, "We're Saiyan's. No matter the universe, we fight, we endure, we overcome."

"Then let's get moving," Hanasia out, "No use standing around when there's a whole new world to explore."

"Agreed." I step forward, leading the group away from the landing site. For now, I would have to lead them to the Gourment Corps site here, So they would be able to eat some low-grade food to help introduce Gourment cells to their bodies.

I lead the way, pushing through a thicket of foliage while munching on some meat fruits. The leaves are thick and rubbery, some shimmering with an oily sheen that smelled of steak sauce. However, I did have to stop the others from eating it, As I didn't know what grading this food was and if their weakening bodies could handle it.

"Look at that!" Tato exclaims voice tinged with a mix of wonder and caution.

My gaze follows the outstretched arm to where a cluster of creatures grazes on crystalline grass near a lake. Their six-legged bodies are covered in scales that seem to glow, and as we watch, one rears back, revealing a set of gills fluttering along its ribcage. It's a sight straight out of a fever dream, yet here they are, living and breathing just yards away from us.

"Never seen anything like 'em," I mutter, more to myself than to anyone else. There's an itch at the back of my mind, a tugging sense of familiarity, but it's vague, elusive. Toriko and his friends had shown me some of the creatures here on this site, but I couldn't remember if this was one of the ones they had talked about.

"Keep moving," I instruct firmly. "And stay alert. We don't know if they're friendly or..." I trail off, unwilling to jinx us by voicing the alternative. They were pretty strong, Around Gine's level of strength that was currently weakening. 

We navigate around the herd, giving them a wide berth. My senses are dialed up to eleven, and every sound and movement is scrutinized. The others follow suit.

"Can you make any sense of this place, Celera?" Gine's voice is steady but her eyes betray the uncertainty as she wiped away tears from her face.

"Bits and pieces," I reply, scanning the horizon for landmarks or threats. "It's not my first time here, and while It was only for a short time I hadn't managed to learn as much as I would have liked."

"wait what do you mean it's not your first time here?" Hanasia asked from beside me as I was forced to slow down my walking speed to make sure they weren't left behind.

"Well remember the time I was away, I was spending time here." These words cause them to become silent. And as I turned to look at them, The ground trembled beneath us, a low rumble that crescendos into a roar. Instinctively, I dropped into a defensive stance, putting them behind me as I scanned for the source.

"Something's coming," I warn, power pooling around my body in a light pink color of Ki.

"From above!" Gine shouts warns.

Eyes snap upwards, and there it is, a large bird swooping down, its massive wings displacing the air with thunderous beats. I've never seen a creature so odd, a chicken's head with the body of an ostrich but it had wings like that of a Hawk, and yet... strangely appetizing.

"Stay behind me!" I call out, voice laced with both command and reassurance. "I can handle this!"

As the creature descends, I spring forward, flying into the air and striking it in the head. The dance of battle is a familiar one, and even in this bizarre world, the rhythm remains unchanged. As We fought in the air, It tried to peak chucks of my body while I shot it with Ki blasts. Luckily as it tried to screech I threw a breaker shot into its mouth causing it to swallow it and with a loud explosion in its stomach, causing it to die. 

Damn, I should have held back so I could have eaten it. Looking at the red mist the remained of the bird. Sighing I landed and began Leading the group again.

"Thank you, Celera," Gine says, her voice a measured mix of relief and wariness. She trails behind me, eyes wide as she takes in the surroundings. "For getting us out alive."

Her gratitude washes over me, but I sense the unspoken questions lingering between us. I offer a nod, keeping my gaze on the path ahead. "ah I wasn't going to let any of you die if I could help it."

"ah yes of course," Gine muses, stepping over a root larger than her leg, "but I can't help wondering... why didn't you tell the others about this place?"

I hesitate, my steps faltering for a fraction of a second. The question pricks at the back of my mind a reminder of choices made in desperation. "It was a last-minute call," I replied, careful to keep my tone neutral. "Besides I wouldn't have told anyone for the simple fact they would tell Frieza or try to take over this world.."

"Last-minute or not," Gine presses, her confusion seeping into her words like the first drops of a brewing storm, "it doesn't sit right with me. How did you even learn about this place?"

A part of me wants to divert her attention, to tell her to focus on the now, the strange beasts, and the new world that demands our attention. But I owe her this much, at least the semblance of an explanation. Gine is not just any Saiyan; she's the mother of Kakarot. And one of the very few kind Saiyan. She deserves to know why her son isn't by her side.

