Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Alternate Timelines Indeed ❯ Part 6 ( Chapter 6 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Arigatomina 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 07.07.2002 | Updated On: 07.07.2002 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 492 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 07.07.2002 | Updated On: 07.07.2002 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 492 | Status: Work In Progress
Author's Notes: Won't be seeing much of Heero and Trowa for a while, just thought I'd let you know. And if you're wondering where Wufei is, I admit...I don't know. He just isn't in this fic, except from others thinking about him. Category: Yaoi, GW/DBZ crossover, TWT, partial AU on DBZ side
Warnings: none
Pairings: will be Trunks x 2, Piccolo x 4, 1x2, 3x4
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.fanfiction.net, www.geocities.com/arigatomina
Alternate Timelines Indeed
Part 6
//What is this?! They are super saiyans and yet...they're acting so natural.// Vegeta glared from where he stood to the side of the people. Everyone was quick to greet the two fighters, and it was as if more than just one day had passed. Folding his arms over his chest, the saiyan's brows lowered and he glared as he waited for the two to get their greetings finished. His eyes kept returning to the two saiyans' blonde hair.
"But who's this?" Goku asked, smiling as his bluish green eyes moved to the two boys who were standing next to Bulma. "And how are things?" His cheer slowly left and he grew serious, looking to Piccolo and Tien. "Where's Cell?"
"This is Quatre and Duo," Bulma said quickly, her own expression serious. "But I'll tell you about them later. It's so good to have you two back."
"Right." Piccolo took a step forward his expression dark. The celebration had lasted long enough and while he was just as relieved to have the two finished with their training, there were more important things. "Cell has reached his final form."
"What?" Gohan's eyes widened as he looked up at the man, and he couldn't help but notice the way the Namek was glaring in Vegeta's direction. The black-haired fighter was ignoring him, but he could guess what had happened. "Then he absorbed the last android."
"Yes. And now he wants to have a tournament," Piccolo continued, staring at Goku. "He plans to pick us off one-by-one. I seriously doubt he'll follow the rules of a real tournament."
"I see. I guess we got out just in time to help, right?" Goku managed a smile as he looked down at his son, and he laid a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Well, you can't fight in those things," Bulma said, eyeing the two's ruined suits. She'd modeled the armor after Vegeta's before they'd gone into the chamber, but it was obvious that they hadn't lasted through the training. "I can get you some new armor," she offered.
"No thanks. I think this time," Goku smiled at the woman, "I want to fight as an earthling." He wasn't bothered by the surprised looks, and his eyes glinted when he noticed the way Gohan was looking at Piccolo.
"Piccolo? Do you think I could wear an outfit like yours?" The boy was hesitant, but he blinked up at the tall man eagerly.
Piccolo's intense expression softened a bit, and Quatre smiled as he noticed the way the two looked at each other. He was suddenly sure they cared for each other a great deal, the smirk that passed over the man's lips affirming that. Then he blinked sharply when Piccolo suddenly raised a hand, and a glance to Duo showed that the American was as caught as himself. With pale light signifying some sort of raise in power, the Namek let out a sound that seemed to be a mixture between a groan and a growl, then Gohan was wearing a white cape identical to the man's.
Grinning, Gohan looked at the weighted shoulders, the cape falling to the back of his knees in soft-looking folds. He'd always hoped to become powerful enough, and he was proud to be able to have it. To him, it meant he'd done well in the eyes of the Namek who'd over-seen his training and he could tell from the warmth in Piccolo's eyes that the man was proud. "Thanks," he said, trying to look serious as he knew it was no small thing the man had given him.
"You look good," Piccolo said, his expression somber.
"Are you two finished?"
No one seemed surprised by Vegeta's mocking question, and Duo glanced at the man for a moment before looking back to the two blondes. He was still a bit disappointed by Goku's appearance, and he could imagine that with black hair the man would look something like Vegeta. He was, of course, taller, and his features weren't so pinched looking, but muscle-wise, he wasn't any more impressive than the other fighters. No, Duo couldn't tell from looking at him why the others saw him as a champion. Then he blinked when the man suddenly frowned, those greenish-blue eyes aimed at the floor.
"Before we worry about Cell," Goku said slowly. There were some frowns when he looked up, but his hopeful smile remained diligent. "Is there anything to eat? I'm starved."
The two Gundam pilots looked around in confusion as there were multiple groans, but it seemed the man's odd request was natural as a feast was quickly gathered. They were again careful not to stare, but it was becoming obvious that these people were full of odd tendencies as both Goku and Gohan ate as if they'd been without food for the entire year. In fact, Duo was impressed. It was amazing that they could eat so fast and still manage to get all of the food into their mouths. But they didn't miss much.
Quatre's pale eyes were very wide, and the American smirked as he could tell the boy's politeness was the only thing keeping him from gaping. Sidling a bit closer to him, he leaned to the side, his voice low. "And Wufei complained about *my* eating too fast. He'd have a conniption-fit if he saw *this*." Quatre turned to stare at him, and Duo grinned as the boy seemed to choke, one hand rising to cover his mouth.
Smothering his giggles, Quatre fought the urge to laugh. It was rude, especially since he didn't know if these people normally ate like that or not. After all, it may have been customary and it would be rude to question or mock their habits. But the image of Wufei's face if he saw such a display had his shoulders shaking from laughter. A glance to the others showed that they seemed tolerant enough, but Piccolo was scowling in disgust, and Vegeta was just scowling. Then he saw Trunks turn from where he kneeled near the edge of the blanket and he was reassured by the way the boy gave a slight smile and a small nod. He must have heard them, and Quatre gave a glare at Duo which was completely lost on the grinning pilot.
