Different Upbringing: Adjusting (Book 3)

by Givihe

16 years ago, Son Arata was taken from her home and thrown into a dangerous and unfamiliar world. Now, thanks to Mirai Natsuki, Son Arata is coming back home. However, 2 months after the rescue, the return becomes bittersweet from the emergence of a new enemy. Son Arata isn't exactly the strongest among the Z-Fighters and this new enemy will change just that. MUST READ BOOKS 1 & 2!

35. Chapter 34

A.N.: Here's another update of Book 3 of my Different Upbringing Series.

No reviews = No updates.

Happy Valentine's Day!

James1996: Yeah, Natsuki's personality pushes through in the analytical side of battles and just like Gotenks, Vitani's strong personality pushes through in fighting. However, as you'll see in this chapter, Natani's anger can also be sourced from Natsuki as well…Arata on the other hand, that's a bit of a tougher one to answer. Arata isn't as strong as Gohan strength wise right now, but Old Kai helps a bit with that. Arata will get her own chapter, when it comes to power, here pretty soon and I'm sure that will answer a lot of questions there.

kitsunelover300: Natani gets a bit more screen time in this chapter as well. The oozaru idea is a good one that I'll probably keep for when their a bit older (perhaps GT?). Right now, Natani is strong, but is still a new fighter and for her age, advanced moves like that wouldn't sound right…ya know? Hehe, when it comes to Gotenks not taking things serious…he must have gotten it from somewhere (aka Vegito). As stated above, Arata will get her own episode where her power is displayed, which will be pretty soon.

Snow (Guest): Heh, glad you're happy and I've only seen bit and parts of Ressurection of F. Life has been a bit crazy and I haven't had time to look it up on the web, yet. Perhaps that will be a good think for my Spring break coming up, huh? Hehe…and don't worry about yoru "craziness", I didn't mind in the least.

Mizz Ri: Thanks!

Anony (Guest): Katsu is…definitely dead, which will be mention/clarified in this chapter. Hope you enjoy Gohan and Arata's fight, but keep in mind more is coming next chapter as well.

Enjoy the Chapter.

Different Upbringing (Book 3): Adjusting

Summary: 16 years ago, Son Arata was taken from her home and thrown into a dangerous and unfamiliar world. Now, thanks to Mirai Natsuki, Son Arata is coming back home. However, 2 months after the rescue, the return becomes bittersweet from the emergence of a new enemy. Son Arata isn't exactly the strongest among the Z-Fighters and this new enemy will change just that.

By: Givihe

Chapter Thirty-Four

-The Cavalry Arrives-

-Arata's POV-

In the background, Old Kai's griping and complaining resumed, completely getting off the subject of the twins' bond. His complaints weren't registering in Arata's mind. Arata was more concerned with the emptiness that Old Kai had claimed was the cause behind the strangeness in her head. Despite Old Kai's reassurance that he had blocked the effects of Katsu's supposed death, Arata didn't seem to comforted. Katsu and herself may not have a complete mate bond as Old Kai stated, but Arata disagreed with the potential affects his supposed death would have on her.

A light touch on Arata's shoulders brought her back to reality. "Don't overthink this, alright?" It briefly startled her how Gohan knew her train of thought without her even have to push the memories to him. Clearly, she wasn't used to the feeling this bond gave and it was just scratching the surface.

"It's…difficult." Arata said slowly, frowning and looking at the ground.

"Old Kai put the block there as a way to protect you." Gohan started gently. His light touch shifted to wrapping around her shoulders in a comforting way. "Besides, even if the block does break, it shouldn't take an effect on you judging from what he told us." Gohan squeezed her shoulder with his hand briefly and gave a wide smile. "We'll be so focused on Buu that Katsu won't be on your mind. By the time we do defeat Buu, you'll have him by your side once again."

Arata gave a small, grateful smile in Gohan's direction, but he could note that said smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "That isn't what I'm worried about…wishing him back and all. I know he won't be gone forever." She explained, her smile falling. "That old geezer suspects that we aren't that close and in turn, the effect of his supposed death won't hurt me much. But, I won't take his word for it. Daisuke dying changed that dramatically. I relied on him more so than I probably have. Just because we haven't completed the bond doesn't mean that'll mean nothing."

