Author's Note: Hello, everyone. I hope this retelling of the classic Dragon Ball tale will prove to be an enjoyable read. Insightful critiques are encouraged. And now I present…
Dragon Ball DBD
Chapter 1
A long, long time ago, in an age where peace had come to a halt and beings of ill nature locked away for over a millennium were unleashed upon the world, a battle between good and evil had begun. The Demon King Piccolo, an embodiment of malevolence and corruption, had escaped an imprisonment created by warriors of old and sought out to conquer the planet Earth using sheer inhuman force that could quake the earth and burn the widest of forests. He had swiftly taken out the mightiest of rulers across the world and began a reign of terror. One that did not last long...
In this world filled with people and beasts of all kinds, the enthralling art of fighting was a pursuit that went beyond learning to survive in harsh lands and battles. It was a form of expression, a way to test one's might, and a gateway to achieving inner peace. Fighters from all over the land would rigorously train their bodies and challenge their limits to become stronger, and add their own chapter to the ever growing study of the martial arts. Some people, be they those who have the fiercest of wills or just inner talents, can even learn to control intangible, otherworldly strength from within.
Not long after King Piccolo began his rule, three unsuspecting young warriors, martial artists who had come from humble beginnings with no stories or titles to prove their worth, had appeared out of nowhere to take the world back in the name of mankind. The Demon King had scoffed at this seemingly outrageous challenge as he believed himself to be a god among petty ants. Still, he decided to indulge himself and his lust for torturing mortals. However, to his shock, the young fighters proved a match for the dark lord and began to overwhelm him.
Never before had he been on the receiving end of such a vicious assault empowered by the hope and vengeance of those he had given a living nightmare. This almighty clash of bone and sinew was finally too much for the Demon King to handled, and so, he finally succumbed to defeat after a final, fierce attack by one of the fighters: a mere young boy.
Soon after King Piccolo's death, the handful of fighters who had unwittingly wrote themselves into legend disappeared. Many people had witnessed their triumph, but none knew nor learned of their names or where they had come from. All they had come to see was a new era of peace and prosperity once again.
It was late-afternoon on the day when the world's strongest, people from all over the globe who wished to test their limits in brutal hand-to-hand combat, all converged to the site where the ultimate martial arts tournament would be held. Near South City, there was an island dedicated to this most grandiose of events which would take place every three years. The venue of this world championship was comprised of a rather humble, small ring and a few small buildings surrounding it that would house the preliminary rounds of the tournament, a cafeteria, and an infirmary for the participants.
Towards the entrance of the tournament grounds, a yellow cab arrived which passengered a cane-bearing old man with a long beard wearing distinctly dark green-shaded sunglasses. Accompanying him was a beautiful young woman with striking purple hair. The two exited the vehicle and began waiting, unable to contain their excitement over the occasion.
"Ah, it's been a few years since I've seen this quaint old place. Time sure flies by quickly the older I get, and yet that familiar crest upon the entrance always gets me pumped up the moment I step foot on this very pavement," said the old man.
"Oh, please, it's not like you'll be taking part, you old fart. What is there for you to get so 'pumped up' about? The most action you'll be getting this year is lifting your arm up to feed your big mouth while you watch the actual combatants duke it out," replied the young woman.
"Give me a break will you!?" shouted the old man. "I may not be entering, but my greatest students will be, and I must be there to witness their inevitable triumphs. Without me, they'd be nothing I tell you. Nothing."
"Whatever you say. I'm just looking forward to meeting them all again after such a long time. It's such a shame they're always running off to train most of the time. We rarely see everybody any more because you boneheads are so obsessed with beating the snot out of each other." said the young woman.
"Oh, you poor, poor, poor thing. You just don't understand the fine intricacies and depth of this terrific sport," the old man exclaimed as he playfully smacked the young woman's rear.
"What did I just say about that when we landed on the island!?" the young woman screamed. "Any more of your perverted antics and you'll need more than a cane to get around, old man!"
"'intricacies'. Please. What exactly is so complex about getting a black eye. Bah... And where the heck is everyone?"
"Don't worry, they'll be here soon," the old man reassured her. "You'll see. I bet you in five minutes they'll be blazing past the corner."
"How 'bout in five seconds, old timer?"
Ecstatic, the girl and the old man quickly turned around to find the source of this familiar and innocent-sounding voice which responded to the old man's proposed wager. To their delight, the young man with messy, long black hair whom the voice belonged to waved back and greeted the two.
"It's been a good while, hasn't it? Both of you look well. Bulma. Roshi."
The old man who he called Roshi tipped his hat. "Likewise, my boy. Goodness, you've grown tall, and I've no doubt you've improved your techniques greatly since I last saw you."
"Definitely. Travelling the world really opened my eyes and I got to see all sorts of wonders and unique places. I learned a few things or two throughout my journey as well, but I still kept your old teachings in mind." Sly bowed his head with respect.
