Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Normal Friends from Strange Places ❯ Junior Tournament ( Chapter 27 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: Maria Cline 
The Z Team enters the Tournament and meets some old friends.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Comedy / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.05.2004 | Pages: 12 | Words: 9.9K | Visits: 236 | Status: Completed
The Z Team enters the Tournament and meets some old friends.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Comedy / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.05.2004 | Pages: 12 | Words: 9.9K | Visits: 236 | Status: Completed
All DBZ characters except for Kyuushi, Triforce, Lazarusand Long Haired Gohan belongs to Akira Toriyama. Kyuushi, Lazarus, and Triforce belong to me. The Hunky Gohan belongs to Nadia Rose.
Normal Friends from Strange Places
Part 24
By Maria Cline
The sun rose in the distance as a man stood out in the middle of the arena. His short blond hair ruffled in the wind and his white suit glowed in the sun’s light. “Today is the day.” He said, “Today, the angels will finally achieve their rightful place in the way of things.”
*****
“Today is the day.” Kyuushi sighed as she stood on top of the Lookout. Her black wings stretched out behind her back.
“Are you nervous?” Mr. Popo asked, concerned, as he brought the angel her meal.
“I’ve been waiting for this day for eternity.” Kyuushi whispered as her red eyes glowed.
*****
Yamcha drove the giant air car with the various Z warriors. It was decided that all of the warriors would get there at once for safety’s sake. Piccolo was inside planning with the others.
”Okay, we need to figure out who will be fighting in the Tournament. Gohan, Trey, Videl, and Kyuushi will be fighting. I’ll be fighting too, of course.” Piccolo said as he looked over the list.
“I’m fighting too, I’m highly formidable.” Vegita said as he smirked.
“Okay, Vegita too… Goten and Trunks, if that’s okay with you, Chi Chi.” Piccolo asked the Saiyan woman.
“I don’t mind that much.” Chi Chi said as she patted Goldheart on the head.
“Okay, may I ask you this, woman?” Vegita pointed to the dog and mechanical cat. “Why are they coming along?!”
“They’re family.” Goten explained as he hugged Goldheart. “We can’t leave them behind.”
“They could get hurt.” Bulma agreed, “I know that they are special, but they’re just pets.”
At once, Krillian, Chi Chi, Piccolo, Bardock, the angels, Goten, and Trunks all laughed nervously at the comment. “Right, just a pair of normal pets.” Krillian chuckled.
“They’re as safe here as they are anywhere.” Chi Chi reasoned as she put her hand on Goldheart’s head. “Besides, I don’t want neither one to miss this Tournament.” **Especially since this is going to be the first Tournament Goku will be watching and not fighting.**
Goku looked down after he caught the meaning of her words.
Octavia came up and asked, **What’s wrong, Goku?**
**Huh?** Goku looked up at her distracted. **Sorry, I was just thinking. I mean... my sons are going to be fighting an enemy that is beyond anything we have faced before and all I will be able to do is watch. I can’t even give advice in this body.**
**You know that you can’t fight this time.** Octavia comforted as she leaned closer to him. **A good warrior knows when to fight and when _not_ to fight. Your children are very strong, you must have faith in them.**
**I do.** Goku grinned the best he can. **But I’m still nervous.**
**You’re a parent, all parents get worried about their children even after they grow up, and that is the way of things. I feel the same way about Chi Chi.** Octavia sighed, **My daughter is all grown up and yet I still worry about her well being.**
**Chi Chi’s like that too. She seems so calm about this fight but I know it must be tearing her apart like it is me. I wish I could talk to her and comfort her.** Goku confessed and then lay his head on Chi Chi’s lap. Chi Chi smiled as she stroked his fur.
**Oh... you’re doing a good job with the comforting part.** Octavia pointed out as she purred again.
Bardock came up to Yamcha. Yamcha turned his head toward the Saiyan and said, “So, are you going to fight in the Tournament too?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t fight martial arts like you. My main powers are my visions and general psychic power.” Bardock replied.
“Oh... I wish I could fight in the Tournament, but it’s way out of my league.” Yamcha commented as he laughed. “If I get in, I’ll just be beaten up.”
“You are far stronger than most Humans.” Bardock complimented.
“Yeah... but I’m a wimp compared to you Super Saiyans.” Yamcha lightly punched Bardock in the arm.
“You may not be a Super Saiyan but you are no wimp.” Bardock said as he punched back.
“Oh, that reminds me.” Bulma stood up and said, “The Saiyans better not go Super Saiyan unless necessary. People might recognize you from the Cell Games as the Golden Warriors.”
“Makes sense...” Gohan nodded, “We better go in under our superhero identities; at least to get in. That way, we can fight as hard as we need to and not get exposed.”
At once there was silence. “Wait, you mean put on our superhero outfits?” Trey asked, “Gohan, you know that Trigun can’t fight without his guns.”
“You can go as Triforce or even Yinyo. I get to be Saiyanman!” Gohan gushed excitedly as he got out his special costume watch.
“Lucky thing I have various spare costumes here.” Bulma took out her special capsule case and held out the various costume capsules.
“Great...” Trunks moaned as he cringed at the thought of wearing the ‘Dark Prince’ outfit.
“Well... you and Goten don’t have to wear costumes.” Bulma said.
“Thanks.”
*****
The aircar landed and the group walked out with the fighters in their costumes. “This is so cool!” Goten said as he stared at the vast stadium. All around them were various vendors, reporters, and general crowds.
“It’s so big.” Trunks commented as he gazed around.
“Not bad.” Kyuushi said as she took out a camera and started taking pictures.
“Get your Hercule T-shirt!” A passing vendor said wearing a Hercule t-shirt with a bunch of shirts in a basket.
“Hercule hats!” Another vendor came around with ball caps in a basket.
“They sure did change the place.” Krillian said as he crossed his arms. “There weren’t any vendors the last time I fought in the Tournament.”
“This isn’t right.” Chi Chi moaned as she looked at a booth with a bunch of Goku, Piccolo, and other assorted dolls. “Wait a second.” She went up to the booth and asked, “Excuse me, what are those dolls?”
The vendor blinked at the woman and said, “Why, they’re past Tournament dolls. I have Hercule, Goku, Ma Junior...” He held up various dolls. “You name the fighter, I have it.”
Chi Chi looked through the various dolls and held up a Goku doll. Then, she picked up a Chi Chi doll. She held the dolls in her hands. She remembered how they were engaged at the Tournament. It felt like forever and they both had changed so much since then. She shook her head and asked, “Did you have their permission to be used like this?”
“Well... they’re very hard to find. Besides, I heard that most of these guys are somewhat...” he whispered, “stupid; except for Hercule and Videl. Especially this guy.” The Vendor pointed to the Goku doll.
Chi Chi scowled and screamed, “MY HUSBAND IS NOT STUPID!” She bashed her fist into a wall and the vendor gulped.
“What’s going on?” Piccolo asked as he came up.
The vendor looked up at the tall man. He looked familiar to him somehow. He gazed down at the Piccolo doll and then at the man. “You’re Ma Junior!”
“Yes, I am.” Piccolo muttered.
“Hey, what’s the commotion?” Krillian asked as he came up and picked up a small Krillian doll.
“Look, Daddy, he looks like you only bald!” Marron said as she picked up another Krillian doll.
“Looks like we have a major case of copyright infringement.” Bulma said as she looked at the various dolls. “Guys, did this guy give you a share of the profits?”
“I don’t think so.” Yamcha replied.
“Wait! I had no idea that you would come back!” The vendor whimpered as he went onto his knees.
*****
“Why did you let that moron live?” Vegita asked as the group left the now bare booth.
“I don’t like killing.” Chi Chi said as she looked at her basket of Goku and Chi Chi dolls. “Besides, these dolls are adorable.”
“I like my new dollies!” Marron said as she held up a Krillian and a Piccolo doll in each hand.
“I’m just happy we got the dolls for free but what will we do with the Hercule dolls?” Eighteen commented as she looked down at her own Krillian doll.
Chi Chi smirked as she held up a Hercule doll in her hand and disintegrated it.
“You really became a Saiyan.” Vegita laughed as he disintegrated his own Hercule doll.
“Here you go, Goldheart.” Goten said as he put a Goku doll onto Goldheart’s back and secured it with the collar.
“Awww...” Lunch cooed as she held her Tien doll. “That’s so sweet, Goten.”
“I like my Chi Chi dolls.” Ox-King said as he held up his Chi Chi dolls.
“I don’t mind having my image being spread like this but no one calls my Goku ‘stupid’.” Chi Chi insisted as she patted Goku’s head.
“You got that right.”
The group looked up to see a familiar warrior wearing a ball cap over his long black hair with a giant ‘H’ on it, a T-shirt with the words ‘Super Saiyan’, a pair of blue shorts and sandals. He was wearing a giant camera around his neck and sporting a pair of flashy sunglasses. “Hi, guys!”
“GOHAN?!” The group exclaimed in shock.
“Kaioshin sent me to watch you guys up close.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he came up.
“Good, we may need you.” Kyuushi said as she adjusted her own sunglasses.
“Gohan... why are you dressed like that?” Chi Chi asked, stunned at the alternate version of her son’s attire.
“Well... Kaioshin need me to blend in.” The Long-Haired Gohan replied.
Krillian and everyone else sweatdropped at the sight of a huge man with long black hair dressed in flashy clothes trying to blend in. “You never change, Gohan.” Krillian muttered.
“And this man will the Lord of all that Exists.” Kyuushi sighed as she looked up.
“Let’s go.” Piccolo urged as he put away his Saiyaman dolls and walked toward the registration booth.
“Will you be fighting in the Tournament?” Gohan asked his older counterpart.
“Nah, I’ll just be watching. Besides, two mes are too many for this Tournament.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he winked. He looked around and said, “I wouldn’t mind fighting it one again... been such a long time since I’ve fought in a Tournament, at least in the Living World. This one is so... commercial.”
Gohan nodded in agreement. “Okay, so what happened in this Tournament when you were my age? Did you fight in it?”
“Yeah, I fought in it... it wasn’t pleasant. Especially when Vegita turned Majin and-“ Hunky shook his head and said, “Forget about it. I doubt it will happen here.”
“Okay...” Vegita muttered and then looked at the vast arena.
The group went to the registration desk and the monks were there. “At least one thing hasn’t changed.” Krillian sighed in relief.
“Hello, are all of you here to fight in the Tournament?” The monk asked as he looked at the group. “Just come up here and say your name.”
“Wait a sec.” Trey ducked into a phonebooth and snapped his fingers twice. Triforce came out and up to the desk. “Triforce, the Silver Fighter.”
“Triforce, the Silver Fighter.” The monk repeated. “Next.”
Kyuushi came up. “Kai Shi.”
“Okay, next.”
Gohan ducked into the telephone booth and became Saiyanman. “Saiyanman.” He said as he came up to the desk.
“Okay... Saiyan Mann.”
“No, Saiyanman is one word.” Saiyanman insisted as he adjusted his voice.
“Right.”
Videl ducked into a phone booth and came out wearing a sleek blue bodysuit with her right arm covered in a tattoo. “I’m the Blue Gauntlet.”
“Okay, Blue Gauntlet. Next?”
Vegita came up and said, “Vegita.”
“Oh... Bulma’s reclusive husband.” The monk nodded, “Okay, next?”
Piccolo came up and whispered, “The Namekian Manhunter.”
At once, a horde of women came and swooned. “WE LOVE YOU NAMEKIAN MANHUNTER!” They screamed as underwear fell from the sky and covered the ground and booths.
The screaming women ran toward Piccolo and then Kyuushi stood in front of him. Her eyes glowed red and the horde stopped. They stared at her and then screamed, “EEK!” They ran off in a cloud of smoke.
Piccolo looked down at the angel and asked, “What did you do?”
“I scared them away.”
“I want to be a superhero.” Master Roshi said as he and Oolong got out a huge bag and began collecting the vast spread of panties.
“Piccolo has always been a ladies man.” The Long-Haired Gohan commented.
“Piccolo?” Yamcha repeated, “A ladies man?”
