Note From the Author: This series is a complete REBOOT and RETOOLING of my original DBZ fan fiction, Dragon Ball Z 2. As you can see, me, as a writer, has changed and improved DRASTICALLY in these last twelve to thirteen years (Has it really been that long?).
This is by no means a commitment series for me so don't expect regular updates, but the idea here is to completely rewrite DBZ2 from the ground up and give it that proper edge it always deserved (And overall just a much more intelligent sounding story). Yes, it will still be in script form but I will give it a more narrative style to keep it fresh to the naked eye.
As you can see, the name has been changed from Dragon Ball Z2 to Dragon Ball AGT. Meaning, (If you haven't already guessed) 'After Grand Tour'. To those otherwise unfamiliar with the original fan-fic, it was a post-DBGT series that did not ignore the events as created by TOEI but expanded upon them and explained away the plot holes as best as my thirteen year old self could have done at the time.
I realize that Dragon Ball has returned during the course of these last thirteen years since I first started DBZ2, but that will not change the direction of the story I've always held deep within and even told all the way up to the sixth saga.
So let me confirm this from the outset so no one will ask me later: There will be no Lord Beerus, no Whis, no Super Sayian God. This series takes place in a world where 'Dragon Ball Super' does not exist. ...As if Toei and Toriyama had never brought Dragon Ball back. That does not mean that certain elements from the return of Dragon Ball won't be utilized, but mostly, it is my own story told in my own way.
Don't mistake me ignoring 'Super' as me disliking that series. I LOVE Dragon Ball Super. I just felt that it was appropriate that I stick to my original plot formula that I planned from the get-go all those years ago.
I'm hoping you guys will embrace this story like a lot of you did all those years ago and I hope NOW some of the smarter authors who worked during that time will take a chance on me this time around. I know I was an idiot kid back then who thought he could write Shakespeare but, boy-oh-boy are those old scripts I wrote hard to look at.
So let's start over from the beginning? Shall We? Enjoy! ^^
Narrator: In what felt like an instant, the Universe came together.
Little Goku: (Holding atop his hands a massive bomb of Spirit energy with the reserves of nearly every living creature within the Universe.)Here I go!
Omega Shenron: W..w..wait...stop!
Little Goku: (Throwing the Bomb) YAHHAAAAAA!
(The Spirit Bomb hits the ground, encompassing within it the evil entity known as Omega Shenron, the Shadow Dragon born of the wish that brought back the Nemekians that Frieza had killed on Namek.)
Omega Shenron: AHHH! Ahhh!
(Omega is completely disintegrated. The Spirit Bomb then shoots off into the air and explodes, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. Leaving behind a crater on the ground without a trace of the Shadow Dragon to mention.)
Narrator: And with that, the last of the Shadow Dragons, brought forth by the negative energy created by the misuse of the Dragon Balls... was no more. And the Shenron as we once knew him would appear one more time, but with a revelation no one would soon forget.
Little Goku: Shenron, you're here? So, all of the Shadow Dragons are gone?
Shenron: Yes, but do you know why they ever had to appear at all?
Little Goku: Kind of.
Shenron: The Dragon Balls were overused. Following the mirage of enemies from your past, a final wish was made causing the balls to crack under the pressure of the negative energy. The Dragon Balls were intended to be a thing of extraordinary magic and power, something to be revered, not for the ease of their method, but for the dream of never having to use them. I'm afraid now I must separate myself and all of Earth from the Dragon Balls for a long time.
Little Goku: I gotcha. But I was wondering if for old times sake, you wouldn't mind listening to just one more little request I have?
Shenron: One last time.
Little Goku: After the hole to Hell was opened, the Earth had no time to recover before the Shadow Dragons started destroying even more. So many people have died. If this is anyone's fault, it's mine. I take full responsibility. I just wish that the people of the world didn't have to die for nothing. The fight was never theirs to win or lose, but they all lost anyway.
(Everyone looks on in confusion, very unsure of what exactly Goku is wishing for.)
Shenron: This. Your final wish is granted. (Shenron grants Goku's last wish)
Narrator: And the world was once again at peace, but as bizarre as Shenron's reappearance was, his next five words made it even more so...
Shenron: (Puts his head down close to the Earth, leveled, so anybody can jump onto his head as easy as entering a vehicle.) Are you coming along, Goku?
Little Goku: (Lets off a quick smile and slight chuckle. Like he knows what's about to happen, but not a single member of the Z-Fighters can figure out why exactly Shenron would pose such a request.)
Narrator: And with that, Shenron would vanish into the morning sky, taking Goku along with him, leaving all his friends and family asking the basic question, why? Only one person truly knew the answer to that question, and he would disappear along with the mystic Dragon that once embraced the world with its magnificent power. Never to be heard from again. ...Or so we thought. Two years have past since that day, and seven magic orbs have reappeared, seemingly out of no where, in a bright flash of light. What has caused this bizarre phenomenon? And does this have anything to do with Goku's disappearance? Find out today, on Dragon Ball AGT!
Dragon Ball AGT Episode 1: The Return Of Goku! Another Tournament Beckons!
Rya Saga
(We open our scene upon the blue sky above the clouds. It is a beautiful day outside. A time of peace has graced the thriving and prosperous Earth. Below, stands upon the Earth's surface, the busy and technologically advanced metropolis known as West City, busy, filled with vehicles and people going about their day seemingly normal and with no cares to come by.)
(Suddenly, a streak of orange light blasts across the skyline, along with another and another, and another, until eventually seven streaks in total blow their way through the day-light skies of West City.)
(Down Below-Capsule Corporation)
(Outside the building we see a blue haired girl basking in the sun on what appears to be the Dragon Ball equivalent of a lazy boy chair. She wears sun glasses with a silver reflector under her chin and a large hat on top of her blue hair. But this is not who you are thinking, no, this is a younger girl, one not-so familiar with the world of Martial Arts as her Sayian Father.)
Bra: (Takes a deep relaxing breath as she allows her worries to wash away.)
(Suddenly, the sounds of consistent and repetitive grunting and groaning catches her ears, as well as the prevalent sound of familiar beams of light connecting with their targets.)
Bra: (Sigh of annoyance) ...Can they at least give me five minutes to myself? (She speaks to herself) (She reluctantly gets off her chair and places the silver reflector down on the ground and begins to walk toward the source of the noises.)
