Destiny Shattered Gaiden: So Long Metamor! Space Bound Again!
Grand Tour Saga: Part Eight
"Remember to breathe deeply and efficiently. This activity is occurring on your time alone, there is no need to rush headlong into it," Fus advised while gesturing off to the side with a wave-like sweep. His emerald eyes were looking over his shoulder as he demonstrated to the foreigners what he wished to convey. To his surprise the Z-Warriors were following every move without objection, Trunks' focused blue eyes holding the fire to learn that had been established within the warriors.
Shun, who was also leading in the movements, smiled to himself.' These warriors seem to be hiding a past experience. Their guided focus here may even surpass the rigidity of our regiment. It does make one wonder who forced beings of this caliber to use fusion,' he held in his mind while they followed through patiently with his movements.
Trunks looked to his hands as he followed the example presented before him.' Slowing down the movements like this feels different to how they showed Bra and Cha. You can see the intricacy to reset the movements rather than a sudden few swings and doing the dance over again,' he realized pushing through the finishing arch of the Fusion Dance for the third time since they started.
"That's right, we do have a lot of time on our hands," Cha nodded echoing back what their mentor has said. Her features were focused but a smile found its way as she took those words to heart.' We may have screwed up a couple of times, but these guys haven't given up on us. We're going to get this re-fusion stuff down, and hopefully we'll never have to use it,' she nodded her head.
"Now, don't get too excited. It will throw off your focus as it did when you first attempted the skill," Fus instructed in a calm voice, continuing through the motion.
Bra followed suit while clearing her throat." Wait, that is what threw us off? We were too excited?" Vegeta's daughter asked their mentors through a breeze.
"Indeed. You had a nervousness in your movements the second time that was not present when you first fused," Shun nodded transferring from the movements. He swung his arms facing Bra in the same manner she had only hours prior." Your arm jerked moments before contact with your ally and your finger followed that jerk, sliding along her finger and causing the failed fusion," he explained.
Bra looked over the Cha, continuing to move with Fus." Sorry about that Cha. I guess that's my fault," she bowed her head apologetically.
"What? To fuse you have to be a team remember? Either of us could have screwed up that one, so don't go apologizing about something like that," Yamcha's half-Hera daughter explained smiling. Her similarity to her father becoming apparent in that moment.
"You sure? You're new to the Fusion Dance and I've been doing it for a few years now..." Bra asked. When she and Pan messed up the Fusion Dance they were embarrassed to no end.
"You screwed it up before, it's no big deal. The idea is to not mess it up again," Cha explained strongly. Her friend was smarter than her but there were definitely areas to work on.
'Never wanting to embarrass myself like that in public, I have your ego dad,' Bra laughed to herself.
Meanwhile...
"Haa! Ah-aah-choo!" the Saiyan Prince sneezed whilst walking down the hallway at Capsule Corps. His black eyes darted back and forth before he shrugged and continued toward the Gravity Room.' Strange,' he huffed.
"We're not going to. That's what we're training for," Bra laughed verbally, scratching the back of her head.
Cha pumped her fist and nodded." Yes, I'm with you," she grinned broadly.
'Those two. They're really something,' Shun thought to himself as Trunks continued silently behind him.
"Focus. You are learning this to establish your comfort with the movements but that does not mean you should stop training," Fus raised his voice to garner their attention.
Cha and Bra looked at one another before turning to their mentor." Uh, yeah sorry," Cha explained with a nervous laugh.
"Get back to practicing," Fus instructed before turning and continuing the movements.
"Guess we should," Cha chuckled.
Tirelessly, the Z-Fighters motioned and followed the advice of their mentors in an attempt to master the Fusion Dance's complex third phase. Their efforts and mirroring of their mentors went on for hours, hours that led deep into the night. That was where the training came to a halt with their monk advisers loosening their stances and turning to them.
"You are free for the evening," Shun said after clearing his throat.
"Really?" Trunks asked back. His lavender hair adjusted as he replied, his left hand to thank for that.
Fus nodded resting his hands upon his hips." Yes, there is no need for all of you to stay here and work yourselves to the night. This process comes to mental fortitude and muscle memory, overworking either will hinder your progress," the purple skinned alien explained adjusting his torso jacket.
"You also deserve it, the four of you have yet to see a bed since arriving here," Shun added in with a sigh." We did not intend to work you to this extent, but we also did not expect your tenacity."
"Well, thanks but we have a bit more stamina than you're giving credit for," Cha explained looking to her allies. None of them felt the fatigue that came from the rather relaxing set of activities.
Shun cleared his throat." You could use food. You all have rather sizable appetites to maintain the power that you possess surely and eventually that will have to come into play," he remarked looking at Trunks, who he had faced outright merely two days prior.
"That's true we could really do with some food," Trunks laughed as his stomach growled." A little sleep wouldn't be bad either, we have several places to go after we leave Metamor after all," he continued, his eyes looking over the Z-Fighters.
"Then, take your reprieve. I expect to see you in the morning if you wish to come back, if you have several places to go to though I doubt you should stay much longer," Fus spoke bluntly to his pupils with an emerald stare. His toned body showing tension from training them over the course of the day.
Bra nodded." Will do, we'll at least tell you before we leave."
"And we would gladly accept that," Shun bowed." Now, have a good night."
"Same to you," Trunks said floating from the grass with a wave.
"Come on Mirra, let's go," Bra said toward the wall bound Shadow Dragon.