“Don’t doubt it, I’ve seen it.” The Long-Haired Gohan insisted.
“Okay, the Namekian Manhunter...” The monk said as he pulled the underwear off of his head. “Please keep the horde away from the arena. We like to keep the Tournament serious.”
“Right.” Piccolo nodded.
“Next?”
Goten ran into the booth and came out as Saiyanboy. “Here! I’m Saiyanboy!”
Trunks sweat dropped and asked, “You actually wanted to wear that costume?”
“Yeah!”
“Okay, Saiyanboy... and you are?”
“Trunks Briefs.”
“Oh... Bulma’s son. How cute. Okay, you and Saiyanboy are fighting in the Junior Tournament.”
Saiyanboy and Trunks moaned. “We have to fight kids?” Saiyanboy whined, “I want to fight adults.”
“No kid can handle our power.” Trunks insisted.
“Sorry but those are the rules.” The monk said.
“Those are stupid rules!” Saiyanboy pouted.
“Just go ahead and fight, you can fight each other.” Chi Chi insisted.
“Well... the winner of the Junior Tournament will get to fight Hercule. I don’t know if that’s fair or not to the kid.” The monk said as he looked at his booklet.
“Or to Hercule.” Krillian chuckled.
“Oh yeah.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he remembered what happened in his Tournament. “Never saw what’s coming.”
“Okay...” The monk blinked at the huge man’s comment. “Are you sure you don’t want to fight as well? You look formidable.”
“Nah, I’m... really a scholar.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he grinned.
“Oh... very well.” The monk said as he looked at the Long-Haired Gohan’s biceps. “Are you sure?”
"I can tell you that the secret of lightspeed travel is to bend the space-time continuum in a relative fashion without losing mesons."
“Uhhh... anyway, the fighters can go ahead and the others must go to the seats.” The monk said as he gestured behind him.
“Okay.” Chi Chi reached up and hugged Saiyanboy. “Now, you behave Saiyanboy.” She hugged Saiyanman, “Now, you watch your brother, okay?”
“Mom...” Saiyanman blushed brightly, even as a Saiyan, his mother can be so motherly.
“I mean it. Be careful.” Chi Chi warned, “I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“I will.” Saiyanman promised.
After the warriors separated, the fighters went on into the arena and the others went off into the stands.
Goku and Octavia looked around them as they followed their families to the stands. **This place sure did change since my last Tournament.** Goku observed as he craned his head up.
**It certainly did.** Octavia commented, **It’s so much bigger than when I fought in the Tournament.**
Goku stopped and turned his head toward the cat. **You fought in the Tournament?!**
**What did you expect? I’m a fighter.** Octavia replied, **I met Ox-King there and we got married, much like you and Chi Chi did. It was much smaller and more about fighting than now. Ki wasn’t used like it is now; it was rare. Those were the days.**
**Tell me about it.** Goku agreed.
“Hey, Goldheart, come here.” Chi Chi insisted as she tugged Goku’s leash.
**This is the first time I’ve come here with a leash.** Goku confessed as he followed her.
“Wonder why he stopped.” Bulma wondered as she picked up her mechanical cat.
“He’s probably was checking out the place.” Krillian said, “I mean, it’s way different than before.”
“Goldheart? Interested in a Tournament?” Eighteen asked as she frowned slightly.
Bulma laughed and said, “I seriously doubt that any dog would be interested in a Tournament. He probably just smelled something.”
“Yes, that’s just it.” Chi Chi smiled slightly as she patted Goldheart’s head. **And they call themselves geniuses.** Chi Chi thought. “Let’s go and find our seats.”
*****
Piccolo couldn’t help but feel his stomach turn at the sight of the new arena and waiting rooms. In his first Tournament, there was just a small waiting room, a preliminary fight room, and the main arena. Now there were various vendors with sports equipment and snacks, vast waiting rooms with concessions, a huge arena, and a long line to a punching machine.
“Incredible.” Piccolo muttered, “This place became a circus.”
“Was it that different than when you fought Dad?” Saiyanboy asked from Saiyanman’s shoulders.
“Very different.” Piccolo replied.
“Excuse me, are you going to fight?” A man asked as he came up.
“Yes, we are.” Saiyanman replied, “Where’s the preliminary fights?”
“There are no preliminary fights.” The official replied.
“Wait, how do we decide who gets to fight in the Tournament?” Piccolo asked stunned.
“You see, you go into that line and punch the machine and it measures your strength. Whoever receives the highest score will get to fight.” The official said.
“You’re kidding.” Kyuushi said, disgusted at the new system.
“It’s true. Whoever is the strongest will get to fight.” The official looked at the small girl and said, “I don’t blame you for being nervous, you look fairly weak.”
Kyuushi scowled as she lifted her sunglasses to reveal her red eyes. “Don’t judge by looks, mortal.” The official gulped as he stepped back.
Saiyanman laughed nervously as he patted the girl on the shoulder. “You have to forgive my friend here... she’s a great fighter but she likes to freak people out with fake contact lenses.”
“That’s right, it’s a joke.” Kyuushi said as she smirked.
“Right... good luck in the fight.” The official gulped as he backed away. **These new warriors are getting stranger all the time.**
After the official left, the group went into the line. “I can’t believe we have to punch some stupid machine just to get in.” Piccolo moaned, “That’s crazy.”
“Tell me about it. I’ve seen warriors who managed to defeat a far more powerful foe with brains and strategy. Pure strength doesn’t show how good a warrior is.” Kyuushi said.
“I know. Goku was far weaker than me when we fought and he managed to defeat me.” Piccolo said, “Oh well, we better worry about not breaking the machine. Knowing Hercule, it would break if we hit it at full strength.”
“I wonder why we can’t fight in Preliminary fights.” The Blue Gauntlet wondered.
“Who knows... who cares, I will show my power to the world.” Vegita boasted, “If Kakarot knows about this, he’d roll over.”
At once, the warriors looked at the Saiyan. Vegita was insightful and he made it a point to know Goku well enough to know his weaknesses. Did he know about Goku’s fate as Goldheart? “Roll over?” Saiyanman repeated.
“In his grave! Kakarot would roll over in his grave if he sees this... embarrassment.” Vegita said.
“Oh... turned in his grave.” Saiyanman nodded, “That’s what you meant.”
“Turned, rolled, what’s the difference?” Vegita waved his hand. “Personally, I prefer that Kakarot comes here. That would be one hell of a fight.” He sighed as he shook his head.
“You really wanted to fight Goku don’t you?” Trunks asked hesitantly.
“Oh yeah... I want to show him who’s superior.” Vegita chuckled as he held up a glowing fist. The warrior dropped his glowing fist and muttered, “But how can I do that if I don’t know where that idiot went?!”
Kyuushi and the others smirked at each other. “I see... if we’re lucky, you may get your fight after we defeat Lazarus.” Piccolo said.
Vegita scowled at his fellow warriors. “Do you know something I don’t know about Kakarot?”
“What makes you think that?” Saiyanman asked as he grinned nervously under his mask.
“Just a hunch.” Vegita replied as he frowned. **They know something. I can feel it.**
The line moved fast as fights punched, kicked, and even head butted the punching machine. Most of the scores ranged from 100-300, with the 300 belonging to Hercule. Finally, it was Piccolo’s turn. “Be careful, Namekian Manhunter.” Saiyanman whispered.
Piccolo just rose his hand and tapped the machine. The machine jerked and displayed the score. “ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY NINE POINTS!” The judge exclaimed.
“There must be something wrong with this thing.” The other guy said as he looked at the machine.
“The settings.” Piccolo growled, “Let me try it again.” He reached up and gently elbowed it.
“Five hundred even.” The man said, stunned. **It looks like the guy was actually restraining himself.**
The other fighters gasped at the amazingly high score.
“Looks like I’m in.” Piccolo muttered, **I hope no one will talk about this embarrassment.**
“My turn.” Saiyanman said as he came up and strained his arm as he let out a very light tap.
“Six Hundred.”
More murmurs came through the line as Saiyanman shook his head. “Too high.” He commented as he walked to the side.
Kyuushi sweatdropped at the machine and then said, “The simplicity of the mortal mind.” She focused on her body, her wings shrank and she looked up. She jumped up and did an impressive roundhouse kick at the machine.
“Four Hundred.” The man gasped in astonishment.
“How did you do that?” Vegita asked.
Kyuushi smirked as her wings grew back. “I just lowered my power to that of a mortal.”
“My turn.” The Blue Gauntlet tapped the machine.
“Five Hundred and Ninety Nine!”
“Cool.” Saiyanman said as he nodded.
Triforce stared at the machine and punched it gently.
“Three hundred and Thirty Three!”
“Why am I not surprised?” The Blue Gauntlet muttered as she shook her head.
Finally, it was Vegita’s turn. He stood there for a moment and then held out his fist. The machine flew back and crashed into the wall. At once, the fighters gawked at the short warrior destroying it with such ease.
“Vegita...” Saiyanman moaned as he held his head. The group just shook their heads. Vegita has just called attention to himself, causing everyone to back away from the Saiyan in fear.
“I do not hold back.” Vegita growled as he walked away. “Let’s go.”
“Well... at least we’re in.” Saiyanman said optimistically as they walked with Vegita.
Unseen by all, Lazarus looked at the wreckage and smirked, “This will be far easier than I thought.”
*****
“Gee, Chi Chi, don’t you think you have enough food?” Yamcha asked sarcastically as he and the other warriors were in the stands. Chi Chi, Bardock, and the alternate Gohan were each holding enough food to feed a crowd.
“I can’t help it if I’m hungry.” Chi Chi growled as she took a hot dog and swallowed it whole. She heard a whine and she looked down at Goldheart. “Of course.” She reached into her bag and took out a single hotdog. “Here you go.”
Goku barked as he ate the meat. **Hmmm... good.** He thought.
“Ah... the smell of the foods, the roar of the crowds... there’s nothing like a good tournament.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he adjusted his sunglasses.
“I just hope it’s a good tournament.” Bulma said, “My son and Vegita are fighting in it... and I don’t want either of them to get killed.”
“I’m sure they’ll be fine.” The Long-Haired Gohan said, “Remember, they’re with good company.”
“This feels so strange.” Yamcha said as he looked around. “I mean, being here and Goku isn’t...”
“Dad can’t fight in this Tournament.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he put his hand on Goldheart’s head. “We all know it. He has faith in our power and abilities. We can’t disappoint him.”
“I know but it still feels funny.” Yamcha sighed, “Oh well, things change.”
“Yes, they do.” Chi Chi smiled slightly as she took a sip of her soda.
*****
“Whoa... look at all this food!” Goten said, wide-eyed, as he and the other warriors entered the great big room.
“According to this, this is the great banquet room.” Blue Gauntlet said as she looked at the brochure. “There is a buffet, a spa, a massage room, and a karaoke machine.”
“Karaoke?” Piccolo repeated as he rose an invisible eyebrow.
“I call buffet!” Saiyanman said as he, Goten, and Trunks rushed to the buffet. Vegita followed suit.
“I’ll look at this massage room.” The Blue Gauntlet said as she went to the massage room.
“I’m going to the spa.” Kyuushi said as she went to the spa room.
“I’ll go to the Karaoke machine.” Triforce said as he headed toward the machine.
Piccolo looked around. He sat down and said, “I’ll just meditate.”
*****
“Ahhh... That was good.” Saiyanman said as he patted his stomach. Saiyanboy and Trunks fully agreed. The poor servants stared in shock at the sheer number of dishes that piled around them.
“It was okay.” Vegita said as he wiped his own lips. He didn’t have to admit it but it was good.
The other angels came back feeling fairly happy and relaxed, even Kyuushi looked a little brighter. Piccolo scoffed and said, “Oh brother, real warriors don’t use spas.”
“True...” Kyuushi said as she looked down. “But, it was refreshing.”
Piccolo found himself feeling like a babysitter to a group of super powerful kids. “Let’s go. We have a Tournament to fight.”
*****
“I hope it won’t be too much longer.” Chi Chi said as she looked at her watch. “I know Goten will win this Tournament.”