(The Source of the noises-Within the Courtyard of the Capsule Corp.)
(Two men of similar stature stand in a struggle as they exchange between each other a barrage of punches and kicks)
Gohan: (Rushed) You think you could go a little easier on me, Vegeta?! I'm still a little rusty!
Vegeta: There is no EASY way out here, Gohan! You get over ring rust by GETTING OVER the ring rust! YAAAAH! (Blasts a beam at Gohan)
Gohan: Whoa! (Barely dodges out of the way of Vegeta's blast)
(The beam crashes into the ground behind them, creating a small crater in the property of the building.)
Gohan: Vegeta! You could have hit the Capsule Corp. by mistake with that! ...Huh? (Is greeted by a punch to the face)
Vegeta: (Throws another punch)
Gohan: (Throws his arms up and grabs onto Vegeta's hand, he then proceeds to throw a kick into Vegeta's torso.)
Vegeta: (Reacts out loud to being hit by Gohan's kick and is knocked back ever so slightly)
Gohan: (Taking a few breaths)
Vegeta: There we go! Now that's the Gohan I want to see! Perhaps there's still some hope left in tapping back into your dormant powers.
Gohan: Well, until then, I'm still only able to go Super Sayian.
Vegeta: Super Sayian, Mystic, Ultimate, whatever you want to call it, you better bring it out soon because this planet needs you in top form.
Gohan: I know! I know! I get it!
Vegeta: Now brace yourself!
Bra: (From out of nowhere) DAD! GOHAN!
Vegeta: Hm?
Gohan: ...Bra?
Bra: I was JUST trying to get a little relaxation in and then you guys have to start fighting each other again! Maybe you two could take five for a change? Also, mom is going to be pissed that you blew another hole into her shrub garden!
Vegeta: Bah.
Gohan: (Rubbing the back of his shoulder in embarrassment) I'm sorry, Bra. We kind of got a little carried away, didn't we?
Bra: A little? Look at all the damage you've caused back here!
Vegeta: Child, it is a requirement that we train to the best of our ability, Kakorot isn't here anymore, we can't be ill prepared for-
Bra: -Yeah, I get it, the "next big threat". You've said that almost every day since he left.
Vegeta: Because it is IMPORTANT that everyone know! Do you think that any one of us could stand up to another Omega Shenron after our piss pour showing two years ago?
Gohan: We have gotten a lot stronger since then, maybe we could.
Vegeta: Not on your life, kid. Once you bring back your inert ability then we will reevaluate, but until then, you're not even close.
Bra: Well, then maybe you could take it to that Time Chamber place instead of on mom's property!
Vegeta: Bra, I don't want to hear another complaint out of you! YOU should be training here a long with us!
Bra: Do I look like a fighter, dad? I've always been a lover.
Gohan: (Under his breath)...Maybe a little too much if you ask me...
Bra: HEY! I heard that, nerd!
Vegeta: (Annoyed Grunt) This discussion brings us nothing. Gohan, let's get back to training right now before I blow a- (Suddenly stops speaking in his tracks and feels something) -What...?!
Gohan: Huh...? What is it, Vegeta?
Vegeta: Do you not feel that?
Gohan: ...Wait... Now that you mention it...
(Both Gohan and Vegeta feel the presence of something they have not felt in two years. The looks on their faces are that of uncertainty.)
Bra: What are you guys on about now?
Vegeta: Look up.
Bra: What? (She listens to her father and looks upon the blue sky, noticing a peculiar sight.)
(The seven streaks flash across the sky, moving at a rapid pace, but not rapid enough to where they aren't noticeable by the world at large. Much akin to shooting stars, except much closer to the Earth.)
Bra: Were... were those the...?
Gohan: But... that isn't possible... is it...?
Vegeta: There was a familiar energy coming off them. Let's wait to ask questions until we find out what exactly is going on. Follow me, both of you. (Lifts off into the air)
Gohan: Coming! (Lifts off and follows Vegeta closely from behind)
Bra: HEY! Wait up! (Takes off into the air but handles herself a little more wobbly since she isn't as well trained in flight or energy usage in general to keep her movements consistent.)
(Somewhere in Satan City)
(Much like West City, the streets are busy and filled with working men and women, but with a much larger tourist element. Near an ice cream stand we catch up with a young man and his girlfriend enjoying their cones together.)
Valese: (Licking her ice cream) Mmm! This is so good Goten!
Goten: (Chuckles) I'm glad you like it, Valese! That one is called a "Superman".
Valese: Oh? Kind of like you?
Goten: (Embarrassed) Uh, not quite. But close enough. (Chuckles)
Valese: Oooh, these rainbow colors are so beautiful!
Goten: I only want you to have the best.
Valese: You're so thoughtful, Goten! Tee-hee!~ (Licks takes a bite out of her ice cream)
Goten: (More embarrassed chuckling) (He then suddenly feels the same presence that Vegeta and Gohan did.) ...Whoa... What is that-?
Valese: A superman, silly! You just told me!
Goten: No. ...No. This is something else.
Valese: ...Huh? You look like you've just seen a ghost Goten...
Goten: ...It might just be one...
(The streaks of orange continue their race to an undetermined location, passing through Satan city during their tour of the blue daylight sky.)
(In another city, we come across another familiar figure)
(He, along with a man dressed in a suit, walk down a sidewalk discussing business)
Man: Sir, I think you may have nailed it. Those new capsules you approved are going to crush it on the open market.
Trunks: I certainly hope so. It's about time we had some adequate upgrades to that old technology. In the next five years I expect those babies to start holding entire cities in them. It would finally put humanity one step ahead of the curb if we had another Cell or Baby incident again.
Man: We would of course have to finagle a way for human beings to be placed within them, but the tech certainly is there, we just have to unlock it.
Trunks: Just make sure you don't put my mother's money to waste, you know how she can get.
Man: Oh yes, you don't have to tell me twice, President Brief.
Trunks: Hey, just call me, Trunks, okay? We're not in conference anymore.
Man: Right. So you headed back to West City?
Trunks: Yeah. Got a few more meetings to make before- (Feels the presence) ...Uh...
Man: ...Trunks? ...Sir?
Trunks: Uh... something has come up. Can you make your own way home?
Man: What? (Confused)
Trunks: Okay! Cool! Bye! (Lifts off into the air)
Man: HEY! Mr. President! Where are you going?! You're my ride! IS FLYING REALLY NECESSARY RIGHT NOW?!
