Return for The Wrong Reasons (Oboe)

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Only days had passed since the events at the Temple of Porunga. Now empowered by the ancient knowledge and experiences of the former Guru’s of Namek – Oboe found himself relaxing on one very random off-day within the confines of his father’s old space faring vessel. The rarity of having time to oneself was a luxury he had not been afforded much as of late, so Oboe was finally making time to go through his father’s old ready room. Though he’d had the ship for months, it had taken quite a long time for the Sage to make his way through his predecessor’s old journals.

Oboe had found each entry riveting. His father had kept himself busy throughout the years when he was known as “The Glorious Strategist”. Namekians, by nature, were very insular individuals – choosing to stay clear of conflict and war as it went against their way of life. Even through all of that raising however, Saw – Oboe’s Father – Had never seen the actions he had taken in life as necessarily bad or good. Simply a learning experience in every way! As he fell deep within a tome, a ripple of understanding caused his thoughts to interrupt. Stopping in mid-read, the Namekian would stare up at the metallic ceiling of his ship, gazing past the bulkhead and into the beyond itself.

Power. Pure, Unbridled, Immense. That was the first thing Guru had felt and it caused goosepimples to scatter across his somewhat exposed flesh. Something was coming to Planet Namek and from the feel of it, the force of which it held within its own frame was more than enough to rend the planet to ash with but little effort. Oboe was immediately concerned – but he couldn’t shake an undeniable feeling from wandering about in his own mind. Only a few days had passed since he’d restored the Dragon Balls to their original functional form. Could this great power surging through the cosmos and breaking through the toposphere be coming for the orbs? Was the rest of the universe made aware of his planet’s new awakening now?!

Oboe, in his worry, placed the tome back on the desk where he’d found it and began making his way towards the main bulkhead where he’d exit his ship and gaze upon the blue-green sky above with vested interest. Calming his breathing and looking out, Guru would suddenly notice the brilliant golden orange hum of light that came with entry. What was more advantageous was the trajectory of the vessel gave him the idea that it was going to land not so far from his current position – here – in Guru’s Village (Oro’s Village). How fortuitous – and strange – that as of late, since the conflict with the Saiyans and WTF more and more visitors had slowly begun to make their way to the green solitary gemstone in the middle of nowhere. This reason among so many others had been the cause of Oboe going out of his way to encounter and meet every individual whom had landed upon his world.

To that end, The Sage would take to the sky – brilliant white flames encapsulating his form – before exploding with his highest speed towards the now crashing projectile. The Namekian heard the sonic boom of impact before he’d ever lay eyes upon the vessel; but even from this distance he was very aware of its distinct physical shape and design. It reminded him intently of the vessel Tarch had used to leave Namek months ago. The closer he got to the source of the sound, the more smoke and debris he encountered. It took very little time, but eventually Oboe would come across the traveler moving away, by foot, from his spacepod. Having gone through painstaking effort to obscure his power, Oboe was confident that he’d possibly made it without notice to the young what appeared to be man. Calling out, Oboe hoped he would not regret his next actions;

“Hello there traveler! Welcome to Namek – I hope nothing has happened to cause you discomfort! I’ll be right there – please, wait a moment!” Oboes voice was friendly as he called out – but there was a level of authority to it should the other care to oblige. Regardless, the Namekian would slowly descend to the ground below with the hope to encounter this traveler and find their purpose for coming. It wasn’t until he came closer that the sheer fact slammed into him like a fist to the gut. This was a Saiyan!

The name was unfamiliar to him, unlike the species he represented. His kind and respectful bow was met with one of his own as Oboe bent low to mimic the motion. Listening to the words with vested interest, Oboe quirked a metaphorical eyebrow at the question posed to him; “You wouldn’t happen to know which way the Guru’s Village is, do you? I –“. Oboe nodded slowly as he digested the question, giving off the appearance he was in thought – as if wondering the locale himself. Humming lightly as if trying to bring the thought to mind, the Namekian considered the words of the Saiyan.

His comment about not introducing himself before? That gave tell that this Saiyan had come with Nashua, Tarch and Ochra during the troubled times of the previous conflict. Had he come back because of the Dragon Balls resurgence into the world itself? Was the timing just a coincidence? Oboe decided to play it cool – not wishing to reveal his hand quite so soon. After all, if this Saiyan was here for violence ( a fact he clearly doubted ) revealing himself as Guru right away may not be the best gamble.

“I believe I do know where you could find the Grand Elders village. I can take you there as well if you’d like! A sort of…guide if you will. Though, from the sounds of it you may know your way around a bit since you’ve been here before Mr. Vocado. Allow me to introduce myself; I am known as Oboe. I’d be happy to show you the way, but of course…a question if I’m not being too intrusive. What do you need from Guru? Surely you couldn’t of flown all the way here on a whim to say Hello…”

The Sage listened intently to each word with a warm and friendly look upon his face. Nodding as he regarded the wish orbs as Sacred – which they were – Oboe would hold his tongue about the cost of the wish that had been made, the tenuous nature of such a peace that had so far been self-serving to one side. No, while he would consider the notion, not forgetting the heavy toll the last visit from outsiders had taken on his home world, he would instead gesture with his arm towards the east as he offered his directions and own words.