“What make you think Goten will win?” Bulma asked she smirked. “My Trunks is older and stronger. He even could fly before yours could.”
“Maybe so, but Goten was trained by the best, me!” Chi Chi boasted.
“Ha!” A fat woman said as she came up. “My son can clobber the both of ours! You two don’t look that much like fighters.” Suddenly, she found herself being flung into the air by a well placed punch.
The audience gasped as Chi Chi pulled back her fist. She glared at the gawking men and asked, “What are you staring at?”
At once, the area around the Z audience became much clearer.
“So much for blending in.” The Long-Haired Gohan sighed as he leaned on his chair.
A teenage girl leaned up and asked Chi Chi, “Say, you look strong, why didn’t you fight in the Tournament?”
“I’m not much of a fighter, I’m just a content housewife and mother.” Chi Chi replied and then everyone else facefaulted.
**A powerful housewife and mother.** Goku thought as he laid his head on Chi Chi’s lap wagging his tail.
Chi Chi patted Goku on the head and then said, “Anyway, Goten can clean Trunks’ clock.”
“In your dreams.” Bulma said. Suddenly, she remembered the future Gohan. “Gohan, you were in this Tournament, who wins, Goten or Trunks?
At once, everyone looked at the warrior and the Long-Haired Gohan gulped. Fortunately, he had been in many tense situations in his training for Kaioshin. The warrior gasped as he pointed down. “LOOK AT THAT!” Immediately, they looked down at the arena and the Long-Haired Gohan put his fingers to his forehead. “I plead the fifth.” He said as he vanished.
Krillian sweatdropped and he asked, “Did we just fall for the oldest trick in the book?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” Eighteen muttered.
Chi Chi scowled and screamed, “GOHAN! GET YOUR MONKEY-TAILED ASS BACK HERE!!!”
“Lady Chi Chi, everyone’s staring at us.” Bardock whispered as he sweatdropped.
“He’ll show up sooner or later.” Bulma said, “I mean, where he could go?”
“Any universe he wants.” Chi Chi sighed.
Eighteen looked around and asked, “Have you see my brother?”
*****
“I can’t believe we have to fight a bunch of kids.” Goten moaned.
“Tell me about it. The only one I would be having trouble with is you.” Trunks growled.
Kyuushi smirked and said, “Don’t worry, I helped things.”
“What did you do?” Saiyanman asked, wide-eyed.
“Nothing illegal.” Kyuushi reassured, “Just something fun.”
“I hope so... I don’t want to think about anything illegal happening here.” The Blue Gauntlet said.
“Will the contestants for the Junior Tournament please come to the arena?” A monk asked.
“This is it.” Saiyanman said as he nodded, “You two, you know there is only one winner. I just want you two to remain friends after this okay?”
“We can do that.” Saiyanboy said, “This will be fun.”
“I’ll be easy on you.” Trunks said.
“Yeah right. I was taught by my mommy and Gohan.” Saiyanboy said. The two boys smiled as they lightly punched their fists together in a friendly way.
They went onto the floor where six other kids stood in a line.
The Announcer grinned and exclaimed, “WELCOME TO THE 25th World Tournament!!! I am the Announcer of both the Junior Tournament and the Main Tournament! In this exciting Tournament, we will find out who is the strongest warrior under the heavens!!! And now... we will start off the celebration with the introduction of the little fighters in the first Tournament!” The Announcer got onstage and went up to Trunks. “And what is your name?”
“Trunks Briefs.”
The Announcer blinked under his sunglasses and asked, “Say, are you related to Bulma Briefs?”
“She’s my mom. Vegita’s my Dad... he’s fighting in this Tournament too.” Trunks said seriously.
The Announcer nodded and then he said, “All right! I can tell that someday, you will be breaking girls’ hearts!” He went up to Saiyanboy, “And what is your name?”
Saiyanboy grinned and did a bunch of poses. “I am... THE GREAT SAIYANBOY! SAIYANMAN’S LITTLE BROTHER!” He proclaimed as the other kids stared at him and Trunks put his hand on his forehead.
“You don’t have to pose.” Trunks growled, feeling humiliated.
Saiyanboy was in full cheesy hero mode. “I have to pose for the pubic! To reassure them that I... the Great Saiyanboy will do my best in this tournament! And to make my opponents shake in fear with my powerful poses!” He started posing again and ended up standing on his hands.
Trunks looked at the other kids who were shaking but not from fear. “Oh brother. Saiyanboy! Stop acting so goofy on National TV!”
The Announcer watched the two boys and said, “You two remind me of another pair of fighters your age so long ago. Anyway, now’s not the time for recollection, criminals beware of Saiyanboy!” He walked up to a small girl with long silver hair and a matching dress. “What is your name, little girl?”
“It’s Luna.” Luna said.
“LUNA!” Vegita exclaimed as he watched from the side. “What is that little witch doing here?!”
“I asked her come along.” Kyuushi said, “The others are going to be backup, I had Luna and another warrior come to give Goten and Trunks something to fight besides each other.”
“This will be interesting.” Saiyanman said.
The Announcer nodded and said, “Now, why do you want to fight in the Tournament?”
“I feel like it.” Luna said as she giggled.
The Announcer blinked under his sunglasses and asked, “So, how old are you, Luna?”
“Five thousand years old.” Luna said as she giggled again.
At once, everyone, including the warriors facefaulted. “Five thousand... eh?” The Announcer repeated, “I get it...” **It must be a joke. I’ll just play along.** “You look young for someone who’s five thousand years old.”
“I know. I exercise all the time and play a lot.” Luna explained.
“Well... good luck in the Tournament.” The Announcer said as he looked at the future playboy, the posing superhero, and a five thousand year old girl. **Maybe this kid will be normal.** He came up to a small boy with bright red hair, green eyes, and a strange black and green outfit. “What is your name?”
The boy said, “Sixteen.”
At once, the Z warriors gasped in shock. Eighteen blinked and repeated, “Sixteen? I thought he was dead.”
“So was half the team.” Krillian commented.
The Announcer stared at the boy and said, “Was that your real name?”
“Yes.” Sixteen said.
The Announcer blinked and then said, “You are a shy little boy. Do you have anything else to say?”
“Not really.”
“Oh... okay! The ultra-mysterious boy, Sixteen!” The Announcer said as he went to the next kid.
The other Z warriors lost interest and focused their attention to the android in the kids arena. “I can’t believe that Sixteen is back from the dead and as a kid!” Saiyanman exclaimed.
“You doubt my power?” Kyuushi asked with a raised eyebrow. “If you must know, Sixteen isn’t really dead just because his body was destroyed. To be honest, we weren’t sure what to do with him so we had him work in the Next Dimension. I brought him back here in a form of a child to help us out.”
“This is so cool.” The Blue Gauntlet confessed.
“This is getting confusing.” Piccolo muttered.
“Tell me about it.”
The two looked behind themselves to see the Long-Haired Gohan standing behind them wearing a trenchcoat, sunglasses, and a hat. “Gohan, what are you doing in that outfit?” Saiyanman asked.
“Hiding.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he looked around nervously.
“From who?” Triforce asked as he looked around as well.
“Mom and Bulma. Long story.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he ducked into a corner.
“Okay...” Triforce said as he sweatdropped.
*****
The first few fights were somewhat dull. Trunks, Saiyanboy, Luna, and Sixteen started out fighting the weak kids first. The kids often either were knocked out, or they hurt themselves while hitting the much stronger kid.
Finally, it was time for the real fights to begin. The Z warriors from both the audience and the sidelines watched in awe as Luna and Trunks went onto the arena.
Luna giggled and said, “I won’t use my portals and gravity on you, Trunks.” She winked. “I’ll just use my skills and cuteness!”
Trunks scowled and said, “I’m immune to your cuteness!”
Luna pointed to her face and said, “Can you resist a face like this?”
“Yes!” Trunks boomed as he flew at her.
“Boys.” Luna sighed as she blocked Trunks’ punch.
Everyone gasped as Luna and Trunks began to blur until only a few could actually see them.
“Look at those two go!” The Long-Haired Gohan cheered as he watched the two.
“I didn’t know Luna could fight like that.” Triforce said as he tilted his head.
“Luna was trained by me.” Kyuushi said, “She may look like a child but she’s no child.”
“Ouch.” Saiyanboy grimaced. “I hope Trunks will okay.”
“He’s fine.” Saiyanman insisted and then Luna appeared on the ground next to the ring.
“Uuuhh... the winner is Trunks!” The Announcer proclaimed as he held up Trunks’ hand. “And he will be the first finalist in the Junior Tournament!”
“Go Trunks!” Saiyanboy cried out as he ran up and slapped him on the back. “You did it! You beat Luna!”
“I did, didn’t I? And Dad couldn’t. That is so cool.” Trunks realized as he smirked and crossed his arms, looking eerily like his father.
Vegita growled under his breath as he overheard the conversation. “Relax, Vegita.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he patted the Saiyan on the back. “Trunks won, that’s all that matters.”
Vegita sighed as he smirked slightly. “Perhaps.”
Then, it was Saiyanboy vs. Sixteen. Saiyanboy felt nervous as he looked at the android. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t sense anything from Sixteen. The boy looked at him and said, “I’m a full android, you can’t sense me. Don’t worry, you’re very strong.”
“Thanks. Let’s go!” Saiyanboy grinned as he flew up and attacked Sixteen. The android retaliated and held off the blows.
Like before, the two blurred and only a few could actually see what was going on.
“Look at Goten go!” Chi Chi gushed as she watched the fight.
**Yeah!!!** Goku thought excitedly as he jumped onto a chair and watched as his tail wagged all over the place.
Sixteen and Saiyanboy fought fiercely and finally Saiyanboy punched Sixteen out.
“The winner! Saiyanboy!” The Announcer proclaimed.
“Yes!” Saiyanboy cheered as he did his victory poses.
“You are a strong boy, Saiyanboy.” Sixteen said as he held out his hand.
Saiyanboy grinned as he shook his hand. “You too, I got scared I might lose for a moment.”
“I never liked fighting much. I only did it because I wanted to see Earth again.” Sixteen said as he and Saiyanboy walked off of the arena.
“Sixteen!” Saiyanman gushed as he ran up to the kids. “Hey, Saiyanboy, great job. I especially loved your victory poses.”
“Thanks...” Saiyanboy blushed.
“Gohan?” Sixteen whispered as he came up, “You’ve grown.”
“Yeah and you’ve... shrunk.” Saiyanman chuckled as he hugged the android. “I can’t believe it! You look great! So, what have you been doing since you died?”
“Oh... I take care of the various animals in the Next Dimension.” Sixteen said as he and the others walked beside each other.
“Sounds hard.”
“Not really. Most of the animals were intelligent enough due to experience.” Sixteen said, “In fact, some of them were even once warriors that were transformed.”
“Why would any warrior be an animal?” Vegita asked as he came up. Gears slowly turned in his brain. He never heard of warriors being turned into animals, except in fairy tales that he watched on TV. He couldn’t help but wonder if that was what happened to Kakarot.
“It’s too complicated for your mortal mind to comprehend.” Kyuushi said as she shoved Vegita away. “We have to prepare for the finals of the kids.”
Vegita frowned at the angel’s shove. Despite the fact that she was one of the Angels of Creation, she had no right to push him away like that. The warrior smirked and asked, “Are you hiding something, Angel?”
A cold shiver ran down through his muscles as the warrior stepped back. The Angel of Death whispered as her red eyes showed under her sunglasses, “Don’t question me, mortal.”
The coldness and fear slipped away from him and Vegita just turned his head toward the ring. “Fine. I will figure this mystery out sooner or later.” Vegita vowed as he crossed his arms.
Saiyanman gulped as he leaned next to Triforce. “I think Vegita is starting to get suspicious.”
The triclops facefaulted and said, “Oh really, and what was your first clue, Gorgandus?”
“Heh heh.” Saiyanman grinned as he rubbed his head. “Hey! Saiyanboy and Trunks are coming up!”