Trunks: Yep! Sorry! Gotta go! (Disappears into the sky)
Man: You could have at least called me a cab!
(The Desert)
(A small yet vibrant village with working folks gathering water and other supplies in an attempt to keep their rations up to par. Not every day is a good day here, but today, it's a better day, and with more and more money coming in their impoverish lifestyle is slowly, but surely vanishing.)
Village Elder: You don't look so good, Uub. Is something amiss?
Uub: I'm... not sure. (Looking up toward the sky with a look of insecurity upon his face)
Village Elder: It's nothing to do with your inner self, is it? (Referring of course to the fusion he had with Majin Buu turning him into Majuub, but still mostly just Uub.)
Uub: OH! No, no! That's perfectly under control. If anything, he keeps ME in check. No. This is something else. Something to do with the Dragon Balls.
Village Elder: But did you not say that the mystical orbs were no longer in use?
Uub: Yes. And that was the truth. ...At least till now.
Village Elder: You're going to leave again.
Uub: I must. Whatever is happening could be a threat to the planet. I have to be there should the worst happen.
Village Elder: There are others who could stand in your place.
Uub: Never would I willingly stand away just because there are better people out there more equipped than me. That would be cowardice, and I am no coward.
Village Elder: Then go prove your worth, my child.
Uub: I'll be back again soon. I promise. (Lifts off into the sky soars off into the direction of the orange streaks.)
(Speaking of the streaks, they push onward one after the other, another and another. Seemingly heading into the direction of a cavalcade of mountainous regions filled with rocks and dirt. And caverns as far as the eye could see.)
(The seven streaks, one by one, by one, crash into the these mountains. Some of the cliff bases fall to their dooms while others are outright annihilated by the quick crashes of the spherical orbs as they reenter the Earth's atmosphere. But the orbs do not land separate from each other. No. They land within the traditional sequence, as if the Dragon himself were about to summon. The four star balls lies within the middle, as where the two star ball sits to its outer right, with the five star to its outer left. The three right next to the four, the seven to the back side and the one and the six to the back right. As this sequences sets itself up, the balls begin to glow.)
(Vegeta, Bra and Gohan land on the ground, looking at the dragon balls as they begin to glow.)
Gohan: Holy... It really is them.
Vegeta: And they're glowing. ...They aren't even stone anymore.
Gohan: But... it's only been two years. I remember Shenron's words exactly. " I must separate myself and all of Earth from the Dragon Balls for a long time."
Vegeta: Two years isn't short.
Gohan: But for an eternal Dragon, I would have easily guessed a hundred... maybe even a thousand years!
Vegeta: Perhaps they stayed away as long as necessary.
Gohan: It just... doesn't feel right.
Vegeta: No it doesn't.
Bra: Do they usually glow like that on their own?
Gohan and Vegeta: No.
Goten: (From behind, lands on the stony ground, holding Valese in his arms as he joins Gohan and Vegeta) So, you guys saw it too? Glad we weren't the only ones.
Valese: Whoa! Look at that pretty glow! ...You can put me down now, Goten.
Goten: Oh, yeah, right! (Puts Valese down)
Valese: Can I go look at them?
Vegeta: NO! Don't go anywhere near them! We have no idea what they're doing right now, it could be dangerous.
Valese: Well, gee...
Goten: You don't gotta scream at her about it, Vegeta!
Vegeta: Just stay where you are.
Trunks: (Comes flying in from behind and lands on the dirty, rocky plains) What's happening, you guys?
Bra: That's sort of what we'd like to know. By the way, nice looking suit, you press that yourself? I really like those extra wrinkles. (Quick Chuckle)
Trunks: Ha-Ha-Ha. Real funny, Bra.
Goten: They're definitely acting like Shenron is about to come out. ...Maybe we should call him?
Gohan: We could try. I don't see the harm.
Vegeta: Not until this energy I'm feeling starts to dial down. Right now, it just keeps growing and growing. Shenron was powerful, but he wasn't THIS powerful.
Gohan: Maybe we should ask Dende about this. He'd probably know a lot more than us.
(As Gohan uttered those words, Uub enters the scene and lands on the rocky grounds.)
Uub: Looks like the old force is almost all back together again, I see.
Goten: It's good to see you, Uub.
Trunks: What's going on, Uub?
Uub: Good to see you two as well. Only I wish it were under different circumstances.
Bra: Why do you say that?
Uub: Normally, I can get a read on the specifics of energy. It was one of the gifts that Buu gave me when we merged.
Gohan: Meaning?
Uub: Meaning, I can feel the light or the darkness of a surge of energy. I can sense whether the intentions of a ki user are good. ...Or bad.
Bra: What do you read right now?
Uub: That's the thing... I can't read a damn thing. It feels oddly neutral, like it just can't decide whether it wants to be friends with us or to blow us to bits.
Goten: That's a comfortable thought...
(The glow of the Dragon Balls becomes increasingly brighter and brighter.)
Valese: Whoa. Look!
Bra: It's almost blinding!
Vegeta: Brace yourselves! Whatever's coming out of them is coming out now! The energy is off the charts!
(The high pitched squeal when Shenron would leave his slumber embraces the skies. Turning the world all around the Z-fighters into darkness. Lightening bolts berate the clouds and the sun is blotted out from view. Some of the cliff sides break apart in the impending surge leaving shattered boulders and rocks in their wake.)
Valese: (Grips onto Goten tight) I'm scared Goten!
Goten: Don't you worry! I got ya!
(The energy from within the Dragon Balls continues to protrude off, creating more atmospheric discharges corrupting the balance of the natural world around the Z-fighters. Finally a large blast of white light leaves the Dragon Balls shooting upwards.)
Gohan: Is that Shenron?!
Vegeta: No... it can't be. It's too strong!
Trunks: Could it be another Omega?!
Uub: A monster like that can't be allowed to be reborn...
(The shooting light moves into the sky, continually moving upward as if it was leaving behind a tail. But no tail is left behind. Suddenly, the updraft of white light and energy completely breaks apart from the Dragon Balls embrace and collects itself into the dark skies above as if it were forming into some sort of figure. Not a dragon, not a mystical being, but a more human-like adversary.)
Gohan: What is that?
Vegeta: It feels... different, yet... somehow... familiar.