"Supposed death?" Gohan questioned with furrowed eyebrows. "You don't believe he's dead?"

"It's not that I don't necessarily believe that…it's just hard for me to imagine it, much less take that statement from someone else." Arata stated, her voice shifted to a lower and sadder tone. "In all honesty, I expected my own demise before his own."

Gohan grimaced a bit, but felt the sadness that was coming from his sister. From the way he was feeling the sadness, he could tell she was trying to hide it. Gripping Arata's shoulder slightly tighter, Gohan pulled his sister to his side and a held her close in hug. "Everything will turn out alright." He stated, unsure what else to say to comfort his sister.

Needless to say, Gohan's social skills amused Arata a bit. The awkward feeling coming from her brother's side of the bond strangely reassured Arata. His social skills weren't the best, but when the time came, Arata knew she could always count on her brother to follow through. Memories of the many times Gohan had been put into situations, he did his best with his most memorable being his battle against Cell.

It finally occurred to her the matter of Gohan seeing the past that she so desperately wanted to forget and ignore. Arata looked at Gohan from the corner of her eye. He wasn't paying attention to her. Instead, Gohan was laughing lightly at a comment their father had said that had by passed Arata completely. There wasn't any physical evidence of any negative emotions from what he had seen. When they had first woken up from the trance, Arata had noted a brief haunted look in his eyes, but it had disappeared extremely quickly before Arata could question it.

Arata shook her head. Gohan's right. Focus on what's at hand…everything else can be handled later. She coached herself.

"I'm the one that works hard and trains those kids and nobody even bothers to help me up." Old Kai complained from his spot behind her.

Arata rolled her eyes at Old Kai's comment but didn't bother saying anything as she took the feel steps to stand on the other side of her father. Goku smiled at the arrival of his daughter. As if sensing Arata's strange mood and keeping in mind the comments made on said mood, Goku gently patted her back. "Are you going to be okay for this?" he asked.

"Even if I'm not, there's not much of a choice…wouldn't be the first time." Arata stated in a down tone. Goku looked at her concerned, but Arata gave a small smile to her father. "I appreciate the worry, but I'll be fine. From past events, things have turned out for the best in the end, hasn't it?"

"That's the spirit, sweetheart." Goku agreed eagerly. "Just keep that in mind no matter what happens, alright?"

Arata nodded. "Do my best."

Supreme Kai nodded in apprehension. "We should leave here immediately. Gotenks and Natani can only distract Majin Buu for a short period of time, so we have to get to Earth quickly for this to work." He spoke aloud. There was a presence of nervousness in Arata mind for her daughter. If Katsu truly was dead as she was told, instinct caused her to not want to lose anything else.

"Not us." Kibito interrupted. "Gohan and Arata will be making their journey to Earth on their own."

Supreme Kai seemed startled and argumentative. "Huh? What about by obligations?
he demanded angrily. "I am completely responsible for that Planet's fate."

Kibito wasn't affected by the Supreme Kai's anger. "You going with them will not help his chances of defeating Majin Buu, master. Your presence will only present a danger and impede his concentration." He argued calmly with a smile and realism. "I will take them back, then return here to wait for the good news."

"So, what's the plan." Gohan questioned to get a clarified picture of what was to happen.

The Supreme Kai, understanding Kibito's sense and agreeing with Kibito despite him wanting to help out, smiled in Gohan and Arata's general direction. "Time to go…and you'll be travelling without me. Kibito's right."

Goku turned his attention to his twin children in a serious manner, but with a smile still on his face. Arata admired how her father could stay in a good mood in the midst of danger. "Good luck…to the both of you. I wish there was a way I could go with you, but I belong here now." Goku clapped Gohan's shoulder. "Make your father proud son." Goku turned towards his daughter, brushing some hair out of Arata's face. His hand remains on Arata's cheek, gently brushing her cheek with his thumb. "Keep your head high, sweetheart." Goku's hand dropped as he put his hand on his hips in fists. "I have faith in both of you to beat this guy."

"Thanks, dad." Gohan said with a matching smile on his face.

