GambolMuse

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Oh! I have the notes somewhere with me, I keep them with myself everywhere I go. It's highly sought after material you see, so I never leave it in an open space. However... Since I didn't imagine I'd be seeing you today it's currently back at my temporary residence, locked in a safe. If we repeat this session tomorrow I can bring everything I have in and we can go over them together if you'd like." It was a little embarrassing he didn't know more of the information off hand seeing as he'd a great part in creating Viral. Some fifteen years had passed since he'd even seen the Beastman, there was the excuse of time as to forgetting all of the specific details. Ikura took a seat on the bed, the edge closer to Viral, and smiled at the Beastman gently. "I don't know what I can tell you about yourself that you don't already know. As for the future... I can't tell you that either. I helped create you, but you were never given a distinct guideline to live your life. We had hoped you'd be a protector to Vegeta and Yumi, and clearly you accomplished that job, they're both still here with us. And you've defended the planet, seeing as we're all here. Regardless of how you believe you did I know myself and Aito couldn't be prouder of you. And your future is not our design, that's for you to choose. We've only given you the means to seek the life you desire."

Battle again was not Ikura's strong suit, Aito was much better at speaking about it than he was. Though maybe he could find something in Viral's being to reinforce his self-esteem and confidence. "Naturally you're weaker than Saiyans, there's no denying that. But through training your strength improves exponentially. You've the capacity to grow to heights we couldn't likely even imagine, and you still are. Combined with your forms' ability to nullify Ki attacks and you're most certainly not outclassed. With enough training you'll be the most powerful warrior Earth has to offer, I don't doubt that in the slightest." That raised a curious thought, he wondered how strong Vegeta and Yumi had become. Vegeta was part Saiyan after all, he had that natural inclination to become powerful. Yumi on the other hand, perhaps with exception of her latest change, was just human, but a very gifted one at that. Both were certainly strong warriors, and Ikura liked to think the fact Viral was in their company alone was a testament to his own strength. "Your 'monsters' as you call them are a safety feature, we actually imagined you would rarely use them. The fact you do use them isn't bad though, it's a natural response, survival instinct if you will. Once your health has returned you will better be able to control your forms and they won't surge in order to preserve you."

"If I may change the subject... You said you can't eat any longer. Why is that...? Can you share with me why you find it difficult to eat?" So many issues with this poor man, Ikura couldn't help but feel heartbroken. He was certainly going to have to remain in East City a bit longer, there was no way he could leave knowing what a state Viral was in. "If it's too painful then don't force yourself, but perhaps I can alleviate some of that for you now."

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Ah... But they do care Viral. Their concern for you is a mark of your friendship, it's expected frankly. No one wants to see you in this state, myself included." There went the objectivity again, drat. Perhaps not a bad thing though, it certainly came across as Viral needing some positive reinforcement. It wasn't as easy as simply giving it however, he wasn't receptive to any sort of positivity in his current condition. The more they spoke and the more he heard Ikura was getting a clearer idea for what was going through Viral's mind. Diagnosing and treating him then was going to be fairly easy, so long as he was patient and let the process work itself through.

Ah, the abilities, that was the source of confusion. Curious though, Ikura hadn't expected Viral to forget those with his memory wipe. An unfortunate side effect, one that had clearly caused some distress. "The powers you've got, that's causing you distress? I see... So I would imagine you'd wish to regain control over it." That would most likely require retraining, which unfortunately again had been handled by Aito. It wasn't a total loss, Ikura was thoroughly aware of each transformation and the prerequisites for bringing them about. If he recalled the words of his former associate rightly Viral could trigger them on will as well, but that methodology was lost to him right now. Perhaps consulting his notes would shine some light on that subject. Ah, at least he could clear things up a little right now. "Your forms, all four of them, are given to you by us, and each for a particular reason. I'm sorry to hear that you've lost your control of them, but please allow me to explain them. Perhaps having knowledge of each will help you better reign them in."

