Disclaimer: I do not own, neither do I claim to own, the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, or the Dragon Ball Z franchise. Neither do I own any branch, spin-off or anything pertaining to the two series. SEGA owns Sonic, and Akira Toriyama, Toei Animation and FUNimation all own DBZ.
Claimer: On the flip side, I am the owner of Luster the Cat, Megan the Wolf, Jack the Cat, Entity, Quill, that one villain in Power of Unknown, and all the original Eggman robots that appeared in Season 1. Contact me if you want to use any of these characters or ideas in your work.
Last time, on Luster the Cat...
The author forgot to do a DBZ-styled outro.
Everyone met Luster, and both worlds were explained to one another. It is decided by Goku, Gohan, Goten and Luster that they will band together to find the seven magical Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald.
Though, the road is going to be long and grey, as Vegeta has sensed the appearence of the emeralds, and is currently going for them! Piccolo is aware of their existance, but decides not to do anything as he holds one of the jewels himself.
Later that day, well after Luster's punching and kicking training (which went extensively well), the Sons and the Mobian decided to pop inside for some dinner.
A Saiyan's Eating Habits
The cat was surprised, to say the least. Surprised to see the eating ethic of Saiyans. What, it must have been Gohan's twenty-fifth bowl of rice when he realised something was off about the way these guys ate. They were rushing through their food like they were ordered to. Chi-Chi even seemed okay with this! Despite the fact that she looked pretty tired from having to move a ton of meals back and forth from the dinner table to the kitchen.
Luster was only finished on his first bowl by the time Goku got to his thirtieth. He looked over to the Saiyans, and had the most bewildered expression imaginable. His mouth was wide open, his spoon was buried into the empty wooden bowl and his entire thoughts consisted on how incredibly fast these lot ate.
"You okay, Luster? You want more?" Gohan questioned, as his little brother sipped up his thirteenth glass of milk.
"B-b-ho...how...man-eat, fast..." Luster stuttered, unable to get any words out.
Chi-Chi entered with her husband's thirty-fifth rice bowl and chipped in her two cents about the sudden expression on the antro's face before anyone else could.
"I think he's just adjusting to how you guys eat," the housewife suggested, placing the bowl in front of Goku. "I know the first time I saw you eat, Goku, I was amazed, confused and scared, probably like how Luster's feeling right now. Give 'im a break, he'll get over it."
"Oh yeah...that was back when I was training with Master Roshi. Good times..." Goku reminisced, food spitting out of his mouth while he talked.
"But he can't even speak coherent sentences, mum," Gohan stated.
Luster's face remained the same throughout the entirety of this conversation; never changing, never erasing. It was like a burning mark on his impression of this world, neigh, dimension.
"Oh, he'll be fine," Chi-Chi reassured, replacing Luster's finished meal with a plate of yakitori - skewered grilled chicken pieces seasoned with salt or sauce, usually served on a stick.
Try it sometime. It's nice.
The Mobian had the pleasure of having his yakitori seasoned with just the salt. He didn't want a second seasoning. After five minutes (or twenty-seven rice bowls in Saiyan time), Luster got his act together and started munching away on his lovely Japanese cuisine.
"Feeling...better?" wondered Gohan, stopping his eating.
"Yeah, I'm good. Just surprised..." Luster answered, eating the yakitori right off the stick. "Delicious!"
After many grins, smiles, giggles, gulps and munches, the four at the table managed the remainder of their dinners, enjoying each and every single bite of their equisite feast. Goku, when he was finished, literally jumped up from his seat and flexed his muscles in preparation of something.
Goten did the exact same thing, in admiration of his father. Goku enjoyed it, and soon realised it was a certain time.
"Training time!" Goku announced, stretching his legs.
Luster also stood up, disappointed.
"Really...? Fine," he reluctantly agreed, slightly tired. I've been training for a few hours now! What could possibly be-oh. Yeah, I get it!
Come slide down rainbows in the sky, let's fly away!
Like a bird, you're free to see the boundless face of the Earth!
Let the wind blow you like a kite,
and glide away!
Far beyond the clouds,
You'll find another place!
If the road ahead seems so cold and gray,
When night never turns to day,
Don't you be afraid, go fly away!
Cha-La Head-Cha-La
No time to hesitate,
Go on and search the Earth!
