Though Athren's most recent habits had been putting him to bed rather early compared to his past life,  tonight was rather different. The night sky was black with not even the glow of the moon. There was nothing to illuminate the area aside from the few lanterns in the streets and the crimson lights that were embedded in the river.   The day was a much busier day than usual, Athren was contributing more and more with the chores around the town and helping the families out more on an individual level, trying to fill their requests and help them with their needs. He wanted this place to be a very easy place to live, one that didn't require a lot of effort and very few struggles.

Athren had spent most of his life working his way up through the saiyan ranks, trying to become the strongest and the best. Once upon a time he wanted his name to be known, he fought for everything he had and all the pwoer he acquired and he didn't want that life for these fine people. He wanted to give them a different approach at life and with the saiyan being so used to the struggle, so adapted to getting everything the hard way, it was easy for him and if he could save these innocent people from living a life similar to his old one, he absolutely would.
Working throughout the day usually tired the saiyan out, but today it gave him more energy than he really knew what to do with so in the middle of the night, Athren would take a moment to train.

He found himself in his ship in the gravity chamber, though it didn't quite give the benefits it used to it was still a very good method to blow off some steam and put his body to work. He knew that eventually somebody would once again come to the planet to cause trouble, blow up cities and even try to conquer it and if nobody else would step up to the plate, he'd have no choice. With Callion gone and the few warriors Athren knew being weaker than him, he really felt like he may have been Earth's last line of defense. It wasn't a position he wanted but it was one he would take if necessary. He knew that Callion was Earth's hero.

Callion had been a selfless warrior, always concerned about others more than himself. He was truly noble and strong. He always tried to see the best in everybody too and would even show mercy in a fight. Athren knew he could never be like that, he didn't have it in him. Though Athren had managed to calm down over the last year and start seeing the brighter more peaceful side of life, he was still a saiyan warrior to the core. He was raised to fight, bred to kill his enemies and never show mercy. He was taught that the strong survive and the weak perish and it was still something he lived by. He knew that he'd never have Callion's moral compass or the abilities to train people as well as Callion but if he could at least set them on the right path and help get them stronger, he'd have to try.

Though while Athren had been training in his gravity chamber, he would've sensed an individual in his village that he hadn't sensed before. Compared to his own strength, this individual was rather weak but compared to a majority of the Earth, he was far above average. Now this wasn't something that was enough to bring any type of concern to Athren but it did bring questions. Most visitors didn't venture through during the night, they'd make their way here during the day and Athren couldn't help but allow the time period of this persons visit to assume that this person was nothing more than a looter, a thief, a trouble maker. He'd have to investigate.

Quickly Athren would lock onto the persons power level and instant transmission a few meters behind them. He'd stare down the person who had been in his village before making himself known.  "You know, it's strange for somebody to come roaming through this late at night.  I'd explain yourself, and I'd explain quickly."

It wasn't that Athren was necessarily seeking a fight but he was in a defensive mode to protect everything he had build here for the people. They had become the biggest priority in his life and mostly everything he did, he did it for them and nobody was going to take that way from him. They were his people and he'd gladly die for them in an instant if he had too. 

Athren's attire was rather simple, it was his casual outfit that he typically wore. Black Tee, Red Arm bands, black pants and currently he would have found himself in his super saiyan form.  Of course he didn't transform because of the individual, he was just using it to train but this form and outfit could've been more than enough to make him recognizable.

With the battle of South City and Liari's defeat being very public, there was lots of images and videos captured by those brave enough to stay that caught evidence of the fight and those involved and given Athren was primarily responsible for the defeat of Liari, he may have been well known to the eye, even if his name wouldn't be that well known.  Though regardless, at this point there was nothing more to do except for wait for an explanation.  Maybe this man had business here or needed help, or maybe he really was up to no good. Athren would just have to wait and see but depending on this mans answer, would depend on how these next few minutes went.  He better hope that he wasn't going to try anything, because unlike Callion.. Athren didn't mind finishing his fights without having any sort of mercy.

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Word Count: 1,001
Power Level: 285,298

Well, it didn't take long for the straight to the point explanation to come out of the mans lips and Athren couldn't help but arch an eyebrow curiously. It would seem as if the USD was taking quite a great interest in him and his little village lately and this would've been the second visit in two months. Though given their relations, it might be possible that Isla didn't decide to pass along much of a report and strictly keep Athren off the books. If that was the case, he'd be grateful but he'd never have the answer to that. That woman had vanished without a trace after their little sparring match. Regardless of that all though, he was now dealing with another visit and he'd be sure to handle it appropriately, though by this point he was getting a little annoyed about the frequent investigations.