"This is the last time I'll get to see you until you make your journey over to this world." At this comment of Goku's, Gohan's expression faltered as the realization of the situation hit him while Arata gritted her teeth a bit, not wanting the thought in her mind. "You ready? Show Buu what a Saiyan is made of."

"Yeah." Gohan said, slightly uncertain before grabbing his father in a tight hug.

When Gohan finally let go, Goku didn't get a chance to do anything as his daughter took Gohan's place in hugging him. In comparison, Arata's hug was actually tighter than her brother's. Goku's expression softened and he returned a tight hug in return. He stayed silent for a moment, enjoying holding his daughter this way, this closely since she was just a toddler. "If anything, I'm grateful to have had the chance to see how much you've grown. I can never be sorry enough for what you went through growing up and I only wish I could have watched you grow into the young woman you are now."

Goku was going to pull her back to look her in the eyes, but Arata's hold shifted. Her arms wrapped around her father's neck and her head nuzzled underneath his chin. Tears leaked out and soaked her father's clothing. Instead of unsure worry, Goku seemed to understand his daughter's sudden sadness and held her tighter.

"It was never you that I blamed. I…didn't really blame anyone." Arata voiced quietly, enjoying the comfort that her father's arm brought her. It was feeling she hadn't experienced since she was just a child. There was so much that Arata wanted to say to her father, but words didn't seem to form in the right ways in her head, rendering her frustrated and a little emotional because of it. To think I was so focused on being scared of my father's thoughts of me that I let it consume me and waste my time with him. She thought dejectedly.

In a very uncharacteristic way, Goku seemed to sense his daughter's frustrations. His own frustrations filled his head as he cradled his daughter in his arms. "Our time may have been short, but I'll always be watching over you, sweetheart." He voiced in a low tone. Goku did his best to put some positivity into his voice as he normally did in tough situations. However, for the first time since his daughter's kidnapping, Goku was finding it hard to find the optimism that made him who he was.

A clearing of a throat interrupted the touching scene. "Goku, as understanding I am of the situation, Gohan and Arata really must be going. If they say even a moment longer, they may not reach the children in time to save them from Majin Buu's wrath." Supreme Kai spoke, his voice full of sincerity and regret for breaking up the situation.

Goku looked up and connected eyes with the Supreme Kai, nodding after a couple seconds of eye contact. "Right." He said, patting his daughter's back once more before he felt her arms pulling away. "Everything will turn out for the best, I promise you. Just have faith in those around you."

"Do my best." Arata murmured, trying to get a reign on her emotions.

"We both will, Dad. Just watch, we'll make you proud." Gohan spoke confidently. Although still new to the bond he shared with his sister, he did his best attempt of lending the confidence and optimism that he possessed and pushing it to his sister in an attempt to give her a start to getting prepared for what they were about to get into.

Kibito walked up behind the twins, placing a hand each of the twins' shoulders. Without another word, Gohan and Arata disappeared from the Kai Planet through Kibito's abilities. Goku, although optimistic that things would eventually turn out for the better, worried over his daughter. Seeing the emotions on her face after the calm confidence and power she displayed earlier that day brought a foreboding type feeling if he ever felt one. Stay strong, Arata. You're going to need it. Goku spoke his silent prayer, praying for the safety of his children, friends, and the rest of his family.

-On Earth-

-Arata's POV-

When Arata's eyes blinked open once more, the scenery of the Kai Planet had disappeared and was replaced with a rocky, mountainous terrain. Gohan was beside her as he had been on the Kai Planet while Kibito was slightly off to the side. Arata immediately tried sensing out the situation, searching for a distraction to the emotions still lingering in her mind. If she were to be honest with herself, the emotions she was feeling were ones she had learned to repress long ago when she was still just a child. Having them return at such a force as this was overwhelming and disorienting. Putting her mind on the danger at hand was the only way she could focus…she'd just have to sort out these emotions later.

"You're on your own now." Kibito spoke in a serious tone. "The Twin Saiyans."

Gohan held a thoughtful look on his face. "Hey, Kibito…"

"Yes?" Kibito questioned as Gohan turned to face him.

"I need your help. I want to change clothes. But, I don't have exactly what I want." Gohan informed his request. Arata received flashes of past battles for him where clothing that was more aerodynamic provided easier movement in a fight in comparison.

