Chapter 4: Desert Bandits and Blushing Hearts

Chapter 4: Desert Bandits and Blushing Hearts - The Arrival of Yamcha

The desert sun blazed overhead, casting shimmering waves of heat across an endless expanse of golden sand. Goku, Aera, and Oolong trudged through the arid wasteland, each feeling the weight of the sun in their own way.

"Are we almost there?" Oolong whined, dragging his hooves through the sand. "I feel like my bacon's getting crisped!"

"Radar says the next Dragon Ball is just a bit ahead!" Goku chirped, still full of energy.

Aera, completely unbothered by the heat, had tied her hair into a high ponytail with a small strip of cloth she found in her pack. Sweat shimmered on her flawless skin, making her look more like a radiant desert goddess than a fighter lost in the sand.

"This place is so quiet," she said, eyes scanning the dunes. "Maybe there are strong people hiding here too."

Oolong laughed nervously. "You and your obsession with strong people. What if they're bandits?"

As if on cue, a thunderous roar echoed across the dunes.

A souped-up dune buggy with saw-blades for wheels tore through the sand, heading straight for them. Behind the wheel was a tall figure with wild black hair, scars on his face, and a bandana tied around his head. At his side was a small, floating cat-like creature with wide eyes.

"Yamcha! There they are!" the cat, Puar, shouted.

Yamcha grinned. "Right on time. Let's grab their stuff and get outta here."

He pulled up to a dramatic stop, sand billowing around him. Goku and Aera blinked.

"Cool car," Aera said with childlike awe.

Yamcha hopped out, striking a confident pose. "You kids picked the wrong desert to wander into. I'm Yamcha, the desert bandit! Hand over everything you've got—including that Dragon Ball radar."

Goku stepped forward. "You wanna fight? Awesome!"

Yamcha's eyes narrowed. "So that's how it's gonna be, huh? Don't say I didn't warn ya!"

He charged, fists blazing with intent. Goku met him halfway, the two clashing in a flurry of punches and kicks that sent shockwaves across the dunes. But it wasn't long before Yamcha realized something was wrong.

This kid's fast... too fast!

Goku somersaulted over Yamcha's head and delivered a sweeping kick, sending the bandit skidding across the sand.

"Heh... not bad, kid. But let's see how you handle this! Wolf Fang Fist!"

Yamcha blurred forward with lightning speed, launching a devastating combo of punches and claw-like strikes. Goku braced himself—

But Aera suddenly stepped between them, her innocent expression unchanged.

CRASH!

Yamcha's fist connected with her palm.

Her hand didn't budge.

His whole arm did.

"W-Wha?!"

She smiled sweetly. "That was so cool! Do it again!"

Yamcha reeled back, clutching his wrist. "W-Who are you?!"

"I'm Aera. I like fighting strong people! You're super strong, Yamcha!"

He stared at her, face flushing deep red. His heart pounded like a drum.

W-What is this feeling?! Is she... a goddess?!

"U-Uhh... t-thanks...?"

Puar floated beside him, whispering,

"Yamcha... you're blushing!"

"N-No, I'm not!"

Aera tilted her head. "Are you sick? Your face is red."

Yamcha practically fell over. "I-I'm fine!"

Goku scratched his head. "Hey, Aera, I think he likes you."

Aera blinked. "Huh? Why? We just met."

Yamcha groaned inwardly. She's even more clueless than Goku!

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Listen... I was just joking about stealing your stuff. Heh. Classic desert bandit humor. You guys seem cool. I'll let you go."

"Thanks!" Aera beamed. "Wanna come with us? You're really strong!"

"W-What?!"

"You're not bad! I wanna fight you again sometime!"

Yamcha's jaw dropped. Puar giggled.

"Yamcha, are you joining them now?"

"I—w-well... I guess it wouldn't hurt to tag along for a bit. You know, for protection."

Oolong muttered, "More like for infatuation..."

Later, they set up camp at a rocky outcrop. A small fire crackled, casting long shadows across the sand.

Yamcha sat away from the fire, peeking at Aera from behind a boulder as she cheerfully cooked a fish over the flames, humming a tune only she knew. She had already changed into a light desert robe she found in the capsule supplies, and even in something so simple, she looked unreal.

"She's like... an angel. A clueless, powerful angel. I can't handle this," Yamcha muttered.

"You're hopeless," Puar said.

Meanwhile, Goku and Aera were sparring nearby. Their light jabs and playful kicks made the entire canyon tremble. The echo of laughter and slaps of sand filled the air.

Yamcha watched with a strange mixture of admiration and longing. He'd never seen anyone fight like her—so carefree, so wild, and yet so graceful.

And then she smiled.

Not at him—just at the sky, like the sunset reminded her of something beautiful.

His heart skipped.

"I'm doomed."

The next morning, the radar pointed toward a distant canyon. Yamcha offered to drive.

"It's the least I can do. I know these sands better than anyone."

As they sped across the dunes, Aera stood on the passenger seat, arms wide in the wind.

"This is amazing! I feel like I'm flying without Nimbus!"

Yamcha couldn't help but chuckle. "You really don't act like any girl I've ever met."

She beamed. "Thanks! I think."

Suddenly, a loud explosion rocked the buggy. A missile hit the ground ahead.

"What now?!" Oolong yelled.

A gang of Red Ribbon drones swooped in from above, targeting the radar.

"They're back!" Goku shouted.

"Let's get 'em!" Aera declared.

Goku leapt out first, smashing through a drone with his Power Pole. Aera followed with a flying kick, taking out two at once.

Yamcha and Puar fought too, though he was distracted each time Aera laughed during battle.

She danced between lasers, her movements effortless, almost joyful.

Yamcha blasted a drone, then paused to admire her again.

She's... perfect. What kind of warrior is she?!

After the last drone fell, Aera walked up, smiling. "You did great too, Yamcha! You're really reliable."

His ears turned red. "W-Well, you know... just doing my part."

She tilted her head. "You should teach me more desert tricks. I want to be better at surviving here."

He blinked. "Y-You want me to teach you something?"

She nodded. "You're smart, and I like learning from strong people."

Yamcha tried to speak but only squeaked.

Goku laughed. "You broke him again."

That night, under the stars, as everyone slept around the fire, Yamcha lay awake.

He stared at the sky, heart still racing.

This journey... might be the start of something big. Not just for Dragon Balls. But for me.

His eyes drifted toward Aera, sleeping peacefully beside her sword, hugging it like a stuffed animal.

And with that image in his mind, he smiled and closed his eyes.

End of Chapter 4