Technology was something else on this version of Earth. Capsule Corp, like their name suggested, build an empire on small cylindrical gadgets that had the capacity to store and release items with a single push of a button. However, the containment of single-family detached homes both took the cake and ate it.
Bulma tossed one capsule into the open. Smoke burst and from within it the stature of a fully furnished house showed itself. It was rotund, similar to a metalic igloo.
"That's nifty. How much can you pack into one of those?"
"Comercial can store half of what these puppies can." She flaunted her case, it contained rows of differently numbered capsules of varying sizes.
"Are there any restrictions? They seem dangerous."
"They're impossible to replicate. We made sure of it."
"You're the inventor?"
"That would be my dad. But I helped with the safety side of things."
"So you're a genius then?"
"One of the best."
"Let me get this straight. A well-off, once in a lifetime, and easy on the eyes, girl genius, is now gallivanting, searching for balls of mystical origin, riding on a motorcycle through the wastelands, with a twelve year-old as her guard, in search of a suitable suitor?"
"You think I'm cute?"
"You barely scraped a pass on the hot to crazy scale."
"I'll take that."
"Of course you do..."
The inside of the portable home felt cosy. Goku's feet melted into the rugs, toes sinked between yarn strands. The kitchen painted in mellow green. Tears started to form in his eyes, the TV was here, 52 inches of it.
"Why are you being so dramatic for no reason?"
Goku's eyes were glued to the screen. "Try living eight years with nothing but an old rag ball as your sole entertainment."
"Rag ball?"
"I meant my Grandpa."
Goku was pissed and impressed by that jolly facade of his. He was almost certain the old bean and much more in common with that master of his. Birds of a feather flock together and what not.
"I'm going to take a shower. The food's in the fridge and no peeking."
"You're safe for now. I'm still a child." His laughter accompanied her fumbled entrance into the bathroom.
The kitchen was well equipped. The knife fitted well in his hands as it cut down the carrots into small petite sticks. Asparagus steamed in butter and spices had a slight brown tint, carmelized, was ready.
"Is that steak?"
Her rose shampoo washed mixed with the crisp and meaty smell of a medium rare.
"Seared in olive oil and butter. The side dishes are almost done."
"When did you have the time to cook? I was under the impression that you're a meat head."
"I saw your beachbody posters in the bedroom. Black hair? I think I have to rethink this trip with you"
"I have a type, so what?" She nervously laught.
"Who doesn't have secrets." He winked. "Eat."
It was the middle of the night. Fireflies were brewing up a storm. They flickered above the valley Goku and Bulma stayed next to. Rumors said within its deepest parts unusual lights were spotted at night. Bored with the unwatchable reality shows Goku decided to take a stroll.
A weathered path cut through the valley, surrounded by shadows and dark verdant shrubs. It smelled of decay. Bones, riddled with gnaw marks, of unidentified creatures peeked from the ground.
"Is that what I think it is?"
He jumped silently from one tree to another, calls for help echoed within the canopies. A crater was surronded by a pack of belligerent wolves, their red eyes unnerved their prey caught in the middle. An antrophomorphic ninja dog hugged his female companion's leg.
"This is the end of the road Shu."
"Sire, please help us."
Two thirds of the comedic trio was present. Goku remembered the girl was called Mai. Her finger desperately pulled the trigger, but no bullets were shot.
"How about I join to even the odds?"
Goku's Power Pole whacked the closest encirclement of wolves away. His unexpected involvement bristled the valley's predators dark fur. Anger flashed in their scarlet eyes.
"Who are you?" asked Mai, her gun pointed at Goku.
"I guess I'm a Time Ranger? Or maybe Destroyer." Goku smacked a greedy wolf that tried to sneak up on him. "Should I have not interfered?"
"Oh please, save us sire. We'll give you treats." Dog biscuits, covered in saliva were presented as payment.
"If you don't want me to hurl, you'll get them out of my sight."
Shu shoved them into his mouth and almost bit his hand with his small canines.
"Can't the both of you be serious? We're occupied with peril here." Mai trembled as the encirclement narrowed.
"Nonsense. These little doggies just want some fun. Isn't that right?"
Towards his nonchalance sets of white razor-sharp teeth were drawn.
"I said, isn't that right."
The wolves whimpered, the pressure excerted by Goku, tactile like a descending wall. The air ossilated, to the beat of his heart, every wave crashed and hammered against their wills. Eventually the pack succumbed, unconscious and spit frothed from their maws.
"Sorry. Forgot about you." Goku scratched his head, the duo flopped on the ground behind him. "Let's get you somewhere safe."
He left them on the other side of the valley, before he returned in the morning. Bulma awakened to the scent of breakfast.
"Are you sure you won't consider?"
"My time is precious. And you can get any chef you want."
She munched on a tost. "Except you it seems."
After breakfast it was time to hit the road. Cleaning was never easier, the house packed with a poof, only an indented circle left of their stay.
"I'm sorry to intrude, but could you lend me a hand?"
"Did you hear something?" Bulma stopped reving the motorcycle.
Goku hopped down and pulled a bush to the side. Low and behold a giant brown sea turtle popped his head from the leaves.
"How did you paddle yourself so deep in land?"
"That's a good question." The reptile checked its paddle-like forelimbs. "I guess I forgot."
"Forgot he said." Bulma said, not sure whether she was impressed or irritated by this unexpected, slow speaking turtle.
"I'm Goku, what's your name?"
"Sorry, I rushed a little there," the turtle laughed, "It's Turtle."
"I guess that's easy to remember. How can I help you?"
"I'm a bit lost. I'd be grateful if you could help me get back to sea."
"We don't have the time to pursue side quests." Bulma tapped her foot.
"Stop being so cranky. It may as well be a blessing in disguise. There could be hot guys chilling with the waves and waiting for a chance?"
Reckless driving, the occasional rock and bump tried the seatbelts of the speeding car. Bulma blasted through the plains of yellowish grass like there was no tomorrow. Goku glanced at the rear mirror, the trailer with Turtle was barely holding on one nut.
"I'd like to have a word with your insurance provider."
"You blocked a falling boulder with a finger, and he has a shell. You'll be fine."
After almost making road kill from an antrophomorphic tiger they arrived at the coast. Bulma sprinted out, binoculars in hand. Goku shook his head and helped Turtle get into the water.
"Thank you, young man. I'll be back soon with your reward."
"Don't worry," Goku nodded with his head towards the raging damsel, "With her like this we're going nowhere."
It was noon, Goku felt hunger twisting his stomach. Since Bulma wasn't eager to stop her search, he took one of her capsules and produced a small stall. It had a barbecue, table, fridge and huge umbrella for shade.
"You lied to me." Bulma leaned against the table top with her elbows, her hands propped her pouted cheeks.
"I said could, you pervy...blue?" Did they have any insults for blue headed people here? "What sauce?"
"Truffle mayo, and honey mustard."
Hamburger, fries and fizzy water with mint, it was a beach fiesta. They had ice cream for dessert.
"How long are we going to wait?" Her words modulated as she faced the electric fan.
Goku had her binoculars in hand. He noticed something small in front of them. "I think they're here."
"They?"
The sight of Turtle and the stranger became more clear as they neared. A bald old man, red Hawaiian short and purple shorts stood on top of Turtle's shell. He also had a staff and a pair of sunglasses on him.
"Are you who helped my friend?" He asked when he landed.
"It's us. The name's Goku. And she's Bulma. Who are you."
"Me?" A twinkle flashed in the man's glasses. "You can call me Roshi."