Sly, a boy in his early teens, was the youngest of a handful of students that trained under Muten Roshi, also known as "The Turtle Hermit," a very old man who lived on a small island far from civilisation. Roshi was a master of martial arts who has survived many battles and continues to maintain his great strength and provide wise consultations despite his seemingly feeble, old appearance and lecherous habits. .
"Hehehe, that's very good of you, son. Hey, have you seen any of the others while getting here?" Roshi asked searchingly.
Sly titled his head slightly. "No, can't say that I have. I'm sure they'll all show up eventually, though. Most of us trained together up until about two years ago then we went our separate ways after vowing to better ourselves for this very tournament."
Roshi nodded. "Mmm, I'm certain you'll all be together once again, I just hope the rest of you kids will show up already before it starts to rain. It's getting cloudy up there!"
"Maybe Bulma could quickly whip up something that could suck 'em all up and we all wouldn't have to worry getting wet," Sly said jokingly.
"Laugh it up, kiddo. But don't think I couldn't if I wanted to!" Bulma posed confidently.
Indeed, the young girl named Bulma was a science prodigy and daughter of the great, yet a little flaky, inventor Dr. Brief. A high-spirited individual, Bulma can be a little overbearing towards others, but she's good at heart and can produce the wildest of inventions that could only make her father more proud.
Bulma squinted, trying to make out three figures in the distance. "Wait a second... Is that...? Yes, it is! Hey, you guys! It looks like we won't have to wait any longer after all." Bulma chuckled.
As Sly and Roshi turned their heads in the opposite direction, three young men, all wearing heavily warn travelling gear and large knapsacks, approached. The group consisted of a young spiky dark-haired adolescent, a stern-faced man, and a blonde haired with a lit cigarette in his mouth.
"Hiyaa, guys!" shouted the adolescent. "It's great to see ya. Are any of you as starved as I am?"
"Oh, boy. Only our little brat Kai could have food in his mind twenty-four seven." Bulma sighed.
The young man named Kai folded his arms. "Gee, thanks for the warm welcome. And watch who yer callin' little! I'm taller than you now."
"Wow, he's right! Ahh, nuts. Now I'm the small one of the group again!" Sly pouted.
"That's nothing to be ashamed of, little one. Size doesn't stop you from wielding great strength. A giant could fall from the might of an individual who has learned to tap into their innermost power," the stern-faced man explained.
The blonde haired man groaned. "Crap. Now you've got the bloomin' sod rollin' his mouth again. Shut your gob, Kage, and let's get a move on alread- Hot damn, is that you, cher!?" He quickly raced forward as he caught sight of Bulma. "Damn, you're lookin' as fine as ever, bird."
"And you're your usual charming self, I see, Axel…" Bulma responded sarcastically, but she was still clearly flattered by his attempted flirtations.
"Typical. A young punk compliments a woman and it's all sunshine and daisies, but when I do it, it's a restraining order," muttered Roshi.
Axel, having heard Roshi's uttering, scoffed. "That's because I look with m'eyes, not with m'hands, you old codger."
Roshi waved his walking stick in Axel's face. "That's a laugh. You could only hope to be as much of a sophisticated gentleman like me, sonny!"
"May we please move on and register now? It's getting late and it's starting to drizzle too," Kage interjected as he raised his palm to feel small droplets starting to fall from above.
As Roshi and Bulma waited nearby, the group of four fighters began to move towards the registration booth near the entrance, eager to put their names down and finally enter the "Strongest Under the Heavens" martial artists tournament. They were all very aware that they may face one another as they fought through the ranks of the tournament, and that not all of them will reach the finals, but they still genuinely looked forward to these very match ups most of all, hoping to test their new and improved abilities against each other.
Kai stopped short near the booth and just realised something important, something he'd forgotten in all the excitement of the reunion between old friends. "Wait, aren't we forgetting something really important here?"
"No, I'm pretty sure I got all my smokes right 'ere." Axel patted his left breast pocket and began to take a cigarette out.
"I'm serious," Kai shouted.
Axel flinched while trying to light his stick. "S-so was I, mate..."
"Come on. Think, everyone. Where's Sora? Isn't he going to be here? He loves to fight as much as any of us do, surely he wouldn't forget about the greatest contest of all time." Kai brushed his head worryingly, trying to assess the situation.
"Who?" Axel asked as he puffed some smoke nonchalantly.
Sly pouted. "Sora, you nimrod. Our buddy, remember!? He should be here!"
"Oh, yeah, the third of you Turtle School kiddies." Axel slapped his forehead in realisation. "Heh, maybe the little bugger chickened out. Not surprising, considering I'm entering n' all."
"Axel, I don't even think he'd acknowledge you if he were here." Kai searched around the corner and across the street for any sign of his friend. "Argh… I don't see any sign of him. Damn it." He kicked the pavement. "Argh, let's just get this over with then."