Mirra Shenron's eyes were blindly glaring toward the opposite wall. Her hands were clenched, and her feet were spread apart in preparation for something. Her mouth hung open as if to speak with no words escaping. Topping it off a dark sensation flowed across Mirra Shenron's body turning the grass at her feet into sharpened mirror-like structures and the air around her into a shimmering purple-black flame.
"Mirra," Bra reiterated seeing those changes to her ally.' Again? That's twice in the three days we've been here,' Bra thought as the aura surrounding her friend faded away.
"This is the darkness, the power that I belong to, the Demon Realm," she muttered before her red eyes cleared of the dark influence." What? Where am I?" the Shadow Dragon asked shaking her head. Her red eyes turned onto Bra." Were you calling me?" Mirra continued somewhat confused.
"We're heading back to the ship for the night," Cha butted in. She looked at the Shadow Dragon with her own curiosity having heard parts of the muttering that escaped the Shadow Dragon's mouth.
"Yes, I'm coming," she said floating from the ground.' That voice in my head it was familiar. Was it another Shadow Dragon, but in that case it would have to be-,' Mirra thought while floating beside her friends in the sky.
Trunks placed a hand on her shoulder." Hey, are you okay Mirra?" he asked with a hushed tone, his blue eyes staring into her crimson.
"Yes, there is nothing to worry about," she replied.
'I don't know about that,' Trunks thought." I'll fly beside you on the way back, I don't need you dozing off mid-flight," he smiled patting Mirra on the back before starting to fly away.
"Thank you," she replied happily. Bra and Cha looked at her before turning attention to Trunks and then on the distance as they shot off.
Lemo's Hangar...
The orange alien stood adjusting a fixture on the ship with a welding tool and mask as the door behind him opened." Night, Cheelai, how'd things go today?" he asked slowly removing the mask he was wearing.
"Ah, y'know, nothing too big. Those guy from Earth are training still," she replied casually, adjusting the white gloves she was wearing. Her purple-pink eyes turned toward the cruiser noting differences and enhancements." Hey, Lemo, what's all of this about? Why are you changing the ship so suddenly?" Cheelai raised a question immediately upon noticing the changes.
Lemo placed the welding tool onto his mobile cart sighing." Vampa is a planetoid that is known for being near-inhospitable. It has wild storms during the nights, and it is a really bitter place to be. If there is anything there, we need to be ready to pick it up and get off the planet safely, and if anyone is stranded there well, we don't know how they'll react," Lemo explained patting the side of the spacecraft.
"You really think people are stranded there?" Cheelai asked raising a brow.
The orange warrior sighed." I don't Cheelai, but I know that those Earthlings thought so and they can sense energy without scouters. They said they felt something, and I'd like to be prepared if they're right," he answered pulling a cloth from his pocket. He used it to wipe the grease and oxidized metal from his gloves before sighing.
"If Vampa's as bad as you said, I don't see a rescue being too likely," Cheelai said shrugging before smiling." Just in case though I'll pack a few rations and medical supplies."
"And a few extra tools, if we break down out there, I don't want to have to dig through what scrap we find to make tools," Lemo added throwing the towel onto his portable bench.' If there is someone living on Vampa they'd have to be pretty tough. I don't think they get rain there often and there's little in terms of plant life, they'll be too tired to help surely,' he noted having passed the planet several times.
"Gotcha, some tools, some food, and a few bandages. Sounds like a full-fledged expedition," she laughed.
Lemo pulled a wrench from his pocket, electricity running through the prongs." Don't get any ideas about it. The last thing we need is company heading out there with their hopes up. This is going to be between the two of us and those Saiyans from Earth," the alien commented tightening a bolt with the wrench.
"I know. If there's nothing out there they'll blame us if they come and if there is stuff, any money we'd make would have to be split up," Cheelai smiled turning to the door.
Lemo saluted with the wrench." That's the idea of going solo," he remarked as she exited.
Grand Tour...
Mirra Shenron sat at the dinner table as Bra manned the stove." I'm sorry to make you all worry. I have been dozing off a lot more though, not that you should worry about that," she started talking as Cha exited brushing her orange hair.
"You sure there's nothing wrong with that? I don't think I've even seen you tired," Cha replied her brush moving through her freshly washed hair easily.
Mirra looked at her perplexed for a moment." It is normal, I take longer to tire is all."
"Okay, then, maybe you can tell us that next time. That way we don't worry as much," Bra said shaking the pot that sat upon the stove. Her blue eyes focusing on the mixture inside.' I'll have to take that answer for now I guess,' the daughter of Bulma sighed continuing to stir the pot.
"Like I said, I didn't mean to worry anyone," she smiled as Trunks exited from his room.
"What's the talk about?" Vegeta's son questioned pulling a blue Capsule Corps shirt over his exposed torso.
Cha chuckled." Nothing much boss, just waiting for dinner," the Hera-jin assured kicking her feet up on the couch." It could take a long time with Bra manning the stove."
Bra's fair complexion turned red as she looked to her fusion partner." Do you want to be over here to cook the food then?!" she barked loudly, a vein throbbing on her forehead in frustration.
"Woah, jeez, calm it down," Cha placed her hands up, a bead of sweat rolling down the back of her head.
"Do you guys think that you can get the Fusion Dance down?" the lavender haired half-Saiyan questioned taking a seat opposite Mirra Shenron.
Cha and Bra paused in that moment their eyes meeting with a fiery determination." Of course, we can. You're learning it with us, so let me ask you the same question," Cha said with Bra's nodding.
