(The second chapter in the TNT saga. I decided to follow on directly from the exposition chapter instead so I had to do a little bit of reworking. A little thing to take note of maybe a few issues and questions I raise in which I gloss over and keep vague. Don't worry dear reader! This is not negligence on my part (Not in that aspect at least): all of these will be divulged as the Saga progresses. Also, the reason it took me a little while longer to throw out was that I was deciding whether to keep a large section in or to save it for later. I have decided to push it back until a few chapters have been soaked up. Although this makes this particular chapter about half the size I originally planned it to be, putting too many things in would have unnecessarily cramped. I hope you understand. I was thinking about providing you all with some music that may compliment some specific situations in the next chapter. Nearly always this'll be from the Dragon Ball Franchise or at least incredibly reminiscent. What'd you guys think? If you don't enjoy it or it takes away from the flow then I won't do it next time. I was thinking about doing it like this:1) NAME OF SONG, then link a little 1) in where it's appropriate. Would that take away from the flow of the story or not? I think having specific music would be really nice but I'm also aware that a random number every once in a while could take away from an intense moment or something. I dunno. I'll leave it to you guys, tell me what you think. Also, remember to review and follow, helps me out a bunch and tells me you're looking for more. Enjoy!)
(I roughly based Goku's new image off of this: fs70/i/2012/336/6/e/son_goku_absalon_by_ sorry about the description I give, I'm not too familiar with the correct terminology for his clothing.)
(A big thanks to Angel-Daremilux and Masenko56 for being the first people to start following my work! Go visit their accounts too, both of them have submitted their own stories and I'm sure they'd love to hear your feedback!)
(Be warned, this chapter isn't too EXPLOSIVE but it does pave way for more interesting chapters later.)
A few hours later:
All of the Z-fighters had gathered at Capsule Corp. At first everyone had greeted each other with fondness and began to rekindle their friendships; very few of the Z-fighters were in regular contact with each other until, after a while, Vegeta made known his impatience. They were there to discuss the tremendous power they had felt earlier that day. Several of the Z-fighters were certain it was Goku whilst others were more skeptical: "It had to be my father! Didn't you feel how similar it was? It must be him! Maybe he's coming back!" Goten shouted; obstinate in the fact that it was his father. Goten had grown his hair out a little since the battle with Omega Shenron; it was now a thick mop that came down and covered one eye unless he flicked it away. It was a thick hide that protected his ears and tickled his shoulders; he'd grown into a more relaxed and somewhat lazy person. However, today he was riled up; h stood out in front of Chi-Chi, almost protecting her from everyone else. She had said little since getting to the Capsule Corp building. Vegeta noted how she just sat in a chair, gazing out the window. She and Bulma had been taking some silly kind of pill to try make them appear more youthful. Although it had worked and Chi-Chi's looks had returned to a time of her youth, today she looked older than ever: going through the roller-coaster of turmoil and anxiety that being Kakarot's wife wrought. She just stared out that window. She had quickly said hello to Bulma and a few others before the blue skies transfixed her. It had gotten a little darker since that energy spike and several white clouds had formed. The sun had dimmed and the world had grown colder. It would be night soon. Gohan and Videl stood beside Chi-Chi. Gohan's hand lay comfortingly upon her shoulder. His other intertwined in Videl's.
'How weak,' Vegeta thought to himself.
Trunks spoke up, attempting to calm his friend; "It did feel like your father, Goten. But I'm just saying it also felt a lot more... neutral and cold than Goku's energy used to. I'm just saying we should all be aware of the fact that it might not be and we should plan accordingly." Trunks had grown scruffier: a short wave of light stubble played upon his chin and jaw. His hair was pulled back in a pony-tail. He did little now but tinker with machines. Vegeta had noticed how both Trunks and Goten had allowed themselves to plateau in terms of their power. He had been meaning to have words with the two of them, and force them to start training correctly again; he would not allow his son, nor the son of Kakarot to stagnate in such a fashion. He had noticed however how revitalized the two of them had become; the dull light in their eyes had rejuvenated into a gleaming spark. MajUub and Yamcha likewise shared that spark. Krillen and Tien however were a little more reserved. Krillen dared not get his hopes up and although he had managed to conceal it well from most, Vegeta and Android #18 both noted his eyes glaze over on several occasions and the little wipe he would hide to remove renegade tears; the prospect of his friend's return was proving too much for him. There were flecks of white in his hair now: the grey was becoming wiry. His wrinkles were becoming more aggressive.