At that moment, everyone stared at the two boys. It was no secret that they are powerful but they are virtually equal in power and skill. Both Goten and Trunks had been trained by powerful warriors a good part of their lives. However, Goten was trained by Bardock, Chi Chi, and Gohan while Trunks was only trained by Vegita. “Who do you think will win?” Triforce asked Kyuushi.
“I’m not sure. They are equals in many aspects and they know their moves.” Kyuushi said, “This is a fight, not even I know the outcome.”
“She’s right.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he came up. “Things are different in my world than in this one. Goten received more training from different warriors than Trunks. It can go either way.”
Saiyanboy and Trunks met in the arena. The two shook hands and grinned. “I won’t go easy on you, my Dad’s watching.” Trunks warned.
“My daddy’s watching too.” Saiyanboy whispered as he winked under his glasses.
“FIGHT!” The Announcer boomed and the two rushed up at each other.
They punched and kicked each other in mid-air as everyone, except the Z warriors, watched in pure shock. “Look at those two go.” A man muttered wide-eye. “How do they do that?”
“COME ON, TRUNKS! PUT SOME MUSCLE INTO IT!” Vegita bellowed.
“SHOW NO MERCY, GO- SAIYANBOY!” Chi Chi boomed from the arena.
“BACHAKA OUJI SAIYANBOY!” Bardock cried out as he waved his staff.
At once, everyone looked at the Saiyan oddly and Bulma asked, “What did you just say, Bardock?”
“Kick the prince’s ass, Saiyanboy.” Bardock translated as he grinned.
Bulma nodded and got out a bull horn. “GO FOR IT, TRUNKS!”
“Go Trunks! Go Saiyanboy!” Yamcha cried out as he waved a pair of flags.
Trunks and Saiyanboy paused and grinned. “Let’s go for it.” Trunks said as he smirked. He powered up and let loose a massive blast. Saiyanboy blocked the blast and let loose a powerful blast himself. The two blasts collided and everyone gasped as they shielded their eyes.
“Check out those blasts.” Master Roshi said awed, “That’s even brighter than back when me and Goku fought.”
“Wait a second, since when did you and Goku fight?” Krillian asked as he glanced at his old master.
“Ehhh... never mind.” Master Roshi laughed as he rubbed his head.
Goku barked excitedly as he jumped up to watch the fight. **Oh man! This is so cool! I wish I was down there!**
Trunks and Saiyanboy focused their power harder and finally Trunks’ blast overwhelmed the other boy and he was flung over the ground.
“Saiyanboy! Hover!” Saiyanman ordered as he stood up.
Saiyanboy opened his eyes and hovered only inches away from defeat. “*Whew* that was close..”
“Ready to be defeated by me?” Trunks asked as he crossed his arms and smirked evilly.
“In your dreams!” Saiyanboy boomed as he came up and attacked Trunks.
The two fought hard and fiercely over the arena not giving in an inch. “Come on, Trunks!” Bulma boomed.
“Come on, Saiyanboy!” Chi Chi cried out as she clenched her fists.
“BACHAKA OUJI SAIYANBOY!” Marron gushed as she waved her hands over her head.
Krillian and Eighteen gawked at their little girl. “Marron is speaking Saiyango?” Bardock whispered, “It feels so good to be a Saiyan.”
“Well... it pays for Marron to be bilingual.” Krillian laughed as he rubbed his daughter’s head.
“I think she just copied Bardock’s phrase.” Eighteen said as she smiled slightly, “My daughter is so smart.”
Bardock took Marron into his arms and said, “Okay, now say this ‘Bodo cakana soi!’”
“Bodo cakana soi!” Marron gushed as she giggled.
“What did you just say?” Krillian asked.
“Food is good.” Bardock translated as he felt happy about someone taking such active interest in the Saiyango language.
“Of course.” Bulma muttered knowing how important food is for a Saiyan.
Finally, Trunks managed to punch Saiyanboy out and the Announcer exclaimed, “And the winner is Trunks! The second winner of the Junior Tournament!”
“Awww... I lost.” Saiyanboy pouted as he looked down.
“That’s okay. I’ll give you one of my toys.” Trunks offered as he held out his hand.
Saiyanboy’s face lit up as he shook it. “Thanks!!! That’s so cool!”
“Hmmm... that was one close fight.” The Long-Haired Gohan commented as he crossed his arms. “Saiyanboy and Trunks are equals.”
“Yeah... and it was nice of Trunks to give Saiyanboy a toy.” Saiyanman said as he smiled.
“Those two won’t be so ‘equal’ after I’m done training Trunks.” Vegita commented as he smirked. He didn’t want to admit it but he was proud of Trunks and how he had surpassed his counterpart in strength under his guidance. **I wonder if this is how Kakarot felt when Gohan defeated Cell.** His moment of pride was interrupted by a familiar bark. “What the?” He muttered as he glanced over to see Goldheart rushing at Saiyanboy.
“Goldheart!” Saiyanboy said as he hugged the dog. “I’m sorry I lost.” The dog just licked his cheek to show no hard feelings.
“Hey, don’t feel too bad kid.” Piccolo said as he came up. “You know that Goku himself only won one Tournament despite his power.”
Saiyanboy’s eyes widened. His mother never told him about the Tournaments before the last one Goku fought. He often believed that his father won all of the past Tournaments. “Really? Just one? But... he’s the best fighter!”
“Things just didn’t go his way.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he looked over at the booth where Hercule and Lazarus stood, “Don’t worry about it. You really have to worry about Lazarus.”
“Right.” Saiyanboy nodded.
“Hey! What’s that dog doing there?” The Announcer asked as he came up and looked down at Goldheart.
Goldheart whined and put his paw over his head in embarrassment. “There you are!” Chi Chi exclaimed as she ran up and glared at the dog. “You had me worried half to death!” She smiled sweetly at the stunned Announcer. “I’m so sorry, Goldheart doesn’t usually cause trouble, but you know dogs.”
“That’s okay, Ms. Chi Chi.” The Announcer said as he looked over the woman. **This is Chi Chi?! What happened to her?**
Chi Chi took out a leash and put it on Goku’s collar. “I’m sorry, Goldheart but you’re staying with me.” She bowed and left.
“That was interesting.” The Announcer confessed as he sweatdropped. He looked down at Trunks and asked, “Are you ready to fight Hercule?”
“Let’s just get this over with.” Trunks muttered as he walked away.
Trunks felt easy as he stepped onto the arena. Hercule came up majestically and stood over the boy. He leaned over and whispered, “I’ll be easy on you, kid. Just throw a light punch.”
Trunks just shrugged and lightly jabbed Hercule. The Z warriors watched expecting Hercule to be flung into the wall like a wet piece of spaghetti. The Long-Haired Gohan just gawked at the sight. Trunks’ fist was onto Hercule’s face and he didn’t move. “How’s that possible?” He muttered in shock. From his own timeline, he knew that Hercule should’ve been kissing the wall now. Instead, this man was calm, too calm.
“Is that all you have?” Hercule asked as he punched Trunks. The boy fell down and rubbed his face. “Give up, kid!”
“Forget it!” Trunks said as he charged up his fist.
“NO! Trunks! Don’t!” Kyuushi screamed as she ran to the edge of the arena.
“Don’t do it, Trunks!” Triforce exclaimed as he held his swords.
The boy didn’t listen. All he wanted to do was beat this imposter. Slowly, he let loose a small blast and struck the warrior. Hercule was flung back into the wall and he moaned.
“Trunks win!” The Announcer proclaimed.
That was when the audience became silent. One-by-one, the audience stood up and then someone threw a can at the boy. “GET OFF THE ARENA YOU FAKE!” An angry man boomed.
“HE CHEATED! HE HAS TO!”
Trunks looked around helplessly as cans, paper, and other pieces of garbage hit him. He was stunned. He had won, didn’t the audience was suppose to applaud him? “What did I do wrong?”
“Leave him alone!” Saiyanboy boomed as he blocked the garbage with his cape. “Come on, Trunks!”
Trunks just stared out over the arena hearing nothing but cries of injustice. “I... I... can’t.”
Piccolo quickly flew up and grabbed the boy in his arms. He carried him back to the edge. “It’s okay.”
In the stands, Bulma stared in horror as the people around her screamed and booed except for her friends and family. “He won.” Bulma whispered.
“Your son’s a fake!” A woman screamed at Bulma.
*pow!*
The woman flew off and Bulma held her fist as tears came down her face. “MY SON IS NOT A FAKE!!!” Bulma screamed as she held up a gun.
“Bulma!” Yamcha took the gun and held her in his arms to control her. “Don’t listen to them.” He whispered tenderly. He knew he wasn’t her boyfriend any more and any other time, he would be punched but he had to make sure she doesn’t kill anyone.
Krillian quickly grabbed Marron and held her tightly as chaos stirred around him. He had been in many world shattering situations where he never knew if he will live tomorrow, even times when he didn’t’ live to see tomorrow but he had never felt so scared for his daughter and wife as he was now.
“STAY AWAY FROM US!” Chi Chi roared as she stood on her chair.
“Those bastards.” Eighteen growled as she glared at the other people cowering from a distance. “And they call me inhuman.”
“Is this what Trey had to go through in school?” Tien wondered as he glared at the audience.
Meanwhile on the ground, Vegita’s body tensed up as he watched the spectacle. His son had won the Junior Tournament and the morons were booing him. “Those idiots! I’ll kill them all!” Vegita cried out as he stepped forward.
“NO!” The Long-Haired Gohan and Triforce grabbed the Saiyan by both arms and held him.
“You can’t do it.” The Kai-Elect Gohan said as he powered up. “Don’t you understand? If you go on a rampage, it will just make things worst.”
Vegita gritted his teeth as he struggled to move. “Let me go! I want to kill them!”
“You can’t!” Kyuushi said as she came up and held his throat. The warrior felt the cold edge of death in his body. “Don’t be a fool, Vegita. This is what Lazarus wants. He wants us to be mad and make us look like monsters. Don’t fall for it.”
“Your son needs you.” The Blue Gauntlet urged, “Please don’t submit to Lazarus’ will.”
Vegita took a deep breath and finally said, “Very well. I won’t kill them... for now.”
“Should we let him go?” The Kai Elect Gohan asked Kyuushi and the Blue Gauntlet.
“Just do it.” The Blue Gauntlet said, “Trunks need him.”
Reluctantly, the two warriors released the proud prince. “About time.” Vegita grunted as he stepped forward to see Trunks hiding in a corner being held by Saiyanboy. He took a deep breath and said, “Trunks, I want to speak to you.”
Trunks looked up with red-rimmed eyes. At that moment, he looked just like the tortured counterpart that arrived before he was even born. “Yeah?”
“I need to speak to you alone.” Vegita said as he glanced at Saiyanboy.
“I’ll go.” Saiyanboy said as he got up and walked away.
Vegita sat by the kid, not knowing what to say. The warrior never felt comfortable talking to others. Most of his life before Earth was involved in just threatening and blowing up planets. Ironically, he was more scared now than he was when he was being beaten up by Cell. From what he watched on TV and from the other fathers he was around. “Those people are idiots. They don’t know a good warrior if he was blasting their heads off.” Vegita grunted.
“They said I was a fake.”
“And they are wrong!” Vegita boomed, “You are a strong child! Far stronger than I was at your age and you can only get stronger! When I was your age, I was humiliated and shown off as ‘Freeza’s pet monkey’. Do you know what I do when I hear those ‘taunts’?”
Trunks shook his head silently.
“I ignored them. Good warriors don’t let the opinions of others get to them!” Vegita took Trunks by the shoulders and held him. “Just bear it. Those Humans out there, they don’t know anything. Your mother knows you are good. Your grandparents know that you are good. Kakarot’s brats and the angels know that you are good. Hell, even that dog knows that you are good. I’m not the coddling type like your mother and I won’t get sentimental like the other weaklings. Deal with it! Don’t listen to them! Words don’t matter! Can you do that?”
Trunks smiled as he nodded. “Yeah.”
“Good. Don’t tell anyone else about this. I have an image to keep.” Vegita smirked as he lightly slapped Trunks on the shoulder. “Now go out there and join the others.”