Trunks leaned back in his chair and smiled." Heh, I don't know," he shrugged confidently. His blue eyes looked toward his sister the minute after he spoke the words, her grasp on the stirring spoon loosening.
"You don't know?" Mirra Shenron questioned looking to the Saiyan.
"Without Goten or Rote hanging around I can't test how well I know the new moves," Trunks sighed placing his hands on the table." But watching Shun and Fus go through with the fusion time and time again and seeing the pair of you fail has given me a pretty good clue on how to do it," the son of Vegeta explained.
"So, you're winging it?" Cha spoke in rhetoric.
"A little more than that. I at least know the moves themselves, it's the timing that is messed up because I'm using a mental image and not a real person," he explained as the pot on the stove started to bubble.
Bra turned back to it, stirring quickly to dispel the raising bubbles." You could always try it with one of us. We can't fuse because you're taller anyway, then again if we can't fuse, we can't re-fuse either," she stopped herself.
"It's fine, if you two can get it down that'll be all that matters to me," Vegeta's son explained while his sister moved the pot from the stove." I have Super Saiyan Three to fall back on if things get bad before I have to fuse. I know that didn't mean much out here in space, but with the grip I've got on it now I can definitely hold my own," the lavender haired warrior assured while clenching his hands.
"That is quite confident, Trunks. But do you think whatever will come next can be beaten by a Super Saiyan Three alone? As a Shadow Dragon I dwarf that power, without having Divine ki," Mirra explained looking to him.
"If that's the case, I can figure something out," the half-breed assured while his sister pulled the pot over to the table.
"Like waiting for Gohan or Uub to come and bail him out," Bra joked using her hand as a pseudo-block to the words that she was saying.
Trunks' mouth converted into a scowl and he sighed." That's a pretty deep cut," he replied shrugging as Bra sat the ladle within the mixture.
"Don't worry Trunks, you can learn it too," Cha chuckled walking to the table." We'll all get it down, that's the point of staying here," the daughter of Yamcha added wrapping her arms around the siblings' shoulders.
"Heh, that's right," Trunks smirked while bobbing his head.
"With that out of the way, let's eat!" Cha pushed away from her friends, a smile crossing her face.
And so, their meal began.
The next morning rolled around quickly beginning the third day for our heroes on Planet Metamor. Having rested they rose and went on with their morning routines, stretching, shadowboxing, showering, before exiting their stationed craft.
Trunks stretched the pale blue denim jacket he wore while adjusting the fingerless mechanic's gloves he was wearing." You guys ready?" he asked looking to Bra and Cha with focus.
Bra's white gloved right hand raised, and she nodded." Why wouldn't we be?" she grinned before kicking off the ground and floating in the air.
"We're ready, we have it down," Cha added confidently. Her yellow eyes proceeded to stare at the towering mountain in the distance.' This is our chance, if we can't get it now what chance do, we have of getting it?' she thought breathing out slowly through her nose.
"That's what I want to hear," the silver-purple haired leader of their group smiled before shooting toward the distance.
The others hovered behind him before taking after him through the air. Four white streaks lined the sky aiming for the humble monastery atop the planet's tallest peak.
Fus and Shun stared from the courtyard, their fellow monks finishing their morning exercises." There is a resolve in the air," Shun remarked to his fusion partner as those white stars drew nearer.
"Indeed, though surely it will wain with another failure. I feel this is the last act by desperate trainees," Fus explained. His hands then clasped and a breath escaped his mouth.' This is our last chance to display our skill to them properly, before they lose interest,' he thought calmly as the features of those flying became defined with the loss of distance.
"Perhaps, though I heard from Bine that the character that refuses to participate knows the entire Fusion Dance," the purple skinned alien turned to his cohort.
Fus' teeth clenched for a moment and then he turned to him." How so? That does not seem remotely possible, she has yet to raise a finger," confused the Metamoran monk asked.
"An eidetic memory and incredible mental reflection. Her name, Mirra, must also denote her skills," Shun replied to Fus as their trainees appeared in the air above the sacred temple.
"Perhaps, she does seem quite the anomaly," Fus added as those that came from Earth dropped to the ground.
Cha touched down followed by the others and spoke up." Let's do this," she said confidently to the pair of Metamorans.
"You seem rested," Shun commented seeing the confidence across their faces. Their demeanor had garnered a similar attitude, they believed themselves ready to learn the skill.
"Thanks," Trunks answered somewhat confused before spring onto his back foot.
"I appreciate that you listened to our advice," Fus said noticing the lack of fatigue displayed on their frames.
"That was no big deal, Trunks needed the food," Bra patted her brother on the back.
A rosy blush formed over his nose." Do you guys want to get started? We're ready" Trunks tried to say with strength, embarrassment present along his face.
Fus shook his head whilst chuckling." If you are this confident perhaps, we should skip the casualties and let you show it off," the Metamoran monk said honestly.' They wish to prove something to the two of us before they need learn more, I wish to see what that is,' he shook his head with a snicker before looking to Cha and Bra.
"What's a half hour if we mess up?" Cha looked to her fusion partner with a relaxed shrug.
Bra nodded her head getting ground parallel to her friend." Just that, but we won't screw up like yesterday," Bra explained with equal confidence. Her shoulders slumped as she let a breath through her nose, loosening the tension that had mounted there.' Stay calm and don't slip up, if you remember that Bra there is no way to mess it up,' she kept a mental note before adjusting a lock of her blue hair.