Trunks quickly rid himself of his smile as he glanced to Goku and Gohan, and his eyes widened a bit at the way the food was disappearing rapidly. "Um, wasn't there food in the time-chamber?" The response was incomprehensible, and he winced at the sight of Goku trying to speak around his food.
"Try saying that without your mouth full," Piccolo said slowly, his expression disapproving. He too had heard the stranger's comments, and he could understand how they'd be disgusted. While he was used to Goku's habit of inhaling his food, it was sad that Gohan had obviously joined him in it. Still, they must have needed fuel for their ascended powers, and he waited with a little patience as Goku looked up at him in surprise.
Goku swallowed quickly, smiling as he met the Namek's gaze. "I said, there was plenty of food. But Gohan and I aren't very good cooks, and there's nothing like a home-cooked meal." That said, he quickly returned to eating before his son could finish it off without him. It wasn't until they'd cleared the blanket that he finally sat back with a wide smile and a satisfied sigh. "Okay."
"Are you finished?" Vegeta asked scathingly, glaring at the man.
"Unless there's more," Goku said easily. While he wasn't actually that hungry, it was rather nice to get a rise out of the man, and Vegeta's glare proved he'd managed to do so. "Actually," he said, standing slowly and stretching a bit. "I think I'll go and take a look at Cell, now. I'll be right back." Without further warning, he disappeared, his instant teleportation taking him away in a blink and leaving the others staring at the spot he'd vacated.
* * *
Bulma was obviously in her element, and the woman's smile would have been addicting if Duo had been able to rid himself of his reservations. As it was, he didn't really have anything to be afraid of, after all, she wasn't actually running her tests on his gundam. It was a good thing Quatre'd had a spare panel in the shuttle, he just hoped the piece lasted so she wouldn't be wanting more. He had no intention of offering up a part of his suit for her experimentation. Following her with his eyes as she crossed the lab, he was surprised when the door opened and five of the fighters came in.
Since Goku's abrupt departure to check on Cell, and his uncheerful return, they'd been silent and morose, especially since they'd been told by the saiyan that he wasn't going to be returning to the time chamber. From what Duo had heard of Cell, he understood their worries, and he and Quatre had already decided that they'd have to postpone their own attempts to return home. At least until they knew what their new friends were planning to do. Smiling when Trunks and Krillin nodded to him, he straightened from where he leaned against the wall.
"She's still at it, eh?" Krillin smiled as his eyes moved to the light blue haired woman, but he winced a bit when she turned and raised an eyebrow at him. "How's it going, Bulma?"
"Where's Goku and Gohan?" Bulma asked, frowning a bit as she noticed their absence.
"They're visiting with Chee-chee," Tien said lightly. "And Vegeta's not back yet."
"Well, I didn't expect *him* to be curious." She made a face, before setting down the small hand-held instrument she'd been looking at and folding her arms over her chest. "But you wouldn't believe this stuff," her eyes shone brightly, and she smiled suddenly causing Trunks to take a tiny step back. "It's the most marvelous material."
"Really." Piccolo didn't seem impressed. While the size of the two suits had surprised him, he didn't see how they would be of interest when there was the upcoming fight to think about. He'd talked with the others, and he was going to be the first to use the time chamber, his chances of gaining the power needed were so slim he'd only come into the lab on the off chance of distracting himself. Goku had been very straightforward when he'd said he didn't see himself strong enough to defeat Cell, and Piccolo was certain he wouldn't be able to do it either. But he was still going to train.
"Yes," Bulma said quickly. "It's just amazing. I can't even scratch it." The two boys were exchanging glances, and she smirked at Duo's wide smile. "I've been trying to test it with everything, but nothing's worked. I need something stronger..."
Yamcha took a quick step back as her eyes fell on him, and he winced as she grinned. "What are you thinking?" Then she looked at the other fighters and he let out a groan. "You've got to be kidding."
"Well, I just thought that *you* could test it for me, after all, you are so powerful, right?"
Quatre could tell she was trying to taunt them, but he shook his head, moving into her line of sight. "I don't think that would be wise," he said slowly, wary of disappointing her. "That sheet is the only extra gundanium we have, if they were to destroy it we wouldn't have anything else to give you." He wasn't any less worried than Duo, and he had no intention of letting her experiment on Sandrock. Whether it disappointed her or not, he wasn't going to risk his gundam's being hurt in the name of curiosity...or science.
"Oh, don't worry," Bulma smiled, her gaze finally stopping on her son as Trunks eyed her warily. "I'm sure they have better control than that. You wouldn't incinerate it, right, Trunks?" The boy winced, but she waited patiently. "After all, you could just use a small attack to find out its tolerance, couldn't you?"
"I...guess." He really didn't have much of a choice, and it was such a simple thing. Still, he dropped his eyes in defeat as both Tien and Piccolo smirked at him. Only Yamcha seemed to understand and the black-haired fighter gave him a sympathetic gaze before glancing down at Krillin.
"Well, this'll be a nice little distraction," Krillin said slowly, backing toward the door just in case Bulma decided to recruit him as well. He rather liked the two boys, and he could imagine how upset they would be once the part was destroyed and Bulma started stalking them. There was no way she'd be able to ignore them, and he couldn't imagine a metal that could stand up to one of Trunks's attacks, even if it were a weak one. "I think I'll go see if Goku and Gohan want to watch. I bet Gohan'd love the excuse. His mom's probably got him studying already."