"Your initial form, one I would imagine you're familiar with, is your reptilian form. This is your primary combat form as it has the greatest raw physical strength and makes the most offensive uses of your capabilities. Secondly is your feline form, which by the sounds of it you've become acquainted with." Ikura smiled slightly as he stood up from his seat, walking over to the window and looking out in thought for a moment. "The feline form, as it might suggest, is for speed and nimbleness. It was intended for you to travel quickly. Your third 'Beast' form is a shark-humanoid, with rather coarse and durable skin and razor sharp teeth. This form quite obviously is best suited for amphibious and aquatic combat and is arguably the most durable of the three. The 'metal monstrosity' you mentioned is your Enki. That is perhaps the most useful out of all three, arguably, and is a collaboration by the three of us. Enki harnesses and amplifies your power and also enables you to traverse environments that would otherwise be harmful. Coupled with its innate ability to gather energy for you during its use its by far the most sustainable form you've got. Unfortunately it lacks the raw durability, speed or strength of the other three, but is the jack of all trades if you will. Each form, you see, was given with a specific purpose in mind. Your current being encompasses each of the three beastial forms, the Enki is solely from your energy."

"Now then... I'm sorry to say I can't tell you how to control them, not just yet. I'd have to go over my documents to see if I've notes on the matter, or you'd have to locate Aito's. can tell you that the forms will trigger by default under states of great duress. Things such as starvation, physical injury and the need to protect yourself or others can bring about these forms, but even then you do have the power to stave off a change. If we can just rekindle your knowledge of how to do that then you'd not have to worry about them. With my notes, if you'll give me the time to consult them, I can figure out how you precisely control them as well." Ikura was glad to be actually able to help, but they were getting a bit off topic. The primary concern was his mental well being, not the forms. Yet perhaps it wasn't a total deviation, Viral did sound to be upset over his transformations. Maybe a sound mind on that subject would help ease his stress a little. "Any other questions in that regard?"

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"I don't believe they were fed up, Viral. I think they came here because they needed help, that's all. If they were fed up they wouldn't have bothered making the journey back, don't you think?" That claim seemed counterintuitive, they wouldn't have came to Earth to find the doctor if they had given up on the Beastman. And certainly they wouldn't be waiting outside for a word on his condition too, they were truly vested in his well being. Smiling sadly Ikura shook his head again, folding his hands in his lap. "She may have become exasperated, but Yumi is not through with you, or angry. It's hard, not being able to help those we care for. It makes us angry, but not with the person suffering, only with ourselves. Understand that no one is blaming you for what's happening, no one thinks you're at fault."

Viral might have a particular area he wanted to approach first. With PTSD came a plethora of issues after all, and there was no exact order to address them. Well, that wasn't right, depression should be a priority. However there was a want to let the Beastman to feel more in control, as often times the person with this condition might feel powerless or stripped of their own will. Unfortunately Viral wasn't certain of where to begin, or how to get started even. "Me? What was I in charge of?" Ikura repeated, raising an eyebrow thoughtfully," Well let's see... I helped handle your genetic coding, and I personally oversaw the splicing of your DNA. In addition to that I handled a great deal of your education after your successful inception. Frankly though Aito did most of the work, I just made sure you held together and taught you what you'd need to know, book wise. Aito handled your survival training as well as combat, I'm afraid I'm rather lacking in that degree."

"Viral... I know it'll be painful to do this, but sooner or later we must recount what situation brought you into this state. I can see you're far from inclined to discuss it right now however, so don't worry just yet. I am wont to ask though... Why did you ask about what I did for you? Did you have any questions about that?"

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

It was all negativity stemming from Viral, his depression was most definitely a major issue then. Judging by whether or not he had been suicidal it could be a minor or moderate depression, or serious if he had. Without getting into great detail about his recent endeavors it was impossible for Ikura to confirm or deny these claims. Most certainly however there was something the Beastman could take pride in, it was often too difficult to see that though in this kind of state. Even clear victories were dismissed as luck or circumstance, people rarely appreciated the good when they were depressed. "Forgive me for saying, but I don't believe that is true. And your friends seemed perfectly content on bringing you here, you've not ruined anyone's plans or inconvenienced anyone." No, both Yumi and Vegeta seemed to earnestly want to help their friend, there was no doubt about it. Wherever they had come from it must have been a fair distance away by the sounds of it, goodness knows where. To travel all the way back here and find him for this purpose, that said something about their dedication to the Beastman.

"Viral, let me ask you something, if you'd not mind... You say that I will fix you, what exactly do you mean...?" It was a rather general statement, and Ikura wasn't sure if it only pertained to his condition or not. Leaning back in his seat the old man folded his arms over his chest, examining Viral for a brief moment before smiling. "Tell you what, let's try this. Let me know what it is you want to get out of our discussions. I can help with your depression, your anxiety, PTSD, or whatever other issues you might be having. What is, to you, your priority? We'll address that first and the rest will follow suit." All they needed to do was get the proverbial ball rolling. Once it was, presumably, they could get to the other problems much easier. This was all of course provided that the information was shared with him. No progress could be made if everything was a mystery to him.

