>A plane on the way to Japan, late night...
>
> Azel sighed as she nearly toppled into the dingy blue airplane
>seat. The encounter with the clerk had taken a lot more energy out
>of her than she had expected. She was weary but finally, on her
>way, at the end of one journey.
> *Though if I could... I would redo that last encounter. Somehow
>I think the clerk won. Yeah, I got a place on a plane... but it's a
>cargo plane! Dingy, small, cramped... true it's a plane for
>expensive cargo that needs handlers, but still! I'm amazed they even
>let people on this plane.*
> Resting her grungy hands on the even grungier arm rest, Azel
>relaxed and took note of her surroundings. The engines of the plane
>revved up and the blasting noise took away the remaining sounds of
>the airport. Azel leaned over and peered out the window to see the
>ground fall swiftly away from the plane. Her stomach lurched with a
>hint of air sickness and Azel quickly turned away from the window.
>Around Azel was a small passenger area, most likely for porters.
>She peered around the corner and caught sight of a door closing up
>front. The cockpit was most likely up there and the remaining area
>of the plane was probably a huge cargo area.
> *At least there isn't too many passengers... just a small group
>of what appears to be porters, and a couple of travelers like me.*
> Two groups caught her attention. The first was a group of
>porters... or at least they were dressed like porters. While the
>other group of porters were at ease and joking, these men were
>stiff, formal. They looked as if they would be more at ease
>guarding a fancy mansion... or lurking in the alleys. One of the
>men noticed Azel's gaze and glared back, menace in every action.
>Azel paled slightly and tried to appear normal as she shifted her
>attention.
> *That's one group I'd rather stay away from... I'm not looking
>for trouble. Especially where I'm outnumbered... and out maneuvered.
>Still... maybe I should mention this to someone in Japan.*
> Azel grinned.
> *Yeah right. "Mr. Stranger sir, I saw scary looking porters on
>the plane, you want to arrest them?" Sure.*
> Azel glanced over the other porters and the travelers till she
>saw the other group that had caught her attention. There was a man
>and a woman, talking in excited tones to each other. The man appear
>tall, even sitting down, his black hair falling to his shoulders,
>and his traditional robes worn with ease. The woman had similar
>black hair but all up in a tight bun. She wore a bright outfit,
>definitely oriental in origin. However, the thing that caught
>Azel's attention was their discussion. It involved plenty of hand
>waving and cries of recognition.
> *Whatever they're talking 'bout, it's gotta be better than
>nothin'.*
> Azel yawned as fatigue overwhelmed her, but she was determined to
>at least get a name from the other travelers. She rose and walked
>over to them, sitting down in the chair opposite. Gesturing and
>waving, the other travelers didn't even seem to notice Azel.
>Hesitantly, she coughed and waved and finally mumbled, "Hello. My
>name is Azel." Azel quickly tried to think of something more to say
>as they abruptly stopped their conversation and looked at her. "I
>though since this was going to be a long flight, maybe we could talk
>a bit... I've never been to Japan before. Actually this flight was
>a last minute sortof thing..."
> The man's eyes lit up in recognition. "Ahha! The girl from the
>lobby! Yes... I am Saotoma. This is my companion Chi-Chi. I'm
>going back to Nerima because my gym is there and Chi-Chi is going to
>see the contest at Nerima." The woman smiled and nodded.
> *He seems to know me... Um. That's odd. I don't think I know
>anyone from Nerima. A contest! I thought I heard about a contest
>in Nerima...*
> "Yes the contest is in Nerima." Chi-Chi almost echoed Azel's
>thought. "My husband, Goku, should be in it. Gohan, my son,
>desperately wanted to enter, but he was too young. However, Goku
>took him along when they left earlier so that he could see the
>tournament. I'm worried about his study habits though... Gohan
>needs to study hard!"
> "Ahem, yes," Saotoma cut into what seemed to be a long discussed
>topic. "I'm sure he does... Anyway. So you've never been to
>Nerima before? I have daughters your age, I'm sure they'd be glad
>to show you around if you would accept my hospitality at my gym."
> Azel hesitated.
> *He seems reliable... but is it safe? I don't know anyone in
>Nerima... Well maybe I'll stick with him a little while. Just to
>hear about this tournament.*
> "Sure, I'd like to see Nerima," Azel grinned. "Now about this
>tournament... what's it for? What styles?"
> Saotoma laughed and began to explain. "It's an anything goes
>tournament and the reward is..."
> The plane flight continued on as Chi-Chi and Saotoma explained
>the tournament to Azel. The young girl was plainly interested in
>seeing the tournament and the offer of hospitality at Saotoma's gym
>had been accepted. Yet for some strange reason, throughout the
>flight, an old adage rang in Azel's head.
> *One journey's ending is yet an other's beginning.*
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