* * *
His first thought had been that Cell had decided to attack early, and Vegeta was rightfully furious that the fighters hadn't drawn the android farther from the house. Judging by the different powers he was sensing, all of the fighters were there, and the saiyan flew faster toward them. The ground evened out beneath him, grass replaced by the barren rock that was so common among battlefields. It was when he grew close enough to see them, which wasn't really close at all, that he stopped suddenly. His black eyes narrowed first as he wasn't sure what he was seeing, then he grew angry again at the thought of the fighters wasting their time with such childish sport.
He hadn't seen the two suits before, but they didn't seem anything more than machines, despite the fact that they resembled humanoids. There was obviously no hurry, and he could tell by Bulma's presence that there was no battle taking place. Instead, he was convinced they were playing and he remained still as his mocking gaze watched the scene. It wasn't until Goku powered up that he blinked, and his anger at the man's strength almost made him forget what the ascended saiyan was attacking. Then he saw his nemesis let loose his infamous attack, and he couldn't help but fly closer as the black suit was thrown across the ground. It hadn't so much as dodged, in fact, it hadn't moved until the blazing ball of light hit it and carried it back.
Piccolo and Tien looked up as the saiyan joined them where they stood with Bulma, and the short man's anger was obvious. Then they turned back to the Gundam, watching as it lay still for a moment before slowly getting back to its feet, those green eyes blazing with light. Then the boy's voice reached them, carried by some sort of speaker.
"Woah! This is awesome!" Duo's voice was loud, and his laughter made Quatre smile from where he sat in his own suit. "I've *never* had so much fun! Hell yeah, Deathscythe rules!"
Vegeta's mouth fell open as he recognized the voice, and his disbelieving eyes moved from the two suits as he realized the boys were inside of them. Then he sneered as he knew they *were* playing. There was no way the toys would stand up against a true attack, and he smirked when Goku landed beside him, the man's blonde hair still rankling him. "Having fun?" he asked, his voice dripping with scorn. "I should have known you would be playing games."
"Not at all," Goku said lightly, his smile real as he turned to look at the two gundams. What had started off as a simple test to determine a piece of metal's tolerance had turned into an all-out training session, and he for one was ecstatic to have the suits on their side. "They're stronger than any of our attacks. Go ahead and try, give it your best shot." As he'd expected, the saiyan sneered at him, but he kept his own expression clear. "Unless you don't think you're strong enough." It wasn't like him to purposely spur the man on, not when he was already angry, but he'd already thought of ways to use the two remarkable suits.
If they could have a target that they couldn't destroy, then they would know when they'd reached a strength capable of standing up to Cell. He'd hoped that his and Gohan's time in the chamber might have brought them to the level necessary, but he was convinced that unless Gohan was able to get stronger, neither would be able to accomplish the task. But then, he knew his son could, it was a matter of getting him to. With that aside, the suits would be good to train against, and he fully intended to talk to Piccolo and the others about that as he knew the time chamber was a difficult place to be alone. And without a steady enemy to train against, it wasn't easy to judge one's own growth.
"Fine," Vegeta growled, glaring at the man who stood before him. "If you want me to kill him, then I will. Stand aside." Goku moved quickly, as did Tien and Yamcha, and Vegeta raised his power quickly, his hair changing as he turned into a super saiyan. Despite his words, he didn't intend to actually kill the boy, but the suit was history. If only to prove that he was stronger than the rest of them.
He was still laughing quietly, but Duo's eyes narrowed when the saiyan changed. While he had complete faith in his suit, he recognized the fact that the man wasn't attacking with the same spirit the others had been under. No, he was fighting out of anger and Duo's hands clenched around the controls as he forced himself to hold still. His instinct wasn't to stand still and wait for an attack, and he had to admit the powers that had been sent at him had been more than intimidating. But still, Trunks had told him that Goku and Gohan were the strongest and if those two hadn't been able to damage him, then he knew Vegeta wouldn't either. Then the man let out a harsh cry and Duo's eyes closed as the blinding light moved toward him.
Quatre winced when Deathscythe was flung backward, tearing a groove into the rocky ground. //That must have hurt//, he thought with a dark expression. He knew the suits had stood well under the attacks, but while the Gundanium withstood the heat, it was the pilots who took the real beating. His own body was sore enough to tell him that, and he was grateful that Duo had offered to be the guinea pig for the rest of the experiments. Oh, it wasn't that he wasn't up to it, as Quatre had been knocked around enough in Sandrock to be rather used to it. Duo just took more enjoyment out of showing off the strength of his suit, even if it meant taking the falls. Glancing through the view screen to where the yellow-haired saiyan stood, a small smile came to the blonde boy's lips at the man's incredulous expression.
He may not have used his strongest attack, but Vegeta hadn't held much back, and his teeth gnashed together when the black suit moved. It had been thrown back a good enough distance, and it was slow to rise, but it did rise. Then he blinked as the familiar sound of some sort of boosters came and the black machine was flying toward him, a few feet off the ground.
Halting in front of the man, Duo gave a dark smirk as he twirled his scythe before letting it freeze in a threatening manner, the curved blade of light aimed down at the saiyan. "Bring it on," he murmured, then he snickered when the man blinked at him in complete stupefaction. The sound of laughter had him glancing away to where Bulma and Gohan were standing, and he grinned at the woman's smile. She obviously liked the expression on Vegeta's face.
//The gall!// Vegeta was suddenly furious, but he hadn't so much as moved when the suit suddenly turned away from him, that odd staff held out in front of it.