Pan spoke up next. Her personality had changed little: still indomitable as ever, but since entering High School she had swapped out her jeans and short t-shirt for a red sweater and a short frilly skirt. She had kept her orange bandanna however, although her hair had grown longer; luxurious onyx locks playing about her small shoulders. Vegeta was horrified, 'How could Gohan and Videl allow their daughter to dress so provocatively? Children are treated so leniently nowadays!' The small robot Giru stood at her feet. The thing never seemed to leave her side lately.
"It couldn't have been Grandpa!" She said, full of confidence, "Grandpa's energy was always so kind and goodhearted! But this, it felt so strange. Like a hundred different colors mixed together that came out... grey." This received a murmur of agreement from the group. The concoction of emotions felt in that energy was so bizarre. Vegeta had, as did everyone, felt all the individual sorrow, anger, hate, kindness and joy of that energy but they had also felt the result: a strange apathetic emptiness.
Vegeta walked forwards from Bulma's side. His arms dropped from across his chest. The room went quiet. "It was Kakarot. I am certain of it. However, he has changed. Something has happened to him since he's been gone. But If he's back I would assume that would mean something is about to happen. He may come here at some point for our help. If so, we must be ready." Vegeta looked into the eyes of Piccolo who was stood in a shadowy corner and then at Gohan. Both of them nodded their agreement. Pan opened her mouth to speak up, "Silence! I know Kakarot better than anyone: I have been under his shadow since planet Namek. If I say it is Kakarot, then it is Kakarot, do you understand?" He had only raised his voice a decibel or two but the effect was magnified greatly. Pan looked around for support but Trunks had ceded his opinion in the presence of his father and with Gohan, Goten and Piccolo supporting him she found no one. Pouting a little she resigned her stance. "Very well. We should start training immediately. For myself and the Namekian this shouldn't be a problem; we have both continued our training since Kakarot left. However," He said, glancing at Goten and Trunks, who knew what was about to come, "Some of you have been slacking off! Trunks and Goten, I shall be training you! You will have no time for dating and no time for machines. You should both be ashamed to call yourselves Saiyans!" The two young men dropped their heads and groaned. They didn't mind training but training under Vegeta would be tough. Scarily tough.
'Finally Kakarot,' He thought to himself, a slight smirk creeping along his cheek, 'I will show you how powerful I have become and even you will tremble.'
Meanwhile, on the Planet of the Kias:
King Kai watched Vegeta give his little speech. It was certainly not a compelling and rousing one but he sure had a way of getting people to do what he wanted. He would make young Goten and Trunks work hard and get them back into fighting shape. He noticed their hope however, even in Vegeta, that Goku would come back to Earth and get them to help in his adventures. It pained him to know that that wasn't going to be the case; Goku had already dealt with the problem. He hadn't even sensed Goku's presence since he fought Nireo: he doubted that he would be returning to Earth. King Kai had observed Goku after the battle. He'd watched the lava for a while before placing his fingers to his forehead and disappearing and with that King Kai had lost him. 'Not even a hello!' It made him feel guilty that he didn't tell those on Earth that he wouldn't be coming back. That the adventure had already been had. But both he and Supreme Kai agreed that with what was appearing on the horizon, allowing this event to spur the Z-Fighters to start training again would be crucial to the Earth's survival. King Kai sighed, 'Goku... please make sure you hold onto yourself. Loosing you to that power...' He glanced over at the Supreme Kai. The pained expression on his face revealed that he too was scared and hurt for Goku.
"What should we do, Supreme Kai?"