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"That's not what I'm saying at all, Viral. It is a matter for another session, that's all. If we try to address everything in one sitting nothing will be accomplished." Biting off more than they could chew would only result in further upsetting the Beastman. It had to be gradual, Ikura wasn't sure how more to convey that than to say it outright. One problem at a time, hopefully they would get to each in their given window. If not then he'd have to make some careful arrangements to stay in East City. For better or worse he would remain here until Viral was well again, his own well being was trivial in respect to that. "It's part of who you are, you should care. But as I said, we'll visit that soon enough. For now we need to work on other things, and that will come in time. Believe me, anything you feel is pertinent or that you wish to know I am more than happy to address it with you. All you need to do is but ask me."

First thing on the agenda was a breathing exercise, the easiest of tasks to perform to calm oneself. Easy for some, Viral looked like he didn't quite get the concept or just struggled with it. Either way it hadn't worked and only seemed to serve to bother the Beastman. "Yes, we can move on for that. Not everyone finds that helpful, so don't worry if it doesn't do anything for you." Perhaps he needed to delve deeper still, past the anger. He needed to find what it stemmed from and address that, not the outward expression, Well... Viral had said before that everything was bothering him. Plus the words he was using, describing himself as unable to do anything, that sounded depressed. Stood to reason, depression was a common companion to those with PTSD. Seeing to that may be a better start, albeit just as difficult. There were so many varying types of depression and degrees they would have to figure out precisely what he had before proper advice could be given.

"You say you don't care... And that you can't do anything... Do you not have any self worth, Viral?" Ikura asked, a small frown forming on his lips. "You're a wondrous being, one whose life who as only just begun..." Blast, there he was making this personal. The emotions that came with seeing the Beastman made being completely objective was making this difficult, but he needed to try. Shaking his head the doctor sighed, sitting back in his seat and rubbing at his forehead before smiling kindly. "Tell me something... What do you think you're good at? Let me know how you feel about yourself. What skills are you particularly proud of?"

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

Doctor Ikura sighed softly, rubbing at his forehead after Viral finished. It was just as he'd figured it would be, unfortunately. There was anger stemming from his trauma, perhaps over the helplessness that it imbued in the Beastman. Or maybe due to a desire for revenge, he couldn't be certain. Either way there was something already they needed to solve, his anger problems. Perhaps if they found a more apt way of venting it he could lower his stress a fair bit. "I don't recall how long you were locked away for, I wasn't present at the time. I was, however, around prior to that. I would be more than happy to help you recount your life, but that is neither here or there. Please, let us focus on this for now and we'll get to that." Helplessness, anger, all of it was atypical of this kind of disorder. Not to downplay Viral's struggles, but every case had these common elements and much in the same methodology was used in helping it. They just had to be careful about where they started from and work their way up, slowly but surely. So long as Viral understood this would take time and that it wasn't a race or immediate fix they would do just fine.

"Viral, we don't need to get angry over this. I think before we move on further we'll work on a calming exercise, just in case you feel tension building during our sessions. If you'd be so kind to follow my example, we'll try it now." Rising out of his seat for a moment Ikura brought his chair closer to the Beastman's, sitting back down with a smile. "A breathing exercise first, that might help. It's simple to do and can help slow your heart rate and thus control anxiety. Now... As you normally breath your abdomen will rise when you inhale, and fall when you exhale, this is normal. We're going to reverse that however, and add something. I would like you to inhale only through your nose, for as long as you can, then hold that breath as long as you can. Finally, release it through your mouth and repeat the first two steps, do this two or three times to calm yourself." To help relay the idea Ikura closed his eyes, shutting his mouth as he steadily inhaled before opening it and exhaling. He did this three times in a row before opening his eyes, smiling gently, "Simple, yes? Please give it a try."

