All characters belong to Akira Toriyama and Toei Animations. The song 'Bold New World' is written by me. Yeah, me.
Bold New Worlds
Part Three
By Maria Cline
Tien moaned as he opened his eyes. The trip through alternate worlds was harder than he thought. "Tien?" Choutsu asked, concerned, "Are you okay?"
"Fine." The two warriors got up and looked around. Tien could sense most of his friends, alive, but weak for some reason. The planet felt strange to him and then he realized neither he nor Choutsu existed in this world. "The locator." The triclops took out the sacred locator and it did nothing. "Damn it." He was hoping the first world he came to would have his son, or rather, sons, on it.
"Don't wory, Tien, we'll find Trey and Trigun." Choutsu said comfortingly.
"I know," Tien nodded as he looked at the remote. "We're stuck here for at least a day. We better find some place to stay until it recharges."
"Do you think our money is good here?" Choutsu asked as the two cautiously walked out of the alleyway.
"I hope so but if not, we can hide in the woods till then." Tien quickly put on a baseball cap to hide his third eye. The last thing he wanted to do was to attract attention.
"Hey! Guys!" A man in a business suit said as he came up. "Would you like to buy a Namek egg?"
"A what?" Tien asked as his jaw dropped.
"Namek egg, if you take good care of it, you can grow yourself a powerful Namekian fighter or healer." The business-man explained as he held up an egg.
"I'm sorry, but we're new here. What are you talking about?" Choutsu said as he came up.
"Oh... well... here in Orange Star City, we have what you call 'Star Battles'. People from all around the world come here with their fighters to battle for money and fame!" The man said as he held up a brochure. "All you have to do is buy a fighter and raise him as your own. The most popular fighters are Saiyans since they are the most powerful but they are expensive to raise. Namekains are preferred among beginners since they don't eat and they can be either healers or warriors. You can buy an animal fighter but trust me on this, you need a Namekian fighter or healer. So do you want to buy any?"
"Maybe... later," Tien said as he took Choutsu and walked away. "Buying fighters? That is crazy."
"I know," Choutsu agreed as he looked at the brochure. "Do you think Goku or Vegita is one of those fighters?"
"Maybe." Tien just stared out over the landscape. The city looked different without the vast pictures of Hercule around. It almost felt normal.
"AAAAHHH!" A woman screamed.
"Is that Chi Chi?!" Tien and Choutsu exclaimed as they ran down the street and saw Chi Chi standing in front of Goku, who was wearing a muzzle and a pair of manacles.
"Leave Goku alone!" Chi Chi warned as she got out a gun. A strange man in black leather wearing a motorcycle helmet over his head was holding a gun at them.
"Give the Saiyan to me." The man ordered as he pointed his gun at the woman.
"Hey!" Tien boomed as he stepped up. This Goku and Chi Chi were strangers to him but he had to help them. "Leave those two alone!"
The man scowled under his helmet and said, "Are you supporting slavery?"
"Slavery?" Tien repeated, stunned. He knew that Saiyans must have some different status in this world, but were they really slaves?
"Hey! I don't want to leave Chi Chi," Goku spoke up.
"Then, I'm defending them," Tien said as he and Choutsu stood in front of the mysterious man.
"Fine. I only wanted to free this poor idiot but I won't force him." He hopped onto his motorcycle. "'Till we meet again." He zoomed away leaving the four behind.
"Thank you, sir." Chi Chi bowed toward Tien. "I am so grateful for this. I didn't want to unleash Goku onto that stranger. My name is Chi Chi Myou and this is my Star Fighter Goku."
"Hi." Goku bowed toward them. "Thanks for the help."
"It was nothing," Tien said as he smiled slightly, "Are you really a slave?"
"Star Fighter, it's a matter of perception," Goku explained, "Who are you?"
"Oh, I'm Tien and this is Choutsu, we're new in town so we don't know a thing about this Star Fighter thing." Tien explained as he gestured toward Choutsu.
"Do you have a place to stay?" Chi Chi asked, "I have plenty of room back at my castle."
"We don't want to impose," Tien insisted as he shook his head.
"It's no inconvenience. It's a little lonely back at the castle. Why don't you join us?" Chi Chi held out her hand.
**What do you think, Choutsu?** Tien asked his friend. **Should we stay with these two?**
**We have nothing else to do... besides, maybe we can learn some technique while at Chi Chi's,** Choutsu replied.
"We'd be honored to stay with you." Tien nodded toward Chi Chi and Goku.
"Good." Chi Chi took out a capsule and flung it to the ground. A car came out and she said, "Hop in. I'll drive."
*****
Chi Chi drove the group down the road. Tien looked out and watched the various advertisements of fighters and breeding them. "Incredible. So, has this 'Star Fighter' game been popular?"
"Yes, it's been popular for many years." Chi Chi explained as she drove the car. "Our nations and corporations use star fighters in replacement of war. Whenever we have a disagreement we have battles with our star fighters. The winner would win the disagreement."
"Sounds civil," Choutsu agreed as he glanced at Goku, who was taking off the manacles and muzzle. "Say, Goku, how long have you been a... Star Fighter?"
"All my life," Goku replied as he put the manacles and muzzle to the side. "I was bought as a baby by Son Gohan and raised until he died... then I was given to Ox-King and Chi Chi. I've been Star Fighter for as long as I can remember."
"You don't seem bitter about it." Tien observed.
"I'm a Saiyan, I was born to fight." Goku said, "That's my duty."
"Oh..." Choutsu commented.
**We better not try to talk to them more about it, Choutsu,** Tien advised, **It's not our place to change this world.**
**I know, Tien but it's so strange seeing Goku and Chi Chi like this.**
Tien nodded in agreement and looked at the other two. They were told that they would meet friends and enemies in ways they never thought possible. The thought of seeing Goku as a slave, of sorts, to Chi Chi was hard to comprehend. "Who was that guy who attacked you?" Tien asked.
"A protestor to the whole Star Fighter thing," Chi Chi explained, "There's a group of people who believe that the fighters are really slaves and that Star Fighting should be banned."
"And what do you think?" Tien asked.
Goku and Chi Chi gazed at each other and Chi Chi said, "No offense, but it's none of your business."
"Okay, I'm sorry." Tien stared out of the window and the huge castle appeared.
It was larger than Choutsu's old castle. The castle was massive with statues of bulls around the garden and one of the Ox-King in his glory. "Wow..." Choutsu said, "It's huge."
"We made a lot of money from my fights," Goku said as he put on the manacles and muzzle.
"Goku, why are you wearing that thing?" Tien finally asked.
"It's law. All Saiyans must wear manacles and a muzzle in public for protection," Chi Chi explained as she parked the car. "I let Goku be able to take his off when he likes to since I know for a fact that he would never attack anyone."
"Chi Chi is a very nice trainer." Goku spoke up.
"Yeah, I bet," Tien muttered as he looked at the remote. **Twelve hours in this place. Damn it, why does this have to take so long to recharge?**
**We'll find Trey. Don't worry, Tien. The others should have better luck than us.** Choutsu comforted.
**I know... but meanwhile, we're stuck in some world where Saiyans are 'owned' and played with in some game.** Tien shook his head.
"Howdy!" Ox-King boomed as he lumbered up. "Did you enjoy your day out?"
"We were ambushed by a protester wanting Goku," Chi Chi explained as she and the others got out. "These are Tien and Choutsu, they saved us from that protester. Tien, Choutsu, this is Ox-King, my father. He's the ruler of Fire Mountain."
"Your majesty," Tien said as he and Choutsu bowed.
"No need to be formal, just call me Ox-King. Thank you for helping my daughter and her fighter. I know they can take care of themselves... but they cause such a ruckus every time." Ox-King glanced at his daughter. "Say, Tien, are you interested in Chi Chi? Chi Chi may be a little hot-tempered but she's cute."
"I'm married." Tien said as he frowned slightly.
"So am I," Choutsu lied as he looked down. While he wasn't really married, he didn't want to get married to some alternate-universe Chi Chi.
"Oh... bummer," Ox-King muttered.
"Dad! I don't want to get married!" Chi Chi exclaimed as she grabbed Goku by the hand and dragged him to the door. "I'll go inside and get dinner ready."
"Bye!" Goku waved as Chi Chi lugged him inside the massive castle.
Ox-King smiled sheepishly and said, "Sorry, it's just that Chi Chi is... she doesn't get out much. All she does is train and feed Goku. I like Goku and he's strong, but she needs a Human man to fall in love with."
"Well, I doubt we would do any good with her. We have to go in a couple of days," Tien said as he looked at his remote.
"Oh... well... can you stay here and watch Chi Chi for me? There's a big tournament coming up in two days and I don't want anything to happen to my daughter or my fighter."
Tien and Choutsu looked at each other. Their telepathic link flared up and Tien replied, "I'm sorry but we can only stay for a day or so. We have to leave for important business tomorrow."
"Can you stay till then?" Ox-King asked hopefully.
"I suppose."
*****
Tien panted heavily as he and Goku fought. This Goku was much weaker than the Goku he knew. It was strange to fight Goku at an equal level. The last time they fought, Goku held back and won easily. Now, it felt like Tien had the advantage.