"What can we do? There are so, so few beings that could even challenge him at this level now... and I don't possess the ability to see above. Anyway, this is Goku we're talking about. He's one of us. He's saved us all so many times. I don't even know if I'd have the will to stand in his way, even if I had the power to do so." The Supreme Kai sighed deeply, "At least it appears he is only truly affected once he's in the Super Saiyan 5 transformation. It means that he has not completely lost himself to it yet. Also, I don't believe that he's inherently evil even when in that state. He just seems... emotionless." King Kai looked back at that planet. The devastation was huge; an entire ocean of destruction. It spanned from horizon to horizon, all from just his aura. It was truly breath-taking. The Supreme Kai came and stood beside him and the two looked out over the universe. "We have our own problems to deal with first before we begin considering Goku; the Living World will need our help."
Somewhere beyond even the sight of the Kias:
Goku sat atop a cliff edge, his feet hanging over the sides. His grey boots, reminiscent of the kind that accompanied his turtle uniform, had managed to find purchase on a ledge. A gentle breeze caused his loose black trousers, the bottoms of which were tucked into his boots, to billow and flap like a flag. He now wore a short-sleeve, tight white gi under sleeveless metallic blue uwagi. His red sash danced playfully in the breeze. King Kai's symbol was imprinted on the back of his uwagi. He was staring out at the sky, mulling over what had happened a few hours before. The amethyst skies of this fantastical planet proved a great muse and Goku found himself transfixed by the different shades of majestic purple. However, he missed Earth's tranquil blue and the memories that they accompanied. A figure grunted and groaned attempting to sit beside him. Apparently it was a great deal of effort. Goku looked up to see Mazak.
Mazak was a very old being of great power and an influential member of the Council. He was a reptilian-like creature with a mane of horns jutting out of his ridged, moss-green skull. He wore very thick clothing making his already huge frame appear even larger. A large scarf was wrapped around his bulging neck and sprawling cloak flailed behind his thunderous wake. His riged, spiked tail was decorated with golden rings and he had intricate, elaborate piercings along his brow and jaw. His mountainous hand gently sat upon Goku's shoulder. He was a behemoth in comparison to Goku. He was a part of a race know as the Vyshi. The Vyshi were only a few but they were an incredible species who had defended both Other World and the Lower Tiers for eons. Goku was the first Saiyan to ever lay eyes upon one. It had been several thousands of years since even a Kai had seen one. "Goku, you killed a villain today."
Goku looked up at him blankly.
"Most of the Council doesn't even understand why you feel pained about such an act: to kill someone who has killed so many and was going to kill many more... to feel such remorse..." Goku turned away again, "Your new transformation is tremendously powerful. You would even be a challenge for some of the Concil members now. You cannot count this as a curse: you are able to protect so many that you love."
"But Mazak... shouldn't he of had another chance? What if I could have gotten him to change? He had suffered so much and died so horribly..."
The Council had kept an eye on Goku ever since his encounter with Frieza; he had been the first Super Saiyan of the era after all. Opinions however did not alter much until he had managed to surpass an Ascended Super Saiyan. A man whose limits knew no bounds. Even as a Super Saiyan 3 however he would be nothing more than ash and dust here. But Mazak and a few others began to take greater note of Goku; a character of indomitable will, unfathomable kindness and unhindered sacrifice. When Goku managed to reach even greater heights the Council decided that even a lowly Saiyan would be accepted into the ranks of their agents and guardians. Infused with the knowledge and wisdom of Shenron, Goku came before the Council as a mighty asset. 'Then... he surpassed once again'. The Ascended Ape Form of a Super Saiyan: Super Saiyan 5. 'Goku will not stop here either,' Mazak thought, looking down at him, 'He has truly unlimited potential at his fingertips. Who knows, maybe one day he'll surpass us all.' The two mighty defenders of the universe gazed out at the planet's sky, soaked in its waves of warm purple.
"I will do my best to teach you how to control this new power Goku. It will be difficult I'm afraid; I know of no being of the Lower World that has ever come to so far from so little. I do not even know if it's possible for you to control it but I will give it my all if you do. It is baffling to think you've been able to keep a hold of your personality this long." Goku looked up at him again, blankly at first, until his simple expression manifested an innocent, gaping smile. His hand scratched at the back of head, unaware of exactly what to say.