Trunks ran off and Vegita sighed. “I am getting too soft.” He glanced around to see Lazarus watching him. The Saiyan glared at him as he held his fist.
“I will win over this.” Lazarus said, “I am far closer than you think, Saiyan.”
“You will pay.” Vegita vowed.
Lazarus smiled slightly as he walked away. “We’ll see.”
To Be Continued...
Normal Friends from Strange Places
Part 24
By Maria Cline
The sun rose in the distance as a man stood out in the middle of the arena. His short blond hair ruffled in the wind and his white suit glowed in the sun’s light. “Today is the day.” He said, “Today, the angels will finally achieve their rightful place in the way of things.”
*****
“Today is the day.” Kyuushi sighed as she stood on top of the Lookout. Her black wings stretched out behind her back.
“Are you nervous?” Mr. Popo asked, concerned, as he brought the angel her meal.
“I’ve been waiting for this day for eternity.” Kyuushi whispered as her red eyes glowed.
*****
Yamcha drove the giant air car with the various Z warriors. It was decided that all of the warriors would get there at once for safety’s sake. Piccolo was inside planning with the others.
”Okay, we need to figure out who will be fighting in the Tournament. Gohan, Trey, Videl, and Kyuushi will be fighting. I’ll be fighting too, of course.” Piccolo said as he looked over the list.
“I’m fighting too, I’m highly formidable.” Vegita said as he smirked.
“Okay, Vegita too… Goten and Trunks, if that’s okay with you, Chi Chi.” Piccolo asked the Saiyan woman.
“I don’t mind that much.” Chi Chi said as she patted Goldheart on the head.
“Okay, may I ask you this, woman?” Vegita pointed to the dog and mechanical cat. “Why are they coming along?!”
“They’re family.” Goten explained as he hugged Goldheart. “We can’t leave them behind.”
“They could get hurt.” Bulma agreed, “I know that they are special, but they’re just pets.”
At once, Krillian, Chi Chi, Piccolo, Bardock, the angels, Goten, and Trunks all laughed nervously at the comment. “Right, just a pair of normal pets.” Krillian chuckled.
“They’re as safe here as they are anywhere.” Chi Chi reasoned as she put her hand on Goldheart’s head. “Besides, I don’t want neither one to miss this Tournament.” **Especially since this is going to be the first Tournament Goku will be watching and not fighting.**
Goku looked down after he caught the meaning of her words.
Octavia came up and asked, **What’s wrong, Goku?**
**Huh?** Goku looked up at her distracted. **Sorry, I was just thinking. I mean... my sons are going to be fighting an enemy that is beyond anything we have faced before and all I will be able to do is watch. I can’t even give advice in this body.**
**You know that you can’t fight this time.** Octavia comforted as she leaned closer to him. **A good warrior knows when to fight and when _not_ to fight. Your children are very strong, you must have faith in them.**
**I do.** Goku grinned the best he can. **But I’m still nervous.**
**You’re a parent, all parents get worried about their children even after they grow up, and that is the way of things. I feel the same way about Chi Chi.** Octavia sighed, **My daughter is all grown up and yet I still worry about her well being.**
**Chi Chi’s like that too. She seems so calm about this fight but I know it must be tearing her apart like it is me. I wish I could talk to her and comfort her.** Goku confessed and then lay his head on Chi Chi’s lap. Chi Chi smiled as she stroked his fur.
**Oh... you’re doing a good job with the comforting part.** Octavia pointed out as she purred again.
Bardock came up to Yamcha. Yamcha turned his head toward the Saiyan and said, “So, are you going to fight in the Tournament too?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t fight martial arts like you. My main powers are my visions and general psychic power.” Bardock replied.
“Oh... I wish I could fight in the Tournament, but it’s way out of my league.” Yamcha commented as he laughed. “If I get in, I’ll just be beaten up.”
“You are far stronger than most Humans.” Bardock complimented.
“Yeah... but I’m a wimp compared to you Super Saiyans.” Yamcha lightly punched Bardock in the arm.
“You may not be a Super Saiyan but you are no wimp.” Bardock said as he punched back.
“Oh, that reminds me.” Bulma stood up and said, “The Saiyans better not go Super Saiyan unless necessary. People might recognize you from the Cell Games as the Golden Warriors.”
“Makes sense...” Gohan nodded, “We better go in under our superhero identities; at least to get in. That way, we can fight as hard as we need to and not get exposed.”
At once there was silence. “Wait, you mean put on our superhero outfits?” Trey asked, “Gohan, you know that Trigun can’t fight without his guns.”
“You can go as Triforce or even Yinyo. I get to be Saiyanman!” Gohan gushed excitedly as he got out his special costume watch.
“Lucky thing I have various spare costumes here.” Bulma took out her special capsule case and held out the various costume capsules.
“Great...” Trunks moaned as he cringed at the thought of wearing the ‘Dark Prince’ outfit.
“Well... you and Goten don’t have to wear costumes.” Bulma said.
“Thanks.”
*****
The aircar landed and the group walked out with the fighters in their costumes. “This is so cool!” Goten said as he stared at the vast stadium. All around them were various vendors, reporters, and general crowds.
“It’s so big.” Trunks commented as he gazed around.
“Not bad.” Kyuushi said as she took out a camera and started taking pictures.
“Get your Hercule T-shirt!” A passing vendor said wearing a Hercule t-shirt with a bunch of shirts in a basket.
“Hercule hats!” Another vendor came around with ball caps in a basket.
“They sure did change the place.” Krillian said as he crossed his arms. “There weren’t any vendors the last time I fought in the Tournament.”
“This isn’t right.” Chi Chi moaned as she looked at a booth with a bunch of Goku, Piccolo, and other assorted dolls. “Wait a second.” She went up to the booth and asked, “Excuse me, what are those dolls?”
The vendor blinked at the woman and said, “Why, they’re past Tournament dolls. I have Hercule, Goku, Ma Junior...” He held up various dolls. “You name the fighter, I have it.”
Chi Chi looked through the various dolls and held up a Goku doll. Then, she picked up a Chi Chi doll. She held the dolls in her hands. She remembered how they were engaged at the Tournament. It felt like forever and they both had changed so much since then. She shook her head and asked, “Did you have their permission to be used like this?”
“Well... they’re very hard to find. Besides, I heard that most of these guys are somewhat...” he whispered, “stupid; except for Hercule and Videl. Especially this guy.” The Vendor pointed to the Goku doll.
Chi Chi scowled and screamed, “MY HUSBAND IS NOT STUPID!” She bashed her fist into a wall and the vendor gulped.
“What’s going on?” Piccolo asked as he came up.
The vendor looked up at the tall man. He looked familiar to him somehow. He gazed down at the Piccolo doll and then at the man. “You’re Ma Junior!”
“Yes, I am.” Piccolo muttered.
“Hey, what’s the commotion?” Krillian asked as he came up and picked up a small Krillian doll.
“Look, Daddy, he looks like you only bald!” Marron said as she picked up another Krillian doll.
“Looks like we have a major case of copyright infringement.” Bulma said as she looked at the various dolls. “Guys, did this guy give you a share of the profits?”
“I don’t think so.” Yamcha replied.
“Wait! I had no idea that you would come back!” The vendor whimpered as he went onto his knees.
*****
“Why did you let that moron live?” Vegita asked as the group left the now bare booth.
“I don’t like killing.” Chi Chi said as she looked at her basket of Goku and Chi Chi dolls. “Besides, these dolls are adorable.”
“I like my new dollies!” Marron said as she held up a Krillian and a Piccolo doll in each hand.
“I’m just happy we got the dolls for free but what will we do with the Hercule dolls?” Eighteen commented as she looked down at her own Krillian doll.
Chi Chi smirked as she held up a Hercule doll in her hand and disintegrated it.
“You really became a Saiyan.” Vegita laughed as he disintegrated his own Hercule doll.
“Here you go, Goldheart.” Goten said as he put a Goku doll onto Goldheart’s back and secured it with the collar.
“Awww...” Lunch cooed as she held her Tien doll. “That’s so sweet, Goten.”
“I like my Chi Chi dolls.” Ox-King said as he held up his Chi Chi dolls.
“I don’t mind having my image being spread like this but no one calls my Goku ‘stupid’.” Chi Chi insisted as she patted Goku’s head.
“You got that right.”
The group looked up to see a familiar warrior wearing a ball cap over his long black hair with a giant ‘H’ on it, a T-shirt with the words ‘Super Saiyan’, a pair of blue shorts and sandals. He was wearing a giant camera around his neck and sporting a pair of flashy sunglasses. “Hi, guys!”
“GOHAN?!” The group exclaimed in shock.
“Kaioshin sent me to watch you guys up close.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he came up.
“Good, we may need you.” Kyuushi said as she adjusted her own sunglasses.
“Gohan... why are you dressed like that?” Chi Chi asked, stunned at the alternate version of her son’s attire.
“Well... Kaioshin need me to blend in.” The Long-Haired Gohan replied.
Krillian and everyone else sweatdropped at the sight of a huge man with long black hair dressed in flashy clothes trying to blend in. “You never change, Gohan.” Krillian muttered.
“And this man will the Lord of all that Exists.” Kyuushi sighed as she looked up.
“Let’s go.” Piccolo urged as he put away his Saiyaman dolls and walked toward the registration booth.
“Will you be fighting in the Tournament?” Gohan asked his older counterpart.
“Nah, I’ll just be watching. Besides, two mes are too many for this Tournament.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he winked. He looked around and said, “I wouldn’t mind fighting it one again... been such a long time since I’ve fought in a Tournament, at least in the Living World. This one is so... commercial.”
Gohan nodded in agreement. “Okay, so what happened in this Tournament when you were my age? Did you fight in it?”
“Yeah, I fought in it... it wasn’t pleasant. Especially when Vegita turned Majin and-“ Hunky shook his head and said, “Forget about it. I doubt it will happen here.”
“Okay...” Vegita muttered and then looked at the vast arena.
The group went to the registration desk and the monks were there. “At least one thing hasn’t changed.” Krillian sighed in relief.
“Hello, are all of you here to fight in the Tournament?” The monk asked as he looked at the group. “Just come up here and say your name.”
“Wait a sec.” Trey ducked into a phonebooth and snapped his fingers twice. Triforce came out and up to the desk. “Triforce, the Silver Fighter.”
“Triforce, the Silver Fighter.” The monk repeated. “Next.”
Kyuushi came up. “Kai Shi.”
“Okay, next.”
Gohan ducked into the telephone booth and became Saiyanman. “Saiyanman.” He said as he came up to the desk.
“Okay... Saiyan Mann.”
“No, Saiyanman is one word.” Saiyanman insisted as he adjusted his voice.
“Right.”
Videl ducked into a phone booth and came out wearing a sleek blue bodysuit with her right arm covered in a tattoo. “I’m the Blue Gauntlet.”
“Okay, Blue Gauntlet. Next?”
Vegita came up and said, “Vegita.”
“Oh... Bulma’s reclusive husband.” The monk nodded, “Okay, next?”
Piccolo came up and whispered, “The Namekian Manhunter.”
At once, a horde of women came and swooned. “WE LOVE YOU NAMEKIAN MANHUNTER!” They screamed as underwear fell from the sky and covered the ground and booths.
The screaming women ran toward Piccolo and then Kyuushi stood in front of him. Her eyes glowed red and the horde stopped. They stared at her and then screamed, “EEK!” They ran off in a cloud of smoke.
Piccolo looked down at the angel and asked, “What did you do?”
“I scared them away.”
“I want to be a superhero.” Master Roshi said as he and Oolong got out a huge bag and began collecting the vast spread of panties.
“Piccolo has always been a ladies man.” The Long-Haired Gohan commented.
“Piccolo?” Yamcha repeated, “A ladies man?”
“Don’t doubt it, I’ve seen it.” The Long-Haired Gohan insisted.
“Okay, the Namekian Manhunter...” The monk said as he pulled the underwear off of his head. “Please keep the horde away from the arena. We like to keep the Tournament serious.”
“Right.” Piccolo nodded.
“Next?”
Goten ran into the booth and came out as Saiyanboy. “Here! I’m Saiyanboy!”