Athren couldn't help but nod his head to the mans question and deliver a rapid fire answer to the man. He wasn't necessarily trying to be rude but he was without a doubt wanting these visits to come to a close. He had been here for months and hadn't been doing anything wrong, in fact he was doing everything right and he had laid himself out a righteous and good path. Why were people trying to get in the way of it? Was it their laws and if so, since when did laws dictate what was morally correct?

"You'd be right to assume that the power displayed in the area was mine but what's also mine is the village, it's my home and if you take a quick moment to look around.. You'd see that my power isn't being put to use negatively. So how do we go about concluding these USD investigations?"

 In this case, Athren was going to try and work with this guy to put it behind him. He didn't need to be investigated like this. With the lack of knowledge in regards to the Orange City attack and Athren's very public defense of South City,  he should've been in good standing with the planet and the USD. Of course he couldn't account for all the variables that may run through the USD's system but he had to have some kind of a point though, right?

Of course, Athren had failed to mention his name and he did this deliberately. Before he got into the pleasantries of a conversation he wanted to show Gemikai that he meant business and wanted to get straight to  the point of it all. It would be better for both the USD and the Crimson Rivers for this little thing to end. Now, by no means was Athren willing to make an alliance with the faction this soldier represented but he was willing to come to terms if required. All Athren had to do now was wait to see the situation that he was unwillingly involved in and see what he could do to rectify it.

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Word Count: 500
Total Word Count: 1,501

Unfortunately, it didn't seem like this investigation was going to go away with a simple request. If it were a perfect world, surely it would've but Athren couldn't get over what reason the USD currently had to investigate him so frequently. His history on this planet was erased completely, there was no memory of him prior to his defense of the city and even during the attack on Orange City, Athren kept himself out of the spotlight. He specifically used his Oozaru form so he couldn't be identified. Surely, no new evidence arose that put him on their radar but it was suddenly seeming like the highest probability at this point. Though he really didn't want to have this debate or be overly cooperative, he'd play the little game for a short bit and at least have a conversation but if the USD didn't start respecting his territory, they'd have issues in the future.  Athren didn't want to make the USD an enemy, he didn't want to make anybody an enemy but him and his village had the right to live peacefully without any investigations.

The man sitting before him couldn't quite get over Athren's power level and Athren couldn't blame him. Athren was indeed one of the strongest beings on this planet and could theoretically destroy it with ease. It wasn't that the concept ever crossed his mind but with the Saiyans being on a list and him not registered, it could very well be a reasonable excuse for these visits. He indeed a threat to Earth's security, whether he actually intended to do anything or not. That much could be understood but after his defense of the planet, he couldn't help but think he deserved a little break.

Athren would let the man speak his entire peace, the more information that was dumped at a single moment meant Athren could respond to more questions accurately instead of getting into a back and fourth debate. Athren wanted to understand his case to try and assure him and his faction that he wasn't here to do harm but he also wasn't going to take any orders or tolerate any forms of bullshit and organizations such as the USD often dumped a load of bullshit on the people they'd investigate. Hell, he even went through it with his time with the saiyan army.

"If you're looking for assistance in proving my innocents or my intents, you're not going to get much more than I've already provided. " It was at this moment that Athren's ocean blue eyes scanned around his little village. "The people that live here had nothing, no shelter, no food and I've taken the responsibility to care for all of them. To make sure nobody goes hungry and everybody feels safe and if that isn't enough for you, look at the attack on south city from a few months back. Nobody else could've defeated Liari and protected those people.  I did, and I didn't do it for a reward either."

Athren felt that this was a very strong point to look at. Maybe they didn't put two and two together but Athren essentially defended the Planet and vanished to create a home for those who needed it. It really didn't get much easier than that. He wasn't actively training like he used too. Sure, he might've claimed the mountain as his own but he wasn't stopping life from being lived there. It was still an area where people could do as they pleased, so long as they didn't cause trouble.

"If you've got any questions that aren't trying to determine my morality or how much of a threat I am, carry on."
Though Athren had a slight attitude with the man before him, he was trying his best to be polite and rather respectful. He wasn't raising his voice or showing any signs of escalation, he was simply trying to get his point across sternly. He was also well aware that this guy didn't run the USD, he simply just worked for them. He couldn't be blamed for these issues.