"Hey, Quatre! Let's wrestle, what-do-ya say?"
"Duo." The blonde boy sighed as he noted that Krillin, who'd been flying near him, moved away quickly. "Really, Duo."
"Come on, it's all in fun. And it's education," the longhaired boy smirked, his eyes glinting when Quatre was suddenly on his view screen. "They want to see what our suits are capable of, and I won't hurt your baby. It'll be fun."
"Duo, Sandrock is just as strong as Deathscythe, and you know it."
The blonde boy wasn't smiling any more, and Duo cleared his face, raising an eyebrow as he moved a bit closer to the black and white suit. "Is that so? Prove it." A smirk crossed the pale boy's face, and Duo jumped his suit back when Sandrock turned suddenly. "That's more *like* it!"
"What...are they doing?" Bulma asked, frowning as the two suits suddenly faced off. "They aren't planning to--" The rest of what she'd meant to say was cut off as Quatre's gundam rushed forward, Deathscythe dodging quickly. "Kids."
"Wow, they're so...quiet." Gohan followed the two suits, not noticing the odd look Bulma gave him. If he had, he would have told her he didn't mean the suits but the pilots. There was the sound of clashing metal, of course, but from the boys, there was nothing at all; only an occasional taunt from the black suit and a light laughter. "Do you think this is the way they train where they come from? It seems more like a game."
"Well, I don't know about that," Bulma said, smiling when she saw that Vegeta had moved towards them and was listening with an intense glare. "But their weapons are just amazing. Thermal energy, that's what Quatre said. And the way he can heat his blades, he actually made a groove in that piece of gundanium and that's more than even *you* could do." Gohan didn't seem bothered by her words, but the boy was still watching the fight, his smile easy. "We don't have anything like their technology. Just imagine if I could make armor from that metal..."
"You are *not* touching their suits." Trunks wanted to wince when his mother frowned at him, but he stood still, his expression hard. "We'll do fine with what we have. You know you gave your word you wouldn't try to take them apart. Besides, Duo said they can only manufacture gundanium in space, and if we can't melt them with our power, then how would *you* do it?"
"It was just a thought, Trunks," Bulma said, reproving the boy. "I wouldn't hurt their suits. I know how important they are to them." The young half-saiyan looked relieved, and she smiled. "But we could still find a way to use them."
The two gundams had ceased their mock-battle, and Duo laughed as he climbed out of the cockpit, grinning widely. "That was great," he called, his violet eyes glowing when he saw the way Quatre was smiling. "We'll have to get the other guys to try this when we get back."
Nodding, Quatre stepped out onto the platform of his gundam. "We could try." Duo turned and sat, his legs hanging over the edge and the blonde boy followed his gaze to where the fighters stood around Bulma. The woman was talking quickly with Goku, and he wondered what she was saying.
"Hey, Piccolo!" Duo grinned when the man flinched and turned.
"I can hear you just fine," Piccolo said slowly, moving closer to the two gundams. "You don't have to shout."
"Oh." Duo winced a bit, his smile abashed. "Okay, but what do you think? You still think we don't look like fighters?"
The Namek remembered what he'd said before, and he frowned as he looked at the two boys. They looked even smaller with the large suits looming behind them, and Piccolo didn't answer the question. It was obvious that they had strength, but the answer would have been a blunt no as they didn't *look* like fighters. "You fight well," he said instead, noting the pleased smile on Quatre's face and the way Duo folded his arms over his chest.
"Yep, we're great." Smug smile firmly in place, the American fell back and sighed as he stared up at the light blue sky. //I never thought of myself as a glory-hog, but this is so cool. Here they are, this power they have, and they can't do as much damage as a mobile doll. Sure, they didn't try physical attacks, but still. I like being the strong one.// His thoughts were snuffed out, and he gave a startled cry when a head suddenly popped up over the edge of the platform. Rolling away, he almost fell off. "Krillin!"
"Sorry!" Blushing, the bald fighter raised a hand. "Didn't mean to scare you."
Duo glared when he heard soft laughter, and he made a face at Quatre who had a hand over his mouth, pale blue-green eyes glinting. "Right. Just when I'm all convinced I'm a God you have to come and ruin it by rubbing my nose in the fact that you can fly. That's great."
"Does it bother you?" Trunks asked, moving upward so that he was next to Krillin. He'd come over with the short earthling, but after the boy's reaction, he hadn't been eager to repeat it.
"No," Duo smiled, shrugging as he recovered his seat. He gestured to the platform and waited until the two had sat down before smirking. "Well, aren't you going to tell me how good we are?" Quatre groaned, but Duo waited expectantly.
"You were great," Krillin said quickly, smiling as he included Quatre in the statement.
Vegeta snorted and turned away, his gaze dark as he didn't want to look at the two boys. Seeing them reminded him of how small they were, and it was disgusting to think that they could have withstood one of his attacks. Of course, it hadn't been them personally as their suits had done the work, but that didn't matter. He had just been reminded *again* of how much stronger he'd have to get and his temper raged at the thought. It seemed nothing was ever enough.
Goku glanced up when Vegeta took off, and his expression grew serious as he followed the saiyan's progress. He could imagine what was going through the man's mind, but while he sympathized, he had more important things to think of; namely, convincing the others to include the suits in their training. It wouldn't have helped him, since he fully intended to train outside, but he knew the gundams would be an asset they didn't want to ignore. Obviously, Vegeta was determined to do his training alone, but Goku was sure he could convince the others, with a little effort.