"Right," Yamcha's daughter agreed with vigor, her hands clenching." We've got this,"
"Then, by all means," Shun bowed to them respectfully before stepping backward several feet.
The two half-human daughters of Earth evaporated their remaining tension in an exhale. Their bodies shimmered with a white light that burst forth in the process, their kis balancing within the shimmering light as their mentors watched on. Their closed eyes opened and stared at the Metamorans their peripheries picking up on Trunks and Mirra backing away.
"Here it goes!" they said in union. Their feet spreading apart ever slightly in preparation for the Fusion Dance to begin properly.
"FUUU-" the pair of warriors moved through the first set of motions. It seemed ingrained in their beings, after days of repeating the movements, and it showed with the fluidity." SION!" that water smooth motion continued through the ending steps of the dance. The Metamorans watching were unimpressed the initial fusion had never posed a problem for the pair." HAAA!" they arched their backs and collided at the index fingers.
A spiraling dome of light emerged from their core revealing Chabra standing in the center with hands present on her hips." All right, that's the first step done," the fusion said looking at her palms.
"Way to go," Mirra Shenron cheered to the fusion she clenched her fists.
"This is not the part that proved troublesome," Fus reminded looking at the fusion cautiously.
"I know," Chabra smiled confidently while scratching the back of her head. She sprang back several feet with a casual leap, her right leg swinging around in a martial arts feint before driving heel first off the ground as she pulled her arms up." You shouldn't doubt my part like that. A full day of movements like that for a Saiyan is probably a few days to everyone else, and Cha has been trained by a great martial artist since she was a kid. After seeing you guys do it and then practicing this is a piece of cake," Chabra explained matter of factly before returning to a neutral position.
'Can't fault them for confidence. And they aren't wrong, I could tell Bra definitely was moving better when fusing,' Trunks noted leaving his hands on his sides. His blue eyes trained on the fusion as she inhaled though; the moment of truth was about to unfold.
"Oh? There is more confidence there than I expected, let's hope you do not fall on your faces because of it," Fus remarked coldly. Their pompous air did not sit well with him, not after their previous failure.
Chabra smiled pointing her right hand out with a thumb's up." Believe me, that's not going to happen," she replied as a white light sparkled across her body.
Splitting apart, Cha and Bra turned and face one another. Their eyes met and they nodded in unison." Hup!" Bra spoke swinging her arms counter to the typical Fusion Dance with Cha mirroring to the other side.
"Ha!" Cha adjusted her feet opposite of her fusion partner who did the same.
"FUUU-" they returned to the proper movements of the ritual. With expertise in the movements that raced through them with utmost ease." SION!" roaring the second incantation they shot through the part. Fus and Shun watched each step as the pair prepared themselves to finish the dance yet again." HAAA!" they bridged and met at their fingertips.
A white light resounded from their cores, the result shrouded in the ki.
Earth...
"Huff, huff," Pan's heavy breaths rolled across the grassy top of Mount Pouzu. Sweat dripped down the sides of her almond shaped face while tired and slightly damaged arms raised into stance. Her black eyes, half closed from exhaustion, lifted to her untouched father." You're a totally different league dad. I can't think about keeping up," she said through her pants, fatigue setting into her words.
Gohan pulled his glasses from his dress shirt pocket, placing them on his face." That's fine Pan, this was another good morning spar," the physicist assured procuring his left pocket bound tie. He reached up and silently put it on as Pan stood up straight.
"Sure was," she smiled wincing with pain as she did so.' Training like this every morning no matter what you do in space Bra I'll keep ahead,' Pan thought with competitive spirit.
"Go get a shower and get ready for your classes. I have classes of my own to get ready for," the teacher instructed fatherly while fastening his tie. His tail wrapped through his belt loops to follow while he kicked a clod of dirt from his left shoe.
"Yeah, I know. Have a nice day at work dad," Pan said rushing to hug her father.
"Don't sweat the chemistry exam, hydrogen can bond with just about anything," Gohan said returning the favor of the hug with his right hand.
"Right, and carbon has four valence electrons," she repeated back as her father backed away with a smile.
"You know the stuff, Pan, have a good day," Gohan smiled placing his index and middle fingers to his brow. Within a fraction of a second, he disappeared arriving instantly at his location afterward.
Metamor...
The light that spurned forth from the attempted re-fusion started to fade. Standing centered in the light was a female fusion that stood at the same height as Cha while bearing a lighter icy blue skin caused by the fusion with the fair skinned Bra. Her orange hair was highlighted with blue and her toned frame was proportioned identical to the constituents. A confident smile crossed her face as the aura that surrounded her body spurned to life.
That was when the planet moved. Her body surged outward with a greenish-yellow ki as her hair rose to take on a golden tinge and her skin a pale green tone. Her blue-green eyes looked at the Metamorans and a smile crossed her face." What do you guys think?" the Super Hera-Saiyan asked her mentors rhetorically.
"You have a bit of an ego problem, but aside from that you are doing just fine," Fus remarked staring the at the fusion.' This ki is positively immense. I can hardly wrap my head around it,' the Metamoran though as Chabra's golden aura continued to brew outward fire-like.
"Those two followed through with each step in unison. I cannot say more than how impressed I am by that revelation considering that a day prior they hit a seeming low," Shun said honestly staring at the fusion.
Trunks rested his hands on his hips." I knew you two could do it, that's persistence paying off," the leader of their expedition said nodding his head to the fusion.