Kai, disgruntled, registered himself on the sign-up sheet for the tournament and Sly and the others followed suit as the rain became heavier.
"Alright, you kids, lets hurry and get some shelter. We'll book some rooms at the hotel for a few nights across the street where all the combatants usually stay. I hope that insanely cute receptionist still works there," Roshi said mischievously as the group of young fighters returned to the sidewalk.
"Is she as ancient as you?" Axel chuckled.
Kai shook his head. "Axel, you still don't know the ol' goat all that well, don'tcha? He only goes after the hot ones he'll never get. And ones below the age of conse—"
Roshi conked both of them on their heads with one swing of his walking stick. "That's enough out of you two for one day!"
Kage rushed forward to calm the Turtle Hermit. "Please sir, not so rough!"
The four fighters, Roshi, and Bulma reached the hotel and checked into their separate lodgings. Bulma occupied one room alone, in fear of Roshi pulling off any of his perverted antics, Kage and Axel shared another, and a third room would house Kai, Sly, and their master. Each of them headed off to sleep early in preparation for the big contest, itching for the big fights to come, but Kai remained awake as he lied in bed, deep in thought.
Just as he and Sly always desired for intense matches, he knew that Sora was also one who'd never back down from an intriguing challenge. True, his love for fighting wasn't as obsessive as Kai and Sly's constant, unusual everlasting fixation on finding more and more tough, sometimes borderline overwhelming, opponents to battle, but such a prestigious event in the world of martial artists was certainly one that he believed his friend would not miss.
Kai tried to shrug off any negative possibilities in his mind that could be the cause of Sora's lack of appearance. "Hey, Sly, you still up?" Kai asked as he turned towards the opposite bed.
Sly groaned and slowly sat up. "I am now…" he said as he rubbed his eyes.
Kai breathed a heavy sigh. "Sorry. It's just that, I'm still worried about Sora not showing up today."
"You're still getting all stressed out over that? Geez." Sly folded his arms, annoyed by the matter. "Look, you know it's possible that he could have just signed up earlier today long before any of us showed up. Just because he wasn't there late in the afternoon doesn't mean anything. It's not like he had to stick around the whole day there waiting for us."
Kai nodded. "Well, I know that he isn't one to be patient. I guess he could have wandered off to tour the city or something."
"There, see? Nothing to worry about. Too bad we didn't spot him yet, though. One would think he'd check into this hotel like every other fighter who came all the way out here. Maybe we'll meet him early tomorrow before we leave for the tournament." Sly pondered.
Kai furrowed his brow. "Still, don't you think it's weird, how he just took off like that? Shortly after he left, Kage told me that Sora said he was going to see Karin and…"
Sly raised an eyebrow quizzically.
"Huh? Oh, Karin. He's the great immortal martial arts master who lives atop this insanely tall tower that was located far in the west. Kage, Axel, and I actually wound up climbing it and training under him ourselves not too long ago. You wouldn't believe how tough it was getting up there! Although, the training he gave us was no easy picnic either."
To almost anyone else, such claims would seem nonsensical and unbelievable, but to Sly, it was far from the most irregular things he had seen or heard of in his entire life. To him, it sounded natural, like the next big step in the schooling of those who trained to become the ultimate fighter. He could only gape in wonderment at such task.
Sly recollected himself. "Wow, so this Karin guy was really strong, huh?" he asked, intrigued.
"Definitely. I also learned a bit of interesting information: he actually trained Roshi years and years ago when he was young." Kai grinned.
"I'm not surprised. It explains why the Master's so powerful. Only some all-great martial arts expert could have taught him how to be the best." Sly gently smiled as he turned, looking at his old teacher in admiration.
"Oh, you flatter me, son," Roshi suddenly spoke, surprising the two young boys who now wondered how long he had been awake. "But, even though you may not notice it, you two kids have surpassed me in skill and strength long ago, and that was before you all went off on your own, learning to better yourselves by experiencing the world's wonders."
Kai sat proudly, thinking highly of himself, while Sly blushed.
"Now, go on, my boy." Roshi sat up and faced Kai. "As much as I enjoyed your little tangent, you were talking about Sora. Did he go to Karin Tower?"
"Apparently, he did. I never got to find out why exactly, though. When the others and I finally climbed up there months later, Karin only teased us when we began asking questions." Kai sighed.
"That sneaky little runt. It's just like him to be coy when there's no time for games." Roshi clenched his fists."
"And yet he gladly taught us what little we could learn from him when it came to his training, heh..." Kai smiled half-heartedly.
"Well, It looks like we won't be figuring out what the deal is till tomorrow. That is, if he shows up at all." Sly yawned.
"Yes, yes. It's no use expending your energy on fruitless musings." Roshi laid back down. "It's late and you both need to get some good rest. I have a feeling that this tournament will be one to remember for years to come."
The two boys agreed, laid back down and slowly drifted into sleep, entering a brief respite from their worries and concerns.
"Good night, you two."