* * *
TBC
--notes--
A quick warning for the next part, lots of Quatre and Piccolo interaction and a lemon. I think there will be 12 or 13 parts to this fic, and a Trunksx2 lemon in part 8 or 9. I'm also planning for both a 1x2 and 3x4 lemon in part 12 or 13 so you're warned in advance.
Warnings: none
Pairings: will be Trunks x 2, Piccolo x 4, 1x2, 3x4
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.fanfiction.net, www.geocities.com/arigatomina
Alternate Timelines Indeed
Part 6
//What is this?! They are super saiyans and yet...they're acting so natural.// Vegeta glared from where he stood to the side of the people. Everyone was quick to greet the two fighters, and it was as if more than just one day had passed. Folding his arms over his chest, the saiyan's brows lowered and he glared as he waited for the two to get their greetings finished. His eyes kept returning to the two saiyans' blonde hair.
"But who's this?" Goku asked, smiling as his bluish green eyes moved to the two boys who were standing next to Bulma. "And how are things?" His cheer slowly left and he grew serious, looking to Piccolo and Tien. "Where's Cell?"
"This is Quatre and Duo," Bulma said quickly, her own expression serious. "But I'll tell you about them later. It's so good to have you two back."
"Right." Piccolo took a step forward his expression dark. The celebration had lasted long enough and while he was just as relieved to have the two finished with their training, there were more important things. "Cell has reached his final form."
"What?" Gohan's eyes widened as he looked up at the man, and he couldn't help but notice the way the Namek was glaring in Vegeta's direction. The black-haired fighter was ignoring him, but he could guess what had happened. "Then he absorbed the last android."
"Yes. And now he wants to have a tournament," Piccolo continued, staring at Goku. "He plans to pick us off one-by-one. I seriously doubt he'll follow the rules of a real tournament."
"I see. I guess we got out just in time to help, right?" Goku managed a smile as he looked down at his son, and he laid a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Well, you can't fight in those things," Bulma said, eyeing the two's ruined suits. She'd modeled the armor after Vegeta's before they'd gone into the chamber, but it was obvious that they hadn't lasted through the training. "I can get you some new armor," she offered.
"No thanks. I think this time," Goku smiled at the woman, "I want to fight as an earthling." He wasn't bothered by the surprised looks, and his eyes glinted when he noticed the way Gohan was looking at Piccolo.
"Piccolo? Do you think I could wear an outfit like yours?" The boy was hesitant, but he blinked up at the tall man eagerly.
Piccolo's intense expression softened a bit, and Quatre smiled as he noticed the way the two looked at each other. He was suddenly sure they cared for each other a great deal, the smirk that passed over the man's lips affirming that. Then he blinked sharply when Piccolo suddenly raised a hand, and a glance to Duo showed that the American was as caught as himself. With pale light signifying some sort of raise in power, the Namek let out a sound that seemed to be a mixture between a groan and a growl, then Gohan was wearing a white cape identical to the man's.
Grinning, Gohan looked at the weighted shoulders, the cape falling to the back of his knees in soft-looking folds. He'd always hoped to become powerful enough, and he was proud to be able to have it. To him, it meant he'd done well in the eyes of the Namek who'd over-seen his training and he could tell from the warmth in Piccolo's eyes that the man was proud. "Thanks," he said, trying to look serious as he knew it was no small thing the man had given him.
"You look good," Piccolo said, his expression somber.
"Are you two finished?"
No one seemed surprised by Vegeta's mocking question, and Duo glanced at the man for a moment before looking back to the two blondes. He was still a bit disappointed by Goku's appearance, and he could imagine that with black hair the man would look something like Vegeta. He was, of course, taller, and his features weren't so pinched looking, but muscle-wise, he wasn't any more impressive than the other fighters. No, Duo couldn't tell from looking at him why the others saw him as a champion. Then he blinked when the man suddenly frowned, those greenish-blue eyes aimed at the floor.
"Before we worry about Cell," Goku said slowly. There were some frowns when he looked up, but his hopeful smile remained diligent. "Is there anything to eat? I'm starved."
The two Gundam pilots looked around in confusion as there were multiple groans, but it seemed the man's odd request was natural as a feast was quickly gathered. They were again careful not to stare, but it was becoming obvious that these people were full of odd tendencies as both Goku and Gohan ate as if they'd been without food for the entire year. In fact, Duo was impressed. It was amazing that they could eat so fast and still manage to get all of the food into their mouths. But they didn't miss much.
Quatre's pale eyes were very wide, and the American smirked as he could tell the boy's politeness was the only thing keeping him from gaping. Sidling a bit closer to him, he leaned to the side, his voice low. "And Wufei complained about *my* eating too fast. He'd have a conniption-fit if he saw *this*." Quatre turned to stare at him, and Duo grinned as the boy seemed to choke, one hand rising to cover his mouth.
Smothering his giggles, Quatre fought the urge to laugh. It was rude, especially since he didn't know if these people normally ate like that or not. After all, it may have been customary and it would be rude to question or mock their habits. But the image of Wufei's face if he saw such a display had his shoulders shaking from laughter. A glance to the others showed that they seemed tolerant enough, but Piccolo was scowling in disgust, and Vegeta was just scowling. Then he saw Trunks turn from where he kneeled near the edge of the blanket and he was reassured by the way the boy gave a slight smile and a small nod. He must have heard them, and Quatre gave a glare at Duo which was completely lost on the grinning pilot.
Trunks quickly rid himself of his smile as he glanced to Goku and Gohan, and his eyes widened a bit at the way the food was disappearing rapidly. "Um, wasn't there food in the time-chamber?" The response was incomprehensible, and he winced at the sight of Goku trying to speak around his food.