"Right, now when we get back to Earth you've gotta try it with Goten or Rote," Chabra instructed." They'll be confused at first, but I'm sure you can do it too."
Trunks scratched the back of his head." Guess so."
"I'd like to see that," Mirra Shenron nodded smiling. The ill effects that had started since she arrived on the planet seemed to have subsided again and her eyes were crystal clear because of it.
"Now, then with that out of the way, do you believe you could re-fuse again if the need called for it?" Shun asked butting into the casual conversation between the Z-Fighter.
Chabra stretched her back with her hands before straightening." I think so. But Bra and Cha'll have to keep training though, there is a lot of fickleness to it," the fusion admitted amicably.
Fus looked at them with smile.' In the end their pragmatic, the ego's just come from being young kids with a lot of energy,' the Metamoran monk looked at them with a narrowed gaze.
"Is there anything else that you would like to learn about our ritual Fusion Dance?" Shun cleared his throat asking the fusion and her traveling companions.
Trunks scratched the back of his head before turning to his allies." No, I think we'd imposed long enough. And there's a few planets out there that we need to explore yet."
Fus nodded with those words." Then, I wish you safe travels. I expect the three of you to keep up your training as well."
"Thanks, we will. All of the time you took with us can't go to waste," Chabra assured with a smile. Her Super form fading to her normal state as she stood beside Trunks and Mirra.
"It was our pleasure. The Metamoran rituals had seemed to be forgotten to time, it is nice to see interest in them," Shun replied with a humble bow. He then stood up staring Trunks in the eye." If you need help, in any regard, do not hesitate to reach out here on Metamor. We will give any assistance that we can," the monk continued directly to the lavender haired Saiyan.
"Will do and the feeling's mutual. Cheelai and Lemo, in the base over there, have the coordinates for Earth and the comm systems to reach us. They'll send any transmission you want," Trunks replied with a broad smile.
"We will keep that in mind," Shun said softly and respectfully to the half-Saiyan.
"Speaking of those two, if we're leaving, we should stop by and tell them about it," Chabra added.
"Right, sorry about cutting this short," Trunks apologized with a bow.
"No, again, there is no need for that. Go, enjoy yourselves," Shun directed dismissing them.
The three Z-Fighters floated into the air before shooting away. The temple rocking with the ferocity of Chabra's take off.
"The blue skinned alien that fused with the Saiyan had to lower her power before fusing," Fus mentioned while the images faded over the horizon.
"I noticed that as well, though her partner seemed to bear a strength that was hidden too. These Earthlings are interesting," Shun added as he turned to the temple." Let us return to our tasks, our job has been completed," he remarked calmly starting toward the building.
"Correct," Fus agreed lowering his head and following suit.
"You guys are really leaving?" Cheelai stared up at Trunks, hands positioned firmly on her hips.
"Yes, we learned what we could from here," Trunks replied to the short alien while scratching the back of his head.
"Well then, safe travels," Lemo commented extending his oil stained work gloves. His feature, aged and wrinkled, turned into a smile as he awaited the reply of the Z-Fighters.
"The same to you. I hope everything on Vampa goes alright, we have a few stops to make before we can make it there," Trunks replied firmly grasping the hand of the alien.
Lemo smiled." It's not your only destination after this planet?"
"Not quite, there are a few more we want to visit before heading home," Trunks answered.
Lemo cleared his throat." How about this? If we find anyone, we'll give you a call to let you know and if you don't get one, whatever caught your attention there must have been something else."
"Sounds good to me, but what if you can't defend yourself? We're way stronger than you two," Bra inquired raising her brows curiously.
"Don't worry about us, we've been to a bunch of planets. Our scouters will tell us if it's safe or not," Cheelai said with a smile.
Cha leaned back and smiled." Then, unless you find something, this is goodbye for now."
"Yep, you guys were great to have around," the green alien chuckled saluting them with a wink. She tapped her scouter for a second before pausing, a spark racing from the processor." But at the same time, I'd like to use my scouter," she laughed.
"We should teach you guys energy control sometime, that way you can sense energy instead," Bra pointed out cupping her chin.
Lemo's yellow eyes grew." You can do that?"
"Sure, but it'll probably take a little while," the daughter of Bulma cupped her chin.
"Another time then, you guys have to get back out there after all," Cheelai pointed to the sky. She could feel the excitement in the air, the Z-Fighters had an itch to leave Metamor.
Trunks smiled releasing Lemo's hand." We do which means we should get going."
"Yes, you should," Lemo agreed with a nod." And we have preparations to make on our ship yet. Time is of the essence," his eyes turned to Cheelai, who watched along.
"I think so too," Cheelai nodded." Have a safe trip, we should wing around to Earth sometime. Maybe we can scrap something there," she winked to the heroes.
"We'll gladly let you," Trunks smiled before turning back to the Grand Tour." But for now, see you around, guys," he walked away waving his hand.
"Guess we should follow," Cha chuckled looking to her fusion partner.
"Go ahead," Lemo nodded watching as they followed Trunks up the ramp.
The ship soon sputtered to life and lifted from the ground." Goodbye!" the two aliens said from the launch pad as the ship soared off into the air. The merchants that were positioned around the tarmac waving as well.
'Heh, I really like those guys,' Cheelai smiled before looking to Lemo." Better get ready to head to Vampa then, huh?" she asked as he dabbed the grease from his gloves onto the leather apron at his waist.
"We have a few days yet; the ship still needs a new carbide paint job. And a tuning on the engines," Lemo said watching as the ship disappeared through the clouds.