(The figure continues to take shape above the Z-fighters as they look upon this now white cloud of energy.)
Valese: Is that a bad guy? Please tell me it's not a bad guy, Goten!
Goten: Uh... It's not a bad guy? (Unsure exactly how to respond to her)
Uub: Uh...
(The silhouette of a figure finally appears in the sky, forming fully, and looking down upon the Z-fighters as they look helplessly on. Cracking what appears to be a smile.)
Uub: Is... is that-?
(The figure, like a bolt of lightening, blasts itself down to where the Z-fighters are located, crashes its feet into the rocky plains creating a indentation into the ground, and sure fires a shockwave powerful enough to nearly knock the Z-fighters off their feet.)
Gohan: AH!
Goten: UGG!
Uub: AARRR!
Vegeta: GRR...
(They whine as they fall back ever so slightly, but enough to make them feel less adequate.)
(Everything goes quiet, the Earth is still shrouded in darkness, but the natural disasters break apart, the destruction of the mountainous landscape comes to a conclusion. All that is left, is silence, and a group of very eager, yet confused individuals looking for answers to a question. What are you?)
Vegeta: Step into the light! We are not afraid! Shadow Dragon or not, we are not the same fighters we were two years ago!
Trunks: And if we have to combine our energies together to take you down, then so be it.
(A Dark and cold sounding voice breaks out from the silhouette figure's mouth.)
Dark Voice: I see. You tell the truth. Your power is greater than it was before. But not nearly great enough.
Vegeta: Do not mock us so recklessly!
Dark Voice: Your time has arrived, Z-Warriors.
Goten: Uh...
Trunks: No way...
Dark Voice: Are you ready to face a power unlike anything you've ever faced before?
Vegeta: (Grunts in anger) SHOW YOURSELF!
Dark Voice: Very well. I hope you're ready.
Vegeta: Get into armed stance! (He shouts to the others as he braces for battle)
Gohan and Goten: Right!
Uub: Here we go...
(The Dark voiced figure begins walking toward the Z-fighters with large stomping steps into the dirty rocks below, approaching quietly, sinisterly, making Vegeta and crew feel completely on edge.)
Dark Voice: (Walks into the light)
Gohan: UH... (Shock)
Uub: It... It can't be.
Bra: No freaking way!
Trunks: It's... it's really you...
Valese: Who's that?
Vegeta: Ka...Kakorot...?! (Absolutely flabbergasted)
Goku: Hey guys! Sorry about that light show... I guess I kind of overdid it a bit! (Does his lovable Goku-like chuckle) I just couldn't resist though, the looks on your faces were priceless!
(There is a quiet pause)
(The calm before the unanimous gut reaction to seeing their long lost friend, standing in front of them once again, fully grown, and fully Goku.)
Goku: So... you guys just going to stand there or are you going to say hello?
(With one unison scream, everyone loses their minds.)
Uub, Trunks, Bra, Goten Gohan and Vegeta:
-GOKU!
-DAD!
-KAKOROT!
Goku: (Laughing) Yep! It's me! I'm back guys!
(Without a second's hesitation, Goten and Gohan run up to Goku in quick succession and, at the same time, throw their arms around their father, giving him perhaps the biggest hug you could ever think of for someone they have not seen in a long time.)
(Trunks and Vegeta remain stood off from Goku and the other two, but their mouths practically reach their chests at just mere sight of the lost hero of Earth.)
(Bra and Valese also remain in their stead, but Bra has a slight smile on her face, happy to see Goku again, knowing full well what it means to Gohan and Goten to be able to see their father again. While at the same time full of many questions, questions in need of answers. ...But Valese stands where she is, dumbfounded. She's never seen Goku as an adult before so she's not entirely sure what's going on, on many different levels of thought. And not just because she's a very naive woman, but because she's genuinely confused at not only the sight she just bore witness to, but the fact that this man just appeared in front of her, seemingly out of nowhere.)
Gohan: (While hugging his father) Dad... it's been too long...
Goku: (Typically naive) It's only been two years, Gohan. It hasn't been that long.
Gohan: ...It's felt even longer.
Goten: You have no idea how happy we are to see you, dad!
Goku: You have no idea how happy I am to see you two. Your power looks like it's grown quite a bit in just two years.
Gohan: You've been gone for this long and the first thing you notice when you get back is our power? (Chuckles) Welcome home, dad.
Goku: Good to be home!
Uub: (With a smile on his face, walks over to Goku to greet his mentor.) Nice to see you again, Goku.
Goku: It's good to see you too, Uub!
(Gohan and Goten finally allow their father the comfort of breath again)
Gohan: What happened to you?!
Goten: Where have you been?!
Goku: I've uh... got some explaining to do, don't I?
Vegeta: You have so much more than that. (From afar)
Goku: Vegeta. Good to see you. (Smirks)
Vegeta: Humph. Likewise. (He stats in typical Vegeta fashion)
Valese: ...Goten...? (From afar)
Goten: Yes, Valese?
Valese: Who is that guy?
Goten: Oh. I guess you never officially met him in this way before. ...Valese, this is my dad, Goku.
Valese: ...Goku...? Your dad has the same name as that kid who kept hanging around with you guys a couple of years ago?
Goten: (Chuckles) Not quite.
Gohan: That kid you saw Valese. That kid was the man you see before you.
Valese: ...Wha-? (Confused)
Bra: Let me explain it so you'll understand, Valese. A few years ago, Goku looked just like he does right here now in front of us. But a wish from what was known as the 'Black Star Dragon Balls' was made by a former rival of his hell-bent on world domination. That wish? To turn Mr. Goku here into a little pipsqueak version of himself. So that kid you saw "hanging around" a few years back? That was him.
Valese: ...Okay... so who was turned into a kid...?
Bra: (Chuckles) I'll write it down for you later, V.
Trunks: Speaking of that, why AREN'T you kid anymore, Goku?
Goku: Out of necessity.
Vegeta: Meaning?
Goku: Meaning, that if I wanted to get the best out of my visit to the Dragon Realm, I had to live a few years by myself to re-grow my body.
Vegeta: Dragon Realm?
Gohan: A few years? You mean to say that, wherever you've been... time went by faster than out here?
Goku: You catch on quick.
Gohan: Spending that time with you in the Time Chamber certainly informed my guess.