"You're good," Goku complimented as he grinned.
"I... had a good mentor," Tien nodded as he and Goku sat down on a bench.
"You should be a fighter, you're so powerful. You would become the Prince of Saiyans."
Tien fell over and stared at the Saiyan. "Prince of Saiyans?"
"Yeah, among the Saiyans, there was a rumored Saiyan that is more powerful than any other Saiyan in the universe. His name was Vegita and no one knew what he looked like," Goku said as he looked around. "Pretty cool huh? Could you imagine meeting a Saiyan like that?"
Tien remembered being killed in the first battle with the Saiyans. "I... can imagine."
"You didn't tell anything us about yourself. Where are you from?" Goku asked as he took out a bottle and drank from it.
"I'm from a place far away," Tien said mysteriously, "A place where I'm not considered to be powerful. My wife is there waiting for me. I'm looking for my sons."
"You have kids?" Goku asked excitedly as he grinned. "Do you have a picture?"
"Yes. I do." Tien reached into his wallet and held out four pictures. "This is Trey, Trigun, Triforce, and Yinyo."
"Wow... look at that, they look so much alike. Except for Yinyo's wings and all... why do they have a third eye?"
Tien smiled nervously as he lifted his ball cap to reveal his own third eye. "It runs in the family. Don't tell anyone else about this."
Goku stared at the third eye and put his hand up. "I won't say a word. Saiyan's honor. You're lucky; Tien, power, family, friends, I wish I have a family of my own."
"Why don't you?" Tien asked as Goku gave him the bottle.
"Never met anyone I want to mate with. Chi Chi and Ox-King showed me lots of Saiyan women but I never... wanted to mate with any of them," Goku explained as he leaned back. "I could've taken any of them but I wanted someone special."
Tien nodded as he took a drink from the bottle and grimaced at the horrible taste. "What is this?"
Goku held up a container with a smiling Saiyan on it. "Super-Saiyan Sayorade, it's energetic for both Saiyans and Humans."
"Oh." Tien smiled hesitantly and gave the drink back. "Thanks."
"Wanna fight some more? I want to be at my best for the Tournament tomorrow."
"Sure."
"Goku, Tien, how was the training session going?" Chi Chi asked as she and Octavia entered the room. They were dressed in royal Chinese garb with make up. "Tien, this is my mother, Octavia."
"Your majesty." Tien bowed his head toward the woman. He remembered her from his own universe. She still had the radiant hair and confident feeling about her.
"Tien, Goku, we are going to a pre tournament celebration tonight. Tien, will you please escort my daughter there? I know that you are married but I don't want her to go alone again," Octavia asked sweetly.
"I go with her," Goku spoke up as he glanced at Chi Chi.
"Yes, but Saiyan Fighters are forbidden to dance in the ballroom. Choutsu told me that you are an excellent dancer," Octavia said to Tien.
"Yes, I am. I will be honored to escort Chi Chi to the celebration," Tien replied as he bowed again. "Thank you."
"Excellent, do you have anything to wear?"
"I don't think so," Tien confessed as he fingered his capsules. He and Choutsu didn't plan on wearing formal clothes to the party. While he could summon clothes at pure will, he didn't want to summon clothes that would make people stare at him.
"I will have something made up for you and Choutsu. We leave at 8:00 o'clock." Octavia bowed as she walked out.
"I'll see you there, Goku." Chi Chi smiled at her friend as she followed her mother.
Tien looked at Goku who was staring at the door where Chi Chi left. "I'm sorry, Goku."
"What do you mean?" Goku said nervously as he grinned.
Tien just shook his head and said, "No matter what, you are such a bad liar. Let's fight again."
"Sure." Goku said as he went into fighting position again. **I wonder if he knows. Nah, how can he know? We just met.**
*****
Tien fidgeted in his fancy clothes. He was used to wearing such clothes back when he was Choutsu's bodyguard yet these felt different. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a black hat to cover his third eye. Choutsu was dressed in the same way. Chi Chi was in a beautiful silver sequined dress with Goku who was dressed in a white tux with manacles and a muzzle.
"Do you have to wear that in the party?" Tien asked as he looked at Goku.
"Any time except for at home and when fighting." Goku answered as he felt his manacles. "It's the rules."
"Once we get inside, you can take them off," Chi Chi comforted as they went into a lavish building with a huge dome.
Inside, there were men in tuxes and women in beautiful sequined dresses. An elegant band in the corner played beautiful melodies as the guests danced.
"Hello, Ms. Chi Chi," Eighteen said as she came up and bowed.
Tien's jaw dropped at her appearance. She was much younger and had long blond hair. The cold look in her eyes was completely gone.
"Ah, Tina, so good to see you again," Chi Chi said as she unlocked Goku's manacles. "Tien, Choutsu, this is Tina, one of the Saiyan caregivers."
"Hello, Tina." Tien bowed toward her.
Tina stared at him and asked, "Are you okay? You looked like you saw a ghost."
**Is that Eighteen?** Choutsu asked in shock.
**At least Eighteen before she became a cyborg,** Tien replied as he nodded. "I'm fine, it's just that you remind me of a friend back where I came from."
"Well, the world is a small place," Tina said as she took Goku. "I'll take Goku to the Fighter's party. Have a good time," She said as she walked away with Goku.
"Where are they going?" Choutsu asked.
"All Star Fighters are taken to a different party in another room. It's very nice; they talk and spar a little. They can't kill or seriously injure anyone. They don't like these formal affairs," Chi Chi explained as they walked into the ball room.
"I see," Tien said as he looked down at Choutsu. "May we go to this other party?"
"Maybe, but it gets rough there. The fighters prefer to stay to themselves. I go there once in a while, but I have to prove myself strong enough to handle them," Chi Chi replied.
"I can go there." Choutsu said as he looked around. "I want to see the other Star Fighters."
"Okay, but be careful. Some of the Saiyan Fighters are not as friendly as Goku," Chi Chi warned as she took Tien's hand.
"Right." Choutsu nodded and walked to where Tina and Goku were going.
Chi Chi took a deep breath and said, "So, do you want to meet some of my friends? They're very nice." She gazed around and exclaimed, "Bulma!"
Bulma came up to the two. She had her long hair in a bun surrounded by jewels with a beautiful blue dress matching her hair. "Hi, Chi Chi! Who's this? Your father's latest attempt to get you married?"
"I'm already married," Tien said as he took Bulma's hand.
"This is Tien, my escort for the evening. Tien, this is Lady Bulma Briefs, she is my arch rival and best friend," Chi Chi introduced.
"You're cute." Bulma beamed at the triclops. "Nice muscles too."
Tien blushed at the remark. This Bulma was very much like the young spoiled Bulma he knew before she had Trunks. "Thanks. I think."
"Where's your date?" Chi Chi asked, "I know for a fact you don't go alone to these things."
"He's here, it's just that the management asked him to sing at the party and he couldn't say no." Bulma fumed, "Honestly, that man can be so impossible."
"Who is he?" Tien asked, wondering if Bulma meant Yamcha.
"You don't know?" Bulma said, confused. "Where are you from, another universe?" Tien remained silent as he looked down. "Oh well, he's coming up on stage right now. Trust me, you'll know."
"Ladies and Gentlemen!!!" A man who looked like Agent Kay the Tournament Announcer boomed as he jumped on stage. "We have a real treat for you. The incredible singer and ladies man... John Prince!" Vegita jumped onto stage and Tien's jaw dropped again. Vegita was in a black tuxedo with white gloves and on stage. He didn't know what to think of this alternate.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen are you ready to rock?" John asked as he smirked.
"Yeah!!!" The audience cheered as they raised their hands.
"Good!" John nodded as he pointed toward the band. "A one and a two..."
He took the microphone in his hands and started to sing.
"There is no such thing as boredom
there is no such thing as mundane,
One day there is nothing but pain and
Anything you cherish goes insane.
Do not worry about a thing
Just remember this rule..." He sang as he smiled toward the audience.
"It's a bold new world where anything is possible.
It's a bold new world for all of us!
Open your eyes and you will see...
It will be a bold new world for you and me!"
Tien was stunned. He never knew Vegita could sing, yet this man was causing everyone to swoon.
"The universe is in chaos
Darkness everywhere... our one last hope is gone...
But in the chaos light appears out comes the dawn!!!!
It's a bold new world where anything is possible.
It's a bold new world for all of us!
Open your eyes and you will see...
It will be a bold new world for you and me!"
The audience danced to the song as Tien just stared at him. **Vegita can really sing.**
"IT'S A BOLD NEW WORLD!" John finally concluded as he raised his microphone in the air.
"John! John! John!" The audience cheered as they applauded.
"Can he sing or can he sing?" Bulma sighed as she shook her head.
"Thank you," John said as he bowed his head toward the group and got off stage.
"You never can stop showing off can you?" Bulma asked as she kissed her boyfriend. "John, you remember Chi Chi, and this is Tien."
"How do you do?" John said as he held out his hand.