"Fine, guess we'll have to wait then," Cheelai sighed before smiling.
Earth (later that day) ...
Rote stood in a padded turtle suit that seemed to weigh him down. Heavy rings of black metal appeared on his wrists and ankles while an additional turtle shell clenched across his back. A red blush etched over his face while he looked toward his sparring partner for the day: Krillin.
"There that should make our speeds pretty even," Krillin noted with a smile.
Rote stood up and raised his arms with a sluggish movement." Who even made this suit? There is no way Master Roshi had something like this laying around," Rote moaned trying to stretch while staring down the graying warrior.
"Katas made it in case one of you guys decided to come train at the Turtle School," Goku's best friend explained. His black eyes then traveled beyond the half-Saiyan to his long haired father, who stood with arms crossed on the beach.
"And that's exactly what Rote is here to do, he wanted a day off from our spars to focus on technique after all," Raditz jeered toward his son playing. His chuckle causing Rote to blush more.
"But a giant turtle suit?" Rote sighed shaking his head.' Whatever be mature, your thirty three years old,' he slapped himself mentally before resuming stance.
Krillin sprang back into the Turtle School Stance with arms poised to strike." It's better than running around in lingerie, and having Launch shoot at you," he added with a sigh.
"What was that?" Raditz asked with a raised brow.
"She didn't tell you?" Krillin seemed puzzled by the reply before Rote butted in.
"Note taken, I'm not sure I could do that much," Rote said red faced." I'll handle the turtle suit fine," he finished losing the redness to his face while squaring up against the short monk.
"Let's get to it!" Krillin's white aura came to life and he shot after Raditz's son.
The graying human appeared with speed in front of Rote, swinging a right hand toward his face. The half-Saiyan hopped back on the clunky sandals of the costume to avoid, it barely managing to keep balance. Krillin looped in the air and forced his right knee out. Rote stumbled back, arms waving wildly to his side for balance, narrowly avoiding the attempt.
Krillin touched the sand only briefly before taking after him again." Hah! Hiyah! Ha! Kah!" Krillin shouted throwing his fists and kicks around in blurs. Rote weaved through the strikes whilst backing away, his heavily weighted arms proving practically useless to a void. Krillin paused and kicked out with both feet simultaneously. They slammed into the dodging Rote's chest throwing him over the water.
His sandal bearing feet floated above the surface and he slide through a wake of white water.' Wow, Krillin's fast,' he noted while his opponent came running across the ocean's surface after him. A spinning kick chased him back and a right hand found its way toward his face, Krillin's afterimage disappearing in front of him.
"Ha!" that punch followed a loud scream. The air around Krillin's fist distorted as it aimed toward the half-Saiyan's face.
'Urgh!' Rote grunted looking to his right side. The weight around his wrist chattered as he brought it up to his shoulder. Krillin's fist shot out and his hand did the same." Aaah!" Rote's grunt roared as he threw his fist.
Their knuckles met sending a torrent of water spreading upward from the point of impact. Krillin's body jostled against the blow before being sent shooting backward. His blue boots hit the surface and he slide through the wall of water that had raised around them." Huh, looks like that suits not too heavy if you can throw a punch like that!" the former Orin Temple monk smiled before shooting over the water with a blinding rush.
His right hand swung up and Rote leaned back. Krillin twisted in the upward moment and delivered a knee that hammered the hybrid's right forearm, pushing the taller warrior backward. A leg sweep followed knocking Rote off his feet. Krillin pointed his left boot toward the water spinning on its axis to deliver a right shin kick that crossed the padded chest of the costume.
Rote's frame doubled over with the strike and he shot out to sea. Waves rumbled behind his shelled back while he tried to regain balance." Keh, damn it," he grunted dipping his right hand against the water's surface.
The half-Saiyan managed to regain balance after several dozen yards of tumbling from the kick. Standing, his suit dripped water as he entered stance." Good stuff Rote," Krillin replied running across the water to reach him, a white water wake following.
Rote bounced away from strikes off kilter, his arms waving out to the side for balance. Krillin though was pressuring constantly, hammering the half-breed with a veracious series. Water splashed wildly because of this chaotic combination with Rote's eyes trying to focus on Krillin while the shorter human attempted to land another solid blow.
Krillin faded into Rote's chest prompting the Saiyan to attempt a punch. That punch never materialized as Krillin's image fade and a knee made contact with the side of the half-Saiyan's head. Raditz's son flailed his arms to stop from falling over while he slid across the ocean's surface. Krillin's boots tapped against the water and he took after the stumbling Saiyan again.
"Eh, hey, Krillin could you slow it down?" Rote asked moving his head to the side as a punch came through. His right hand clenched and he tried to fire it out with Krillin pushing it aside and bounding back.
"Too much for you Rote?" Krillin asked kicking upward.
Rote bent back, nearly falling, to avoid it." Honestly, yes," he leaned up into a kick to the chest. His feet slipped across the water's surface in the process.
"All right I get it, if you can't hit me after this we can call it quits," the old human assured before coming at him.
Rote nodded." Sounds fair to me," the hybrid assured his weighted arms raising slowly.
On the shore Raditz looked to Master Roshi, who had cleared his throat." That boy of yours is really something," the bearded man remarked to the taller warrior.
"What do you mean?" the full-blooded Saiyan questioned the old Turtle Hermit.