Goku: Two years ago... you guy saw something you didn't fully understand. ...Admittedly, neither did I. But you know me, I can't say no to adventure, it's just in my blood. Always has been. And you may not fully understand what it is I'm about to tell you, but I'll tell you as best as I can with the information I know.
Vegeta: Then spill it.
Goku: Very well. (Quick Chuckle)
(Goku begins telling the tale of his mystical adventure...)
Goku: (VO) Two years ago we had the fight of our lives against opponents created by the very thing we relied on the most to maintain peace on Earth. That peace came with a cost, and Shenron needed to recover his energy. So I had to make a choice, and although I didn't know exactly what it was I was getting myself into, I jumped at the chance. So I hopped onto Shenron's head and flew off with him into the unknown.
(The scene plays out exactly as it did when the Seven Magic Dragon balls began entering various parts of Little Goku's body. One ball entering his right arm, the other his left, and so on and so forth until each of the orbs combined themselves literally into Goku's being, ending with a screech from Shenron as if he were in pain.)
(We arrive inside of a world that looks all too familiar yet is completely unknown.)
Little Goku: (Wakes up within this new world) ...Huh...? Is... Is this where you live, Shenron...?
(The vastness of the endless white landscape makes the Hyperbolic Time Chamber seem tame by comparison.)
Little Goku: (Looks around, unsure exactly where he is, and what he's supposed to do next) Hello? (There is an echo to his voice) Is there anybody else here? Hello? ...Man... the gravity here feels... intense... haven't felt this sort of g-force in years...
(Goku's loneliness only lasts a moment, as a voice suddenly crosses his ear.)
Voice: Hello.
Little Goku: HUH?! (Turns and looks around at the source of the voice) YOU! NO! I killed you! I saw it!
(The source of the voice appears to Goku as... Omega Shenron. But something seems different about him.)
Omega: Then you may attack me if you must. But I doubt you'll even budge an inch due to the strain of this realm's gravitational pull.
Little Goku: You just wait and see Om- (Attempts to charge Omega, but, as he said, he can't move even an inch) ...Uh... You're right... I... I can't...
Omega: That body of yours is not fit for this environment. It will take some getting used to.
Little Goku: ...Who are you?
Omega: You know who I am.
Little Goku: No. You're not him. You look like him. You talk like him. But you're not. Your energy feels, somehow... different.
Omega: Then your Sayian ability exceeds our expectations. The one you knew as Omega Shenron... Syn. Is my opposite. A shade to my light. There must always be a balance to every negative apparition. As where Syn and his brothers and sisters represented the negative energy of the collective entity known as Shenron, my brothers and sisters represent the positive energy. The energy you so callously sapped from us, enabling our shades to grow stronger and stronger after every wish, eventually giving way to their escape into your world. Creating a dark doppelganger of Shenron who would disperse them amongst your mortal coil. Like that doppelganger, we represent Shenron... but only as you know him.
Little Goku: So you're saying we repressed your energy with every wish we made? Made Shenron weaker and weaker?
Omega: I'm not going to mince words here Goku, you and your friends have done more harm than good in maintaining the power of the eternal dragon. We've only just now begun to recover... and the process could take centuries to overturn. However, you being here now could, theoretically... accelerate that process.
Little Goku: What do you mean?
Omega: Shenron brought you here with a purpose. And since WE are Shenron, WE brought you here. But why?
Little Goku: I don't know...
Omega: Because we need you. Your energy is the key to our reemergence. Without you, we can be no more.
Little Goku: ...What do I have to do?
Omega: Become more than what you are. When you can walk up to me all on your own, we can begin. And once we begin, our energies will collide, and the rebirth of Shenron will begin. ...As well as the rebirth of you.
Little Goku: But I can barely even move a muscle, let alone walk.
Omega: (Puts his arms out to his side) I'll be here as long as it takes.
Little Goku: Fine! I'll figure it out... someway. Somehow.
Omega: Now, THAT'S the Goku we want in our world!
Little Goku: But when I do reach you, you better keep your end of the bargain!
Omega: I am a dragon of my word.
Goku: (VO) It would take me... three months. Three months of agonizing pain and misery, but after three months I FINALLY reached him. In that time, they barely fed me, I never showered, I can't even remember using the bathroom. But I did it. And in that time, all I can remember seeing, is his face. In that time, Positive Omega just stood there with his arms out to his sides, with that same grin on his face. As much as I tried to budge, he didn't budge an inch. Three months he stood there. Motionless. And I guess it just made me more and more determined. What was only a few minutes for all of you was probably the worst three months of my life. But I did it. I overcame the gravity and moved onto the next step. And if you thought just walking in that realm was horrible, I hadn't seen nothin' yet.
(The white landscape, sometime after Goku's successful walk.)
Nuova: The next step is now, Goku.
Eis: Your training in the art of the Dragon begins.
Little Goku: (Chuckling) I had a feeling there would be some kind of training at the end of the tunnel.
Omega: But unfortunately, we cannot proceed.
Little Goku: What?! Why not?
Oceanus: Because you are but a child.
Rage: And children are weak and undisciplined!
Omega: Careful now, Rage. This is still Goku we're talking about here. Even as a child his strength perhaps exceeds a few of us. But it's true. Your body is not fit for our training.
Little Goku: Then what was the point of all of this?!
Omega: To prepare you.
Little Goku: What?
Nuova: We will give to you the proper accommodations. As well as training equipment fit to your specifications, but until you age, you will remain on your own in this realm.
Eis: And as time goes by, you will soon find that this world isn't as blank, as it appears.
Omega: So that is the next step Goku. Preparing yourself before we can prepare you. It should come as no issue to you.
Little Goku: Then I guess I have the body of a twelve year old, right? I could go Super Sayian 4... that'll solve that problem.
Nuova: (Chuckles) And that would be cheating. And it isn't a true measurement of the power we know you can achieve without the need of a power up.
Little Goku: Eh, I figured as much. Well, if it's only way I can receive your training, then I guess it's what I have to do. ...So... see you guys in about twenty years?
Omega: (Chuckles) As you say, Goku. See you again soon.
(Back the present)
Bra: Okay! Time out here for a second! You mean to tell me that you waited twenty years in their time before you even threw your first punch?!
Goten: You don't really know my dad very well, do you Bra?
Bra: I know your dad, Goten, and I didn't think even HE was that crazy enough to want to do something so ludicrous!
