Chapter 11: The Path of Spirits – Fortune Teller Baba
With the fifth Dragon Ball secured and the Red Ribbon Army reeling from their losses, Goku and Aera—joined now by the towering and kindhearted Android 8—continued their journey across the diverse lands of Earth. The Dragon Radar led them toward their next objective, but this time, the signal flickered unpredictably.
"It's like it's… moving," Goku muttered, squinting at the device.
"Maybe the Dragon Ball grew legs?" Aera asked innocently, blinking.
Goku laughed. "I don't think that's how they work."
"Aww… it would've been cute."
Their destination? A mysterious location few dared to speak of aloud: the home of the eccentric and all-knowing Fortune Teller Baba.
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The journey to her domain took them through scorching deserts, lush forests, and eventually into a desolate, misty swamp. Strange creatures flitted in and out of view, and the air buzzed with unseen energy.
Android 8 shivered. "This place feels… wrong."
Aera, on the other hand, spun happily. "It smells like magic!"
They reached a small, dark palace hovering above a lake of bubbling green water. Skeletons danced in the mist. Lanterns floated of their own accord. A line of ghosts waited outside like patrons at a tea shop.
"Spooky," Goku said, scratching his head.
"Sparkly!" Aera exclaimed.
With no hesitation, she marched right through the ghostly queue and knocked on the door. It creaked open on its own.
Inside, a short, squat woman with blue skin and a wide-brimmed hat hovered atop a crystal ball. Fortune Teller Baba.
"I sensed you'd be coming," she said without looking up. "You want the Dragon Ball?"
Goku nodded. "How'd you know?"
"I see all, brat."
Aera waved. "Hi, I'm Aera! I like your hat."
Baba blinked. "You're an odd one."
"Thanks!"
"Very well," Baba said. "If you want the Dragon Ball I possess, you must earn it. Not with money—"
"We don't have any," Goku admitted.
"—but with strength. You must face five of my warriors in combat."
Aera's eyes sparkled. "Yay! Fights!"
"But be warned," Baba said, smirking. "These are no ordinary foes. Some are not of this world."
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Match One: Dracula Man
The arena appeared out of nowhere—an ancient, stone coliseum suspended in a pocket dimension, stars swirling overhead.
A vampire in a red cape flapped down, fangs glinting.
"I vant to drink your blood!"
Aera gasped. "Ooh! He's dressed like Halloween!"
Dracula Man lunged at her, hissing.
She giggled, dodging effortlessly. "You have very sharp teeth. Do you floss?"
He tried to bite her neck. She poked him in the forehead.
He turned into a bat.
She poked the bat.
Poof! Smoke filled the arena, and he was gone.
Baba blinked. "You didn't even punch him."
"I poked really hard."
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Match Two: The Invisible Man
"You can't hit what you can't see!" a voice cackled.
Goku looked around. "Where is he?"
Aera sat down, eyes closed.
The Invisible Man crept forward.
She waited… then suddenly backflipped and kicked the air.
A groan echoed. A body slammed into the wall.
"Found him!"
Baba raised a brow. "She's not even trying."
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Match Three: Mummy Kun
A hulking, bandaged warrior stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.
"You're strong, little girl. But I have ancient power."
Aera stepped into the arena, tail swaying.
"Do you like hugs?"
"...No."
"Too bad!"
She lunged forward with a grin and wrapped her arms around him.
His eyes went wide.
Bones cracked. His bandages unraveled.
He collapsed.
Aera sighed. "He didn't like hugs."
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Match Four: The Devil's Hand
This time, a cloaked demon emerged, sharp claws dragging across the arena stones.
"I feed on the darkness in your heart."
He pointed to Goku. "You have pride."
Then to Android 8. "You have guilt."
He turned to Aera… and paused.
"You… ...you are empty."
Aera tilted her head. "I'm full of rice balls!"
The demon screamed, unable to comprehend her purity.
She sneezed.
The demon disintegrated.
Baba's jaw dropped. "She's breaking my entire bracket."
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Final Match: The Mysterious Masked Fighter
A figure stepped forward, calm and composed. She wore a mask, but Goku narrowed his eyes.
"She feels… familiar."
The Masked Fighter moved gracefully, her power focused and refined.
Aera stepped in, finally serious.
Their fists clashed. The air cracked with energy.
Blow for blow, the two fought across the arena. The Masked Fighter ducked, swept Aera's legs—but Aera flipped midair and countered with a palm strike.
It was the first time Aera met resistance.
The crowd—including ghosts, ghouls, and Baba—fell silent.
Eventually, with a heavy exhale, the Masked Fighter stopped. She removed her mask.
It was Goku's grandfather: Grandpa Gohan.
"What?!" Goku gasped.
"Hello, my boy," Gohan smiled. "And you must be Aera."
Aera blinked. "You're glowy!"
"Only for a little while. Baba allows me to visit the world of the living."
Goku ran and hugged his grandfather, tears in his eyes.
Aera joined the hug, wrapping her arms around both of them.
"Family is warm," she said.
Gohan smiled at her. "You're something special. Protect my grandson."
"Okay!"
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Moved by their bond, Baba handed over the Dragon Ball.
"Take it. You've earned it."
"Really?" Aera gasped. "Yay!"
---
That night, they camped under the stars again—this time with six Dragon Balls in their possession.
One more to go.
And all of Earth now whispered of the mysterious duo: the monkey-tailed boy and the beautiful, pure-hearted girl who danced through danger with joy.
Their legend had only just begun.
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End of Chapter 11