"He has very little in terms of proper form, which is why Krillin has taken advantage here, but his ability with that improper form is second to only what I saw from Yamcha. You've done a good job making him realize the advantages of that uncommon style," Roshi pointed out as Rote and Krillin's frame started to stir the water rapidly with their movements.
"He learned how to fight like that from Yamcha, not me. I trained to be a Saiyan warrior, my style isn't quite up to your standards but it is a formal martial art," Raditz explained." It was only natural."
"Oh? Is that right he learned from Yamcha?" Roshi chuckled to himself.' That lone wolf from the Diablo Desert actually passed on his style after all,' he laughed at his former pupil." You don't always have to be strict in a discipline to master it, Yamcha would be proud of Rote's style," the bearded man acknowledged.
'Rote'd be glad to hear that,' Raditz blushed as his son dodged Krillin's kick." Rote! Stop backpedaling, we didn't train just to avoid!" Raditz encouraged from the shore.
Rote dodged a punch from his foe, as his father's words reached him.' He's not wrong, but this suit is making my movements sluggish. To Krillin I'm doing okay, but I could be doing better. And if I don't hit him after this next exchange we've already agreed that it's over,' the half-Saiyan pondered as he narrowly avoided a left handed chop.
"You're keeping up pretty well for being in that ridiculous turtle suit. You Saiyans are something!" Krillin smiled before planting a right hand against Rote's cheek. The half-Saiyan wobbled backward from the blow arms flailing.
Rote's head snapped around as he locked his mitten bound hands." It isn't easy," he replied looking at the short human. His hands remained to his side as Krillin pushed for another offense strike.' Find an opening, dad told me to use all of my senses to fight,' Rote analyzed his sparring partner's motions, a right fist being aimed at his head.
Rote prepared to pull the trigger when his ears twitch.' Wait, it's an afterimage, he's behind me,' the son of Raditz furrowed his brow. His hips switched and his balled hands came looping across three-fourths of his body.
Krillin's stomach took the impact. A thunderous sound erupted from the collision as rings of force bellowed from the point of impact. Krillin's eyes bulged from his head while the air was taken from him. Water displaced behind him and he was sent rocketing across it. Flailing limbs and orange fabric soon crashed behind a mountain wave as the weighted Saiyan finished the momentum of his swing.
"Hah! I did it," he laughed until a right hand crashed through the nearest wave, Krillin's face appearing behind it. Rote rocketed in the direction Kame House on the shell mounted to the costume.
"Not quite," Krillin laughed shaking his fist from where it smashed against the Saiyan's jaw.
Rote fumbled away before coming to block an incoming knee strike. Krillin pushed off the block and swung his left hand down into the half-breed's face. Rote snapped to the side before being hit in the stomach with a stiff forearm strike. He was lifted by the shorter foe and juggled into the air with a barrage of punches. Krillin finished by firing his left leg out in a high martial arts kick into Rote's cheek.
The half-Saiyan slammed into the beach a second or so later, skidding across the sand until a black booted foot reached out and rested against the top of the costumes head." Dad? He hit me that hard?" he asked with a heavy breath, beads of sweat present on his brow.
"He did, but you did well son," Raditz said with a nod.
The panting Saiyan pressed up against the sand. His weighted arms made gaining balance difficult, but when he did, he saw Krillin making it to the beach with a smile on his face." Phew, that was a bit more a work out than I thought it'd be," Krillin said to the half-Saiyan as sweat rolled down his brow.
"You're something else though Krillin," Rote smiled dabbing his sweating brow onto the sleeve of the outfit.
The best friend of Son Goku chuckled at that, scratching the back of his head." You weren't half bad yourself," he accepted the compliment with one of his own.
"Was that good enough for you Raditz?" Krillin turned his attention to the towering full Saiyan.
"He put on a good fight and wore that turtle suit, so I don't have any complaints," Raditz laughed patting his son on the back.
Krillin turned to Rote laughing." You're done, Rote, unless you want to keep going. After all you did hit me," the graying human assured.
"No, I'm good," Rote flipped the head-like hood from atop his head before pulling the zipper on the center of the costume down. It fell to the sand with an undeniable, and denting, thud as the half-Saiyan stepped out of it.
His right and left hand fired out quickly." That's more like it," he smiled finishing with a high kick before landing back on the sand.
'All Saiyans are like that, huh,' Krillin sighed having followed the movements." Good job Rote, I think you deserve the day off."
"So, do I," the half-Saiyan smiled clenching his fist and nodding his head.
Space...
"Trunks, what did you think of those two heading to Vampa without supervision?" Cha scratched her cheek.
Trunks turned away from the piloting chair." Lemo is a wily engineer. He was around back when Frieza's father ran the empire, to last that long he has to know his way dangerous situations," Vegeta's son tapped his foot impatiently, resting his chin atop his hand.' That energy was oddly high, almost like a Super Saiyan if I didn't know any better, maybe I should turn back,' he thought calmly considering the situation.
"Cheelai seems like the type that would keep him in line too. If things get dangerous, they'll be outta there before it can reach them," Bra pointed out. The shorter green alien carried a sassy snappiness that was hard to accurately describe.
"Definitely," Cha nodded along with a smile on her face.
"It makes me wonder what Vampa is like though," Bra cupped her chin looking to Trunks.
The lavender haired half-Saiyan shrugged." I don't know. When we passed by it seemed to be inhospitable until that huge energy happened. Whoever, or whatever, is living there has to be strong," Trunks reasoned looking to his crew mates.