"Look around us, Gine," I say, gesturing to the bountiful yet bizarre landscape. "This place is unlike anything we've known. It's... complex. The escape route wasn't meant for everyone. I had saved those I could, sadly Kakarot wasn't in the wing I had saved those babies at. After that event security was raised and I didn't have a chance to save him." I lied there but it would be for the best if Kakarot was on earth. "As for how I know about this place is complicated."

She absorbs my words, her gaze drifting off to the horizon where the sky bleeds into hues that have no name. "It's hard to accept," she admits, voice barely above a whisper.

"Trust," I echo, feeling the weight of that word. Maybe she would come to hate me, that was something I could live with.

"Let's keep moving," I suggest, sensing her need to process this. 

"Agreed," Gine replies, steeling herself. Her eyes meet mine, and there's a flash of something fierce within them.

"Celera," Hanasia murmurs beside me, her voice edged with the urgency of unanswered questions. "Where are we? This place... it is not like any I have known."

I glance at her, the unease in her eyes reflecting the strangeness surrounding us. The thick air is heavy with scents I cannot identify, and the sky above shimmers with the colors of stars. I pause mid-step, steeling myself for the revelation I am about to impart.

"This," I begin, my voice steady, "is what I call the Toriko universe." I watch her take in my words, her brow furrowing as she tries to understand.

"Toriko? Another universe?" she asks, her confusion palpable.

"Exactly." I push forward, leading us through a landscape dotted with bizarre flora that towers over us like silent sentinels. "There isn't just one universe, Hanasia. There's a multitude out there, each one different, each one unique."

A rustle in the underbrush has us both on guard, as I sensed something far weaker than even the weakened Gine. no threat emerges, only the skittering of some unseen creature fleeing our approach.

"Then why here?" she presses, her tone laced with skepticism. "Why not another?"

"Because this one would be the best for us Saiyan's, compared to other ones." oh she was asking some of the right questions it seemed. "This place can sustain us and even help us thrive."

"Thrive..." Her voice trails off, and when I look at her, there's a dawning comprehension in her gaze. She understands the stakes, even if the full scope eludes her. " So we will conquer this world?"

"No!" Sighing, it seemed she didn't understand. "There are people and even animals in this world that would make King Vegeta look weak. We are going to leave behind our Conquering ways and start over fresh."

"Since we were forced to work for Frieza look where that had led us," I continue, my pace quickening. "We Saiyan's weren't always like this, and I know Gine knows what I'm talking about. So, it's time for us all, or what's left of us to think hard about what we plan to do from now on. And this universe" I gesture expansively at the world around us, "offered us a sanctuary, a fresh start."

Gine nods slowly, her mind grasping the stark reality we faced. "Frieza would have destroyed us, and because of the civil war we had to become conquers" she concedes, her voice a whisper against the backdrop of this strange new world.

"He Destroyed and delighted in it, removing our race because we were growing stronger" I affirm, my throat tight with the truth of those words. My chest heaves with the effort of explaining, of justifying, but the necessity of our survival and becoming something similar to universe 6.

"This is a changing point for us. Once again we are down to a handful," Gine states, resolving to harden her features. "This is where we ensure our new legacy, the legacy of the people of planet Sadala and the people of Planet Vegeta. We should aim to be better."

"Indeed," I agree, feeling a surge of pride for her acceptance, and her willingness to start over. It might seem foolish, but why not just conquer another world back in the Dragon Ball Universe? Because I wanted to end that cycle. " We all must stay alive now."

"Alive," she whispers, but the word tastes bitter on her tongue. She looks up at me, tears brimming in her eyes, grappling with an unfamiliar foe, helplessness.

"Surviving isn't just about continuing to breathe, Celera." Her voice breaks as she speaks. "It's about keeping your heart beating with purpose. What purpose do I have now, without them?"

"Your purpose is to live, Gine. To honor their memory by fighting on," I say with conviction, though my own heart feels like lead. "We'll find a way to thrive here, to make sure their sacrifices weren't in vain. But once I figure out a few things I promise you I will find Kakarot and Raditz."

She nods slowly, the anger receding as sorrow carves deeper lines into her face.

"Then let's move forward," she says, wiping the tears with the back of her hand. "Show me this world where the rest of our people you saved are at."

"Follow me," I command, leading the way through the dense underbrush. With each step, we distance ourselves from the painful past and edge closer to an uncertain future. I steal a glance at Gine, her jaw set, her eyes resolute. It's clear she hasn't forgiven me, and perhaps she never will. The air is thick with scents that defy description; it's both sweet and pungent, setting my senses alight. I can feel Gine's gaze boring into my back, her presence a silent storm brewing behind me.