“Generous in your honor to our Guru! Come, the Village is this way; I shall guide you.” His friendly tone matching his friendly smile – this Namekian truly represented the very foundation of his people’s views on forgiveness and remembrance. It was clear he held no disdain for the man before him.

Waiting for the traveler to begin walking, Oboe would carry on just slightly ahead of him as the high-noon sun shone down upon them from above. The walk itself would take them both approximately ten minutes, a testament to the good aim of the Saiyan’s landing. As the duo would continue forth, the Namekian would pose himself into a position to where he’d hoped to stir conversation between himself and this stranger.

“I think Guru will be very appreciative of your kind words Mr. Vocado; Truly, while the last visit from your people may not have been coupled with the best of circumstances – I do think our new leader has a soft spot for your race. He has spoken highly of the Saiyans; Nashua, Ochra and even the young one – Tarch, always in good spirits. I think he recognized the plight of your people under the yoke of the Trade Fleet. We’re all too familiar with the actions of hostile people trying to enslave others.” Oboe quieted at this last bit, though while a look of sadness had crossed his appearance, he swiftly shook it off and returned to his smiling façade.

“So…” He paused as he looked at the larger of the two of them. The sheer power that radiated from his figure was impossible to understand. A testament, of course, to Porunga’s touch. “…did the wishes work out for the better? Were your people able to liberate your home finally?” There was genuine concern and curiosity in this tone. Since their departure, Oboe had frequently thought of Ochra, Nashua and Tarch. He wondered if their paths had led them to their desires…

Oboe nodded as the Saiyan acknowledge Nashua and Tarch as two of his peoples kinder and good-natured individuals. His question however about the previous Guru of course did cause a somber appearance to cross his facial features. Sighing sadly, he looked at the visitor as he slowly spoke and chose his words. The tone was full of grief as he spoke, an indication immediately that something had indeed happened.

“…Unfortunately, Our Previous Guru was unable to withstand the pain of our planet’s turmoil from the previous visit of your people and those of the Trade Fleet. Shortly after your wish was made, our Leader – whom held out as long as he could – finally returned to the land of Dragons, leaving us without him…”

The silence that followed was deafening. The declaration, though not pointed at the Saiyan or his people, did come off somewhat accusatory if only be way of the scenario. It was quite clear that this particular Namekian did not seem to blame the Saiyans, but it was a good indication as to whether or not the rest of his people had felt the same. The months had not been easy for the Namekians as they slowly – but surely – rebuilt their planet and their homes from the damage that had been left behind. Shaking the look off of his face, Oboe returned a smiling look at the Saiyan as he indicated with triumph the planet’s success in routing the Fleet.

“Excellent, I’m glad to hear no one was hurt…though, I never met a Queen Kayen before…I’ll have to take your hinted words for her nature.”

He let the words hang in the air for a time as the village’s spire came into view. As the Saiyan asked, Oboe nodded and would agree that flight could be the best route. Ignoring the comment about wishing to speak a request to Guru, Oboe would float upward with ease. Motioning down towards the other to follow suit, the Namekian would find himself swiftly engulfed in white flames before rushing towards the village at speeds unbefitting his power rating.

Through the air it would take nearly a minute to make it to the village – less if the person happened to be trained in flight and knew how to adjust their speed. Though now there, Oboe didn’t come to land atop the Spire as the Saiyan had predicted; Instead, landing just outside of the village before a large bronze and copper structure. Its design made it look like a building, but the landing-legs made it clear that this was not a permeant structure. As he waited for the Saiyan to arrive, he’d call out to Vocado upon his landing;

“Since the untimely death of our last Guru, our new leader finds it best to move around frequently. Though no violence came to him directly upon the last group of visitors – he felt it safer for himself and our kind for him to keep moving until the Dragon Balls return to their Inert status. Come!” Oboe explained as he entered the ship from the top. Standing atop the platform, his form would disappear as it lowered into the antechamber within. The very first floor, where the lift pad would stop, was sparsely decorated. The curved, circular wall making a corner impossible – yet still, presented on display, was a regal throne with dragon heads carved into the arm rests. A large mural of Porunga had been painstakingly etched into the stonework; Quite obviously the chair of Guru. Oboe waited quietly for the Saiyan to enter, his mind curious as to how he would react within.

Oboe smile and offered a generous chuckle as the Namekian moved to the Seat. He spoke softly as he approached the magnificent centerpiece, not chastising the Saiyan but politely teasing in a gentle way. “I don’t think he’ll mind, after all – an appointment was not needed when you were greeted by the very person you wished to see. Welcome, Saiyan…” Oboe took his seat and inclined with his head as he formally welcomed the Warrior to his homeworld. A shift happened in his tone as if suddenly he was speaking towards the man for the first time, his words searching his feelings and examining his intent.