Tien took the hand held it. This man's power was very strong, but well masked. He didn't know if John was really Vegita the Saiyan, or some counterpart of Vegita's that happened to be Human. Either way, this man was as strong as he is. "Fine. It must be great to be a pop star idol."
"It's okay." John shrugged as he glared at him. Tien recognized the look from the Vegita he knew. It was the 'I want to kill you 'till it hurts' look. "How do you feel about the Star Fighters?"
"I don't really know, I just found out about these Star Fighters," Tien replied "How do you feel about them?"
"I don't like slavery," John said as he crossed his arms and scowled.
"Now, John. You must forgive him, Tien, John is very strong willed." Bulma smiled hesitantly.
"That's all right. I know a friend like him," Tien replied as he glanced at the bar and then saw a familiar blond. "I'm going for a drink. Excuse me."
*****
Choutsu felt helpless as he walked through the doors and saw warriors everywhere. Most of them had forearms larger than him. Saiyans like Nappa and Radditz that used to be dead in his world were alive and well in this one.
"Hey, look at the shrimp," Nappa laughed as he kneeled over. "What's wrong, lost your way to the nursery?"
Choutsu gulped as he remembered his battle with Nappa. He barely helped in the fight except to get himself killed.
"Leave him alone, Nappa," Goku said as he came up dressed in his blue and orange gi. "Choutsu may be small but he's strong. Gang, this is Choutsu, he's one of the strangers who helped us today."
"Thanks, Goku," Choutsu said as he looked around. "Hi."
Piccolo stride up to him and stared down at the warrior. He stared down at Chotusu and he could swear that the Namekian was peering down into his very soul. "Goku's right. He's small but powerful." He glared at the Saiyans. "Better not make any trouble with this guy."
Choutsu didn't know what to think. These warriors, these powerful warriors who had killed him in his own world, were cautious of him. **Did Piccolo just warned them about me? Wow.**
"Come on, Choutsu, I can introduce you to my fellow fighters; the huge one is Nappa, the Namekian with the turban is Piccolo, the other Namekian is Nail, the one with the long hair is my big bro Radditz, and the guy who looks like me only darker and meaner is Turles," Goku introduced as he gestured to each warrior.
"Still looks like a runt," Nappa smarted off as he smirked.
"Whatever," Choutsu waved off.
"Bequata bordo risqué," Raddiz spoke up to Goku.
"NANI!" Goku screamed at the top of his lungs.
"Qua vojor donte," Nappa growled as he pointed to the door.
"Maybe you better get back to the party," Goku said in English as he shook his head. "No offense but Star Fighters don't like sharing the room with regulars."
"Okay. I feel a little uncomfortable," Choutsu confessed as he walked out of the door.
"You know, you could've been nicer," Goku scowled at his friends and family.
"He's not one of us," Piccolo reminded, "Star Fighters are their own group."
"I know... I know... but he and his friend are so strong."
*****
Tien stared all around him. At the bar, he saw a version of his wife he hadn't seen in forever. She stared up at him with her bright green eyes. "Hi, stranger, what can I get for you?"
"A beer," Tien replied as he sat down on the stool. "What's your name?"
"They call me 'Launch'," The blond said as she smirked and handed him a beer. "What are you doing here? You don't look like a Master."
"Master?" Tien repeated as he sipped his beer.
"All people who own and train Alien Star Fighters. You don't know anything do you?" Launch asked as she quirked an eyebrow.
"I'm from out of town," Tien replied as he cocked his head.
"You must be from way out of town to not know about Star Fighters," Launch said as she took his hand. "Are you married?"
"Yes, I am."
Launch took back her hand. "She must be one lucky girl."
Tien gazed at her and remembered his own Launch. "I was the lucky one."
"Tien?" Choutsu asked as he came up to the warrior.
"Hey, Choutsu." Tien nodded as he sipped his beer. "Choutsu, this is Launch the bartender. Launch, this is my best friend, Choutsu."
"Hi." Choutsu waved as he looked up. **Tien, Nappa and Radditz are alive in this world!**
**I know... I found out something shocking in this world as well.** Tien replied as he scanned the crowd.
"Tien!" Chi Chi called out as she and John came up.
Choutsu recognized Vegita immediately. "Hey! That's-"
"John Prince! Choutsu heard so much about you," Tien interrupted as he went between Choutsu and 'John'. **Choutsu, the Vegita of this world is called 'John Prince'. He could be a Human in this world or a Saiyan in hiding. Don't say anything.**
**WHAT?!** "Oh." Choutsu nodded as he held out his hand. "Nice to meet you."
**It shocked me too,** Tien agreed as he glanced at Chi Chi. "I'm sorry, did I stay too long?"
"No, it's just that I heard that Choutsu got in trouble in the Fighter's room," Chi Chi explained. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Choutsu said as he gawked at John.
"Let's go ahead and party with the others," Tien said as he and his friend went back into the crowd.
John scowled as he leaned next to Launch. "Are the guns and my outfit in?" He whispered in a hushed tone.
"All ready, Prince. They're in the back in your suitcase as scheduled," Launch whispered back as she held out her hand.
The singer reached into his pocket and gave her some cash. "The other half will be paid after the plan."
"Of course." Launch took the cash and tucked it into her bra.
"Vives los Saiyans." John spoke quietly as he walked away from the bar.
*****
Tien and Chi Chi danced while Choutsu sat to the side. He kept his distance from her; he was married after all. Chi Chi remained apart from him, she kept on glancing at the door leading to the Fighters' room. He couldn't help but feel some pity towards her. In his world, Goku and Chi Chi were shoved into each other, in this world they were shoved apart by species and class.
"You seem distant," Tien observed as he glanced down at her. "Anything wrong?"
"Huh?" Chi Chi blinked as she looked up. "Sorry. I was being impolite."
"That's okay."
The woman stared out and gestured toward the other door. "Can we talk alone? Please?"
"Sure." Tien nodded and Chi Chi led him to a different room and up a long staircase. The woman sighed as she sat down on top of a ledge.
"What do you think of interspecies relationships?" Chi Chi asked directly as she stared at Tien in the eyes.
"Depends on the species, I guess. Why?" Tien asked "If it's about you and Goku, I have no objections at all."
Chi Chi fell over on the ledge and stared at him. How can he guess that she and Goku had feelings for each other? They made sure that all they showed was a platonic friendship between Fighter and Master. "How? Did anyone tell you?"
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. I'll be only in town for a day or so anyway," Tien commented as he shrugged.
"It's so hard to believe that Goku isn't Human," Chi Chi said as she gazed up into the stars. "He is so kind and generous, even when fighting, he shows good sportsmanship. Even our opponents wondered if Goku was Human until they saw him and his tail in action. It's sad really. I offered to give him freedom in the wild sometimes so he can avoid being treated like a..."
"Slave?"
"Yes. He stays with me though. The idiot loves me too much to leave." Chi Chi wept as she held her head.
"I'm sorry," Tien said as he put a hand on Chi Chi's shoulder.
"It's not your fault. It's destiny, I'm Human and Goku's a Saiyan, there's no way it could work," Chi Chi rationalized as she sat down again.
"I don't know... I've seen weirder," Tien comforted "You said it yourself, you find it hard to believe that Goku is a Saiyan. Why not try it out?"
"Because the idea of a Saiyan and a Human getting together is ridiculous! We can never have a child together; people will look at us oddly. My parents would go ballistic, not to mention everyone else on Earth," Chi Chi ranted.
"But do you love him?" Tien asked as he crossed his arms.
"Yes, completely. Please don't tell anyone about this!"
"Who can I tell?" Tien said as he smiled slightly. "Your secret is safe with me."
"Good."
Suddenly, Tien noticed a figure in black jumping by him faster than most people could see. "What was that?"
"What was what?" Chi Chi asked as she glanced around.
"I don't know. We better get inside," Tien advised as they rushed back into the building.
*****
Choutsu hid behind a soft chair as he watched a strange creature that looked like a humanoid furless white cat in nothing but a pair of shorts hovering in mid-air.
He spoke in their minds. **Give me the Angel locator.**
"What are you talking about?" Goku demanded as he and the other fighters entered the room.
**It doesn't concern you, mortals,** The creature said as he rose his three fingered hand and flung the fighters to the wall.
"It concerns us plenty when you threaten others," A man in black leather and a motorcycle helmet said as he came up totting a huge gun.
"Get away from him!" Tien warned as he ran up. "This is not your problem!" He glared at the creature. "Who are you?"
**I... am Mutwo a servant of Kaio Ketchuma. I do not mean you harm. I just want your Angel locator.**
"Forget it. I won't let you get in the way of finding my only sons," Tien growled as he took off his hat and revealed his third eye.
"Neither will I," Choutsu supported.
**Fine.** Mutwo powered up and attacked the two warriors.
Tien and Choutsu ducked to the side. "I'll show you real psychic power," Choutsu said as he focused and stood still.
Mutwo growled as he stared back. For a long moment, they stared at each other intensely.
"Go away, they're fighting mentally. Choutsu's strong but he might lose. You better keep your distance," Tien said as he tried to calm down a frightened crowd.
