Chapter 20: Echoes of Strength and Destiny
Aera and Goku continued their journey across the world, both blissfully unaware of the greater destinies awaiting them. With five Dragon Balls in their possession, their goal was close—but the road ahead still had surprises.
They traveled through thick jungles, scorching deserts, and ancient ruins, laughing and sparring between meals. Their bond had grown stronger, not just as fellow Saiyans, but as kindred spirits.
In the cool dawn hours, they trained together on a high cliff overlooking a sleepy forest. Goku stretched while Aera stood on one leg, mimicking a stork.
"Why are you standing like that?" Goku asked, curious.
Aera giggled. "The stork was doing it, and it looked strong!"
Goku grinned. "Wanna spar?"
She dropped into a loose stance. "Always!"
They clashed in a fury of movements—playful, yet fierce. Each time Goku thought he had her, Aera did something strange, like using her tail to swing from a tree or somersaulting over his head like a cat.
"You're so weird when you fight," he laughed, landing on his back.
"Thank you!" she chirped, helping him up.
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The Sixth Dragon Ball
The radar beeped as they approached a hidden monastery in the mountains. The monks who lived there had the sixth Dragon Ball—but only gave it to those who could defeat their guardian.
The guardian turned out to be a massive, silent martial artist named Jinbo. He wore prayer beads the size of bowling balls and moved like a stone mountain.
"You must face him," the head monk said. "Only the pure of heart and strength may claim the orb."
Aera stepped forward. "Ooooh! I like him! He's big!"
Jinbo bowed slowly, then lunged.
The fight shook the monastery. Each of Jinbo's blows could shatter trees, but Aera moved like the wind—dodging, leaping, and occasionally tickling him to throw him off.
Even Jinbo looked confused as she laughed and danced around his fists.
Then, with a single glowing punch, Aera struck his chest—not to harm, but to stun. Jinbo froze, then fell to one knee, smiling.
"You pass," he said simply.
The monks clapped. "She truly is unique."
Goku helped carry the sixth Dragon Ball, and they left with cheering monks waving goodbye.
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Campfire Questions
That night, they camped under the stars. Aera stared up at the sky, her tail twitching beside her.
"Goku," she said quietly. "Where do we come from?"
Goku poked the fire. "Grandpa said I came from space. I think you did too."
"We're different," she murmured. "But I like it."
He nodded. "Me too. Being different is fun."
She yawned and leaned on him. "I want to see everything. Fight everyone. Make friends with all the strong people."
"You will," he said. "You're amazing, Aera."
She giggled. "You're amazing too."
They dozed off beside the crackling fire.
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In the Shadows
Meanwhile, a dark force was stirring again. Pilaf, ever persistent, had caught wind of the Dragon Balls being gathered.
"This time, we'll get them all before those brats interfere!" Pilaf shouted.
Mai sighed. "But they're kind of unbeatable…"
Shu barked in agreement.
Pilaf pounded the table. "I have a new invention! We'll catch them off guard!"
He held up a remote with a big red button.
"Oh no…" Mai whispered.
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The Final Dragon Ball
The seventh Dragon Ball's signal led them to a remote island fortress—abandoned, but oddly high-tech. Security drones and turrets activated as they stepped onto the bridge.
"Looks like a trap," Goku said.
"Oooh! Fun!" Aera ran ahead, dodging lasers like a child skipping rocks.
They battled through mechanical guards, climbed electrified towers, and reached the final chamber.
Inside was a giant mech piloted by none other than Emperor Pilaf.
"You may have beaten me before, but this time—HA! I'm in control!" he shouted.
Goku smirked. "Oh hey, it's that tiny guy again."
Aera tilted her head. "He looks like a pickle."
Pilaf screamed. "I AM NOT A PICKLE!"
The battle commenced—Aera flying circles around the robot while Goku distracted it with the Power Pole.
Eventually, Aera leapt onto the cockpit, yanked off the door, and pulled Pilaf out by the collar.
"Hey! No fair!" Pilaf flailed.
Aera smiled. "I win?"
"Yes! Yes! You win!"
They took the seventh Dragon Ball and left Pilaf stuck in his own robot with a jammed eject button.
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All Seven
On a grassy hill beneath a blue sky, the seven Dragon Balls gleamed.
Goku stood beside Aera. "So… what should we wish for?"
Aera thought hard. "Can we wish for a cake that never runs out?"
Goku's eyes sparkled. "That's the best idea ever."
Shenron burst from the sky, roaring and divine. "SPEAK YOUR WISH."
Aera stepped forward. "Umm… can I have a forever cake, please?"
Shenron paused, blinking. "…Very well."
A shining platter appeared, stacked with endless layers of cake. Aera squealed and hugged it.
"Your wish is granted." Shenron vanished.
The balls scattered.
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The Days Ahead
With their journey complete, the two Saiyans resumed their training. Every day was filled with sparring, laughter, and delicious, magical cake.
But far away, a clock was ticking. The 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai drew closer—and with it, the curtain call of peace.
The Z era was coming.
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End of Chapter 20