"Try saying that without your mouth full," Piccolo said slowly, his expression disapproving. He too had heard the stranger's comments, and he could understand how they'd be disgusted. While he was used to Goku's habit of inhaling his food, it was sad that Gohan had obviously joined him in it. Still, they must have needed fuel for their ascended powers, and he waited with a little patience as Goku looked up at him in surprise.
Goku swallowed quickly, smiling as he met the Namek's gaze. "I said, there was plenty of food. But Gohan and I aren't very good cooks, and there's nothing like a home-cooked meal." That said, he quickly returned to eating before his son could finish it off without him. It wasn't until they'd cleared the blanket that he finally sat back with a wide smile and a satisfied sigh. "Okay."
"Are you finished?" Vegeta asked scathingly, glaring at the man.
"Unless there's more," Goku said easily. While he wasn't actually that hungry, it was rather nice to get a rise out of the man, and Vegeta's glare proved he'd managed to do so. "Actually," he said, standing slowly and stretching a bit. "I think I'll go and take a look at Cell, now. I'll be right back." Without further warning, he disappeared, his instant teleportation taking him away in a blink and leaving the others staring at the spot he'd vacated.
* * *
Bulma was obviously in her element, and the woman's smile would have been addicting if Duo had been able to rid himself of his reservations. As it was, he didn't really have anything to be afraid of, after all, she wasn't actually running her tests on his gundam. It was a good thing Quatre'd had a spare panel in the shuttle, he just hoped the piece lasted so she wouldn't be wanting more. He had no intention of offering up a part of his suit for her experimentation. Following her with his eyes as she crossed the lab, he was surprised when the door opened and five of the fighters came in.
Since Goku's abrupt departure to check on Cell, and his uncheerful return, they'd been silent and morose, especially since they'd been told by the saiyan that he wasn't going to be returning to the time chamber. From what Duo had heard of Cell, he understood their worries, and he and Quatre had already decided that they'd have to postpone their own attempts to return home. At least until they knew what their new friends were planning to do. Smiling when Trunks and Krillin nodded to him, he straightened from where he leaned against the wall.
"She's still at it, eh?" Krillin smiled as his eyes moved to the light blue haired woman, but he winced a bit when she turned and raised an eyebrow at him. "How's it going, Bulma?"
"Where's Goku and Gohan?" Bulma asked, frowning a bit as she noticed their absence.
"They're visiting with Chee-chee," Tien said lightly. "And Vegeta's not back yet."
"Well, I didn't expect *him* to be curious." She made a face, before setting down the small hand-held instrument she'd been looking at and folding her arms over her chest. "But you wouldn't believe this stuff," her eyes shone brightly, and she smiled suddenly causing Trunks to take a tiny step back. "It's the most marvelous material."
"Really." Piccolo didn't seem impressed. While the size of the two suits had surprised him, he didn't see how they would be of interest when there was the upcoming fight to think about. He'd talked with the others, and he was going to be the first to use the time chamber, his chances of gaining the power needed were so slim he'd only come into the lab on the off chance of distracting himself. Goku had been very straightforward when he'd said he didn't see himself strong enough to defeat Cell, and Piccolo was certain he wouldn't be able to do it either. But he was still going to train.
"Yes," Bulma said quickly. "It's just amazing. I can't even scratch it." The two boys were exchanging glances, and she smirked at Duo's wide smile. "I've been trying to test it with everything, but nothing's worked. I need something stronger..."
Yamcha took a quick step back as her eyes fell on him, and he winced as she grinned. "What are you thinking?" Then she looked at the other fighters and he let out a groan. "You've got to be kidding."
"Well, I just thought that *you* could test it for me, after all, you are so powerful, right?"
Quatre could tell she was trying to taunt them, but he shook his head, moving into her line of sight. "I don't think that would be wise," he said slowly, wary of disappointing her. "That sheet is the only extra gundanium we have, if they were to destroy it we wouldn't have anything else to give you." He wasn't any less worried than Duo, and he had no intention of letting her experiment on Sandrock. Whether it disappointed her or not, he wasn't going to risk his gundam's being hurt in the name of curiosity...or science.
"Oh, don't worry," Bulma smiled, her gaze finally stopping on her son as Trunks eyed her warily. "I'm sure they have better control than that. You wouldn't incinerate it, right, Trunks?" The boy winced, but she waited patiently. "After all, you could just use a small attack to find out its tolerance, couldn't you?"
"I...guess." He really didn't have much of a choice, and it was such a simple thing. Still, he dropped his eyes in defeat as both Tien and Piccolo smirked at him. Only Yamcha seemed to understand and the black-haired fighter gave him a sympathetic gaze before glancing down at Krillin.
"Well, this'll be a nice little distraction," Krillin said slowly, backing toward the door just in case Bulma decided to recruit him as well. He rather liked the two boys, and he could imagine how upset they would be once the part was destroyed and Bulma started stalking them. There was no way she'd be able to ignore them, and he couldn't imagine a metal that could stand up to one of Trunks's attacks, even if it were a weak one. "I think I'll go see if Goku and Gohan want to watch. I bet Gohan'd love the excuse. His mom's probably got him studying already."