"What are you?" Chi Chi demanded as she came up to them.
"A man who is a long way from home and is looking for his children," Tien replied as he sensed Choutsu losing the mental fight. He had to make sure no one gets killed in this Universe.
"Do as he says." Bulma ordered, "I don't want anyone killed in this party. Where's John?"
"I'm sure... he's around here somewhere," The mysterious gun-wielding man said as he sweat-dropped.
"GAH!" Choutsu screamed as he held his head.
"Damn it..." Tien growled as he powered up and grabbed Choutsu. "Choutsu?"
"He's... too strong," Choutsu gasped out as he collapsed.
"Go away!" Tien ordered as he fanned his face and focused. "SOLAR BEAM!"
Mutwo winced as a bright yellow beam flew out of Tien's third eye and struck his body. **I thought the solar beam attack only come from my universe.** He thought as he blocked the beam.
Tien felt every ounce of the precious solar energy he had been storing drain out of him. He had perfected the Solar Beam so he could charge up for it indefinitely and be able to lash out a blast that could destroy planets. He was saving that energy in case he had to fight Lazarus himself, but a supporter of Lazarus would do. Finally, the blast stopped and Tien went onto his knees.
The smoke cleared and Mutwo was still hovering. Burns and bruises were everywhere on his body and his power was weaker. Tien didn't kill him, but he severely weakened him. "At least... he's beaten up; an improvement over my last few battles," He gasped out as he smiled slightly.
**You... should have surrendered!** Mutwo boomed as he flew up at Tien and struck him down.
"KAMEHAME HA!" A bright blast struck the warrior on the side.
Tien and Choutsu looked up to see Goku and the other fighters coming up. "Leave them alone!" Goku ordered. He smiled as he helped Tien and Choutsu up. "You didn't think I would leave my own friends to fight a monster like him, do you?"
The warriors nodded as they smiled back. Despite the obvious changes in this world, there was at least one thing consistent, Goku's need to defend others and his own friends. "Let's do it."
**I don't think so.** Mutwo said as he held out his hand again. **Confusion!**
The world spun around them and the warriors looked around seeing bright colors and blurry images; even the Ki signals were jumbled up.
"What is going on?!" Piccolo demanded as he tried to figure out where he was.
"He must've screwed with our senses! Don't do anything!" Tien warned as he tried to clear his vision.
"Like hell!" Someone yelled as punches filled the air.
Everything became clear again and the warriors looked up to see the mysterious warrior and Mutwo fighting in mid air. "How?" Goku asked, stunned, as he stared at the two.
"I was wearing protection," The masked man said as he tapped on his helmet.
**Die,** Mutwo ordered as he blasted at the man again.
"I don't think so," The man laughed haughtily as he blocked off the blasts and struck the monster.
Tien and Choutsu watched with great interest. They knew who he was now, the way he fought and sound. There was only one man who could be that way. **Tien, shouldn't we help him?** Choutsu asked concerned.
**We're too tired. Besides, the world needs to know the truth,** Tien advised as he watched. The two exchanged blows so hard walls begin to crumble. The mysterious man's helmet cracked under the severe pressure of each blow. Neither one of the fighters saw it until Mutwo punched the helmet and it shattered into a million pieces.
The group gasped at the sight. Hovering in midair, fighting a monster was John Prince. John looked around and felt his face. "Okay, I admit it," He growled as he pointed outward and boomed, "I AM VEGITA, LONG LOST PRINCE OF THE SAIYAN RACE!" Vegita grinned as he cupped his hands and chanted, "GALACTIC GUN!!!" A bright purple blast flew out of his hands and smashed into the monster.
Mutwo vanished in the light and everything became quiet.
"What happened?" Bulma asked, "Did we... win?"
"We did." Tien nodded and then everyone stared at Vegita, who hovered downward.
Vegita crossed his arms and said, "So now you know."
"How do we know he's really Prince Vegita?" Radditz asked skeptically. "No one knew what he looked like. He's too short to be a Saiyan and he has no tail."
The warrior glared at him. Deep down, he was relieved that his secret had been let out. Yet he knew that there would be skeptics among his fellow Saiyans. "Ha. Royal Saiyans grow up slower than the common Saiyan. I might as well prove it to you." He took off his right glove and showed off the back of his hand.
The Saiyans gawked at the hand. On the back of Vegita's hand was the symbol of the Saiyan Race. It changed color in the light and the Saiyans knew. At once, they bowed onto one knee. "Lord Vegita you returned to us."
"Forgive me, Lord Vegita." Radditz pleaded, "I didn't know."
"That's okay. It was the Humans' fault," Vegita said as he looked around.
"WAIT A SEC! YOU'RE A SAIYAN!" Bulma screamed as she marched up. "FOR HOW LONG?!"
"I was born a Saiyan," Vegita remarked as he put on his glove. "I was always a Saiyan even when we were dating."
Bulma's face paled as she thought about the fact she was making out with a man who was below her species. She did what any normal woman would do if they found out they were doing it with someone not of her species. Her eyes rolled back and she collapsed onto the ground.
Vegita caught her and sighed. "She fainted. Typical."
"Wait a second, Vegita, how did you pass yourself as a Human?" Goku asked, stunned. "I mean, that's gotta be hard."
"Not really. I was creative." Vegita smirked slightly.
"What will you do now?" Tien asked, feeling guilty about playing a role in Vegita's exposure.
"I don't know. I won't be a Saiyan slave, that's for sure. You are free to join me if you wish," Vegita pointed out as he jumped high into the air and blasted a hole in the ceiling. "I will be back." He flew through the hole and vanished.
"Oh boy," Choutsu gulped wondering what chaos their arrival caused.
"Tell me about it," Tien agreed as he watched the media bursting through the doors.
"What just happened?" A reporter asked. "We heard that the legendary Lost Prince of the Saiyans was here!"
*****
Vegita stood over the vast desert. It had been over several hours since his secret was revealed. How did it happen? He was always so careful with himself. He always bought food in different places under different names and ate slowly just to make others think he ate only a fraction what he actually did. He also avoided blood tests and physical exams just to make sure no one knew.
He didn't intend to fight all out like he did. Maybe it was his Saiyan love for fighting breaking free.
"Vegita, I'm sorry," Tien said as he and Choutsu landed on the ground.
The warrior prince looked over his shoulder confused. "How did you find me so fast?"
"I... have my ways," Tien shrugged. "I am sorry about exposing you like that."
"It would have happened sooner or later. Besides, I came out of my own accord." Vegita said as he crossed his arms. "I was going to expose myself sooner or later."
"You won't... try to conquer the Human race right?" Choutsu asked fearfully.
"I don't know. I've met Humans who hate the Star Fighter concept," Vegita looked up into the sky. "I was 'Human' for a long time. I've become soft. However, I will not let the Humans treat Saiyans like some kind of hobby."
"You can stage a formal protest," Choutsu suggested. "Everyone knows you since you're a hot pop star and you're also a legend. No one can say that you were 'inhuman'. You can be a role model."
"Maybe." Vegita chuckled at the thought of being a role model to every Saiyan on Earth.
"You can do it," Goku supported as he and Chi Chi came up. Goku was dressed in a normal set of clothes with no manacles or muzzle.
"We followed you." Chi Chi said as she put away her airplane capsule. "And we want to support you."
"Support me?" Vegita repeated stunned, "But... you're a Trainer of a Saiyan slave."
"Not any more." Chi Chi held up a card and broke it in half. "That was my Star Fighter Trainer card. Without it, I can't take part in Tournaments and have Star Fighters of my own. I won't be a slave holder."
"What about your parents?" Tien asked, concerned.
"I don't care. I love them and they love me, but this is a decision I made for myself." Chi Chi stared down at the broken card. She reached up and took Goku by the hand. "Besides, I love Goku."
"Yeah, we want to help you, Vegita, but we don't want to hurt anyone, Human or otherwise. Chi Chi and I... we want to be married and equal," Goku said as he held Chi Chi's hand.
"Fine. You can join in the underground resistance." Vegita nodded as he smirked. He had two strong warriors on his side now. "It's a start." He gazed over at the mysterious Tien and Choutsu. "What about you two?"
Tien thought about the idea of helping these people out. They wanted to help change the world yet they were strangers. "We can't. We don't belong here. Choutsu and I come from a place far away, very far away, and we have a vital mission to complete."
"Hey, that's okay. You have to find your sons." Goku supported as he patted Tien on the shoulder. "I wish Chi Chi and I could have kids."
"I... have a feeling that's more likely than it seems," Tien said mysterious as his remote beeped. He took his remote out of his pocket and looked at it. "It's time."
"Time for what?" Goku asked.
"We have to go," Choutsu said as he bowed. "Good luck."
"We'll try to visit when we can," Tien promised as he smiled slightly. He flicked on the remote and a bright portal appeared. "Don't follow us. Goodbye." He and Choutsu jumped into the portal and vanished.
"Wow... what are those guys?" Goku wondered, wide eyed.
"Warriors," Vegita concluded as he put on a leather jacket. "Now, let's go save the Saiyans."