Vegeta: Had our roles been reversed, I would have done the same. Though I admit I would have done so rather reluctantly. But at whatever cost it would mean to get stronger, I would do it.
Gohan: Always with that training, dad...
Goku: I just can't help myself Gohan. I could never just say no to more power if I can help it.
Gohan: ...I understand. (Sort of feels jilted by his father, although he would never stop loving him, the fact that Goku would choose training over his own family every time bothers Gohan. It bothers him much more than he would ever choose to let on out in the open, but the fact that his father breathes only through battle makes him feel a tad irrelevant through his eyes. But knowing this, he realizes that without that power, the world would have been lost time and time again. So perhaps Gohan's sadness due to the absence of his father is a small sacrifice by comparison? We may never know.)
Uub: So what kind of training did you actually go through?
Goku: Well, there was twenty years of my own training, followed by another twenty years of training with the dragons as well as getting me back to the age I was before Pilaf turned me into a kid.
Goten: So you trained for twenty years by yourself and another twenty years with the Dragons?
Goku: Yep. ...And I guess that gave you guys... what... two years of Earth time? Wow... Dragon time is radically different than human time I gotta say.
Vegeta: What exactly did this training entail?
Goku: If I told you that, I'd have to kill you.
Vegeta: Hm...?
Goku: (Laughs) I'm kidding, Vegeta! You're always so serious! ...But yeah... to make a long story short, I trained like hell with those dragons. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Not Roshi. Not King Kai. Not my own training. Not anybody or anything has ever come close.
Trunks: All with the idea of the Positive Dragons feeding off the energy you gained?
Goku: Yes. That's the other reason why I stayed as long as I did in Dragon time. Forty years it took for Shenron's energy to return. And since I'm me, I cut his recovery time probably one hundred times in half.
Goten: What about the Dragon Balls?
Goku: Oh yeah! (Turns and looks toward the Dragon Balls as they sit in unison.) Scatter! (He shouts to the balls)
(The seven orbs suddenly flash a bright yellow and orange glow and shoot off into the skies above into separate directions.)
Goku: I can't say whether or not they can be used, but I had to scatter them once I got out. I promised Omega.
Trunks: Does that mean we have maybe another twenty or thirty years of pure wish making before another Shadow Dragon incident occurs again?
Goku: Probably much longer now after my time in the Dragon Realm. But like I said, let's give the Dragon Balls some room to breathe before we start searching for them again.
Vegeta: I noticed you're wearing some new colors.
Goku: Oh yeah! Definitely. It was a gift by the dragons on my first official day of training.
(The Gi he wears is blue, but outside of the Gi he has on what appears to be a green quilt of some sort, on the front of the quilt is a blue insignia and on the left and right side a red insignia. Each symbol a silhouette of the Eternal Dragon. Both symbols appearing distinct from one another, but both symbols representing both the light and the dark of Shenron, as well as Goku's mastering of both.)
Uub: Did you guys just hang out in that vast white space during the entire duration of your training?
Goku: Not entirely.
(Back in Goku's story)
Goku: (Breathing rather hard after having finished some training exercises) Maybe... we could uh... use a change of scenery?
Omega: Did you figure out how to do it in your time to yourself, Goku?
Goku: Oh yeah. I just wanted to ask you for permission first.
Omega: (Chuckles) Very well. You may do so.
Goku: Great! All right! Here it goes!
(A sudden flash of energy encompasses the area surrounding both Goku and the Positive Energy Dragons. The white world then suddenly morphs itself into a more familiar landscape in the form of what appears to be the rocky and mountainous region that Goku and Vegeta did battle on the first day that they met. A very appropriate location for what may be the training of Goku's very existence.)
Nuova: (Looks around the landscape, admiring Goku's choice in battle location) I suppose a classic never grows tired.
Goku: Ain't that the truth, Nuova! So you guys ready to start taking this training over to the next level?
Omega: Oh, so much further and beyond, Goku. (With a wide exuberant smile on his face) Let's hit it!
(The Seven dragons as well as Goku spark off their landing pads meeting each other in combat at speeds well past any measure.)
(Back to the present)
Goku: You see, the Dragon Realm is an infinite space. When you figure out what it can do, you can bend and shape it to your will. I even imagined Cell, Buu, and Frieza coming back once, and oh boy was that a fight. (Aside)...For some reason Frieza turned Gold like a Super Sayian, though I never quite understood why...
Gohan: Was there a place the Dragons lived?
Goku: Yeah. Although I was never permitted to go there. Wherever it was, it's where the Dragons attain their power to grant wishes, and non dragons would eschew their ability to perform I guess. ...At least that's what I was told. But they did teach me how to morph my voice like a dragon like I did to scare you guys earlier. (Chuckles) That still has me in knots!
Goten: You don't... have the power to turn into a Dragon, do you?
Goku: (Laughs) No, Goten. That's something only reserved for them. A Sayian doesn't have the biology for that.
Vegeta: I'm going to guess you've gained a considerable amount of power that I couldn't even grasp.
Goku: You could say that.
Vegeta: Kakorot. Never one for mincing words.
Uub: So what are you planning to do next, Goku?
Goku: Well, for starters... I could use something to eat! I'm starving! The Dragon Realm's food was way too rich! Blegh!
Gohan: (Chuckles) We'll get a whole feast going. You being back is cause for a celebration. I'm sure the others are going to go nuts when they see you.
Goku: ...And Chi-Chi... she's gonna probably be pissed...
Goten: Unbelievably.
Trunks: Then let's go. Capsule Corp. will put a party together fit for a king.
Goku: Hehehehehehe! (With a smile on his face) Meet you there! (Speeds off at ungodly speeds)
Bra: Whoa! Could you guys even see him?
Gohan: ...Not a bit.
Goten: Just how much faster do you think he is?
Gohan: A lot faster than us.
Vegeta: Heh. All the more to surpass. (Smirks) (Flies off behind Goku)
Trunks: That's dad all right. Goku reaches a new pinnacle and he still thinks he can out beat him.
Bra: Some people never change.
Valese: I'm still soooooooooo confused, Goten.
Goten: It's okay. Don't think about it too much, Valese.
Valese: Trying. ...Failing.
Goten: (Laughs)
(The remaining Z-Fighters jump off into the air, taking flight above the clouds in pursuit of their returning hero, father, and friend. A new era has dawned in the world of Z.)