"Celera," Tato's voice cuts through the hum of unfamiliar wildlife, "how do you know this place will be any safer from Frieza?"

"Because" I begin, my voice steady, "Frieza doesn't even know this universe exists. We are off his radar here."

"what if he finds a way over here?" He asked.

"Trust me," I said while I could see the outline of the Gourmet Corp site. "He wouldn't have the power to do so."

"Let's keep moving," I suggest, hoping action might soothe the ache. "We need to reach that place before you three pass out."

"Where are you taking us?" Tato asks, his voice tinged with a mix of awe. He stumbles over a gnarled root, catching himself on a tree trunk that looks more like twisted metal than wood.

"To the Gourment Corp," I answer.

"Can we even fight here?" Hanasia grunts, swinging her arm to test. "Feels like I have no strength."

"You will be after eating," I concede, glancing back at their uneasy faces. "I know that sounds odd but trust me." My reassurance feels hollow, but it's all I have to offer.

Gine walks beside me, her steps measured, her eyes distant. She's been quiet since the revelation, digesting the gravity of our situation. The others respect her silence, sensing the turmoil that boils beneath her calm exterior.

"Saving them..." Gine starts, her voice cracking, "Was it truly impossible?"

I stop, turning to face her, the rest of the group halting behind me. Her gaze holds mine, searching for an honesty that hurts to give.

"It was," I say firmly. "Bardock... was fighting up in space and Kakarot... was sent off the planet before I arrived. If I had tried, we would've perished alongside them."

Her fists clench at her sides, a silent battle raging within her. "I made a choice, Gine," I continue. "A choice to save who I could. You... the others... you're alive because of that choice."

She nods slowly, the ghost of acceptance flickering across her features. "I know," she whispers, her voice barely carrying over the hum of the forest. "It doesn't make it hurt any less."

"Nothing will," I admit. "But I can promise you that Kakarot and Raditz's are both alive."

As we push through a thicket, I catch sight of a figure approaching, their silhouette was small but slicing through the underbrush with ease. It's a native, a denizen of these parts, and I'm struck by the familiarity.

"Toriko!" I call out, my voice imbued with warmth and relief.

The boy rushed to reach us, with hair as blue as the sky above, comes into full view, a smile playing on his lips. "Celera! Your back"

"I am, and this is my team and motherly figure," I reply, gesturing to my companions, who regard him with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you all." He said heartily. His eyes, sharp and discerning, sweep over the group. "You look like you could use a good meal. Follow me."

We fall into step behind Toriko, whose confidence in this world is as palpable as the energy that courses through my veins.

"Who is he?" Gine whispers as we traverse a particularly lush glade.

"An ally," I respond, watching as Toriko deftly sidesteps a plant that snaps at his heels. "We're going to need them here."

"Ah, company," a new voice rings out, and we're suddenly flanked by a small group of Toriko's comrades—each with an air of capability that speaks of untold adventures. "Welcome to our world."

"Thank you," I say, taking in their formidable presence. Sunny, Zebra and Coco were waiting by a fire. 

"Let's get you all fed," Toriko declares, leading us to a clearing where the scent of roasting meat fills the air. "Then we can talk about your next move."

"Food that fights back?" Hanasia muses, eyeing a sizzling hunk of a beast with intrigue. "Sounds like a challenge worthy of a Saiyan."

"Exactly," I reply, feeling the primal thrill of anticipation. Happy to see them taking their minds off of what happened.

"Listen up," I begin, my voice cutting through the hush that has fallen over us. "This universe—it's different. It's wild, untamed. The food chain here is more of a food web, intricate and deadly."

Across from me, Hanasia watches intently, her warrior's stance relaxed but ready. Her brow furrows slightly, soaking in every word. I can almost hear the gears turning in her head as she processes this new, bizarre reality.

"Every creature, plant, even the terrain itself—it's alive in ways you've never seen before." Toriko pointed towards a bush with berries that seemed to shimmer with an inner light. "Take those, for instance. They might grant incredible strength, or they could be lethal. Here, knowledge is as crucial as strength."

"Seems like everything's got a bit of a fight to it," Gine remarks, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. She plucks a leaf from a nearby branch, watching as it wriggles free from her grip and skitters away.

"Exactly," Sunny affirms with a nod. "And that's why you four must learn quickly."

"Respect the laws of nature here," Toriko continues, striding over to a stream where the water flows uphill. "Gravity, elements, time—they might all behave differently. Observe, learn, and use it to your advantage."

"Sounds like we'll need to stay on our toes," Hanasia chimes in, her tone laced with anticipation.

"Always," I agree, grinning.