To Be Continued...
Bold New Worlds
Part Three
By Maria Cline
Tien moaned as he opened his eyes. The trip through alternate worlds was harder than he thought. "Tien?" Choutsu asked, concerned, "Are you okay?"
"Fine." The two warriors got up and looked around. Tien could sense most of his friends, alive, but weak for some reason. The planet felt strange to him and then he realized neither he nor Choutsu existed in this world. "The locator." The triclops took out the sacred locator and it did nothing. "Damn it." He was hoping the first world he came to would have his son, or rather, sons, on it.
"Don't wory, Tien, we'll find Trey and Trigun." Choutsu said comfortingly.
"I know," Tien nodded as he looked at the remote. "We're stuck here for at least a day. We better find some place to stay until it recharges."
"Do you think our money is good here?" Choutsu asked as the two cautiously walked out of the alleyway.
"I hope so but if not, we can hide in the woods till then." Tien quickly put on a baseball cap to hide his third eye. The last thing he wanted to do was to attract attention.
"Hey! Guys!" A man in a business suit said as he came up. "Would you like to buy a Namek egg?"
"A what?" Tien asked as his jaw dropped.
"Namek egg, if you take good care of it, you can grow yourself a powerful Namekian fighter or healer." The business-man explained as he held up an egg.
"I'm sorry, but we're new here. What are you talking about?" Choutsu said as he came up.
"Oh... well... here in Orange Star City, we have what you call 'Star Battles'. People from all around the world come here with their fighters to battle for money and fame!" The man said as he held up a brochure. "All you have to do is buy a fighter and raise him as your own. The most popular fighters are Saiyans since they are the most powerful but they are expensive to raise. Namekains are preferred among beginners since they don't eat and they can be either healers or warriors. You can buy an animal fighter but trust me on this, you need a Namekian fighter or healer. So do you want to buy any?"
"Maybe... later," Tien said as he took Choutsu and walked away. "Buying fighters? That is crazy."
"I know," Choutsu agreed as he looked at the brochure. "Do you think Goku or Vegita is one of those fighters?"
"Maybe." Tien just stared out over the landscape. The city looked different without the vast pictures of Hercule around. It almost felt normal.
"AAAAHHH!" A woman screamed.
"Is that Chi Chi?!" Tien and Choutsu exclaimed as they ran down the street and saw Chi Chi standing in front of Goku, who was wearing a muzzle and a pair of manacles.
"Leave Goku alone!" Chi Chi warned as she got out a gun. A strange man in black leather wearing a motorcycle helmet over his head was holding a gun at them.
"Give the Saiyan to me." The man ordered as he pointed his gun at the woman.
"Hey!" Tien boomed as he stepped up. This Goku and Chi Chi were strangers to him but he had to help them. "Leave those two alone!"
The man scowled under his helmet and said, "Are you supporting slavery?"
"Slavery?" Tien repeated, stunned. He knew that Saiyans must have some different status in this world, but were they really slaves?
"Hey! I don't want to leave Chi Chi," Goku spoke up.
"Then, I'm defending them," Tien said as he and Choutsu stood in front of the mysterious man.
"Fine. I only wanted to free this poor idiot but I won't force him." He hopped onto his motorcycle. "'Till we meet again." He zoomed away leaving the four behind.
"Thank you, sir." Chi Chi bowed toward Tien. "I am so grateful for this. I didn't want to unleash Goku onto that stranger. My name is Chi Chi Myou and this is my Star Fighter Goku."
"Hi." Goku bowed toward them. "Thanks for the help."
"It was nothing," Tien said as he smiled slightly, "Are you really a slave?"
"Star Fighter, it's a matter of perception," Goku explained, "Who are you?"
"Oh, I'm Tien and this is Choutsu, we're new in town so we don't know a thing about this Star Fighter thing." Tien explained as he gestured toward Choutsu.
"Do you have a place to stay?" Chi Chi asked, "I have plenty of room back at my castle."
"We don't want to impose," Tien insisted as he shook his head.
"It's no inconvenience. It's a little lonely back at the castle. Why don't you join us?" Chi Chi held out her hand.
**What do you think, Choutsu?** Tien asked his friend. **Should we stay with these two?**
**We have nothing else to do... besides, maybe we can learn some technique while at Chi Chi's,** Choutsu replied.
"We'd be honored to stay with you." Tien nodded toward Chi Chi and Goku.
"Good." Chi Chi took out a capsule and flung it to the ground. A car came out and she said, "Hop in. I'll drive."
*****
Chi Chi drove the group down the road. Tien looked out and watched the various advertisements of fighters and breeding them. "Incredible. So, has this 'Star Fighter' game been popular?"
"Yes, it's been popular for many years." Chi Chi explained as she drove the car. "Our nations and corporations use star fighters in replacement of war. Whenever we have a disagreement we have battles with our star fighters. The winner would win the disagreement."
"Sounds civil," Choutsu agreed as he glanced at Goku, who was taking off the manacles and muzzle. "Say, Goku, how long have you been a... Star Fighter?"
"All my life," Goku replied as he put the manacles and muzzle to the side. "I was bought as a baby by Son Gohan and raised until he died... then I was given to Ox-King and Chi Chi. I've been Star Fighter for as long as I can remember."
"You don't seem bitter about it." Tien observed.
"I'm a Saiyan, I was born to fight." Goku said, "That's my duty."
"Oh..." Choutsu commented.
**We better not try to talk to them more about it, Choutsu,** Tien advised, **It's not our place to change this world.**
**I know, Tien but it's so strange seeing Goku and Chi Chi like this.**
Tien nodded in agreement and looked at the other two. They were told that they would meet friends and enemies in ways they never thought possible. The thought of seeing Goku as a slave, of sorts, to Chi Chi was hard to comprehend. "Who was that guy who attacked you?" Tien asked.
"A protestor to the whole Star Fighter thing," Chi Chi explained, "There's a group of people who believe that the fighters are really slaves and that Star Fighting should be banned."
"And what do you think?" Tien asked.
Goku and Chi Chi gazed at each other and Chi Chi said, "No offense, but it's none of your business."
"Okay, I'm sorry." Tien stared out of the window and the huge castle appeared.
It was larger than Choutsu's old castle. The castle was massive with statues of bulls around the garden and one of the Ox-King in his glory. "Wow..." Choutsu said, "It's huge."
"We made a lot of money from my fights," Goku said as he put on the manacles and muzzle.
"Goku, why are you wearing that thing?" Tien finally asked.
"It's law. All Saiyans must wear manacles and a muzzle in public for protection," Chi Chi explained as she parked the car. "I let Goku be able to take his off when he likes to since I know for a fact that he would never attack anyone."
"Chi Chi is a very nice trainer." Goku spoke up.
"Yeah, I bet," Tien muttered as he looked at the remote. **Twelve hours in this place. Damn it, why does this have to take so long to recharge?**
**We'll find Trey. Don't worry, Tien. The others should have better luck than us.** Choutsu comforted.
**I know... but meanwhile, we're stuck in some world where Saiyans are 'owned' and played with in some game.** Tien shook his head.
"Howdy!" Ox-King boomed as he lumbered up. "Did you enjoy your day out?"
"We were ambushed by a protester wanting Goku," Chi Chi explained as she and the others got out. "These are Tien and Choutsu, they saved us from that protester. Tien, Choutsu, this is Ox-King, my father. He's the ruler of Fire Mountain."
"Your majesty," Tien said as he and Choutsu bowed.
"No need to be formal, just call me Ox-King. Thank you for helping my daughter and her fighter. I know they can take care of themselves... but they cause such a ruckus every time." Ox-King glanced at his daughter. "Say, Tien, are you interested in Chi Chi? Chi Chi may be a little hot-tempered but she's cute."
"I'm married." Tien said as he frowned slightly.
"So am I," Choutsu lied as he looked down. While he wasn't really married, he didn't want to get married to some alternate-universe Chi Chi.
"Oh... bummer," Ox-King muttered.
"Dad! I don't want to get married!" Chi Chi exclaimed as she grabbed Goku by the hand and dragged him to the door. "I'll go inside and get dinner ready."
"Bye!" Goku waved as Chi Chi lugged him inside the massive castle.
Ox-King smiled sheepishly and said, "Sorry, it's just that Chi Chi is... she doesn't get out much. All she does is train and feed Goku. I like Goku and he's strong, but she needs a Human man to fall in love with."
"Well, I doubt we would do any good with her. We have to go in a couple of days," Tien said as he looked at his remote.
"Oh... well... can you stay here and watch Chi Chi for me? There's a big tournament coming up in two days and I don't want anything to happen to my daughter or my fighter."
Tien and Choutsu looked at each other. Their telepathic link flared up and Tien replied, "I'm sorry but we can only stay for a day or so. We have to leave for important business tomorrow."
"Can you stay till then?" Ox-King asked hopefully.
"I suppose."
*****
Tien panted heavily as he and Goku fought. This Goku was much weaker than the Goku he knew. It was strange to fight Goku at an equal level. The last time they fought, Goku held back and won easily. Now, it felt like Tien had the advantage.