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

Patience was most certainly going to be needed in this case. Thankfully it was a virtue that Ikura possessed in metric tonnes. No single patient he had ever seen had readily spoken at first, it was a gradual process to bring out the true demons that haunted someone. While they had the diagnosis, PTSD, that served to do them little good. it wasn't the diagnosis that helped them work through this but rather resolving that which brought the problem about in the first place. Settling himself down in a seat he waited for the Beastman to do the same, wanting it to be as casual and relaxed an atmosphere as possible. "If need be I'll arrange to stay longer. My initial plans only have me here for a week, but I can certainly move some things around to get us more time. And please don't see that as an inconvenience to me. As I said, it is my pride and joy to be able to help you, Viral. If you only could feel a fraction of the elation I'm experiencing at seeing you alive and well." Perhaps 'well' wasn't the best word, not considering the nature of their meeting. Alive was a pretty good start though, and the man was here. Whether he was saying it or not Iruka liked to think Viral did indeed want this and want to get better. No one ever wanted to be miserable or stressed, it was all about overcoming that hurdle to open up and let others in. Unfortunately for some that was too large an obstacle to overcome.

"I'll say that wiping your memory was not the most pleasant of choices I had to make," Iruka continued, smiling apologetically, "But I felt it was best. Were you aware of what had happened before then I feared you'd end up in such a state as you are now. It was selfish of me, trying to spare you the pain so I didn't have to watch, and I apologize. There will be none of that this time around, i assure you." Not only did he lack the equipment to undertake such a procedure but there was no reason to do it this time. All suppressing PTSD would do is stave off the stress and anxiety, it was bound to come back. In order to truly solve the problem they had to tackle it head on and get to the bottom of the matter, that was the only way. "Now then... I know what you've got, as do the others. I don't feel I need to say that it's pertinent we do this, it's a fairly serious matter after all. I intend to start off as slowly as possible and work our way back, if it's all the same to you. If you're feeling up to it, can you explain precisely what it is that bothers you? I'd like to know, if you don't mind, what on a day to day basis you have difficulty with."

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

Ikura's mood had quickly gone from delighted to saddened at the state that Viral was in. Ah... He looked like he was dealing with so much, and he was too afraid to bring it up. Goodness knows what the Beastman had been through to be under this kind of duress, he'd have thought it would take something very awful to do this to the man. Much as he wanted to help this had to be Viral's decision to accept the treatment, otherwise it might not well work. "You do need help, Viral, and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone needs a helping hand time to time," the doctor said, smiling sympathetically. This was practically a child to him, it tore his heart seeing Viral under this kind of stress. That was going to make this a little difficult too, he would need to be objective. Difficult when you were emotionally vested in your patient, it was a fine line between speaking as a professional and as a person who knew you intimately. Unfortunately for the Beastman while he was willing to help there was a time constraint. Staying in East City for too long could be problematic, Ikura knew he could only be a week at most before it was time to go again. In his stay here however, if permitted, he would want to make a difference.

"It saddens me you do not remember me, but I won't press on that. Just know I'm a man you can trust and has your best interests at heart." Ah, and the amnesia that came with his being put into cryogenic rest after the event. Perhaps if they were swift to address the stress Ikura could even help Viral remember his life prior to that day. There were a lot of good moments, after all, many which would serve to improve the Beastman's outlook on life. If he could just know how good his life had been, and could be again, surely he'd not be like this. "None of us think you're a coward. You came here whether you wanted to or not, and that in of itself is brave. It's not easy facing our problems and you've already taken the first step." Looking to Vegeta and Yumi he smiled politely, "Would you two mind waiting outside? I tend to see my patients in privacy, if it's quite alright with you."

"Oh, uh sure thing doctor," Yumi said, smiling sheepishly. Looking to Viral she reached out and patted his arm, hoping to offer a little comfort. "You'll do just fine, just talk to him."

Vegeta nodded in agreement, giving Viral a few parting words as well. "Ikura is a friend of our father's Viral, you can trust him. Don't worry about saying anything that might otherwise upset him, he's here to help." Gesturing to Yumi the pair left the room, taking a seat out on the bench after closing the door behind them. Sighing softly Vegeta leaned up against the wall, closing his eyes and rubbing at the leg of his pants nervously. Well, this was it, time to begin Viral's therapy. What happened now would determine if the Beastman could truly be saved or if he was going to live out a life of depression and misery.