"Thank you Mazak. With you as a teacher I'm sure I'll be able to master it!" He said; his innocent, playful tone returned and all fear expelled from his heart.
'He is so quick to trust and so genuine. It's truly amazing just how pure and kindhearted he is.' Mazak smiled for a moment before it was lost in a gust of wind, "Things are moving, Goku. This realm is about to experience a great calamity and if we fall, who knows what will happen below," The two of them unconsciously glanced below their feet. Goku watched as tiny lizards played in the cracks of rocks, carefree of the possibility of falling and plummeting to their doom. Mazak however, saw the entire universe, the innumerable acts of sacrifice and love as well as the countless stories tragedies and pain. "We'll need you Goku. And we'll need you at your best." He said, looking back at the Saiyan who was smiling at that last remark.
"That's good; I was worried that once I had ascended I'd no longer be able to challenge myself. I guess trouble follows me everywhere." His smile was not cocky or aggressive but simply joyous and pure.
"Goku, this is a serious matter. It has been plaguing the Council for generations."
"I know it's serious! But you've got to admit it sounds like fun, right?" Mazak reeled back, alarmed that he could be so nonchalant about it. Goku laughed at his reaction and smiled that enormous smile of his. Mazak noticed him subtly rub his hands together: no matter how hard things got, Goku's love for battle and challenge would always drive him onward. The sound of a rumble broke the conversation. "You want to go eat? I'm starving."
Mazak looked at him as if he'd heard the first part of a joke. Goku responded with a look of simple, innocent expectancy. 'He's being serious. I reveal that the universe maybe ending and he doesn't ask why, he asks to eat.' Mazak ran it through his mind once again, as if he had missed a step somewhere. 'I think I need to lie down.'
"I-I... How.." Goku was rubbing his stomach, apparently famished all of a sudden, he looked like a young child, "Sure Goku, I could eat." He said with a smile.
Goku leapt several feet in the air, another mammoth smile erupting across his face. Mazak lumbered sluggishly to his feet and the two of them turned around in the direction of the First City. It's golden halls and glimmering domes couldn't been seen from here; The planets of the Upper Realm were unfathomably large in comparison to even the biggest planets of the Living World. It would take a thousand years to walk it's circumference. It's gargantuan mountains and blissfully cool, sprawling deserts seemed so tranquil under the blanket of purple light. Glittering white stars were beginning to manifest themselves and the sky was beginning to change to a glorious crimson. Goku placed his fingers to his forehead.
'Thyora is a beautiful planet,' he thought, 'But it still doesn't compare to Earth.'
The two of them transmitted to the First City, covering the vast distance instantaneously. They arrived at the top of an enormous, gleaming white staircase. Before them stood a remarkable palace. It was alabaster white with glistening golden domes serving as its roof tops. Immense windows, the frames of which were cast in a ruby red allowed Thyora's mystical sky to seep into the building's divine halls and indulge its inhabitants. Two monolithic doors provided entrance into the citadel. They were monstrously thick and covered in obsidian with intricate silver rivers meandering delicately upon its surface. The Council's Chambers. Below, at the bottom of the vast staircase the First City dwelt. It spanned for some distance in every direction, with the Council as its focal point. Every building had similar white walls and golden rooftops but none compared to the exalted and venerable Council Chambers. A myriad of different races and species were filing into the mammoth sized doors.
"Why are there so many people here today?" Goku asked, gazing around.
"The Council's meeting to decide the punishment of a Criminal."
"So? Didn't they do that last week too? There was no where near as many people that time."
"This man almost destroyed us all."
In the next chapter of Dragon Ball TNT: The Z-Fighters begin their training to combat a threat that has already been dealt with. However, little do they know that the Kais see a different problem on the horizon that the Z-Fighters need to be prepared for. Dark forces are moving into position in both worlds. Will our heroes be up to the challenge?
Credits: watch?v=V4SwN63V9jE