"You're good," Goku complimented as he grinned.
"I... had a good mentor," Tien nodded as he and Goku sat down on a bench.
"You should be a fighter, you're so powerful. You would become the Prince of Saiyans."
Tien fell over and stared at the Saiyan. "Prince of Saiyans?"
"Yeah, among the Saiyans, there was a rumored Saiyan that is more powerful than any other Saiyan in the universe. His name was Vegita and no one knew what he looked like," Goku said as he looked around. "Pretty cool huh? Could you imagine meeting a Saiyan like that?"
Tien remembered being killed in the first battle with the Saiyans. "I... can imagine."
"You didn't tell anything us about yourself. Where are you from?" Goku asked as he took out a bottle and drank from it.
"I'm from a place far away," Tien said mysteriously, "A place where I'm not considered to be powerful. My wife is there waiting for me. I'm looking for my sons."
"You have kids?" Goku asked excitedly as he grinned. "Do you have a picture?"
"Yes. I do." Tien reached into his wallet and held out four pictures. "This is Trey, Trigun, Triforce, and Yinyo."
"Wow... look at that, they look so much alike. Except for Yinyo's wings and all... why do they have a third eye?"
Tien smiled nervously as he lifted his ball cap to reveal his own third eye. "It runs in the family. Don't tell anyone else about this."
Goku stared at the third eye and put his hand up. "I won't say a word. Saiyan's honor. You're lucky; Tien, power, family, friends, I wish I have a family of my own."
"Why don't you?" Tien asked as Goku gave him the bottle.
"Never met anyone I want to mate with. Chi Chi and Ox-King showed me lots of Saiyan women but I never... wanted to mate with any of them," Goku explained as he leaned back. "I could've taken any of them but I wanted someone special."
Tien nodded as he took a drink from the bottle and grimaced at the horrible taste. "What is this?"
Goku held up a container with a smiling Saiyan on it. "Super-Saiyan Sayorade, it's energetic for both Saiyans and Humans."
"Oh." Tien smiled hesitantly and gave the drink back. "Thanks."
"Wanna fight some more? I want to be at my best for the Tournament tomorrow."
"Sure."
"Goku, Tien, how was the training session going?" Chi Chi asked as she and Octavia entered the room. They were dressed in royal Chinese garb with make up. "Tien, this is my mother, Octavia."
"Your majesty." Tien bowed his head toward the woman. He remembered her from his own universe. She still had the radiant hair and confident feeling about her.
"Tien, Goku, we are going to a pre tournament celebration tonight. Tien, will you please escort my daughter there? I know that you are married but I don't want her to go alone again," Octavia asked sweetly.
"I go with her," Goku spoke up as he glanced at Chi Chi.
"Yes, but Saiyan Fighters are forbidden to dance in the ballroom. Choutsu told me that you are an excellent dancer," Octavia said to Tien.
"Yes, I am. I will be honored to escort Chi Chi to the celebration," Tien replied as he bowed again. "Thank you."
"Excellent, do you have anything to wear?"
"I don't think so," Tien confessed as he fingered his capsules. He and Choutsu didn't plan on wearing formal clothes to the party. While he could summon clothes at pure will, he didn't want to summon clothes that would make people stare at him.
"I will have something made up for you and Choutsu. We leave at 8:00 o'clock." Octavia bowed as she walked out.
"I'll see you there, Goku." Chi Chi smiled at her friend as she followed her mother.
Tien looked at Goku who was staring at the door where Chi Chi left. "I'm sorry, Goku."
"What do you mean?" Goku said nervously as he grinned.
Tien just shook his head and said, "No matter what, you are such a bad liar. Let's fight again."
"Sure." Goku said as he went into fighting position again. **I wonder if he knows. Nah, how can he know? We just met.**
*****
Tien fidgeted in his fancy clothes. He was used to wearing such clothes back when he was Choutsu's bodyguard yet these felt different. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a black hat to cover his third eye. Choutsu was dressed in the same way. Chi Chi was in a beautiful silver sequined dress with Goku who was dressed in a white tux with manacles and a muzzle.
"Do you have to wear that in the party?" Tien asked as he looked at Goku.
"Any time except for at home and when fighting." Goku answered as he felt his manacles. "It's the rules."
"Once we get inside, you can take them off," Chi Chi comforted as they went into a lavish building with a huge dome.
Inside, there were men in tuxes and women in beautiful sequined dresses. An elegant band in the corner played beautiful melodies as the guests danced.
"Hello, Ms. Chi Chi," Eighteen said as she came up and bowed.
Tien's jaw dropped at her appearance. She was much younger and had long blond hair. The cold look in her eyes was completely gone.
"Ah, Tina, so good to see you again," Chi Chi said as she unlocked Goku's manacles. "Tien, Choutsu, this is Tina, one of the Saiyan caregivers."
"Hello, Tina." Tien bowed toward her.
Tina stared at him and asked, "Are you okay? You looked like you saw a ghost."
**Is that Eighteen?** Choutsu asked in shock.
**At least Eighteen before she became a cyborg,** Tien replied as he nodded. "I'm fine, it's just that you remind me of a friend back where I came from."
"Well, the world is a small place," Tina said as she took Goku. "I'll take Goku to the Fighter's party. Have a good time," She said as she walked away with Goku.
"Where are they going?" Choutsu asked.
"All Star Fighters are taken to a different party in another room. It's very nice; they talk and spar a little. They can't kill or seriously injure anyone. They don't like these formal affairs," Chi Chi explained as they walked into the ball room.
"I see," Tien said as he looked down at Choutsu. "May we go to this other party?"
"Maybe, but it gets rough there. The fighters prefer to stay to themselves. I go there once in a while, but I have to prove myself strong enough to handle them," Chi Chi replied.
"I can go there." Choutsu said as he looked around. "I want to see the other Star Fighters."
"Okay, but be careful. Some of the Saiyan Fighters are not as friendly as Goku," Chi Chi warned as she took Tien's hand.
"Right." Choutsu nodded and walked to where Tina and Goku were going.
Chi Chi took a deep breath and said, "So, do you want to meet some of my friends? They're very nice." She gazed around and exclaimed, "Bulma!"
Bulma came up to the two. She had her long hair in a bun surrounded by jewels with a beautiful blue dress matching her hair. "Hi, Chi Chi! Who's this? Your father's latest attempt to get you married?"
"I'm already married," Tien said as he took Bulma's hand.
"This is Tien, my escort for the evening. Tien, this is Lady Bulma Briefs, she is my arch rival and best friend," Chi Chi introduced.
"You're cute." Bulma beamed at the triclops. "Nice muscles too."
Tien blushed at the remark. This Bulma was very much like the young spoiled Bulma he knew before she had Trunks. "Thanks. I think."
"Where's your date?" Chi Chi asked, "I know for a fact you don't go alone to these things."
"He's here, it's just that the management asked him to sing at the party and he couldn't say no." Bulma fumed, "Honestly, that man can be so impossible."
"Who is he?" Tien asked, wondering if Bulma meant Yamcha.
"You don't know?" Bulma said, confused. "Where are you from, another universe?" Tien remained silent as he looked down. "Oh well, he's coming up on stage right now. Trust me, you'll know."
"Ladies and Gentlemen!!!" A man who looked like Agent Kay the Tournament Announcer boomed as he jumped on stage. "We have a real treat for you. The incredible singer and ladies man... John Prince!" Vegita jumped onto stage and Tien's jaw dropped again. Vegita was in a black tuxedo with white gloves and on stage. He didn't know what to think of this alternate.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen are you ready to rock?" John asked as he smirked.
"Yeah!!!" The audience cheered as they raised their hands.
"Good!" John nodded as he pointed toward the band. "A one and a two..."
He took the microphone in his hands and started to sing.
"There is no such thing as boredom
there is no such thing as mundane,
One day there is nothing but pain and
Anything you cherish goes insane.
Do not worry about a thing
Just remember this rule..." He sang as he smiled toward the audience.
"It's a bold new world where anything is possible.
It's a bold new world for all of us!
Open your eyes and you will see...
It will be a bold new world for you and me!"
Tien was stunned. He never knew Vegita could sing, yet this man was causing everyone to swoon.
"The universe is in chaos
Darkness everywhere... our one last hope is gone...
But in the chaos light appears out comes the dawn!!!!
It's a bold new world where anything is possible.
It's a bold new world for all of us!
Open your eyes and you will see...
It will be a bold new world for you and me!"
The audience danced to the song as Tien just stared at him. **Vegita can really sing.**
"IT'S A BOLD NEW WORLD!" John finally concluded as he raised his microphone in the air.
"John! John! John!" The audience cheered as they applauded.
"Can he sing or can he sing?" Bulma sighed as she shook her head.
"Thank you," John said as he bowed his head toward the group and got off stage.
"You never can stop showing off can you?" Bulma asked as she kissed her boyfriend. "John, you remember Chi Chi, and this is Tien."
"How do you do?" John said as he held out his hand.