"You're a lucky man, to have those two caring about you so deeply," Ikura mused, smiling as he glanced at the pair through the glass pane in the door. Drawing down the blind he walked over to the desk, taking a seat in the chair, "I hope you don't mind an old man resting while we talk. I'm afraid I get rather sore after standing for too long." Now to begin, slowly of course. Asking too much or being too direct was bound to only get rejection and potentially upset Viral, he needed to be more roundabout to start. Taking off his glasses Ikura wiped them on his shirt carefully, looking up at Viral with a kind smile as he placed them back on. "Please, get comfortable too, I couldn't ask you to stand the entire time. Once you feel ready to talk we'll begin. Don't worry, we'll take things slowly, so you won't be telling me everything right off the bat."

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

Doctor Ikura was, to be plain, elated to see these three again. They had all been children, both literally and figuratively, when he'd last seen any of them. It was so odd seeing them after all this time, they had changed so much. After paying brief visits to Yumi and Vegeta respectively he turned his focus onto Viral, most happy of all to see the Beastman. He seemed a little nervous for some reason but it was a great joy to find his work alive and well. Ah, if only Aito were here to see this, he would be thrilled to find Viral doing so well after so long. Greeting the Beastman he was confused when Viral moved away hastily as though some harm had been done to him. Then he began to spout something about problems, sounding fairly uneasy. Furrowing his brow in confusion Ikura put up his hands, smiling kindly as he stepped closer. "Viral, relax my boy. With all due respect you'd not be in a hospital if it was nothing, there most certainly is something. And frankly you're the only one who's seeming in need of aid here." He was fairly good at what he did after all, Ikura had spotted that Viral was troubled. Not the exact issue of course, that was impossible, but the behavior and expressions the Beastman used said it all. Since he didn't seem too keen on talking the doctor let Viral be for now, turning instead to Vegeta for answers. "Perhaps you can shed some light on this?"

"I can certainly try, though it'd be best to hear it from Viral." That was obvious, but their friend wasn't very keen on talking just yet. Sighing softly Vegeta crossed his arms, debating on how much to divulge or where even to begin. Viral had been having difficulties for some time, practically since he first left Capsule Corp has he understood it. Going all the way back would take an awful lot of explaining, so maybe just the barebones would do. "We've come to understand that Viral's been suffering from PTSD, maybe amongst other things as well. None of us have the faintest idea how to help it, though we've had every intention to. I know it's short notice and it's a lot to ask, but would you be able to help him?" There was a slight hint of desperation in Vegeta's tone, this was the last resort for them. If Ikura didn't agree to help then they were going to be forced to look elsewhere, and he doubted anyone would be half as helpful. "I'll pay whatever fees you deem necessary for the work, just please see what you can do?"

Ikura smiled sadly, looking over in Viral's direction again. So that was it then? PTSD? Ah, how he'd wished he would never have to contend with that again. Plenty of soldiers had come and gone with that very same ailment, it was always a tricky issue to deal with. So many potential triggers and fairly difficult to treat, it was a properly lousy disorder to get. That didn't mean he was going to shy away from it however, not a chance. "Pay? Please, if I charged to help you or Viral I couldn't live with myself. No, I'll do this for free my boy. Consider it payment for bringing him home to me, for however brief it may be." Ah, who would have thought he would see Viral again? Ikura couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in his chest as he held the Beastman in his gaze, immensely satisfied with how he'd turned out. If only they were meeting under more favorable circumstances, there were dozens upon dozens of questions he had that were buzzing in his mind like a cloud of gnats. Perhaps when all was said and done he could slip one or two in there, but not now. "I'll do it, and I can start immediately. We can even begin right here if Viral is so inclined." Therapy was easy, once you got started. The biggest hurdle was beginning it and that was the point they were at now. "This is completely optional Viral, I don't want you to feel forced into this. But know I can most certainly help you, and it would be my pleasure to do so."

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"You can't clump everyone together like that Viral. You make it sound like all humans are bad or greedy and they're not." Yumi frowned at how he was speaking about humanity as a whole, it wasn't fair. The ones he spoke of were the bad ones who everyone talked about, people like the RRA or nasty business executives. No one spoke about the little guy who gave what they could, or the average person who minded their own business or even did a good deed or two. Heck, most of Viral's insight on people as a whole stemmed from news, she was willing to bet. Nothing but lousy rubbish on the news most of the time, anyone who watched it would be cynical. Being chastised Yumi looked over at Viral testily, folding her arms over her chest as she walked over and leaned into him slightly. "I woke up as a new person more or less, so I'm confused! Sorry if my confusion bothers you," she retorted, huffing as she turned around for a second before turning back, poking him in the chest. "And I wouldn't eavesdrop on you, I respect you too much for that. I meant other people, like bad people. Do you honestly expect me to sneak around and betray you by listening to things I shouldn't be?" Deciding to play the guilt card a little she pouted, sinking in her posture slightly as she turned her side to Viral. "Sorry if you think I'm lowly enough to stoop to such levels."