* * *
His first thought had been that Cell had decided to attack early, and Vegeta was rightfully furious that the fighters hadn't drawn the android farther from the house. Judging by the different powers he was sensing, all of the fighters were there, and the saiyan flew faster toward them. The ground evened out beneath him, grass replaced by the barren rock that was so common among battlefields. It was when he grew close enough to see them, which wasn't really close at all, that he stopped suddenly. His black eyes narrowed first as he wasn't sure what he was seeing, then he grew angry again at the thought of the fighters wasting their time with such childish sport.
He hadn't seen the two suits before, but they didn't seem anything more than machines, despite the fact that they resembled humanoids. There was obviously no hurry, and he could tell by Bulma's presence that there was no battle taking place. Instead, he was convinced they were playing and he remained still as his mocking gaze watched the scene. It wasn't until Goku powered up that he blinked, and his anger at the man's strength almost made him forget what the ascended saiyan was attacking. Then he saw his nemesis let loose his infamous attack, and he couldn't help but fly closer as the black suit was thrown across the ground. It hadn't so much as dodged, in fact, it hadn't moved until the blazing ball of light hit it and carried it back.
Piccolo and Tien looked up as the saiyan joined them where they stood with Bulma, and the short man's anger was obvious. Then they turned back to the Gundam, watching as it lay still for a moment before slowly getting back to its feet, those green eyes blazing with light. Then the boy's voice reached them, carried by some sort of speaker.
"Woah! This is awesome!" Duo's voice was loud, and his laughter made Quatre smile from where he sat in his own suit. "I've *never* had so much fun! Hell yeah, Deathscythe rules!"
Vegeta's mouth fell open as he recognized the voice, and his disbelieving eyes moved from the two suits as he realized the boys were inside of them. Then he sneered as he knew they *were* playing. There was no way the toys would stand up against a true attack, and he smirked when Goku landed beside him, the man's blonde hair still rankling him. "Having fun?" he asked, his voice dripping with scorn. "I should have known you would be playing games."
"Not at all," Goku said lightly, his smile real as he turned to look at the two gundams. What had started off as a simple test to determine a piece of metal's tolerance had turned into an all-out training session, and he for one was ecstatic to have the suits on their side. "They're stronger than any of our attacks. Go ahead and try, give it your best shot." As he'd expected, the saiyan sneered at him, but he kept his own expression clear. "Unless you don't think you're strong enough." It wasn't like him to purposely spur the man on, not when he was already angry, but he'd already thought of ways to use the two remarkable suits.
If they could have a target that they couldn't destroy, then they would know when they'd reached a strength capable of standing up to Cell. He'd hoped that his and Gohan's time in the chamber might have brought them to the level necessary, but he was convinced that unless Gohan was able to get stronger, neither would be able to accomplish the task. But then, he knew his son could, it was a matter of getting him to. With that aside, the suits would be good to train against, and he fully intended to talk to Piccolo and the others about that as he knew the time chamber was a difficult place to be alone. And without a steady enemy to train against, it wasn't easy to judge one's own growth.
"Fine," Vegeta growled, glaring at the man who stood before him. "If you want me to kill him, then I will. Stand aside." Goku moved quickly, as did Tien and Yamcha, and Vegeta raised his power quickly, his hair changing as he turned into a super saiyan. Despite his words, he didn't intend to actually kill the boy, but the suit was history. If only to prove that he was stronger than the rest of them.
He was still laughing quietly, but Duo's eyes narrowed when the saiyan changed. While he had complete faith in his suit, he recognized the fact that the man wasn't attacking with the same spirit the others had been under. No, he was fighting out of anger and Duo's hands clenched around the controls as he forced himself to hold still. His instinct wasn't to stand still and wait for an attack, and he had to admit the powers that had been sent at him had been more than intimidating. But still, Trunks had told him that Goku and Gohan were the strongest and if those two hadn't been able to damage him, then he knew Vegeta wouldn't either. Then the man let out a harsh cry and Duo's eyes closed as the blinding light moved toward him.
Quatre winced when Deathscythe was flung backward, tearing a groove into the rocky ground. //That must have hurt//, he thought with a dark expression. He knew the suits had stood well under the attacks, but while the Gundanium withstood the heat, it was the pilots who took the real beating. His own body was sore enough to tell him that, and he was grateful that Duo had offered to be the guinea pig for the rest of the experiments. Oh, it wasn't that he wasn't up to it, as Quatre had been knocked around enough in Sandrock to be rather used to it. Duo just took more enjoyment out of showing off the strength of his suit, even if it meant taking the falls. Glancing through the view screen to where the yellow-haired saiyan stood, a small smile came to the blonde boy's lips at the man's incredulous expression.
He may not have used his strongest attack, but Vegeta hadn't held much back, and his teeth gnashed together when the black suit moved. It had been thrown back a good enough distance, and it was slow to rise, but it did rise. Then he blinked as the familiar sound of some sort of boosters came and the black machine was flying toward him, a few feet off the ground.
Halting in front of the man, Duo gave a dark smirk as he twirled his scythe before letting it freeze in a threatening manner, the curved blade of light aimed down at the saiyan. "Bring it on," he murmured, then he snickered when the man blinked at him in complete stupefaction. The sound of laughter had him glancing away to where Bulma and Gohan were standing, and he grinned at the woman's smile. She obviously liked the expression on Vegeta's face.
//The gall!// Vegeta was suddenly furious, but he hadn't so much as moved when the suit suddenly turned away from him, that odd staff held out in front of it.
"Hey, Quatre! Let's wrestle, what-do-ya say?"
"Duo." The blonde boy sighed as he noted that Krillin, who'd been flying near him, moved away quickly. "Really, Duo."