Tien took the hand held it. This man's power was very strong, but well masked. He didn't know if John was really Vegita the Saiyan, or some counterpart of Vegita's that happened to be Human. Either way, this man was as strong as he is. "Fine. It must be great to be a pop star idol."
"It's okay." John shrugged as he glared at him. Tien recognized the look from the Vegita he knew. It was the 'I want to kill you 'till it hurts' look. "How do you feel about the Star Fighters?"
"I don't really know, I just found out about these Star Fighters," Tien replied "How do you feel about them?"
"I don't like slavery," John said as he crossed his arms and scowled.
"Now, John. You must forgive him, Tien, John is very strong willed." Bulma smiled hesitantly.
"That's all right. I know a friend like him," Tien replied as he glanced at the bar and then saw a familiar blond. "I'm going for a drink. Excuse me."
*****
Choutsu felt helpless as he walked through the doors and saw warriors everywhere. Most of them had forearms larger than him. Saiyans like Nappa and Radditz that used to be dead in his world were alive and well in this one.
"Hey, look at the shrimp," Nappa laughed as he kneeled over. "What's wrong, lost your way to the nursery?"
Choutsu gulped as he remembered his battle with Nappa. He barely helped in the fight except to get himself killed.
"Leave him alone, Nappa," Goku said as he came up dressed in his blue and orange gi. "Choutsu may be small but he's strong. Gang, this is Choutsu, he's one of the strangers who helped us today."
"Thanks, Goku," Choutsu said as he looked around. "Hi."
Piccolo stride up to him and stared down at the warrior. He stared down at Chotusu and he could swear that the Namekian was peering down into his very soul. "Goku's right. He's small but powerful." He glared at the Saiyans. "Better not make any trouble with this guy."
Choutsu didn't know what to think. These warriors, these powerful warriors who had killed him in his own world, were cautious of him. **Did Piccolo just warned them about me? Wow.**
"Come on, Choutsu, I can introduce you to my fellow fighters; the huge one is Nappa, the Namekian with the turban is Piccolo, the other Namekian is Nail, the one with the long hair is my big bro Radditz, and the guy who looks like me only darker and meaner is Turles," Goku introduced as he gestured to each warrior.
"Still looks like a runt," Nappa smarted off as he smirked.
"Whatever," Choutsu waved off.
"Bequata bordo risqué," Raddiz spoke up to Goku.
"NANI!" Goku screamed at the top of his lungs.
"Qua vojor donte," Nappa growled as he pointed to the door.
"Maybe you better get back to the party," Goku said in English as he shook his head. "No offense but Star Fighters don't like sharing the room with regulars."
"Okay. I feel a little uncomfortable," Choutsu confessed as he walked out of the door.
"You know, you could've been nicer," Goku scowled at his friends and family.
"He's not one of us," Piccolo reminded, "Star Fighters are their own group."
"I know... I know... but he and his friend are so strong."
*****
Tien stared all around him. At the bar, he saw a version of his wife he hadn't seen in forever. She stared up at him with her bright green eyes. "Hi, stranger, what can I get for you?"
"A beer," Tien replied as he sat down on the stool. "What's your name?"
"They call me 'Launch'," The blond said as she smirked and handed him a beer. "What are you doing here? You don't look like a Master."
"Master?" Tien repeated as he sipped his beer.
"All people who own and train Alien Star Fighters. You don't know anything do you?" Launch asked as she quirked an eyebrow.
"I'm from out of town," Tien replied as he cocked his head.
"You must be from way out of town to not know about Star Fighters," Launch said as she took his hand. "Are you married?"
"Yes, I am."
Launch took back her hand. "She must be one lucky girl."
Tien gazed at her and remembered his own Launch. "I was the lucky one."
"Tien?" Choutsu asked as he came up to the warrior.
"Hey, Choutsu." Tien nodded as he sipped his beer. "Choutsu, this is Launch the bartender. Launch, this is my best friend, Choutsu."
"Hi." Choutsu waved as he looked up. **Tien, Nappa and Radditz are alive in this world!**
**I know... I found out something shocking in this world as well.** Tien replied as he scanned the crowd.
"Tien!" Chi Chi called out as she and John came up.
Choutsu recognized Vegita immediately. "Hey! That's-"
"John Prince! Choutsu heard so much about you," Tien interrupted as he went between Choutsu and 'John'. **Choutsu, the Vegita of this world is called 'John Prince'. He could be a Human in this world or a Saiyan in hiding. Don't say anything.**
**WHAT?!** "Oh." Choutsu nodded as he held out his hand. "Nice to meet you."
**It shocked me too,** Tien agreed as he glanced at Chi Chi. "I'm sorry, did I stay too long?"
"No, it's just that I heard that Choutsu got in trouble in the Fighter's room," Chi Chi explained. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Choutsu said as he gawked at John.
"Let's go ahead and party with the others," Tien said as he and his friend went back into the crowd.
John scowled as he leaned next to Launch. "Are the guns and my outfit in?" He whispered in a hushed tone.
"All ready, Prince. They're in the back in your suitcase as scheduled," Launch whispered back as she held out her hand.
The singer reached into his pocket and gave her some cash. "The other half will be paid after the plan."
"Of course." Launch took the cash and tucked it into her bra.
"Vives los Saiyans." John spoke quietly as he walked away from the bar.
*****
Tien and Chi Chi danced while Choutsu sat to the side. He kept his distance from her; he was married after all. Chi Chi remained apart from him, she kept on glancing at the door leading to the Fighters' room. He couldn't help but feel some pity towards her. In his world, Goku and Chi Chi were shoved into each other, in this world they were shoved apart by species and class.
"You seem distant," Tien observed as he glanced down at her. "Anything wrong?"
"Huh?" Chi Chi blinked as she looked up. "Sorry. I was being impolite."
"That's okay."
The woman stared out and gestured toward the other door. "Can we talk alone? Please?"
"Sure." Tien nodded and Chi Chi led him to a different room and up a long staircase. The woman sighed as she sat down on top of a ledge.
"What do you think of interspecies relationships?" Chi Chi asked directly as she stared at Tien in the eyes.
"Depends on the species, I guess. Why?" Tien asked "If it's about you and Goku, I have no objections at all."
Chi Chi fell over on the ledge and stared at him. How can he guess that she and Goku had feelings for each other? They made sure that all they showed was a platonic friendship between Fighter and Master. "How? Did anyone tell you?"
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. I'll be only in town for a day or so anyway," Tien commented as he shrugged.
"It's so hard to believe that Goku isn't Human," Chi Chi said as she gazed up into the stars. "He is so kind and generous, even when fighting, he shows good sportsmanship. Even our opponents wondered if Goku was Human until they saw him and his tail in action. It's sad really. I offered to give him freedom in the wild sometimes so he can avoid being treated like a..."
"Slave?"
"Yes. He stays with me though. The idiot loves me too much to leave." Chi Chi wept as she held her head.
"I'm sorry," Tien said as he put a hand on Chi Chi's shoulder.
"It's not your fault. It's destiny, I'm Human and Goku's a Saiyan, there's no way it could work," Chi Chi rationalized as she sat down again.
"I don't know... I've seen weirder," Tien comforted "You said it yourself, you find it hard to believe that Goku is a Saiyan. Why not try it out?"
"Because the idea of a Saiyan and a Human getting together is ridiculous! We can never have a child together; people will look at us oddly. My parents would go ballistic, not to mention everyone else on Earth," Chi Chi ranted.
"But do you love him?" Tien asked as he crossed his arms.
"Yes, completely. Please don't tell anyone about this!"
"Who can I tell?" Tien said as he smiled slightly. "Your secret is safe with me."
"Good."
Suddenly, Tien noticed a figure in black jumping by him faster than most people could see. "What was that?"
"What was what?" Chi Chi asked as she glanced around.
"I don't know. We better get inside," Tien advised as they rushed back into the building.
*****
Choutsu hid behind a soft chair as he watched a strange creature that looked like a humanoid furless white cat in nothing but a pair of shorts hovering in mid-air.
He spoke in their minds. **Give me the Angel locator.**
"What are you talking about?" Goku demanded as he and the other fighters entered the room.
**It doesn't concern you, mortals,** The creature said as he rose his three fingered hand and flung the fighters to the wall.
"It concerns us plenty when you threaten others," A man in black leather and a motorcycle helmet said as he came up totting a huge gun.
"Get away from him!" Tien warned as he ran up. "This is not your problem!" He glared at the creature. "Who are you?"
**I... am Mutwo a servant of Kaio Ketchuma. I do not mean you harm. I just want your Angel locator.**
"Forget it. I won't let you get in the way of finding my only sons," Tien growled as he took off his hat and revealed his third eye.
"Neither will I," Choutsu supported.
**Fine.** Mutwo powered up and attacked the two warriors.
Tien and Choutsu ducked to the side. "I'll show you real psychic power," Choutsu said as he focused and stood still.
Mutwo growled as he stared back. For a long moment, they stared at each other intensely.
"Go away, they're fighting mentally. Choutsu's strong but he might lose. You better keep your distance," Tien said as he tried to calm down a frightened crowd.