Trunks sweat dropped and asked, “You actually wanted to wear that costume?”
“Yeah!”
“Okay, Saiyanboy... and you are?”
“Trunks Briefs.”
“Oh... Bulma’s son. How cute. Okay, you and Saiyanboy are fighting in the Junior Tournament.”
Saiyanboy and Trunks moaned. “We have to fight kids?” Saiyanboy whined, “I want to fight adults.”
“No kid can handle our power.” Trunks insisted.
“Sorry but those are the rules.” The monk said.
“Those are stupid rules!” Saiyanboy pouted.
“Just go ahead and fight, you can fight each other.” Chi Chi insisted.
“Well... the winner of the Junior Tournament will get to fight Hercule. I don’t know if that’s fair or not to the kid.” The monk said as he looked at his booklet.
“Or to Hercule.” Krillian chuckled.
“Oh yeah.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he remembered what happened in his Tournament. “Never saw what’s coming.”
“Okay...” The monk blinked at the huge man’s comment. “Are you sure you don’t want to fight as well? You look formidable.”
“Nah, I’m... really a scholar.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he grinned.
“Oh... very well.” The monk said as he looked at the Long-Haired Gohan’s biceps. “Are you sure?”
"I can tell you that the secret of lightspeed travel is to bend the space-time continuum in a relative fashion without losing mesons."
“Uhhh... anyway, the fighters can go ahead and the others must go to the seats.” The monk said as he gestured behind him.
“Okay.” Chi Chi reached up and hugged Saiyanboy. “Now, you behave Saiyanboy.” She hugged Saiyanman, “Now, you watch your brother, okay?”
“Mom...” Saiyanman blushed brightly, even as a Saiyan, his mother can be so motherly.
“I mean it. Be careful.” Chi Chi warned, “I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“I will.” Saiyanman promised.
After the warriors separated, the fighters went on into the arena and the others went off into the stands.
Goku and Octavia looked around them as they followed their families to the stands. **This place sure did change since my last Tournament.** Goku observed as he craned his head up.
**It certainly did.** Octavia commented, **It’s so much bigger than when I fought in the Tournament.**
Goku stopped and turned his head toward the cat. **You fought in the Tournament?!**
**What did you expect? I’m a fighter.** Octavia replied, **I met Ox-King there and we got married, much like you and Chi Chi did. It was much smaller and more about fighting than now. Ki wasn’t used like it is now; it was rare. Those were the days.**
**Tell me about it.** Goku agreed.
“Hey, Goldheart, come here.” Chi Chi insisted as she tugged Goku’s leash.
**This is the first time I’ve come here with a leash.** Goku confessed as he followed her.
“Wonder why he stopped.” Bulma wondered as she picked up her mechanical cat.
“He’s probably was checking out the place.” Krillian said, “I mean, it’s way different than before.”
“Goldheart? Interested in a Tournament?” Eighteen asked as she frowned slightly.
Bulma laughed and said, “I seriously doubt that any dog would be interested in a Tournament. He probably just smelled something.”
“Yes, that’s just it.” Chi Chi smiled slightly as she patted Goldheart’s head. **And they call themselves geniuses.** Chi Chi thought. “Let’s go and find our seats.”
*****
Piccolo couldn’t help but feel his stomach turn at the sight of the new arena and waiting rooms. In his first Tournament, there was just a small waiting room, a preliminary fight room, and the main arena. Now there were various vendors with sports equipment and snacks, vast waiting rooms with concessions, a huge arena, and a long line to a punching machine.
“Incredible.” Piccolo muttered, “This place became a circus.”
“Was it that different than when you fought Dad?” Saiyanboy asked from Saiyanman’s shoulders.
“Very different.” Piccolo replied.
“Excuse me, are you going to fight?” A man asked as he came up.
“Yes, we are.” Saiyanman replied, “Where’s the preliminary fights?”
“There are no preliminary fights.” The official replied.
“Wait, how do we decide who gets to fight in the Tournament?” Piccolo asked stunned.
“You see, you go into that line and punch the machine and it measures your strength. Whoever receives the highest score will get to fight.” The official said.
“You’re kidding.” Kyuushi said, disgusted at the new system.
“It’s true. Whoever is the strongest will get to fight.” The official looked at the small girl and said, “I don’t blame you for being nervous, you look fairly weak.”
Kyuushi scowled as she lifted her sunglasses to reveal her red eyes. “Don’t judge by looks, mortal.” The official gulped as he stepped back.
Saiyanman laughed nervously as he patted the girl on the shoulder. “You have to forgive my friend here... she’s a great fighter but she likes to freak people out with fake contact lenses.”
“That’s right, it’s a joke.” Kyuushi said as she smirked.
“Right... good luck in the fight.” The official gulped as he backed away. **These new warriors are getting stranger all the time.**
After the official left, the group went into the line. “I can’t believe we have to punch some stupid machine just to get in.” Piccolo moaned, “That’s crazy.”
“Tell me about it. I’ve seen warriors who managed to defeat a far more powerful foe with brains and strategy. Pure strength doesn’t show how good a warrior is.” Kyuushi said.
“I know. Goku was far weaker than me when we fought and he managed to defeat me.” Piccolo said, “Oh well, we better worry about not breaking the machine. Knowing Hercule, it would break if we hit it at full strength.”
“I wonder why we can’t fight in Preliminary fights.” The Blue Gauntlet wondered.
“Who knows... who cares, I will show my power to the world.” Vegita boasted, “If Kakarot knows about this, he’d roll over.”
At once, the warriors looked at the Saiyan. Vegita was insightful and he made it a point to know Goku well enough to know his weaknesses. Did he know about Goku’s fate as Goldheart? “Roll over?” Saiyanman repeated.
“In his grave! Kakarot would roll over in his grave if he sees this... embarrassment.” Vegita said.
“Oh... turned in his grave.” Saiyanman nodded, “That’s what you meant.”
“Turned, rolled, what’s the difference?” Vegita waved his hand. “Personally, I prefer that Kakarot comes here. That would be one hell of a fight.” He sighed as he shook his head.
“You really wanted to fight Goku don’t you?” Trunks asked hesitantly.
“Oh yeah... I want to show him who’s superior.” Vegita chuckled as he held up a glowing fist. The warrior dropped his glowing fist and muttered, “But how can I do that if I don’t know where that idiot went?!”
Kyuushi and the others smirked at each other. “I see... if we’re lucky, you may get your fight after we defeat Lazarus.” Piccolo said.
Vegita scowled at his fellow warriors. “Do you know something I don’t know about Kakarot?”
“What makes you think that?” Saiyanman asked as he grinned nervously under his mask.
“Just a hunch.” Vegita replied as he frowned. **They know something. I can feel it.**
The line moved fast as fights punched, kicked, and even head butted the punching machine. Most of the scores ranged from 100-300, with the 300 belonging to Hercule. Finally, it was Piccolo’s turn. “Be careful, Namekian Manhunter.” Saiyanman whispered.
Piccolo just rose his hand and tapped the machine. The machine jerked and displayed the score. “ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY NINE POINTS!” The judge exclaimed.
“There must be something wrong with this thing.” The other guy said as he looked at the machine.
“The settings.” Piccolo growled, “Let me try it again.” He reached up and gently elbowed it.
“Five hundred even.” The man said, stunned. **It looks like the guy was actually restraining himself.**
The other fighters gasped at the amazingly high score.
“Looks like I’m in.” Piccolo muttered, **I hope no one will talk about this embarrassment.**
“My turn.” Saiyanman said as he came up and strained his arm as he let out a very light tap.
“Six Hundred.”
More murmurs came through the line as Saiyanman shook his head. “Too high.” He commented as he walked to the side.
Kyuushi sweatdropped at the machine and then said, “The simplicity of the mortal mind.” She focused on her body, her wings shrank and she looked up. She jumped up and did an impressive roundhouse kick at the machine.
“Four Hundred.” The man gasped in astonishment.
“How did you do that?” Vegita asked.
Kyuushi smirked as her wings grew back. “I just lowered my power to that of a mortal.”
“My turn.” The Blue Gauntlet tapped the machine.
“Five Hundred and Ninety Nine!”
“Cool.” Saiyanman said as he nodded.
Triforce stared at the machine and punched it gently.
“Three hundred and Thirty Three!”
“Why am I not surprised?” The Blue Gauntlet muttered as she shook her head.
Finally, it was Vegita’s turn. He stood there for a moment and then held out his fist. The machine flew back and crashed into the wall. At once, the fighters gawked at the short warrior destroying it with such ease.
“Vegita...” Saiyanman moaned as he held his head. The group just shook their heads. Vegita has just called attention to himself, causing everyone to back away from the Saiyan in fear.
“I do not hold back.” Vegita growled as he walked away. “Let’s go.”
“Well... at least we’re in.” Saiyanman said optimistically as they walked with Vegita.
Unseen by all, Lazarus looked at the wreckage and smirked, “This will be far easier than I thought.”
*****
“Gee, Chi Chi, don’t you think you have enough food?” Yamcha asked sarcastically as he and the other warriors were in the stands. Chi Chi, Bardock, and the alternate Gohan were each holding enough food to feed a crowd.
“I can’t help it if I’m hungry.” Chi Chi growled as she took a hot dog and swallowed it whole. She heard a whine and she looked down at Goldheart. “Of course.” She reached into her bag and took out a single hotdog. “Here you go.”
Goku barked as he ate the meat. **Hmmm... good.** He thought.
“Ah... the smell of the foods, the roar of the crowds... there’s nothing like a good tournament.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he adjusted his sunglasses.
“I just hope it’s a good tournament.” Bulma said, “My son and Vegita are fighting in it... and I don’t want either of them to get killed.”
“I’m sure they’ll be fine.” The Long-Haired Gohan said, “Remember, they’re with good company.”
“This feels so strange.” Yamcha said as he looked around. “I mean, being here and Goku isn’t...”
“Dad can’t fight in this Tournament.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he put his hand on Goldheart’s head. “We all know it. He has faith in our power and abilities. We can’t disappoint him.”
“I know but it still feels funny.” Yamcha sighed, “Oh well, things change.”
“Yes, they do.” Chi Chi smiled slightly as she took a sip of her soda.
*****
“Whoa... look at all this food!” Goten said, wide-eyed, as he and the other warriors entered the great big room.
“According to this, this is the great banquet room.” Blue Gauntlet said as she looked at the brochure. “There is a buffet, a spa, a massage room, and a karaoke machine.”
“Karaoke?” Piccolo repeated as he rose an invisible eyebrow.
“I call buffet!” Saiyanman said as he, Goten, and Trunks rushed to the buffet. Vegita followed suit.
“I’ll look at this massage room.” The Blue Gauntlet said as she went to the massage room.
“I’m going to the spa.” Kyuushi said as she went to the spa room.
“I’ll go to the Karaoke machine.” Triforce said as he headed toward the machine.
Piccolo looked around. He sat down and said, “I’ll just meditate.”
*****
“Ahhh... That was good.” Saiyanman said as he patted his stomach. Saiyanboy and Trunks fully agreed. The poor servants stared in shock at the sheer number of dishes that piled around them.
“It was okay.” Vegita said as he wiped his own lips. He didn’t have to admit it but it was good.
The other angels came back feeling fairly happy and relaxed, even Kyuushi looked a little brighter. Piccolo scoffed and said, “Oh brother, real warriors don’t use spas.”
“True...” Kyuushi said as she looked down. “But, it was refreshing.”
Piccolo found himself feeling like a babysitter to a group of super powerful kids. “Let’s go. We have a Tournament to fight.”
*****
“I hope it won’t be too much longer.” Chi Chi said as she looked at her watch. “I know Goten will win this Tournament.”
“What make you think Goten will win?” Bulma asked she smirked. “My Trunks is older and stronger. He even could fly before yours could.”
“Maybe so, but Goten was trained by the best, me!” Chi Chi boasted.
“Ha!” A fat woman said as she came up. “My son can clobber the both of ours! You two don’t look that much like fighters.” Suddenly, she found herself being flung into the air by a well placed punch.