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Word Count: 681
Total Word Count: 2,182

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If there was one thing Athren could say for sure, he surely enjoyed the company of the last USD individual to come strolling through town but this one was just a lot more straight to the point. They came here without a purpose and didn't really skip a beat, they decided to dive right into the thick of it all and state their business. Of course, this may have come simply from Athren pushing his demands on the man but Gemikai had made the right choice to get on with it and clear the air with all of his intentions on behalf of the USD. This visit wasn't pleasant at all and Athren had reason to become annoyed with the USD for doing this for the second time now. 

Was it really all too much to ask that he be able to live in peace within his village? He had countless innocence here, people that hadn't committed any type of crime or be any type of threat to the planet. They had all earned the right to live in peace outside of these investigations and if Athren would be capable of drawing them to a conclusion, he would absolutely try his best. Though trying his best would be under his own terms, they'd be something that he was comfortable with and nothing more. Whether or not the Saiyan registry act was a thing and whether or not he had signed up for it, he wouldn't budge. He had every single reason not too. He was different than what he was before and he

Gemikai had been rather apologetic, it was obvious that he was doing this because he had too and not because he wanted too. After all, he was employed by the USD and he had a job to do whether he liked it or not. His fearlessness was the reason he was the one here and not somebody else, so he wasn't exactly to blame for this whole thing. Athren couldn't help but think it best to explain that he got it. This wasn't on Gemikai. "Listen, I know it isn't you making these decisions to come investigate my town but I'm sure you can understand where I'm coming from too. These people deserve to live a life without investigation and I don't think it's much of an ask at all."
Athren firmly believed in what he was saying. Athren may have had a negative impact on this Earth over a year ago but times had changed. While he wasn't held accountable by the Earth itself due to his wish, he felt he did pay the price for his attack.

Gemikai went on to explain that the first part of his mission was completed. He needed to identify the power and put a face to the name and it surely helped that Athren had a position of power within this village. This power wasn't your standard measurement of strength but the power of the villages leader and protector. He had more than enough evidence currently to prove that he wasn't a threat to the Earth but instead an asset and a protector of the people. Sure, Athren might've not taken this seriously when looking outside of his own little community but the point would remain. "The first part couldn't get any easier for you,  but I am curious about this second part.. Do go on."

It was obvious that Athren was impatient with the process, yet he was speaking in a manner that made it obvious that he wasn't holding Gemikai accountable for this. Again, he knew that it wasn't his fault. He was just a soldier following orders, much like Athren on his past life on Vegeta when he was much younger.  He could relate to it, though living through it he knew that working like that wasn't always fulfilling. Surely, Gemikai could find something on his own that would provide him with more of a sense of satisfaction.  It was at this point that Gemikai went on to explain the situation, it turned out that he really didn't need anything else from Athren and he had gathered enough information to make an input on the case and bring it to his superiors. It sounded like is was too good to be true but judging from his character, Athren had no reason to doubt him. Of course, Athren wasn't the type to trust in a stranger fully but in this case, he really didn't have anything to lose and it was a reasonable thing to place at least a little bit of trust towards the man.

"I don't blame the USD for being jumpy, nor the people of Earth being terrified at high power levels.  The last few years haven't exactly been pleasant two Earth.  Between Orange City, Liari and the Saiyan attack.. They've got every reason to be cautious.   However, I do believe that being cautious doesn't give them the right to investigate everything to this extent. If anything, they may create what they fear by doing so."

In this case, Athren wasn't at all suggesting he was going to attack the Earth over these investigations. He had absolutely no intentions of doing so but it was a fair warning. He could easily count a handful of people that wouldn't be so receptive to these kinds of visits and would likely retaliate with force which could cause the USD to have more of a situation they feared. These words were just a simple warning and those with power often acted first before thinking. Though now that Athren had heard the man out and Gemikai explained the situation fully, it did sound like he was in the clear.

"Well, If you actually manage to put an end to these investigations I'd be rather grateful.  I'm not here to cause any problems, I'm just here to live my life and protect the people around me. I'd rather remaining living this peaceful life without further investigations. So, I'd appreciate it a lot."