Arata nodded, immediately understanding Gohan's train of thought. "As nice as these clothes are, they'd prove to only be in the way in fighting Majin Buu." Arata further explained.

Gohan nodded, silently agreeing with the comment. "My father is the greatest fighter ever and I want to fight in the same clothing as him."

"Of course." Kibito said, a smile coming over his face. "You're quite respectful." Kibito raised his hand in preparation of changing Gohan's outfit. "Now explain to me exactly what the garment looked like. What color was it?"

A blank stare briefly shown over Gohan's face. "How about the one he was just wearing?" he stated.

Without another word, Gohan's previous outfit was replaced with an exact replica of the outfit their father was wearing a moment ago. Arata looked at her brother and a bittersweet feeling came over her. Shaking her head and putting a smile on, Arata gave her brother a teasing look. "Dork."

Gohan glared teasingly at his sister before looking gratefully at Kibito. "That's the one, thanks Kibito." He said.

Kibito turned his attention towards Arata, who was still in the outfit that he had given her when they first arrived on the Kai Planet. "And you? Would you like the same as your brother?" he questioned.

A light blush spread over her cheeks at the idea. She respected her father, but wearing the exact same thing brought an idea of an embarrassment. "Uh, no." she said. "As much as I admire my father, I don't think I would fight well in that outfit." Kibito nodded in understanding. "If you could give me an outfit that resembled the one I wore at the World Martial Arts Tournament, that would be the most ideal for me."

"Of course." Kibito said. As he had done with Gohan, Kibito raised his hands as he did with Gohan. In an instant, the outfit that held colors that weren't as desirable to an outfit with a material she was a lot more familiar with and a more neutral toned color.

A silent sigh left Arata as she revealed as she felt the wind hit her bare arms. "Thank-you, Kibito." She said graciously, earning a look of gratitude on his face for her respect.

"Anything for a savior." Kibito stated as he turned his body at an angle, silently stating his departure. "We expect good things to come from the two of you, Gohan and Arata. Please don't leave us, and the world, disappointed."

"No way. I'm not about to start disappointing people now." Gohan said confidently while holding up two fingers in a peace sign. With that, Kibito disappeared from their view, returning to the Planet of which he came. Gohan lowered his hand and turned serious as he turned towards his sister. "Right. This is it." Arata silently nodded as she stretched out her sensing ability to identify with her own abilities just how bad the situation with Buu has changed. Gohan placed a hand on her shoulder, temporarily shaking her out of her train of thought. A big, confident smile was on his face and through his thoughts, Arata knew he was trying to push that confidence to her as well. "You ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." Arata murmured with a grimace on her face. Her eyebrows furrowed in worry. "Let's get going. The Supreme Kai was right; the children aren't going to last much longer."

-At the Battlefield-

Slight amusement flickered in Buu's eyes. Natani, who was significantly shorter than Gotenks, stood in front of him in an attempt to block his path to the now defused Goten and Trunks. "A little brat like you is going to stop me?" Buu spoke with amusement filtering into his voice, a condescending tone slipping in.

"This little brat kicked your ass not too long ago." Natani spoke in a confident tone. She lifted her head before speaking once more. "Don't begin to compare me to the doofus that was fighting you before. I don't play games and I surely won't make the same mistake as they did."

The amused smile on Buu's face dropped. "And what mistake was that?" he questioned.

In an instant, Natani appeared beside Buu and without a second thought she kicked Buu's neck in a way to send him away from where Goten, Trunks, and Piccolo were standing. "Giving you a chance to talk. That's what I won't be allowing you to do."

As Natani was quick to charge after Buu with a series of physical attacks and blast based attacks directed all at Buu in an attempt to not give him a chance to hit back, the now defused Goten and Trunks stared on at the scene they were watching in awe. Both boys were stunned into silence as Natani moved with precision and determination. Even Piccolo, who was standing slightly behind the boys, was surprised at Natani's fighting abilities, not expecting much from 4 and 6 year old girls respectively.

"That's really Natsuki and Vitani?" Trunks questioned, despite the fact that the answer was obvious.