(Capsule Corp.)
(In a court yard filled with tables, food, and all sorts of party ornaments we catch back up with other friends in store for the surprise of their lives.)
Krillin: I wonder what it is Trunks gathered us all here for.
Pan: I don't know but he sounded excited when he called.
Bulma: Speaking of Trunks, where in the world are he and Vegeta? ...And Bra? Where's Bra? (Surprised that she isn't around because she's ALWAYS around.)
Chi-Chi: Well, whatever it is, it better not be another one of his office banquets. Tell him he doesn't need to invite us to those all the time, Bulma!
Bulma: He doesn't listen to me anymore, Chi-Chi. It comes with being President and CEO of an entire corporation.
Videl: You don't think it might have something to do with those new capsules you guys have been developing, do you?
Bulma: That project is being kept on the down low, Videl. NDA's and such. ...The fact you even know that much is bit scary to me...
Videl: Gohan trains here a lot with Vegeta, I'm sure rumors have crossed his ear.
Bulma: Yet another thing to yell at Vegeta for when he gets home...
Waiter: (Walks up to Bulma's table and takes the lid off a plate of some delicious looking roast.) Viola Mrs. Brief! I hope this is cooked to your liking.
Bulma: Thank you.
Waiter: (Puts the plate down on the table) Enjoy!
Bulma: Actually, before you leave... did Trunks say what this was all about?
Waiter: Perhaps you should ask him yourself.
Bulma: Huh? (Looks up and notices Trunks walking into the courtyard with Vegeta by his side.) (She quickly gets up and rushes over to Trunks at the pace of a mad woman.) Trunks? Vegeta? What's going on? Why did you call us all here?
Trunks: For a celebration, mom.
Bulma: Of what?
Vegeta: Of him.
Bulma: ...What...?
(And with that, like a branch falling off a tree and smacking onto the ground below, our hero flies down from above and lands in the Capsule Corp. courtyard. He arrives so quickly and so suddenly that none of the witnesses in toe could even tell you who it was that just landed in front of them. Only that whoever it was, they were fast, and dressed in a way unlike anybody they'd seen before.)
Bulma: (With her eyes bugged out, takes a look at the man before her, studies him, unsure if he's really the person she thinks he is. But being the intelligent woman she is, despite the clothes change, despite no longer been subjected to his childlike stature, the only logical conclusion to this analysis became obvious to her. Goku has returned and Goku is here. And now.) GOKU?!
Goku: Hey guys! (He says in his usual happy-go-lucky sort of way.)
(With this sight before them, the universal reaction becomes a moot point.)
Chi-Chi, Videl: Goku?!
Pan: Grandpa?!
Krillin: (With his eyes watering) ...Go...Goku...?! Is... Is it really you...?
Goku: Well, I think I'm the only me I know so... yeah! (Chuckles)
(Without another thought, everyone sitting at a table jumped to their feet like the gunshot to the start of a marathon went off and they likewise appeared on the otherwise of the courtyard as quick to both greet, hug, kiss, and reminisce with their returning hero.)
Krillin: But... what happened? You visited me at Master Roshi's two years ago and just... vanished. I didn't think I would ever get to see you again. (With tears continually pouring out of his old eyes)
Goku: I wasn't sure I was ever going to see any of you again either. Another place, another time, that may have just been true. But not here, not now. I'm back, and I'm here to stay.
Pan: Grandpa! I missed you so much!
Goku: I missed you too, Pan.
Pan: ...You're all grown up again!
Goku: You bet I am. And you're not going to believe how that happened.
Chi-Chi: ...Goku...
Goku: Hey, Chi-Chi.
Chi-Chi: I...I have so many questions but... just... just seeing you again... (Doesn't get another word out and just hugs her husband.) Right now the only thing I feel is happiness.
Goku: (Chuckles) Me too, Chi-Chi.
Bulma: ...Did you just get back today?
Goku: Sure did. If you noticed the sky going dark for a minute... that was me. Sorry about that.
Bulma: That was you? ...Where exactly have you been?
Goku: Already explained it to the others. But let's just say, for me, it's been a lot longer than just two years.
Bulma: What does that mean?
Goku: Let me get a little something to eat first and I'll tell you guys the whole story.
(A little while later)
(Everyone sits at their respective tables, Uub, Goten, and Gohan having joined in, all while Goku stuffs his face in the way that only he could.)
Bulma: Hot damn, Goku... you were there for over forty years? I can understand you being patient enough to endure the Hyperbolic Time Chamber for a year, maybe even two, but... forty years is a VERY long time. It's almost like you got to live an entirely new life. Biologically, you're like, 53 years old, Goku... but... in reality, you're probably the oldest person on the planet outside of Roshi.
Goku: And yet I still feel pretty young. (Grabs some more meat and stuff it into his mouth)
Bulma: (Laughs) You've always been an anomaly, Goku. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Goku: Hehehehehe! (While grabbing onto some more food in preparation for stuffing it into his face)
Chi-Chi: You didn't make any sort of deal with those dragon people to go back to their realm now, did you?
Goku: No, Chi-Chi. I'm sticking around this time. I think I've had my fill of training for a couple of good years.
Vegeta: Uh... (Shocked to hear that out of Goku's mouth)
Gohan: I never thought I'd hear you say something like that, Dad.
Goku: As much as you might be shocked at how much I can put myself through, it was still forty long years basically by myself. And besides, I think the training did it's job.
Vegeta: Is that so?
Goku: Yep. Pretty much.
Vegeta: Then perhaps we should put that to the test then, shall we? (Gets up out of his seat and walks over to a more open area of the Courtyard) Get over here Kakorot.
Goku: (Smirks) Sure. Why not? (Gets up from his table and walks over to Vegeta. He stands on the opposite of him, five feet away looking into the eyes of his old rival.)
Chi-Chi: Oh come on Goku! We don't need you two getting into it right now!
Bulma: You're going to blow up my house if you do that!
Vegeta: (Ignoring the Bulma and Chi-Chi complaints) So far all I've heard is talk, Kakorot. But can you back it up?
Goku: You really want to give it a go, Vegeta?
Vegeta: You're damn right I do. When you start saying BS statements that you no longer need to train, that sort of talk quickly becomes a bother to me. Now I want to know what kind of power those dragons gave you, so either show it to me, or I'll MAKE you show it to me.