Within it lies a magic surprise!
Cha-La Head-Cha-La
Be cool, don't be afraid, you've got power
To get you through the darkest night!
Sparking!
Zooming round and round
The endless sky like a coaster!
Hold on tight, or you may find yourself trapped in a maze!
When that happens,
You may think you won't ever find your way
As the paths that you may take
All seem the same!
If the road ahead seems so cold and gray,
When night never turns to day,
Don't you be afraid, go fly away!
Cha-La Head-Cha-La
No time to hesitate,
Go on and search the Earth!
Within it lies a magic surprise!
Cha-La Head-Cha-La
Be cool, don't be afraid, you've got power
To get you through the night!
Cha-La Head-Cha-La
No time to hesitate,
Go on and search the Earth!
Within it lies a magic surprise!
Cha-La Head-Cha-La
Be cool, don't be afraid, you've got power
To get you through the darkest night!
AH, HA, AH, HA! Cha-La!
Gohan and Goten parked their rears on a tree that had been chopped down due to Luster's training earlier, which had rolled away from it's original position for some reason.
Goku and Luster, on the other hand, were busy sparring. Luster used a flurry of punches, but Goku used his speed to avoid every single one. The cat then attacked with a barrage of kicks, throwing all the strength he could muster into every strike.
Despite being his best attempts, nothing happened. Goku kept accurately tilting his body and head in certain directions so that neither attack would come into contact with his person. No amount of slow punches or novice kicks would change this.
Until Luster decided to do something. He crouched, confusing the three Sons, and somehow morphed into a sphere of some description. The cat released this attack and hurtled towards Goku, catching him by surprise and knocking him back an inch or so.
"Whoa, what was that? Certainly doesn't seem like a technique I've ever seen..." Goku questioned, wanting answers. "And I've seen a lotta techniques and attacks in my time."
"It's called a Spin Dash," Luster explained, brushing his furry arms. "Tails taught it to Sonic, who then taught it to me."
"Oh, so those friends of yours must have taught you everything ya know. Explains why your fighting style's kinda...what's the word..." Goku commented, trying to think of an exact description.
"Peculiar?" Gohan suggested, shrugging. "That's how I see it."
"Yeah! That's the one; peculiar! Thanks, Gohan!" the pure blooded Saiyan thanked. "Have your friends taught you any other techniques?"
Luster shook his head. "No, but Sonic does know a whole lotta cool attacks and stuff. He can create mini-tornadoes," he answered.
"Impressive," Goku grinned. I'm starting to get a little excited! Man does he sound like a good fight!
As the Super Saiyan fantasised about fighting a blue, heroic hedgehog, the cyan, apprentice fighter cat, requested more training.
"Uh, Goku? Can I get more training?" requested Luster, demonstrating his new punching and kicking abilities to show that his base strength was sorted. "Can I learn that wave beam-thing?"
"The Kamehameha? Eh, maybe later," Goku considered, tensing up. "I do have something else in mind...while you were trying to hit me just now, I noticed something wrong with your technique. You're a bit too slow. If you're slow, you won't be able to hit your opponent as easily."
I'm really that slow? I thought the Silver Ring would be helping me...but apparently not, Luster thought, wondering what sort of exercise he'd be put through this time.
Using speed to take down trees makes no sense - except maybe for Sonic. What did this universe's main hero have in store for the little Mobian?
"I got it!" Goku realised, turning to Luster. "Run as fast as you can to that tree over there and back. Don't forget to keep pushing yourself - never let your legs tire. Make sure you're always speeding up."
"W-where is it?" Luster wondered, failing to notice the exact position of the tree.
"That way," Goku answered, pointing towards the east. "Keep going as fast as you can. As soon as you touch it, turn around and come back."
"But won't he be really exhausted?" Goten questioned, doubting the safety of this exercise. "I don't want my new pet to be tired!"
"Pet?" Luster raised an eyebrow. Pet?
"Never mind that. You'll be fine - just keeping pushing yourself and don't get distracted - I do that a lot," Goku finalised, looking out to check for danger. "If anything were to pop out at you, just ignore it and keep running."
Luster nodded, and on the count of three, he began his everlasting sprint through the plains-like area. The Sons hoped for the best.