"They're fighting really well." Goten murmured.

Piccolo nodded. "They are." He said. Piccolo's gaze turned back to the boys with a pointed look in his eyes. As if feeling Piccolo's look on them, Trunks and Goten turned and connected eyes with Piccolo. "Do either of you want to explain to me why this is not the approach you boys used? Natani is fighting with a determination that both of you seem to lack."

Trunks and Goten both hung their heads at Piccolo's scolding. "Sorry Piccolo." They coursed.

Piccolo growled in anger at the two boys. "Sorry doesn't fix any of this, now does it? The two of you played your games, leaving Natani to be the only serious fighter." he yelled loudly, causing the boys to flinch. Piccolo sighed in frustration as he turned to face Natani's fight with Buu. "Nothing we can do about that now." Natani grunted as Buu's kick connected with her arms in an attempt to block, sending her skidding backwards. Buu appeared behind her once more to aim a series of attacks on her. Natani, using her small size to her advantage, narrowly dodged Buu's attempted attack and skidded underneath Buu's open legs. Piccolo looked on with narrowed eyes. "Let's just hope Natani can hold on long enough until the two of you can fuse once more. Then the two of you must take that second chance a lot more seriously. Do you understand me?"

"Right." Trunks murmured. His eyes connected with Goten's, a matching look of worry in his eyes. Trunks and Goten turned their attention back towards Natani's fight with Buu, each of them worried about their only remaining respective family members.

Natani panted as she dodged yet another charge from Buu. "Not bad, little girl." Buu complimented with a wide, evil like smirk. Buu leaned his face into Natani's personal space. "It's my turn."

Buu's fist connected hard into Natani's stomach, causing a painful gasp coming from her. His smirk widened, if it were possible, used the elasticity of his body to his advantage to give Natani a barrage of fists. Natani struggled in dodging. Her focus and energy was focused solely on dodging and evading.

Getting a pause in dodging and evading, Natani used the time to catch her breath. He's using my plan against me. She thought as she looked at Goten and Trunks from the corner of her eyes. Their fusion wore off, so it's left up to me… Natani returned her gaze to a smirking Buu. …but I'm not even sure my fusion will last much longer.

"You're boring me." Buu spoke.

Trunks' and Goten's eyes widened. "This isn't good." Trunks murmured.

Natani disappeared and reappeared behind Buu once more and sent a combination of a kick and a blast at Buu's back that sent him skidding. Buu quickly caught himself. His smirk was disappearing and he was growing a lot more frustrated. Natani hovered slightly above the ground as she moved backwards. Her hands glowed as two blasts formed. "Lance Barrage." Buu began to charge towards her as Natani released the two blasts. The blasts separated into many small beams that piercing and tearing through Buu's body at the same time.

Dust cleared and it was practically déjà vu as Buu's body showed the effects of her blast attack. Buu's body had the multiple entry and exit points. Natani took this opportunity to charge, sending a fury of punches at Buu that caused him to back up slightly before she finished with a power enhanced kick that sent Buu into a nearby boulder. Through her physical attacks, Natani noticed that Buu was regenerating himself, but at a much slower rate that he normally did. So the more his body is put under strain, the harder it is for his body to catch up…does that mean there's a chance I could push his body towards its limit? Before Buu could get a chance to regenerate further, Natani charged another blast in her hands and let it go. "Kisaki Barrage!" The ground erupted with the connection from the multitude of blasts, causing dust to once again fly into the air.

"Hold tight, Natani!" Piccolo yelled in encouragement. "Keep him busy just until the boys can fuse once more. Then together the two of you can end this once and for all."

A blast was sent in Natani's direction just before Buu appeared from the dust with a fist outstretched, ready to punch. Natani just barely dodged when she replied to Piccolo in a very irritated voice. "Easy for you to say!" she yelled in reply while aiming one of her own attacks at Buu. Unfortunately for her, Buu caught her fist in his hand and tossed her behind him with a blast following her descent to the ground. Natani landed on the ground and put her arms up to block the blast to send it back towards Buu. "Why don't you get your green Namekian self over here and try fighting him. Oh, that's right, you're scared with every right to be so since you'd get your butt kicked!"