"Come on, it's all in fun. And it's education," the longhaired boy smirked, his eyes glinting when Quatre was suddenly on his view screen. "They want to see what our suits are capable of, and I won't hurt your baby. It'll be fun."
"Duo, Sandrock is just as strong as Deathscythe, and you know it."
The blonde boy wasn't smiling any more, and Duo cleared his face, raising an eyebrow as he moved a bit closer to the black and white suit. "Is that so? Prove it." A smirk crossed the pale boy's face, and Duo jumped his suit back when Sandrock turned suddenly. "That's more *like* it!"
"What...are they doing?" Bulma asked, frowning as the two suits suddenly faced off. "They aren't planning to--" The rest of what she'd meant to say was cut off as Quatre's gundam rushed forward, Deathscythe dodging quickly. "Kids."
"Wow, they're so...quiet." Gohan followed the two suits, not noticing the odd look Bulma gave him. If he had, he would have told her he didn't mean the suits but the pilots. There was the sound of clashing metal, of course, but from the boys, there was nothing at all; only an occasional taunt from the black suit and a light laughter. "Do you think this is the way they train where they come from? It seems more like a game."
"Well, I don't know about that," Bulma said, smiling when she saw that Vegeta had moved towards them and was listening with an intense glare. "But their weapons are just amazing. Thermal energy, that's what Quatre said. And the way he can heat his blades, he actually made a groove in that piece of gundanium and that's more than even *you* could do." Gohan didn't seem bothered by her words, but the boy was still watching the fight, his smile easy. "We don't have anything like their technology. Just imagine if I could make armor from that metal..."
"You are *not* touching their suits." Trunks wanted to wince when his mother frowned at him, but he stood still, his expression hard. "We'll do fine with what we have. You know you gave your word you wouldn't try to take them apart. Besides, Duo said they can only manufacture gundanium in space, and if we can't melt them with our power, then how would *you* do it?"
"It was just a thought, Trunks," Bulma said, reproving the boy. "I wouldn't hurt their suits. I know how important they are to them." The young half-saiyan looked relieved, and she smiled. "But we could still find a way to use them."
The two gundams had ceased their mock-battle, and Duo laughed as he climbed out of the cockpit, grinning widely. "That was great," he called, his violet eyes glowing when he saw the way Quatre was smiling. "We'll have to get the other guys to try this when we get back."
Nodding, Quatre stepped out onto the platform of his gundam. "We could try." Duo turned and sat, his legs hanging over the edge and the blonde boy followed his gaze to where the fighters stood around Bulma. The woman was talking quickly with Goku, and he wondered what she was saying.
"Hey, Piccolo!" Duo grinned when the man flinched and turned.
"I can hear you just fine," Piccolo said slowly, moving closer to the two gundams. "You don't have to shout."
"Oh." Duo winced a bit, his smile abashed. "Okay, but what do you think? You still think we don't look like fighters?"
The Namek remembered what he'd said before, and he frowned as he looked at the two boys. They looked even smaller with the large suits looming behind them, and Piccolo didn't answer the question. It was obvious that they had strength, but the answer would have been a blunt no as they didn't *look* like fighters. "You fight well," he said instead, noting the pleased smile on Quatre's face and the way Duo folded his arms over his chest.
"Yep, we're great." Smug smile firmly in place, the American fell back and sighed as he stared up at the light blue sky. //I never thought of myself as a glory-hog, but this is so cool. Here they are, this power they have, and they can't do as much damage as a mobile doll. Sure, they didn't try physical attacks, but still. I like being the strong one.// His thoughts were snuffed out, and he gave a startled cry when a head suddenly popped up over the edge of the platform. Rolling away, he almost fell off. "Krillin!"
"Sorry!" Blushing, the bald fighter raised a hand. "Didn't mean to scare you."
Duo glared when he heard soft laughter, and he made a face at Quatre who had a hand over his mouth, pale blue-green eyes glinting. "Right. Just when I'm all convinced I'm a God you have to come and ruin it by rubbing my nose in the fact that you can fly. That's great."
"Does it bother you?" Trunks asked, moving upward so that he was next to Krillin. He'd come over with the short earthling, but after the boy's reaction, he hadn't been eager to repeat it.
"No," Duo smiled, shrugging as he recovered his seat. He gestured to the platform and waited until the two had sat down before smirking. "Well, aren't you going to tell me how good we are?" Quatre groaned, but Duo waited expectantly.
"You were great," Krillin said quickly, smiling as he included Quatre in the statement.
Vegeta snorted and turned away, his gaze dark as he didn't want to look at the two boys. Seeing them reminded him of how small they were, and it was disgusting to think that they could have withstood one of his attacks. Of course, it hadn't been them personally as their suits had done the work, but that didn't matter. He had just been reminded *again* of how much stronger he'd have to get and his temper raged at the thought. It seemed nothing was ever enough.
Goku glanced up when Vegeta took off, and his expression grew serious as he followed the saiyan's progress. He could imagine what was going through the man's mind, but while he sympathized, he had more important things to think of; namely, convincing the others to include the suits in their training. It wouldn't have helped him, since he fully intended to train outside, but he knew the gundams would be an asset they didn't want to ignore. Obviously, Vegeta was determined to do his training alone, but Goku was sure he could convince the others, with a little effort.
* * *
TBC
--notes--
A quick warning for the next part, lots of Quatre and Piccolo interaction and a lemon. I think there will be 12 or 13 parts to this fic, and a Trunksx2 lemon in part 8 or 9. I'm also planning for both a 1x2 and 3x4 lemon in part 12 or 13 so you're warned in advance.