"That means we'll have to wait to see if we get the call," Cha slumped her head shaking." Until then let's remember the fact that we pretty much got what we wanted since starting. A few days of relaxation."
Bra nodded." That we did Cha."
"I am glad too. It was nice to relax," Mirra Shenron smiled toward them warmly before bowing her head.
Trunks looked at her with concern." Speaking of which, you look better than you had been."
"I was sleepy that's all. There's honestly nothing to worry about," Mirra Shenron assured with strength behind her voice. Her nervousness around the captain of their craft having faded progressively since Planet Luud.
"I'll have to take your word for it, but you had me worried," Trunks replied.
Mirra stood up, a dark glimmer appearing in the corner of her eye." Thanks, Trunks," she smiled patrolling to the windows as she had done during a majority of their trip." But I promise that I am okay," the dark flash in her eye faded as dozens of stars streaked by with the ship's incredible flight speed.
"Glad to hear it," Cha said wrapping her arm around her friend." We just wanted to make sure that all's well that ends well," she laughed looking out the window with her.
"Thank you, I am better now," Mirra replied with a blush.
A week later...
Lemo looked from the inside of his craft polishing the window with a smile on his face." There we go, perfect," he said wiping a bit of dust from the steering column with his cleaning rag.
Then, behind him the door to the craft propped open, Cheelai entering a moment later. Her purple-pink eyes shook with glee as she pulled the strap on the pouch accompanying her waist." Are we ready to roll, Lemo?" Cheelai questioned her mentor with a craning back and hand gesture.
Lemo straightened tucking his rag into his back pocket." I prepped everything," the orange alien assured sitting down in the piloting chair." The engines are revving up now and the coordinates are set. So, yes, I said we were," Lemo questioned looking back to his apprentice.
"Great let's get going. I haven't been this excited for a mission in a while," the green skinned alien answered sitting in the accompanying seats along the wall.
"I know the feeling. Let's see what scrap we can pick up," Lemo advised as the hangar doors opened away from the ship.
Glowing the ship took from the floor of the hangar and into the air. The clouds breaking as it burst free from the atmosphere those merchants along the ground looking up at the spacecraft.
"Heh, let's see what goodies they bring back," one of the merchants laughed as the vessel's blue thruster light faded away from the sky.
The time on Metamor comes to a close and our heroes set their eyes on the stars once more. What awaits them as they carry further along on this journey. Also anticipating leave, Cheelai and Lemo prepare for an expedition to the planetoid Vampa, though not without delay. How will this play out? You'll have to keep reading to find out...
Thank you all so much for the continued support on this story and I hope you continue to enjoy it,
~Herodan3
Universe Three...
"A little further Narirama," Nigrisshi, the eel-like captain of Universe Three's Tournament of Power team, commented, his body sparking while lugging around a towering mechanical marvel over his shoulder. Fluid and sparks flew from the shoulder bound being's missing arm socket while a similar fluid sprayed from the corners of Nigrisshi's mouth.
"Bwoop," Narirama managed to utter with mechanical gravity.
"I know, the doctor will repair you. We had no idea that Mosco was so capable," the black skinned machine mutant assured while continuing to move toward the imposing palace.
"Crsk, Nari..." the robot beeped again, its cracked lens narrowing on the door.
Nigrisshi paused his bulbous eyes narrowing while his fanged teeth grit. His hands clenched and the pair seemed to fade into the background, optical camouflage." There are strange life signatures within the laboratory?" the fish-like alien asked slumping low, despite being functionally invisible.
"Eeee, boop," the robot assured, focusing onto the building.
"Then, we will have to be cautious," Nigrisshi explained walking to the door slowly.
His right hand touched it and the laboratory door opened; it was not locked." Odd, the doctor is keen on keeping it locked," he noted before entering a pair of icy blue eyes meeting him from the center of the room.
"Hiding your body is pointless if you insist on running your mouth," those icy eyes narrowed as a red jeweled palm raised. White hair floated behind the being as his palm glowed revealed wrinkled aged features." I was assured that this location would be safe for my next project but it appears they did not account for you imbeciles," the old man complained angrily, the towering hat atop his head revealing the "RR" bow-like emblem that the pair did not recognize.
"You are not the doctor," Nigrisshi complained, losing his invisibility with a sparkling crack.' The damage I received was too severe. I could not hold out long enough,' he scoffed to himself as his damaged body displayed itself.
"Correction, I am the doctor. Doctor Gero to be precise," the wrinkled man cleared his throat. His hand lowered and his eyes began to glow. Before long, a red beam fired from the aged man's eyes blasting through Nigrisshi's chest. He stumbled back with the bulky Narirama falling atop him.
"And the two of you are ruining something not only important to me, but to my benefactors of the Demon Realm as well," the head scientist of the Red Ribbon Army remarked kicking the larger robot from atop the slimmer cyborg. He glared at Nigrisshi before pulling him from the ground by the throat.
"Keh, Narirama, call for help," Nigrisshi moaned being lifted from the ground as energy was being sapped from his body.
"There will be no need for that," Gero's right head fired and pieced through the fish-like being's stomach. Viscous fluid, one could describe as blood, spilled from the machine mutants body and he fell to the wayside." From either of you," his hand released a flash of energy that exploded against Narirama's frame, a long whir escaping from it.
'Oh, well, that was only a minor nuisance the project will continue as planned,' he scoffed swiping his blood covered hand down as Narirama's visor dulled with a beep.' And I can return her to me,' Gero remarked brushing what appeared to be a brown haired head resting on the table.