"Yumi... He didn't mean it, I'm sure. And Viral, she wouldn't do that to you and you know it." Vegeta said, pinching the bridge of his nose with a sigh. Sheesh, he was like the lone parent handling two kids right now. Hopefully Ikura was prompt in getting here, if these two were going to start he really wasn't sure how long he'd put up with it. Giving Viral a passive glance the Saiyan smiled slightly, shrugging his shoulders. "I suppose that's the case. I refuse to relinquish my control on you because I'm your demanding overlord," he teased, scratching at his cheek. "Or I don't want to alienate someone who is for all intents and purposes my brother. If putting up with the hustle of Capsule Corp means keeping you around then I can certainly suffer it for your sake. It's a small price to pay to keep my family close after all." Viral probably still didn't share that view, their being a family. Vegeta had every intention on driving that point home however, he wanted the Beastman to begin seeing it their way. Maybe with the doctor's help he would be more open to it.

They had been told Doctor Ikura would be prompt, and sure enough ten minutes later the man was on his way. Not terribly old, 50 years of age, he looked every bit the part of a doctor or scientist. Donning a white lab coat and a gray undershirt and trousers he shuffled along the linoleum floors quickly, a stack of papers tucked under one arm. He couldn't believe it, Vegeta and Yumi were here, after so long. Not only that but supposedly Viral was with them! It had been... How many years now? 10? 15? He couldn't even recall at this point the time that had elapsed. Life had been oh so busy as of late and the years had slipped by. Yet here the children were, with his proudest achievement of his scientific life no less. After quickly yet thoroughly seeing to his final patient the man had wasted no time in coming to see the trio, scaling two sets of stairs in record time. 209... 209... Ah, there it was! Almost giddy with anticipation Ikura was running right to the room, intent on surprising the children when he got there. Unfortunately he'd failed to account for the slickness of the floor, and when he tried to abruptly stop outside the room he lost his footing, promptly falling and landing on his backside with a loud yelp. Wincing as he nursed his sore behind the older man got to his feet, shuffling inside the room with a slightly red face. He had short gray hair that parted in the middle, two short bangs hanging down either side of his face, and a thin mustache resting on his upper lip. Looking up at the three through thing, rectangular wire-framed glasses he smiled, laughing airily as he looked at all three.

"My my my... Look at you all! It's truly been much too long!" Ikura exclaimed, shuffling forward to greet everyone. First he went to Vegeta, having to look up at the boy to see eye to eye. Smiling he eagerly took the Saiyan's hand, giving it a shaking while carefully gripping his papers. "You've gotten tall! I remember when you were a wee lad, I do! I suppose you're not quite the handful you used to be then, I'd hope not!" Chuckling merrily he moved onto Yumi, smiling at her brightly as he shook her hand as well. "Yumi my dear, what a beautiful young woman you've become! And those ears..." he paused, reaching up and plucking one, immediately noting the indignant look on her face. With an apologetic smile he put his hands up defensively, at last moving to see Viral. "Ah... The one person who remains the same. Ahaha, how I envy your youth sometimes! I'm afraid I've grown quite a bit older since last we spoke my boy!" Ikura said cheerfully, reaching out and patting Viral on the shoulder. "Ah, what a delight it is to see you all. When I heard you were here I almost called the nurse's bluff, I'm glad I didn't."

"Imagine how we felt. You've been gone for a long time. It's nice to see you again doctor, glad to see you've still got your pep." Vegeta remarked, smiling amused. As far as their father knew Ikura had always been a rather serious man on the job. There were rather faint memories however of the man being quite eccentric and cheerful, especially with children. He was almost like a grandfather figure, perhaps now more than ever in his older age. "Sorry for calling you like this, but I didn't know who else to turn to. I hope we're not inconveniencing you?"

Doctor Ikura shook his head, smiling happily as he set his stack of papers down on a nearby table. "Not at all my boy, I've always time for you three!" he replied, carefully getting his documents into a neat orderly pile. Once settled he folded his hands behind his back, looking to the trio again. "Now, what was it you needed from me? Much as I would love to catch up I feel this isn't simply a reunion call. Something the matter?"