Speed Test
As the turquoise coloured Mobian cat dashed through the grass-infested region, he hopped over small obstacles such as plants, tree stumps, low-hanging tree branches, rocks and the like. He took no mercy to the insects and tiny blades of grass that became crushed beneath his shoes.
At the moment, Luster was about a quarter of the way to the tree when he spotted something. Something about him. Internally.
I'm gettin' faster! What Goku said was right - if I push myself, there are no limits! Here we come! he remembered, blasting onwards.
Several cars stopped to take a look at the speeding bi-pedal animal - then drove on. They didn't stop for more than a minute because Luster was already gone. By the six minute mark, he had finally reached the tree and spent approximately five minutes returning to the lonesome house upon the isolated East District.
Coming back! Luster stated to himself, as a large grin appeared on his face.
Beyond Limits
Returning to Goku, Gohan and Goten, Luster kept up his cheeky-lookin' grin as he proceeded to his sensei (that's Japanese for y'all). He was most pleased with the results of that pleasurable exercise - one he most enjoyed.
The thing is, he wasn't that all tired. Not like last time his speed was tested among the serenity and quaint feeling of the Mystic Ruins two years ago; he only barely reached fifty miles per hour and he was exhausted, utterly fuming from his fur. Now, he just ran...gosh, who knows how quick? He couldn't keep track, though Tails probably could.
Was it because of his increasing age and development that cuased his stamina to increase as it has? Or was it Goku's guidance? He said he was a pretty capable fighter because of his ability to take down that Frieza person. And he destroyed Goku's entire race (almost).
Luster couldn't figure this out. Despite his purplexing thoughts, he proceeded slowly to the Saiyan and Half-Saiyans, continuing to wield that grin of his upon his face. As he stood in front of his teacher, he let his body language do the talking.
"Did well, I guess," Gohan assumed, staring at the cat's humorous face. "That was pretty fast. Only took you about ten minutes."
"Ten minutes? Felt shorter than that," joked Luster, smirking. "What's next?"
"Well, I wanna test your speed some more, so..." Goku replied. "Try to dodge anything and everything that I throw at ya."
"Dodging? Finally something I'm known for!" Luster commented, anticipating the gi-wearing Saiyan's first move.
Just as sixty seconds turned by, Goku lunged forward with a punch, to which Luster evaded without a singular scratch or bruise. The Saiyan smiled, and attempted a flurry of kicks that were all clean-dodged by his friendly opponent. Realising he had to step up his game, Goku let off a barrage of punches and kicks similar to the ones Luster were throwing earlier, but the cat need not to tilt his head in this situation.
All he needed to do was do Spin Jump away a little and continue to avoid any super-fast punch or kick that was sent his way.
Thanks, Silver Ring! Now you help me! he complained to himself, maneuvering over, under and away from physical contact.
Man, he's faster than I thought! Did he really run that fast just now? Oh well, it just means his training is going well! Goku realised, thinking of a way he could test Luster further. Super Saiyan's a bad choice - I might accidentally hit him. Though I can control the first Super Saiyan form, anything above'll be too dangerous...wait, what if I...
Suddenly, an energy sphere formed in Goku's hands. As soon as it was released, it started to hone in on Luster's current position, prompting him to leap out of the way, evading successfully. Another one was fired, then another, then another...it was soon revealed to be a barrage of energy balls.
Luster had an idea. He morphed into a sphere and propelled himself forward as he charged up an onwards force - using a Spin Dash technique to get by the onslaught of ki.
"Nice! Using that spinny dash move to avoid my Continuous Energy Bullets," Goku commented. "I think that's about enough for speed training, you've already proved that you're super fast. Now for..."
The Saiyan extended his hand and formed a harmless energy ball just above his palm.
Am I...gonna learn that Kamehameha? Luster speculated, excited for the last few words his mentor was about to utter.
"Ki training! First of all, I'll close my eyes, and you do whatever you can to hit me," Goku instructed, throwing away the energy ball and shutting his eyelids.
"Okay!" Luster nodded.
He began to lay out an onslaught of punches and whatnot, but much to his surprise, Goku began to dodge every single thing, like his eyes were watching every movement around him. After a couple seconds succeeded, the Saiyan opened his eyes and began to explain what just happened.