The audience gasped as Chi Chi pulled back her fist. She glared at the gawking men and asked, “What are you staring at?”
At once, the area around the Z audience became much clearer.
“So much for blending in.” The Long-Haired Gohan sighed as he leaned on his chair.
A teenage girl leaned up and asked Chi Chi, “Say, you look strong, why didn’t you fight in the Tournament?”
“I’m not much of a fighter, I’m just a content housewife and mother.” Chi Chi replied and then everyone else facefaulted.
**A powerful housewife and mother.** Goku thought as he laid his head on Chi Chi’s lap wagging his tail.
Chi Chi patted Goku on the head and then said, “Anyway, Goten can clean Trunks’ clock.”
“In your dreams.” Bulma said. Suddenly, she remembered the future Gohan. “Gohan, you were in this Tournament, who wins, Goten or Trunks?
At once, everyone looked at the warrior and the Long-Haired Gohan gulped. Fortunately, he had been in many tense situations in his training for Kaioshin. The warrior gasped as he pointed down. “LOOK AT THAT!” Immediately, they looked down at the arena and the Long-Haired Gohan put his fingers to his forehead. “I plead the fifth.” He said as he vanished.
Krillian sweatdropped and he asked, “Did we just fall for the oldest trick in the book?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” Eighteen muttered.
Chi Chi scowled and screamed, “GOHAN! GET YOUR MONKEY-TAILED ASS BACK HERE!!!”
“Lady Chi Chi, everyone’s staring at us.” Bardock whispered as he sweatdropped.
“He’ll show up sooner or later.” Bulma said, “I mean, where he could go?”
“Any universe he wants.” Chi Chi sighed.
Eighteen looked around and asked, “Have you see my brother?”
*****
“I can’t believe we have to fight a bunch of kids.” Goten moaned.
“Tell me about it. The only one I would be having trouble with is you.” Trunks growled.
Kyuushi smirked and said, “Don’t worry, I helped things.”
“What did you do?” Saiyanman asked, wide-eyed.
“Nothing illegal.” Kyuushi reassured, “Just something fun.”
“I hope so... I don’t want to think about anything illegal happening here.” The Blue Gauntlet said.
“Will the contestants for the Junior Tournament please come to the arena?” A monk asked.
“This is it.” Saiyanman said as he nodded, “You two, you know there is only one winner. I just want you two to remain friends after this okay?”
“We can do that.” Saiyanboy said, “This will be fun.”
“I’ll be easy on you.” Trunks said.
“Yeah right. I was taught by my mommy and Gohan.” Saiyanboy said. The two boys smiled as they lightly punched their fists together in a friendly way.
They went onto the floor where six other kids stood in a line.
The Announcer grinned and exclaimed, “WELCOME TO THE 25th World Tournament!!! I am the Announcer of both the Junior Tournament and the Main Tournament! In this exciting Tournament, we will find out who is the strongest warrior under the heavens!!! And now... we will start off the celebration with the introduction of the little fighters in the first Tournament!” The Announcer got onstage and went up to Trunks. “And what is your name?”
“Trunks Briefs.”
The Announcer blinked under his sunglasses and asked, “Say, are you related to Bulma Briefs?”
“She’s my mom. Vegita’s my Dad... he’s fighting in this Tournament too.” Trunks said seriously.
The Announcer nodded and then he said, “All right! I can tell that someday, you will be breaking girls’ hearts!” He went up to Saiyanboy, “And what is your name?”
Saiyanboy grinned and did a bunch of poses. “I am... THE GREAT SAIYANBOY! SAIYANMAN’S LITTLE BROTHER!” He proclaimed as the other kids stared at him and Trunks put his hand on his forehead.
“You don’t have to pose.” Trunks growled, feeling humiliated.
Saiyanboy was in full cheesy hero mode. “I have to pose for the pubic! To reassure them that I... the Great Saiyanboy will do my best in this tournament! And to make my opponents shake in fear with my powerful poses!” He started posing again and ended up standing on his hands.
Trunks looked at the other kids who were shaking but not from fear. “Oh brother. Saiyanboy! Stop acting so goofy on National TV!”
The Announcer watched the two boys and said, “You two remind me of another pair of fighters your age so long ago. Anyway, now’s not the time for recollection, criminals beware of Saiyanboy!” He walked up to a small girl with long silver hair and a matching dress. “What is your name, little girl?”
“It’s Luna.” Luna said.
“LUNA!” Vegita exclaimed as he watched from the side. “What is that little witch doing here?!”
“I asked her come along.” Kyuushi said, “The others are going to be backup, I had Luna and another warrior come to give Goten and Trunks something to fight besides each other.”
“This will be interesting.” Saiyanman said.
The Announcer nodded and said, “Now, why do you want to fight in the Tournament?”
“I feel like it.” Luna said as she giggled.
The Announcer blinked under his sunglasses and asked, “So, how old are you, Luna?”
“Five thousand years old.” Luna said as she giggled again.
At once, everyone, including the warriors facefaulted. “Five thousand... eh?” The Announcer repeated, “I get it...” **It must be a joke. I’ll just play along.** “You look young for someone who’s five thousand years old.”
“I know. I exercise all the time and play a lot.” Luna explained.
“Well... good luck in the Tournament.” The Announcer said as he looked at the future playboy, the posing superhero, and a five thousand year old girl. **Maybe this kid will be normal.** He came up to a small boy with bright red hair, green eyes, and a strange black and green outfit. “What is your name?”
The boy said, “Sixteen.”
At once, the Z warriors gasped in shock. Eighteen blinked and repeated, “Sixteen? I thought he was dead.”
“So was half the team.” Krillian commented.
The Announcer stared at the boy and said, “Was that your real name?”
“Yes.” Sixteen said.
The Announcer blinked and then said, “You are a shy little boy. Do you have anything else to say?”
“Not really.”
“Oh... okay! The ultra-mysterious boy, Sixteen!” The Announcer said as he went to the next kid.
The other Z warriors lost interest and focused their attention to the android in the kids arena. “I can’t believe that Sixteen is back from the dead and as a kid!” Saiyanman exclaimed.
“You doubt my power?” Kyuushi asked with a raised eyebrow. “If you must know, Sixteen isn’t really dead just because his body was destroyed. To be honest, we weren’t sure what to do with him so we had him work in the Next Dimension. I brought him back here in a form of a child to help us out.”
“This is so cool.” The Blue Gauntlet confessed.
“This is getting confusing.” Piccolo muttered.
“Tell me about it.”
The two looked behind themselves to see the Long-Haired Gohan standing behind them wearing a trenchcoat, sunglasses, and a hat. “Gohan, what are you doing in that outfit?” Saiyanman asked.
“Hiding.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he looked around nervously.
“From who?” Triforce asked as he looked around as well.
“Mom and Bulma. Long story.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he ducked into a corner.
“Okay...” Triforce said as he sweatdropped.
*****
The first few fights were somewhat dull. Trunks, Saiyanboy, Luna, and Sixteen started out fighting the weak kids first. The kids often either were knocked out, or they hurt themselves while hitting the much stronger kid.
Finally, it was time for the real fights to begin. The Z warriors from both the audience and the sidelines watched in awe as Luna and Trunks went onto the arena.
Luna giggled and said, “I won’t use my portals and gravity on you, Trunks.” She winked. “I’ll just use my skills and cuteness!”
Trunks scowled and said, “I’m immune to your cuteness!”
Luna pointed to her face and said, “Can you resist a face like this?”
“Yes!” Trunks boomed as he flew at her.
“Boys.” Luna sighed as she blocked Trunks’ punch.
Everyone gasped as Luna and Trunks began to blur until only a few could actually see them.
“Look at those two go!” The Long-Haired Gohan cheered as he watched the two.
“I didn’t know Luna could fight like that.” Triforce said as he tilted his head.
“Luna was trained by me.” Kyuushi said, “She may look like a child but she’s no child.”
“Ouch.” Saiyanboy grimaced. “I hope Trunks will okay.”
“He’s fine.” Saiyanman insisted and then Luna appeared on the ground next to the ring.
“Uuuhh... the winner is Trunks!” The Announcer proclaimed as he held up Trunks’ hand. “And he will be the first finalist in the Junior Tournament!”
“Go Trunks!” Saiyanboy cried out as he ran up and slapped him on the back. “You did it! You beat Luna!”
“I did, didn’t I? And Dad couldn’t. That is so cool.” Trunks realized as he smirked and crossed his arms, looking eerily like his father.
Vegita growled under his breath as he overheard the conversation. “Relax, Vegita.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he patted the Saiyan on the back. “Trunks won, that’s all that matters.”
Vegita sighed as he smirked slightly. “Perhaps.”
Then, it was Saiyanboy vs. Sixteen. Saiyanboy felt nervous as he looked at the android. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t sense anything from Sixteen. The boy looked at him and said, “I’m a full android, you can’t sense me. Don’t worry, you’re very strong.”
“Thanks. Let’s go!” Saiyanboy grinned as he flew up and attacked Sixteen. The android retaliated and held off the blows.
Like before, the two blurred and only a few could actually see what was going on.
“Look at Goten go!” Chi Chi gushed as she watched the fight.
**Yeah!!!** Goku thought excitedly as he jumped onto a chair and watched as his tail wagged all over the place.
Sixteen and Saiyanboy fought fiercely and finally Saiyanboy punched Sixteen out.
“The winner! Saiyanboy!” The Announcer proclaimed.
“Yes!” Saiyanboy cheered as he did his victory poses.
“You are a strong boy, Saiyanboy.” Sixteen said as he held out his hand.
Saiyanboy grinned as he shook his hand. “You too, I got scared I might lose for a moment.”
“I never liked fighting much. I only did it because I wanted to see Earth again.” Sixteen said as he and Saiyanboy walked off of the arena.
“Sixteen!” Saiyanman gushed as he ran up to the kids. “Hey, Saiyanboy, great job. I especially loved your victory poses.”
“Thanks...” Saiyanboy blushed.
“Gohan?” Sixteen whispered as he came up, “You’ve grown.”
“Yeah and you’ve... shrunk.” Saiyanman chuckled as he hugged the android. “I can’t believe it! You look great! So, what have you been doing since you died?”
“Oh... I take care of the various animals in the Next Dimension.” Sixteen said as he and the others walked beside each other.
“Sounds hard.”
“Not really. Most of the animals were intelligent enough due to experience.” Sixteen said, “In fact, some of them were even once warriors that were transformed.”
“Why would any warrior be an animal?” Vegita asked as he came up. Gears slowly turned in his brain. He never heard of warriors being turned into animals, except in fairy tales that he watched on TV. He couldn’t help but wonder if that was what happened to Kakarot.
“It’s too complicated for your mortal mind to comprehend.” Kyuushi said as she shoved Vegita away. “We have to prepare for the finals of the kids.”
Vegita frowned at the angel’s shove. Despite the fact that she was one of the Angels of Creation, she had no right to push him away like that. The warrior smirked and asked, “Are you hiding something, Angel?”
A cold shiver ran down through his muscles as the warrior stepped back. The Angel of Death whispered as her red eyes showed under her sunglasses, “Don’t question me, mortal.”
The coldness and fear slipped away from him and Vegita just turned his head toward the ring. “Fine. I will figure this mystery out sooner or later.” Vegita vowed as he crossed his arms.
Saiyanman gulped as he leaned next to Triforce. “I think Vegita is starting to get suspicious.”
The triclops facefaulted and said, “Oh really, and what was your first clue, Gorgandus?”
“Heh heh.” Saiyanman grinned as he rubbed his head. “Hey! Saiyanboy and Trunks are coming up!”
At that moment, everyone stared at the two boys. It was no secret that they are powerful but they are virtually equal in power and skill. Both Goten and Trunks had been trained by powerful warriors a good part of their lives. However, Goten was trained by Bardock, Chi Chi, and Gohan while Trunks was only trained by Vegita. “Who do you think will win?” Triforce asked Kyuushi.
“I’m not sure. They are equals in many aspects and they know their moves.” Kyuushi said, “This is a fight, not even I know the outcome.”