"What are you?" Chi Chi demanded as she came up to them.
"A man who is a long way from home and is looking for his children," Tien replied as he sensed Choutsu losing the mental fight. He had to make sure no one gets killed in this Universe.
"Do as he says." Bulma ordered, "I don't want anyone killed in this party. Where's John?"
"I'm sure... he's around here somewhere," The mysterious gun-wielding man said as he sweat-dropped.
"GAH!" Choutsu screamed as he held his head.
"Damn it..." Tien growled as he powered up and grabbed Choutsu. "Choutsu?"
"He's... too strong," Choutsu gasped out as he collapsed.
"Go away!" Tien ordered as he fanned his face and focused. "SOLAR BEAM!"
Mutwo winced as a bright yellow beam flew out of Tien's third eye and struck his body. **I thought the solar beam attack only come from my universe.** He thought as he blocked the beam.
Tien felt every ounce of the precious solar energy he had been storing drain out of him. He had perfected the Solar Beam so he could charge up for it indefinitely and be able to lash out a blast that could destroy planets. He was saving that energy in case he had to fight Lazarus himself, but a supporter of Lazarus would do. Finally, the blast stopped and Tien went onto his knees.
The smoke cleared and Mutwo was still hovering. Burns and bruises were everywhere on his body and his power was weaker. Tien didn't kill him, but he severely weakened him. "At least... he's beaten up; an improvement over my last few battles," He gasped out as he smiled slightly.
**You... should have surrendered!** Mutwo boomed as he flew up at Tien and struck him down.
"KAMEHAME HA!" A bright blast struck the warrior on the side.
Tien and Choutsu looked up to see Goku and the other fighters coming up. "Leave them alone!" Goku ordered. He smiled as he helped Tien and Choutsu up. "You didn't think I would leave my own friends to fight a monster like him, do you?"
The warriors nodded as they smiled back. Despite the obvious changes in this world, there was at least one thing consistent, Goku's need to defend others and his own friends. "Let's do it."
**I don't think so.** Mutwo said as he held out his hand again. **Confusion!**
The world spun around them and the warriors looked around seeing bright colors and blurry images; even the Ki signals were jumbled up.
"What is going on?!" Piccolo demanded as he tried to figure out where he was.
"He must've screwed with our senses! Don't do anything!" Tien warned as he tried to clear his vision.
"Like hell!" Someone yelled as punches filled the air.
Everything became clear again and the warriors looked up to see the mysterious warrior and Mutwo fighting in mid air. "How?" Goku asked, stunned, as he stared at the two.
"I was wearing protection," The masked man said as he tapped on his helmet.
**Die,** Mutwo ordered as he blasted at the man again.
"I don't think so," The man laughed haughtily as he blocked off the blasts and struck the monster.
Tien and Choutsu watched with great interest. They knew who he was now, the way he fought and sound. There was only one man who could be that way. **Tien, shouldn't we help him?** Choutsu asked concerned.
**We're too tired. Besides, the world needs to know the truth,** Tien advised as he watched. The two exchanged blows so hard walls begin to crumble. The mysterious man's helmet cracked under the severe pressure of each blow. Neither one of the fighters saw it until Mutwo punched the helmet and it shattered into a million pieces.
The group gasped at the sight. Hovering in midair, fighting a monster was John Prince. John looked around and felt his face. "Okay, I admit it," He growled as he pointed outward and boomed, "I AM VEGITA, LONG LOST PRINCE OF THE SAIYAN RACE!" Vegita grinned as he cupped his hands and chanted, "GALACTIC GUN!!!" A bright purple blast flew out of his hands and smashed into the monster.
Mutwo vanished in the light and everything became quiet.
"What happened?" Bulma asked, "Did we... win?"
"We did." Tien nodded and then everyone stared at Vegita, who hovered downward.
Vegita crossed his arms and said, "So now you know."
"How do we know he's really Prince Vegita?" Radditz asked skeptically. "No one knew what he looked like. He's too short to be a Saiyan and he has no tail."
The warrior glared at him. Deep down, he was relieved that his secret had been let out. Yet he knew that there would be skeptics among his fellow Saiyans. "Ha. Royal Saiyans grow up slower than the common Saiyan. I might as well prove it to you." He took off his right glove and showed off the back of his hand.
The Saiyans gawked at the hand. On the back of Vegita's hand was the symbol of the Saiyan Race. It changed color in the light and the Saiyans knew. At once, they bowed onto one knee. "Lord Vegita you returned to us."
"Forgive me, Lord Vegita." Radditz pleaded, "I didn't know."
"That's okay. It was the Humans' fault," Vegita said as he looked around.
"WAIT A SEC! YOU'RE A SAIYAN!" Bulma screamed as she marched up. "FOR HOW LONG?!"
"I was born a Saiyan," Vegita remarked as he put on his glove. "I was always a Saiyan even when we were dating."
Bulma's face paled as she thought about the fact she was making out with a man who was below her species. She did what any normal woman would do if they found out they were doing it with someone not of her species. Her eyes rolled back and she collapsed onto the ground.
Vegita caught her and sighed. "She fainted. Typical."
"Wait a second, Vegita, how did you pass yourself as a Human?" Goku asked, stunned. "I mean, that's gotta be hard."
"Not really. I was creative." Vegita smirked slightly.
"What will you do now?" Tien asked, feeling guilty about playing a role in Vegita's exposure.
"I don't know. I won't be a Saiyan slave, that's for sure. You are free to join me if you wish," Vegita pointed out as he jumped high into the air and blasted a hole in the ceiling. "I will be back." He flew through the hole and vanished.
"Oh boy," Choutsu gulped wondering what chaos their arrival caused.
"Tell me about it," Tien agreed as he watched the media bursting through the doors.
"What just happened?" A reporter asked. "We heard that the legendary Lost Prince of the Saiyans was here!"
*****
Vegita stood over the vast desert. It had been over several hours since his secret was revealed. How did it happen? He was always so careful with himself. He always bought food in different places under different names and ate slowly just to make others think he ate only a fraction what he actually did. He also avoided blood tests and physical exams just to make sure no one knew.
He didn't intend to fight all out like he did. Maybe it was his Saiyan love for fighting breaking free.
"Vegita, I'm sorry," Tien said as he and Choutsu landed on the ground.
The warrior prince looked over his shoulder confused. "How did you find me so fast?"
"I... have my ways," Tien shrugged. "I am sorry about exposing you like that."
"It would have happened sooner or later. Besides, I came out of my own accord." Vegita said as he crossed his arms. "I was going to expose myself sooner or later."
"You won't... try to conquer the Human race right?" Choutsu asked fearfully.
"I don't know. I've met Humans who hate the Star Fighter concept," Vegita looked up into the sky. "I was 'Human' for a long time. I've become soft. However, I will not let the Humans treat Saiyans like some kind of hobby."
"You can stage a formal protest," Choutsu suggested. "Everyone knows you since you're a hot pop star and you're also a legend. No one can say that you were 'inhuman'. You can be a role model."
"Maybe." Vegita chuckled at the thought of being a role model to every Saiyan on Earth.
"You can do it," Goku supported as he and Chi Chi came up. Goku was dressed in a normal set of clothes with no manacles or muzzle.
"We followed you." Chi Chi said as she put away her airplane capsule. "And we want to support you."
"Support me?" Vegita repeated stunned, "But... you're a Trainer of a Saiyan slave."
"Not any more." Chi Chi held up a card and broke it in half. "That was my Star Fighter Trainer card. Without it, I can't take part in Tournaments and have Star Fighters of my own. I won't be a slave holder."
"What about your parents?" Tien asked, concerned.
"I don't care. I love them and they love me, but this is a decision I made for myself." Chi Chi stared down at the broken card. She reached up and took Goku by the hand. "Besides, I love Goku."
"Yeah, we want to help you, Vegita, but we don't want to hurt anyone, Human or otherwise. Chi Chi and I... we want to be married and equal," Goku said as he held Chi Chi's hand.
"Fine. You can join in the underground resistance." Vegita nodded as he smirked. He had two strong warriors on his side now. "It's a start." He gazed over at the mysterious Tien and Choutsu. "What about you two?"
Tien thought about the idea of helping these people out. They wanted to help change the world yet they were strangers. "We can't. We don't belong here. Choutsu and I come from a place far away, very far away, and we have a vital mission to complete."
"Hey, that's okay. You have to find your sons." Goku supported as he patted Tien on the shoulder. "I wish Chi Chi and I could have kids."
"I... have a feeling that's more likely than it seems," Tien said mysterious as his remote beeped. He took his remote out of his pocket and looked at it. "It's time."
"Time for what?" Goku asked.
"We have to go," Choutsu said as he bowed. "Good luck."
"We'll try to visit when we can," Tien promised as he smiled slightly. He flicked on the remote and a bright portal appeared. "Don't follow us. Goodbye." He and Choutsu jumped into the portal and vanished.
"Wow... what are those guys?" Goku wondered, wide eyed.
"Warriors," Vegita concluded as he put on a leather jacket. "Now, let's go save the Saiyans."
To Be Continued...