Memories of Azuki: Grandfather of Totepo

This is my theory as to why Totepo never spoke in the Bardock Special. What is written in italics is what he is thinking. Since he doesn't speak, he thinks instead.

If you're wondering where I got the name Azuki from, it's a Japanese bean. A dwarf type, it is one of the finest beans imported to US. It's a dark red bean, used for culinary, pastries and confections (According to some website where I got the name from.)

Lukaysia is pronounced Loo-kay-see-uh

Azuki is pronounced Ah-zoo-kee

Disclaimers: I did NOT create Dragon Ball, nor did I have any part in the production process. Bird Studio/Shueisha, Toei Animation. Licensed by Funimation Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved, or as otherwise directed by Funimation.

© 2001/2002-2004 Carly "Magica" Pope

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The rain was falling, and the skies were dark and cloudy. Totepo didn't care. He quietly walked toward what seemed to be a cemetery of some sort. He stopped to look down at an odd-shaped, partially decayed tomb stone, bearing the name Azuki. Below it, October 17th, his death date. The year was smudged out from old age.

"Grandfather…"

Many of Totepo's memories of his grandfather flooded throughout his mind, the stories he told him, the wisdom and advice he taught him, all of it was making his head hurt. He sat down in front of Azuki's grave, thinking of those memories 40 years ago…

………………..

Totepo was 9 years of age then. His grandfather raised him most of his life after his parents died during a tragic mission to another planet. All he really cared about was what may be the next thing Azuki may teach him. One of his favorite stories he was told was about a flourishing paradise, a planet named Lukaysia.

"Totepo," Azuki would always begin, "There is this wondrous place. Now all the other Saiya-jins don't believe me, but who gives a hell what they say. Strangely enough, Freeza-Sama is the only one who does believe me."

Totepo was in awe. "What is it Grandfather? What is this wondrous placed you speak of?"

"Well uh…nah, maybe some other time. It's almost time for bed."

"Aw come one grandfather! Please tell me! I'll promise I'll go to bed afterwards."

Azuki chuckled. "Well, I guess so, but only if you go to bed afterwards."

Azuki took a deep breath, than began.

"This wondrous place is known as Lukaysia. It is a beautiful planet, flourishing with bright green vegetation. The natives there treat you as if you were their god. They offer you more food than you could ever dream of, ranging from there native Poona fruit, a sweet and juicy delicacy, to their vast collections of meats and Lukaysian candies. I was told this story long ago by my father, who claims that he has been there himself."

Totepo's eyes grew wide as he whispered, "Wow."

Yes, that was truly Totepo's favorite memory of all, but it was when he was 13 that those memories would soon be shattered.

Azuki was lying on his deathbed, suffering from a rare disease that only Saiyajin get. This struck Totepo rather hard, feeling that he would soon be abandoned. Many thoughts ran through his head, wondering how he's going to manage to survive, how was going to go on with his life.

Just then, a Saiya-jin doctor came into the room, giving Totepo to okay to visit his dying grandfather. He was struck hard with emotion the moment he came into the room, seeing Azuki as he never seen him before.

"Totepo," Azuki gasped for breath, "come here to me."

Totepo nodded, and he slowly motioned himself to the side of Azuki's bedside.

"Grandfather," he chocked, trying to hold back the tears, "please don't leave me. I need you."

"I'm sorry Totepo, but I have grown old. 86 is rather old for a Saiyajin."

"But I'll take care of you."

"No Totepo. It's time to let me go. It's about time that you go and survive on your own, learn how to be a true Saiyajin."

"I can't grandfather, not without you."

"To…tepo…please understand…my…grandson."

That was all that was left Totepo heard from Azuki. He was gone. Totepo hasn't spoke ever since.

……………..

Totepo released a couple of tears as he remembered the day of Azuki's death. He looked down at his grave.

"I'll never forget you grandfather."

He stood back up, and walked away, only to carry with him the memories of 40 years ago.