“I am the one you Seek – Guru of Planet Namek. I apologize for the deception; Im sure you can understand, I needed to know if you were initially trustworthy. As you showed no ill will, I found it appropriate to hear your request. Please, relax; Tell me how I can be of service to a member of the Saiyan Race? A Friend of Nashua’s or Ochra’s is of course a friend of mine.”

Oboe meant every word he spoke and it was clearly indicative in the mannerisms in which he stated each word. The Namekian clearly had a good opinion of the Saiyans having not blamed them directly for the happenings on their homeworld only months prior. Though he still had admonished a few of them for needing to abuse his planet’s Wish Orbs for the desire and need of power, he had understood after having had it explained by Ochra that the World Trade Fleet had captured their planet and left most of them homeless. Rudderless in the storm of stars, unsure of what to do next.

The Namekians could empathize with their classic enemies made allies. Their needs to restore their homeworld had been a worth while endeavor so he was happy to hear everything had worked out without need of loss of life. Now, wondering what this new traveler wished to ask of him, Guru sat patiently and waited; His ears perked and ready to hear anything and everything the visitor had to say…

He had felt initially bad at deceiving the Saiyan, but in his own good spirited way it seemed that Vocado had understood the nature and reason of his deception and had instantly gone to apologize to him for not realizing it! The Saiyans were indeed a respectful and powerful race of warriors. He was beginning to see why his ancestors had found them allies in dark times. Smiling, he nodded as he stated;

“There’s nothing to apologize for Mr. Vocado. Please – speak your heart”.

Oboe patiently listened to every word uttered by the Saiyan. His desire to pay respect and once again ask to search for and use the Dragon Balls. That part did cause the smile to fade a bit as to Oboe, whom had grew up on Namek revering and worshiping the awesome might of Porunga and having been taught to not abuse the wishlords power, this was against everything he’d been taught. Before he could protest however, the Saiyan had continued, expressing his original desire to raze their planet as his ancestors once had – a clear indication that war may never end between the two opposite races. A pity.

“You’re wise Mr. Vocado. It is very correct that such wanton destruction would do nothing to end the conflicts. If anything, destruction begets destruction; Only through attempted peace may understanding come. In understanding comes friendship and finally peace. I approve of your decision not to fall to your baser instincts.”

Nodding his head forward, Vocado continued speaking of a desire to acst a wish that would help end all future wars. A true desire to plant the seeds to sow peace – his exact words! – which was something Oboe could understand and agree with wholeheartedly. Even if he didn’t quite understand the implications or nature of such a wish, if peace was remotely obtainable could he truly deny it to the Saiyans? Could he look their former king in the eyes and with a cold heart tell him No? A conundrum indeed…

The Saiyan knelt before him and Oboe immediately stood up, moving over to the man and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder as he motioned for him to rise. “Please, I’m not a king…Simply a priest whom tries his best to lead his people – I need not be bowed to and there need not be any show of reverence. Your people and mine – though lately our history have been a bit troubled with the amount of conflict – have always enjoyed a friendship that extended thousands of years. We were taught this during our time segregated from the rest of the galaxy.”

Oboe’s warm smile returned as he nodded to Vocado;

“Of course, You have my permission to search for our Wish Orbs. Your offer to help repay the cost of using them comes at an opportune time….”

Oboe turned his back and began walking back to his chair. His voice continued as he explained his own version of the situation. “I’ve been considering how best to utilize the Dragon Balls myself – ever since I brought them back into existence…I agree that your wish is important and as such I offer my services in pursuit of such things. Peace is a virtue and I’d be a fool to turn my back on such attempts at such.”

Oboe Paused. Regarding Vocado up and down – he deemed the man worthy of hearing his own desires;

“However, my people are also in need. Since the conflicts on our planet – spanning much further than my own age – we have lost quite a lot of our history. Ever since our original homeworld was destroyed, we’ve been lacking in some of our knowledge. I wish to restore that to my people – I wish to bring back the most ancient and important temples of our people so that we can once again learn from our past and bring a much more potent age of prosperity!”

Oboe smiled as he finished. Looking at Vocado, he then asked; “So, Mr. Vocado; If I let you search for our Wish Orbs, will you help me help my own people? Im sure you’re aware from your last use that Porunga can grant more than either of our individual desires. There’s plenty of wish remaining for the two of us…what say you? Do you think this an amicable arrangement?”

The Guru of Namek would pause and wait for a response. He was hopeful, of course, the Saiyan would agree to the terms. However, in the chance that he would not, Oboe would not beholden the man’s decision. He felt the need to explain that and so he added;

“If not, do not fret over how that may come off. I assure you, your respectful mannerisms make you more than worthy to search for them on your own. I simply figured I may ask this favor of Namek, to you – Saiyan.” The last part was filled with warmth, a difference to how the Arcosians referred to their kind.