"You see, the reason why I kept dodging your attacks was because I could sense your ki. Ki is a natural lifeforce found in every living thing. The plants, trees, animals, you, me and everyone has ki inside them. The level of ki a living thing has depends on how strong it is. You see, a regular human has an extremely low ki level because of their fighting inexperience. We have a high ki level because of the opposite reason," Goku explained. "Sensing ki is no easy feat, but I'm sure you can do it."
"Yay!" Luster exclaimed, with a massive smile located on his face. "But how do I sense ki?"
Goku had to think about that one. He had been sensing ki for so long, and all the people he had met in the recent past knew how to sense ki. The memory had somewhat escaped him.
"Uh...well, it goes like this. You picture a person, plant or animal, and focus on them. Imagine that you're reaching out and touching them, somehow feeling their energy," Goku explained, trying to think of a decent explanation. "I've been sensing ki for a very long time, but I've never had to explain it. Sorry if my explanation sounds wierd."
"It's okay!" Luster accepted, focusing on Goku. Okay...just imagine I'm touching him and feeling his power...
What was explained to the boy a moment ago became a fresh memory within his mind. Speaking of the feline's mind, he perfectly envisioned himself reaching the innards of Goku and noticing an average amount of ki, much to his surprise.
Seconds later, the cat reported back to the living world.
"So, how'd it go?" Goku questioned, releasing his tension.
"Your power wasn't all that...great," Luster informed, concerned. He's not weak, is he?
"Heh, of course. That's because I'm applying pressure to my current ki level, which makes me appear weaker to my foes. This allows me to surprise 'em, and go in for a quick attack or two!" Goku explained. "And that's what I'm gonna teach ya next! All you gotta do is sense your own power, and imagine it getting smaller."
"I won't actually become weaker, will I?" worried Luster, lowering his concern level.
"No, not at all! Just try it, and I'll see if it's worked," Goku answered, folding his arms and keeping his attention on the anthro.
Inside Luster's mind, he began to apply 'pressure' to his ki and imagined it becoming smaller, and in turn weaker. It appeared to work for him, as he started to sense less power. But was his new friend feeling the same thing?
Shortly afterwards, Luster shook his head to signal that he was back, and turned to his Saiyan comrade.
"Nice work! You're certainly a fast learner, aren't you?" observed Goku, smiling in appreciation. What makes him so quick to learn? Is it an animal thing?
The Mobian smiled in return. "Yeah...it's not the first time I've heard that," he commented, remembering his training with Sonic and Tails. "What now?"
"How about flying with your ki? It's kinda simple," the Saiyan suggested. "It'll help with getting around."
Flying! Ha! Take that, Tails! Luster grinned, imagining flying alongside Tails. That would be amazing!
"I can tell you like that idea. So we'll do it!" Goku confirmed, stretching his arms. "I remember Gohan told me he once explained Flight as 'similar to a helicopter or engine', but I'm not too sure what an engine is. Anyway, the simplest way to explain how to fly using your ki goes like this: you plant your ki beneath you, getting it as low as you can, and letting it launch you upwards. You'll have to move your ki around in your body if you wanna move around."
"Awesome!" smiled Luster, attempting to fly.
He tried to physically crouch and then jump, but then he realised he was supposed to do that with his ki, not his body. To rectify his mistake, the cat motioned his ki to the underside of his body and began to lift-off, gaining some considerable airtime.
"You did it! Now remember, to move, you need to direct your ki in the direction you wanna go," Goku reminded. "Also, if you wanna go faster while flying in any direction, just apply more pressure."
Luster nodded, and began to 'tell' his energy to move him towards the right - which worked. He did it with the left - which worked. Up and down worked just as efficiently. It was obvious he needed more practice (actually, he needed more practice in everything), though that didn't matter too much to him.
He just cared about becoming stronger and much, much more useful in future battles. Eggman wouldn't know what's coming!
After practicing moving backwards and forwards, Luster began to propel himself fowards by motioning his energy towards where he wanted to go, focusing his attention on the tree from earlier, and applying a mass amount of ki in that direction. This caused him to go flying at speeds faster than he would be on foot, making it to the tree in record time. One jerky turn-around later, and he returned to the Sons, descending.