“She’s right.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he came up. “Things are different in my world than in this one. Goten received more training from different warriors than Trunks. It can go either way.”
Saiyanboy and Trunks met in the arena. The two shook hands and grinned. “I won’t go easy on you, my Dad’s watching.” Trunks warned.
“My daddy’s watching too.” Saiyanboy whispered as he winked under his glasses.
“FIGHT!” The Announcer boomed and the two rushed up at each other.
They punched and kicked each other in mid-air as everyone, except the Z warriors, watched in pure shock. “Look at those two go.” A man muttered wide-eye. “How do they do that?”
“COME ON, TRUNKS! PUT SOME MUSCLE INTO IT!” Vegita bellowed.
“SHOW NO MERCY, GO- SAIYANBOY!” Chi Chi boomed from the arena.
“BACHAKA OUJI SAIYANBOY!” Bardock cried out as he waved his staff.
At once, everyone looked at the Saiyan oddly and Bulma asked, “What did you just say, Bardock?”
“Kick the prince’s ass, Saiyanboy.” Bardock translated as he grinned.
Bulma nodded and got out a bull horn. “GO FOR IT, TRUNKS!”
“Go Trunks! Go Saiyanboy!” Yamcha cried out as he waved a pair of flags.
Trunks and Saiyanboy paused and grinned. “Let’s go for it.” Trunks said as he smirked. He powered up and let loose a massive blast. Saiyanboy blocked the blast and let loose a powerful blast himself. The two blasts collided and everyone gasped as they shielded their eyes.
“Check out those blasts.” Master Roshi said awed, “That’s even brighter than back when me and Goku fought.”
“Wait a second, since when did you and Goku fight?” Krillian asked as he glanced at his old master.
“Ehhh... never mind.” Master Roshi laughed as he rubbed his head.
Goku barked excitedly as he jumped up to watch the fight. **Oh man! This is so cool! I wish I was down there!**
Trunks and Saiyanboy focused their power harder and finally Trunks’ blast overwhelmed the other boy and he was flung over the ground.
“Saiyanboy! Hover!” Saiyanman ordered as he stood up.
Saiyanboy opened his eyes and hovered only inches away from defeat. “*Whew* that was close..”
“Ready to be defeated by me?” Trunks asked as he crossed his arms and smirked evilly.
“In your dreams!” Saiyanboy boomed as he came up and attacked Trunks.
The two fought hard and fiercely over the arena not giving in an inch. “Come on, Trunks!” Bulma boomed.
“Come on, Saiyanboy!” Chi Chi cried out as she clenched her fists.
“BACHAKA OUJI SAIYANBOY!” Marron gushed as she waved her hands over her head.
Krillian and Eighteen gawked at their little girl. “Marron is speaking Saiyango?” Bardock whispered, “It feels so good to be a Saiyan.”
“Well... it pays for Marron to be bilingual.” Krillian laughed as he rubbed his daughter’s head.
“I think she just copied Bardock’s phrase.” Eighteen said as she smiled slightly, “My daughter is so smart.”
Bardock took Marron into his arms and said, “Okay, now say this ‘Bodo cakana soi!’”
“Bodo cakana soi!” Marron gushed as she giggled.
“What did you just say?” Krillian asked.
“Food is good.” Bardock translated as he felt happy about someone taking such active interest in the Saiyango language.
“Of course.” Bulma muttered knowing how important food is for a Saiyan.
Finally, Trunks managed to punch Saiyanboy out and the Announcer exclaimed, “And the winner is Trunks! The second winner of the Junior Tournament!”
“Awww... I lost.” Saiyanboy pouted as he looked down.
“That’s okay. I’ll give you one of my toys.” Trunks offered as he held out his hand.
Saiyanboy’s face lit up as he shook it. “Thanks!!! That’s so cool!”
“Hmmm... that was one close fight.” The Long-Haired Gohan commented as he crossed his arms. “Saiyanboy and Trunks are equals.”
“Yeah... and it was nice of Trunks to give Saiyanboy a toy.” Saiyanman said as he smiled.
“Those two won’t be so ‘equal’ after I’m done training Trunks.” Vegita commented as he smirked. He didn’t want to admit it but he was proud of Trunks and how he had surpassed his counterpart in strength under his guidance. **I wonder if this is how Kakarot felt when Gohan defeated Cell.** His moment of pride was interrupted by a familiar bark. “What the?” He muttered as he glanced over to see Goldheart rushing at Saiyanboy.
“Goldheart!” Saiyanboy said as he hugged the dog. “I’m sorry I lost.” The dog just licked his cheek to show no hard feelings.
“Hey, don’t feel too bad kid.” Piccolo said as he came up. “You know that Goku himself only won one Tournament despite his power.”
Saiyanboy’s eyes widened. His mother never told him about the Tournaments before the last one Goku fought. He often believed that his father won all of the past Tournaments. “Really? Just one? But... he’s the best fighter!”
“Things just didn’t go his way.” The Long-Haired Gohan said as he looked over at the booth where Hercule and Lazarus stood, “Don’t worry about it. You really have to worry about Lazarus.”
“Right.” Saiyanboy nodded.
“Hey! What’s that dog doing there?” The Announcer asked as he came up and looked down at Goldheart.
Goldheart whined and put his paw over his head in embarrassment. “There you are!” Chi Chi exclaimed as she ran up and glared at the dog. “You had me worried half to death!” She smiled sweetly at the stunned Announcer. “I’m so sorry, Goldheart doesn’t usually cause trouble, but you know dogs.”
“That’s okay, Ms. Chi Chi.” The Announcer said as he looked over the woman. **This is Chi Chi?! What happened to her?**
Chi Chi took out a leash and put it on Goku’s collar. “I’m sorry, Goldheart but you’re staying with me.” She bowed and left.
“That was interesting.” The Announcer confessed as he sweatdropped. He looked down at Trunks and asked, “Are you ready to fight Hercule?”
“Let’s just get this over with.” Trunks muttered as he walked away.
Trunks felt easy as he stepped onto the arena. Hercule came up majestically and stood over the boy. He leaned over and whispered, “I’ll be easy on you, kid. Just throw a light punch.”
Trunks just shrugged and lightly jabbed Hercule. The Z warriors watched expecting Hercule to be flung into the wall like a wet piece of spaghetti. The Long-Haired Gohan just gawked at the sight. Trunks’ fist was onto Hercule’s face and he didn’t move. “How’s that possible?” He muttered in shock. From his own timeline, he knew that Hercule should’ve been kissing the wall now. Instead, this man was calm, too calm.
“Is that all you have?” Hercule asked as he punched Trunks. The boy fell down and rubbed his face. “Give up, kid!”
“Forget it!” Trunks said as he charged up his fist.
“NO! Trunks! Don’t!” Kyuushi screamed as she ran to the edge of the arena.
“Don’t do it, Trunks!” Triforce exclaimed as he held his swords.
The boy didn’t listen. All he wanted to do was beat this imposter. Slowly, he let loose a small blast and struck the warrior. Hercule was flung back into the wall and he moaned.
“Trunks win!” The Announcer proclaimed.
That was when the audience became silent. One-by-one, the audience stood up and then someone threw a can at the boy. “GET OFF THE ARENA YOU FAKE!” An angry man boomed.
“HE CHEATED! HE HAS TO!”
Trunks looked around helplessly as cans, paper, and other pieces of garbage hit him. He was stunned. He had won, didn’t the audience was suppose to applaud him? “What did I do wrong?”
“Leave him alone!” Saiyanboy boomed as he blocked the garbage with his cape. “Come on, Trunks!”
Trunks just stared out over the arena hearing nothing but cries of injustice. “I... I... can’t.”
Piccolo quickly flew up and grabbed the boy in his arms. He carried him back to the edge. “It’s okay.”
In the stands, Bulma stared in horror as the people around her screamed and booed except for her friends and family. “He won.” Bulma whispered.
“Your son’s a fake!” A woman screamed at Bulma.
*pow!*
The woman flew off and Bulma held her fist as tears came down her face. “MY SON IS NOT A FAKE!!!” Bulma screamed as she held up a gun.
“Bulma!” Yamcha took the gun and held her in his arms to control her. “Don’t listen to them.” He whispered tenderly. He knew he wasn’t her boyfriend any more and any other time, he would be punched but he had to make sure she doesn’t kill anyone.
Krillian quickly grabbed Marron and held her tightly as chaos stirred around him. He had been in many world shattering situations where he never knew if he will live tomorrow, even times when he didn’t’ live to see tomorrow but he had never felt so scared for his daughter and wife as he was now.
“STAY AWAY FROM US!” Chi Chi roared as she stood on her chair.
“Those bastards.” Eighteen growled as she glared at the other people cowering from a distance. “And they call me inhuman.”
“Is this what Trey had to go through in school?” Tien wondered as he glared at the audience.
Meanwhile on the ground, Vegita’s body tensed up as he watched the spectacle. His son had won the Junior Tournament and the morons were booing him. “Those idiots! I’ll kill them all!” Vegita cried out as he stepped forward.
“NO!” The Long-Haired Gohan and Triforce grabbed the Saiyan by both arms and held him.
“You can’t do it.” The Kai-Elect Gohan said as he powered up. “Don’t you understand? If you go on a rampage, it will just make things worst.”
Vegita gritted his teeth as he struggled to move. “Let me go! I want to kill them!”
“You can’t!” Kyuushi said as she came up and held his throat. The warrior felt the cold edge of death in his body. “Don’t be a fool, Vegita. This is what Lazarus wants. He wants us to be mad and make us look like monsters. Don’t fall for it.”
“Your son needs you.” The Blue Gauntlet urged, “Please don’t submit to Lazarus’ will.”
Vegita took a deep breath and finally said, “Very well. I won’t kill them... for now.”
“Should we let him go?” The Kai Elect Gohan asked Kyuushi and the Blue Gauntlet.
“Just do it.” The Blue Gauntlet said, “Trunks need him.”
Reluctantly, the two warriors released the proud prince. “About time.” Vegita grunted as he stepped forward to see Trunks hiding in a corner being held by Saiyanboy. He took a deep breath and said, “Trunks, I want to speak to you.”
Trunks looked up with red-rimmed eyes. At that moment, he looked just like the tortured counterpart that arrived before he was even born. “Yeah?”
“I need to speak to you alone.” Vegita said as he glanced at Saiyanboy.
“I’ll go.” Saiyanboy said as he got up and walked away.
Vegita sat by the kid, not knowing what to say. The warrior never felt comfortable talking to others. Most of his life before Earth was involved in just threatening and blowing up planets. Ironically, he was more scared now than he was when he was being beaten up by Cell. From what he watched on TV and from the other fathers he was around. “Those people are idiots. They don’t know a good warrior if he was blasting their heads off.” Vegita grunted.
“They said I was a fake.”
“And they are wrong!” Vegita boomed, “You are a strong child! Far stronger than I was at your age and you can only get stronger! When I was your age, I was humiliated and shown off as ‘Freeza’s pet monkey’. Do you know what I do when I hear those ‘taunts’?”
Trunks shook his head silently.
“I ignored them. Good warriors don’t let the opinions of others get to them!” Vegita took Trunks by the shoulders and held him. “Just bear it. Those Humans out there, they don’t know anything. Your mother knows you are good. Your grandparents know that you are good. Kakarot’s brats and the angels know that you are good. Hell, even that dog knows that you are good. I’m not the coddling type like your mother and I won’t get sentimental like the other weaklings. Deal with it! Don’t listen to them! Words don’t matter! Can you do that?”
Trunks smiled as he nodded. “Yeah.”
“Good. Don’t tell anyone else about this. I have an image to keep.” Vegita smirked as he lightly slapped Trunks on the shoulder. “Now go out there and join the others.”
Trunks ran off and Vegita sighed. “I am getting too soft.” He glanced around to see Lazarus watching him. The Saiyan glared at him as he held his fist.
“I will win over this.” Lazarus said, “I am far closer than you think, Saiyan.”
“You will pay.” Vegita vowed.
Lazarus smiled slightly as he walked away. “We’ll see.”
To Be Continued...