Bra: Oh boy... should we hit the dirt?
Videl: No. There's no need for that.
Gohan: Hm? What do you mean, honey?
Videl: You two don't need to showcase anything here.
Vegeta: And why do you say that?
Videl: Because there's going to be a World Tournament in about two weeks.
Goku: (Shocked at hearing this) Whoa?! Are you serious, Videl?
Videl: Yeah. I'm serious. My father hasn't stopped talking about it.
Goku: Talk about some crazy good timing! I sure picked the right time to come home.
Videl: If you two could hold off for two weeks, you can show off what you learned at the tournament.
Vegeta: ...Errr...
Goku: She has a point, Vegeta. Do we really need to do this now?
Vegeta: Do you think that the restrictions of one of your Earthling tournaments will be enough to showcase the power of the Eternal Dragon?! I sure as hell don't. I want to see it now!
Goku: But think about Vegeta... we still have two weeks until then. Think of how much training you can do in that time... hell you could get a good two or three years in the Time Chamber if you wanted to.
Vegeta: Humph.
Goku: I know you've always liked to have something to prove to me. So prove it to me. (He smirks toward Vegeta with a look providence.)
Vegeta: (He is at a crossroad, he wants to see Goku's power but he also doesn't want to face him in a potentially one-sided affair. He clenches his hand into a fist and pushes his fingers down hard into the palms of his hands, but he then chooses to relent to the proper decision.) ...Very well. We will have our battle at the tournament. But you WILL go all out. I don't care about any spectators, we will not hold back.
Bulma: ...Maybe just a little.. (Offhanded)
Goku: It's a promise.
Vegeta: Good. Now until then, we don't show each other our power in any way. I will not allow myself to give in to any temptation. And neither should you.
Goku: Promise.
Vegeta: Then let's shake on it.
Goku: Oh?
Vegeta: (Puts his hand out for Goku) Through the honor of our race, we must make this vow.
Goku: I don't think we've ever done this before, Vegeta.
Vegeta: There's a first time for everything I suppose. But don't press your luck that we'll ever do this again!
Goku: Fair enough.
Vegeta: ...Are you going to shake my hand or not?
Goku: (Puts his hand out) ...Put it there.
Vegeta: (Grips onto Goku's hand)
(Both men, for what make be the first time ever, shake hands in an agreement. A sort of contract setting them up through the honor of battle.)
Vegeta: Until then. I'm training. (Jumps off into the air and flies away)
Bulma: Vegeta! (She shouts to the heavens as her husband flies away)
Chi-Chi: Oh, he's just as bad as Goku!
Trunks: I guess if he doesn't start now he won't get anywhere. In that case, I think I better get some training done as well. You want to help me there, Goten?
Goten: (Quick Chuckle) You bet I do, Trunks.
Bulma: But don't you have a business to help run, Trunks? (Rhetorical) A project that needs your oversight!
Trunks: I'm sure there's somebody here capable enough of taking my place in my absence.
Bulma: (Sighs) And here I was thinking you all but gave up on fighting, but I see that Sayian side of yours is tingling. I won't stop you, but you better start thinking about the future of this company when you get done.
Trunks: Will do.
Uub: I think I'll join you guys too. See how the three of us all stack up.
Goten: It'll be something to remember.
Videl: Are you going to enter Gohan?
Gohan: ...I'm not much of a fighter anymore... I mean... training with Vegeta was one thing but I can barely keep up...
Goku: (Looks to his son with a look on his face implying a number of things that Gohan just can't seem to ignore.)
Gohan: ...But it's not everyday I get to see my dad, so... yeah, I'm in.
Pan: Bra and I will enter too!
Bra: What?! Me?!
Pan: Yeah you!
Bra: I don't fight!
Pan: You have Sayian blood in you. You can fight.
Bra: It's not a question of capability, it's a question of stacking up to giants!
Pan: Who knows? Maybe you and I will end up fighting. You'd really want to pass something like that up?
Bra: ...I guess I have always been a little jealous of your ability. ...Fine. I'll enter too!
Krillin: (Sighs) I'm pretty old guys but... the way I see it... if I don't enter, I'll be missing out on something special. ...That... and the fact that 18'll probably kill me if I didn't so... you bet I'm in.
Goku: Awesome! This is going to be GREAT!
Videl: Bear this in mind guys, this is going to be the first time the tournament has opened its doors to not sixteen entrants, but thirty two.
Goku: Thirty Two, hey?
Videl: Who knows? Maybe someone we didn't expect will enter.
Goku: (Puts a smile on his face, filled with unadulterated excitement but also with contentment. He's about to enter a platform that will showcase all his new power, and he knows he can win, its everyone else who better watch out.) ...All the more to look forward to.
Uub: Then let the path to power begin.
Goku: (Quick chuckles)
Narrator: Goku has returned. And with that, a tournament has as well. With a multitude of entrants already decided, who could possibly stack up to our hero? And just what kind of power has he attained? Stay tuned for scenes for the next episode of Dragon Ball AGT!
(End Of Episode One)
Goku: Hey guys! It's me, Goku! Nice to be able to do this again after so long! But coming up next, we have a tournament! And everybody is wants to enter! Even some of our friends who haven't fought in years! How exciting! I can't wait!
Gohan: Dad! Help me get stronger!
Goku: Don't worry Gohan, you're strong enough as it is.
Gohan: I am?
Goku: Yeah. Just let me show you!
Gohan: ...Whoa...
Goku: Next Episode: "World Martial Arts Tournament Number 32 has arrived! Let's train our hardest guys!" ... See ya then!
Note From the Author: Just so you are all made aware, that IS the title for the next episode. With the exception of the 'See ya then' part. In my attempts to replicate the actual episodes, giving super long and descriptive title names for episodes is a must. :)
For those of you who may have read my crappy story Dragon Ball Z2 one upon a time, you may know what to expect out of this series moving forward, but at the time, clearly there are MANY differences between this story and the old interpretation back in Z2. So even though I am remaking the same story, the way in which things are presented here are DECIDINGLY different than the way they were presented back in the day. So don't presume to know exactly where everything is going to lead because things may go into rapidly different directions than what you're thinking.
This is the version of 'Z2' that I had always INTENDED to tell, but just wasn't old enough or smart enough to do it the justice it deserved. So if you enjoyed what you read, welcome aboard. ^^