Piccolo glared at the fused Saiyan with distain. "That was definitely Vitani talking." He muttered.

Trunks gave an awkward laugh. "Vitani normally says a lot worse when she's mad or being interrupted." He defended his sister's normal attitude.

Goten wasn't focused on the attitude that Natani was displaying. His promise to his little niece, as Gohan said she was to him, was in a cycle of repetition in his mind as he could only watch her fight from the sidelines. "Isn't there anything we can do to help, Piccolo?" he asked.

"No." Piccolo replied in a gruff tone. "Neither of you are going into that fight in the state you are, you'd only get in Natani's way. She's holding her own right now. Just hope that she can continue to do that for the next 20 minutes."

"20 minutes!" Trunks yelled angrily. "Look, I'll admit that my sister and Goten's niece are stronger than I expected them to be, but they're still little girls. How do you expect me or Goten to just sit this one out just because we're not fused? It's the same thing as saying that you should have stayed out of the tournament because you couldn't become a Super Saiyan!" Trunks pointed towards the battle currently going on. "That's my little sister out there. I'm not going to let you dictate her fate! That bastard already took my parents, there's no way I'm going to let him have the satisfaction of taking her away from me as well."

Piccolo grabbed the back of Trunks' gi and held him back. "Don't even think about it!" he growled, anticipating Trunks' determination to join the fight. "You're no good to your sister dead!" Trunks glared angrily at Piccolo for a long moment before shaking Piccolo's grip off of his gi. He held his hands in fists as he turned his attention back towards the fight.

Natani panted hard. The amount of energy that was required to fight Buu was more than she had originally expected. Buu can't be killed by blasts unless he's completely incinerated…and the amount of energy that is required is beyond my spectrum. Even if I were able to hold him off, there's no promise that Gotenks and I together would be able to take him down. And that's if he even cooperates… Natani thought while trying to catch her breath. …What am I going to do?

"Natani, behind you!" Goten yelled suddenly.

Before Natani could however, the feeling of breath on the back of her neck alerted her too late of a presence behind her. "What happened to that confidence?" Buu questioned in a taunting tone as he grabbed the back of Natani's shirt and lifted her up to his height. His eyebrows narrowed as a smirk spread across his features. "Time's up. You're not as interesting as I once thought you to be."

"Natani!" Goten and Trunks yelled in fright as they watched Buu painfully slam Natani into the ground, a big crater forming from the impact.

"Ah!" Natani couldn't help the loud gasp of pain that left her. Cracking her eyes open in the nick of time, Natani was able to move out of the way before Buu's fist connected with the ground she had previously been slammed into.

Buu growled in frustration as he gaze shifted from the ground his fist was imbedded with to Natani's figure not too far away. Natani refused to remove her gaze from Buu, not wanting to give the impression of giving up. However, Natani could feel a strange power level rise not too far from them. Judging from the tension in Piccolo's body, Natani figure that he could feel it as she did. The part of Natani that came from Natsuki easily identified one of the sudden power levels, always able to sense her mother's presence no matter the situation.

Doing her best to hide her smirk, Natani got back to her feet. I won't be able to defeat him, that's obvious. She thought while barely dodging another one of Buu's attacks. Natani attempted to send a kick, but Buu wrapped his antenna around her leg before repeatedly slamming Natani into the ground, alternating her front and her back. After doing so a couple times, Buu released her from his hold and sent her skidding along the ground.

Natani's body was covered in dirt and her skin showed the results of the fight that were beginning to take their effect on her. But, if I could just hold him off long enough… Raising her arms in front of her, Natani started to form a blast in her hands as a last ditch effort. The blast in Natani's hands had barely begun to form when her Super Saiyan state vanished, causing Natani to return to her base state.

Buu smirked. "What are you going to do now?" he taunted, punching a powered down Natani in the face. The force of the punch took a bigger effect on Natani than it would have done in her Super Saiyan state, sending Natani straight into a bolder.

"Damn it." Piccolo growled as the dust cleared, revealing a defused Natani. Natsuki's and Vitani's separated, passed out forms were in place of what was Natani's.

"They aren't fused anymore." Goten murmured, gulping worriedly at seeing Natsuki in such danger.