"You're getting pretty good at this! Keep training, and you'll become an expert at fighting in no time!" Goku complimented, thumbing up his new friend. "That's something I forgot to tell you. You should always train everyday, for as long as you can. If you neglect your training, you'll find that you'll become weaker and slower."
"Yes, sir!" Luster nodded, comically saluting the Saiyan. "What're ya gonna teach me now?"
Goku sighed, as a wide smile appeared on his face. Luster wasn't sure whether to be scared, or excited. He patiently awaited whatever was going to happen, anyway, despite his fears.
Ki Levels - Over 9000?
"This is the most coolest part of ki usage. The power to manipulate ki and use it to fire energy attacks, like the Kamehameha!" the gi-wearing humanoid alien answered, exciting Luster to no end. "Making basic energy spheres is simple, but complex attacks are a little harder to perform. We'll start off from the basics, and get to more difficult techniques later on."
Luster nodded, and waited for further instructions.
"First of all, imagine that your ki is drawing towards the palm of your hand, or hands. You can do whatever, but two hands requires more concentration," Goku instructed, using his own instructions to form a basic, yellow energy ball. "Doing it with one hand will create that. Try it!"
Again, the patient student nodded, and followed his master's handy instructions. Within seconds, a decently sized yellow energy ball appeared in his hand.
"I think I put a little too much energy in," Luster scratched the back of his head.
"There's no such thing as too much energy," Goku stated, making a fair point. "Sticking with one energy ball?"
Luster confirmed, waiting to be told what to do.
"In that case, point your energy in any direction. Go for that mountain over there," pointed out Goku. "Then you extend your hand as far as you can...then throw it, making sure to release your hold on the ki sphere when you throw it."
The Mobian nodded in understanding, extending the palm of his glove-covered hand and initiating the motion of throwing, releasing his energy ball at an opportune moment. It flew like an arrow, making a small dent within the mountain side. Luckily, no major damage was done.
"Good job! Next time, remember to add more ki into your energy sphere. That way you'll do more damage," the Saiyan added, keeping his energy sphere nested just above his hand. "Now, to use an energy wave technique, you gotta do the same sorta thing, but instead of throwing it, you gotta imagine you're firing a beam from it. Like it's extending outwards, or something."
"Okay!" Luster noted, trying to remember it all.
The bright, young spark formed a second energy sphere and pointed the palm of his hand outwards, much to his mentor's instructions. After imaging it turn into a beam, the ball began to turn into a yellow energy wave that made an extensively bigger hole in the mountain but leaving no rocky mess.
"You can do an energy wave by combining two energy spheres on both of your hands to create a more powerful attack," Goku tipped, demonstrating what he just said. "Well, you seem to be quite the fighter. How 'bout another spar?"
"I'd love to!" agreed Luster - his excitement levels were positively rising.
Perhaps even overflowing.
My Excitement Levels are Rising - Overflowing!
Luster took one side of the area in front of the abode, as did Goku with the reflecting other half. The two stood in a 'ready' stance, and on the count of three, the sparring match began.
The Mobian used a surprise technique - using a Spin Jump and propelling it forward with his Flight ability to create an Aerial Spin Dash. Goku needed only to block this by putting his arms in an x-formation, which he then used an uppercut to send the battle in the air.
As soon as Luster was smacked into the oxygen, Goku somehow teleported up instantaneously, and attempted to perform a meteor cut - to no effect. The cat used physics to evade the strike, and retaliated with a powerful energy sphere. Goku deflected the attack and fired his own, to which Luster responded with another ball, creating a small cloud of smoke.
Taking this opportunity, Luster charged in and attempted to hit the Saiyan with a barrage of never-ending punches and ending with an Aerial Spin Dash. Goku blocked all of it, and grabbed the Mobian by the leg and slammed him into the Earth below, firing an energy wave.
Mobian returned the favour with his own energy wave, creating his first beam struggle. Goku didn't want to use too much power - he may end up vaporising the little guy. But he had to use some, because surprisingly, Luster was putting up a good fight. He couldn't quite explain it. Sure, Gohan in his teenage years had shown some latent potential coming out for the first time, but this felt different. Strange, different.
It didn't matter to him though. For Goku, it's all about fighting new people and testing his limits. This is a perfect time to do so.
Since the beam struggle ended in a draw, Goku returned to the ground and helped Luster to stand up erect, appreciating his abilities and capabilities.