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Word Count: 1,003
Total Word Count: 3,185

Well, it would appear that Athren was getting his point across rather quickly. Gemikai had seemed to understand all of Athren's points and concerns about the situation and was rather helpful and pleasant about it all, and while Athren wasn't necessarily insisting that he leave, he had appeared to take that prompt from the saiyan hybrid. This wasn't such a bad thing though, it was getting late and Athren's patience were running thin. It wasn't necessarily with Gemikai as Athren understood that he was just doing his job but the USD as a whole. It was getting mildly annoying having being checked in on multiple times in a row, of course Isla probably didn't file her report considering the events that transpired but that didn't quite matter to Athren, what had mattered to him was his village and his people.

Though before the man left, he was trying to be helpful and make sure Athren's wants were considered in this situation and Athren could sense that this guy had pure intentions. It wasn't a secret that the Earth needed people with his character, but stronger and this is where Athren felt he could return the favor to the man.

"Save your thanks for somebody that deserves it but.. that'll be all as far as USD business goes, though.."

Athren couldn't help but pause as he took a very brief moment to think about whether or not he wanted to commit to his thought. He wasn't exactly one to want to be involved in factions or training but if he helped Opherla, maybe he could help this guy out too. The Earth needed pure hearted warriors like Callion, ones that would lay down their lives to try to do the right thing. Now Athren, might've not been that guy but he wasn't going to let the Earth die as long as he was on it and he strongly felt it was up to the Earthlings to do their part, they just seemed to need some help.

"Swing by when you're off duty and I'll help get you in shape, the planet is going to need protectors and you've got potential."

Athren couldn't help but pause for another brief moment.


Athren may have still been adapted to his new lifestyle of trying to do the right thing but he felt that this was the right course of action. It wasn't very often that somebody with potential actually came to his village.  He knew that the Earth would need fighters in the future and the threats out in the universe were countless. It was really only a matter of time until something bigger and much more evil than Liari arrived to lay a claim to the Earth or exterminate the population. The planet had to be ready and those who could fight would need too. Even if Athren didn't want to be in the spotlight, even if he didn't want to be the main guy fighting down the threat.. He could prepare the person who would.

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Word Count: 524
Total Word Count: 3,709

When Gemikai had responded to Athren's words he could see the shift within him immediately, it was almost like there was a feeling of relief that had pulled some weight off the man's shoulders. Whether it was the fact that this entire scenario went by rather easily or the mild praise from a much stronger warrior, Athren wouldn't know but he could only hope that the shift would give Gemikai some extra motivation. Though Athren wasn't the typical saiyan warrior he did hold onto a lot of his upbringing from Vegeta. He was a stern saiyan, dedicated and very stubborn, he hadn't really been one to give any type of praise until recently but he was getting into the habit recently.

Athren would only nod his head to acknowledge what Gemikai had to say about it and use that as his goodbye. Gemikai had seemed rather pleased and eager to make another appearance here for some training and Athren was more than happy to provide it at this point. If there was anything Athren had learned about the Earth, it was that it had a way of changing people. Even if that change had been slow, he felt it deep within his soul. The passive and peaceful lifestyle that he was provided with here had given him a chance to calm down, to take a moment to breathe and simply enjoy his life without preparing for the next assignment or contract, he was given the opportunity to enjoy life and learn what truly mattered.

The simple answer to what had mattered was his children and while he was close, he had still felt a universe away but no matter the distance or connect to them, his goal was simple. He was going to do whatever it took to defend them, to keep them safe and to make sure they'd live on to have a long and happy lifestyle. He knew currently that they were in amazing hands, somebody who cared for them and looked out for them to the best of their ability but he knew that in time, somebody was going to come to the Earth seeking destruction and death and the planet was going to need fighters to defend it. The planet had currently lacked powerful warriors, with Callion venturing out into the depths of space for what Athren assumed was training, he felt as the Earth was left with Ayu and himself but that wouldn't be enough.

This is where Pran, Opherla and Gemikai would come in. They needed work and that was without a doubt but if Athren could get them up to par, he knew that they'd make fine additions to Callion's little group of defenders and if this would increase the protection of his children, he wasn't going to be one to say no.  For now though, the only thing that remained was for Athren to get back to his village duties or maybe get some rest and prepare for the next visit by Gemi. Though next time, Gemi wasn't going to get off so easy for Athren had a very intense way of training.

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Word Count: 521
Total Word Count: 4,230
- Exit -