"You're good. Pretty good," Goku complimented, laying one hand on the cat's shoulder. "Get some more training of everything done, and you'll definitely become a formidable opponent one day."
"Thanks, Goku!" Luster thanked, smiling to no end.
Truly, it was more than a teacher-student bond these two had. It was more then a friendship - a warrior's bond.
Scene Change
Meanwhile...
A lone Namek shot across the skies of the world, his eyes and mind deadset on moving forward. Piccolo had sensed some strange energy earlier - not of a Chaos Emerald, nor was it anything ki-like. The thing is, he recognised it, like he had faced the owner of the energy signal before.
It confused him. Perhaps it was an old enemy come to rekindle an unlit flame.
Frieza? Cell? No, they're dead. They have to be dead. Whatever this thing is, it's certainly not either one of them, Piccolo thought, eliminating the two most obvious choices from his checklist of 'whatever it is'.
As he split the clouds, the green being could feel he was getting closer. As he descended into the barren wasteland below him, he could see faint shades of purple and black flickers of darkness.
Normally, I would instigate this...but I have more important tasks to attend to, Piccolo decided, flying away from the scene, leaving the darkness alone.
For good.
Remember Him?
Blasting away from the unknown wasteland consisting of red sand, mountains and a hefty amount of rocks and boulders, he decided to warn others of Vegeta's lust for the emeralds' insane power. Something he considered sensible to do.
In seconds, the warrior landed upon the small, circular island, noticing some familiar faces. Ironically, he was glad to see them.
"Piccolo? Why are you here?" Turtle wondered, relaxing upon a chair.
"I am here to deliver important news that may or may not save your very existence. Everyone should hear this," Piccolo demanded, as Turtle gave in.
He slowly crawled to the front door and entered, soon exiting with all the current residents of the Kame House. Krillin, Android 18, Yamcha, Oolong, Puar and Master Roshi. Marron, the child of the first two, was currently resting.
"What do ya want? I was busy lookin' at some important magazines!" Master Roshi complained, wanting answers.
"Calm down. I am only here to deliver a message," Piccolo calmed, clearing his throat. "I am sure all of you that can sense ki levels are aware of eight powerful signals coming from all parts of the world. Those powers are gems wielding power that is not of this world. I am not aware of their limitations. Though, I do know that they can grant great power to the wielder."
"Whoa, really?" Krillin wondered, looking surprised. "What else? Y'know, the way you ended that off sounds like ya got something else to say."
In fact, everyone looked surprised. Several gems that hold amazing power? Untold of.
Piccolo took a deep breath, and made sure he was loud and clear enough for everyone on the island to hear.
"Vegeta is currently looking for them. I suspect for evil purposes. We cannot allow this. We must stop Vegeta."
Our world is under a grand spell,
As I sit right here and wait on for you,
Keep relyin' on you to keep me strong,
Without you there, life is a living hell.
When I'm alone
I weep and cry, in the corner of my mind's deepest depths
I do not know how, to survive, learn to be strong by myself.
You're out there
On the battlefield
Until our peace is disrupted
My sorrow is what I yield, I remember what, happened then.
(oh back then)
When I'm alone
I have to dream to see
When I am alone in the empty room
To know what's it's like
To be strong
On my own...lonesome.
Beyond the world there exists
A being, capable of such grand power
I wish I was that being, oh I do
So I won't, have to cower.
When I'm alone
I weep and cry, in the corner of my mind's deepest depths
I do not know how to survive, learn to be strong by myself.
You're out there
On the battlefield
Before that one moment when time stops
My sorrow is what I yield, back in the past, I was hopeless.
(help me)
When I'm alone
Must train everyday
When I am alone on the lime sofa
What's it all about?
To be strong
Must train...everyday.
In my dreams
In my wildest dreams
I find something new
Bestest friend.
Blue hero
Yellow flying fox
Then, there is me
All alone.
You're out there
On the battlefield
Until our peace is disrupted
My sorrow is what I yield, I remember what, happened then.
(oh back then)
You're out there
On the battlefield
Before that one moment when time stops
My sorrow is what I yield, back in the past, I was hopeless.
(goodbye)
Author Notes: Looks like the plot thickens some more! Luster grows stronger, too. Now he's a much more formidable foe.