Trunks scowled in frustration and anger. "Not good." He stated while they watched Buu slowly walk towards the girls. "Stay away from them you bastard!"

Buu paused for a minute as he processed Trunks' insult. Turning in Trunks' direction, Buu raised a hand with a blast ready to form. Trunks gulped, but did his best not to let the nervousness show.

"Don't even think about it."

"Your fight is with us now."

Everyone froze at the sound of those voices. A pair of voices that belongs to people that were thought to be dead. Even Buu, who had momentarily forgotten about Trunks and Goten, turned around quickly to face the sources of those voices.

"Gohan! Arata!" Goten yelled in excitement as well as relief. "You're really here!"

Buu initially looked shocked at their sudden appearance but his expression morphed into a furious anger. "You."

Gohan looked in Goten's directions and gave him a smile. "Hey guys. What's happening?" he greeted, his confidence was coming off in waves.

"Hey there, Gohan." Trunks replied in a startled manner, unsure that what he was seeing was real.

"Hi Gohan; Hi Arata! What's up?" Goten greeted in an animated tone. "We all thought you were dead!"

Arata, unlike her brother, had anger radiating off of her. Instead of looking in the direction of those behind her, Arata was glaring at Buu's changed form. Buu was growling in a furry as he stared at the newcomers that had once again come in his way of domination. Arata raised her hand, turning it into pointing at Buu. "You'll regret putting on finger on these kids."

Not waiting for a reply from Buu, Arata turned her back on the aggressor and turned her attention to the small unconscious forms behind where she and Gohan had landed. She kneeled in between the two girls, concerned for them both. Arata reached out both of her hands to feel their pulses.

"Are they okay?" Goten asked quickly.

Trunks was quickly behind Goten, immediately kneeling besides his fallen sister. He wrapped his arms around Vitani's shoulders and pulled her up to lean against his chest, wrapping his arm more securely around his sister. "I got you now, Vit." He whispered.

Arata, feeling each of their pules, sighed in relief. "They'll both be alright." She murmured softly as she brushed her daughter's hair away from her face. "They're pules are a bit slow and I'm sure they won't be away any time soon…but, after the fight they just had, it could be worse."

Trunks nodded, thankful for Arata's words, held Vitani tighter. This would be a moment that Trunks would never tell his little sister, but after this moment, he'd always be sure he took the hit before she did…no matter how annoyed it would make her in the future.

Goten, however, watched at his older sister pulled Natsuki into her arms. He felt guilty that he couldn't protect her like he had promised he would. His eyes shifted to the ground. "I'm sorry, Arata." He murmured.

Said comment caught not only Arata's attention, but Gohan's as well. "Why are you sorry, bud?" Gohan asked, kneeling down beside his sister and younger brother.

Goten continued to look at the ground, unable to face his older siblings. "It's my fault. I-I promised that I wouldn't let that Buu monster hurt, Nat, but I couldn't." he informed.

Don't. Arata prevented Gohan, who was beginning to talk. Feeling his confusion through their bond, Arata elaborated. Let me handle this.

Alright. Gohan replied, immediately knowing what Arata's intentions were. I'll make sure Buu doesn't try a sneak attack on you.

That's not his style. He wants head on and ignoring him will make him angrier. The angrier he gets, the more sloppy he is. Arata stated.

Gohan stood up, giving Arata and Goten some privacy. Motioning to Trunks, Gohan helped him move his younger sister to a safer spot behind Piccolo. While Gohan helped Trunks, Arata turned her attention back to Goten.

"Don't blame yourself, it'll get you nowhere in the end." Arata finally spoke to her little brother.

Goten looked up with wide eyes, immediately disagreeing. "But, Arata-" he started.

"No." Arata interrupted, reaching out a hand to rest on Goten's cheek. At her touch, Goten's eyes welled up with tears. "Don't blame yourself for this Goten. You're far to young to put that kind of pressure on yourself…Look at me." Arata kept her hand on Goten's cheek as he returned his gaze to his sister from where he had once again looked down. "Goten, you're only a child. So far, you've lived that kind of life…carefree and with no worries. I only wish I could have had that at your age. That's why I treat Natsuki the way I do. I don't want her to live a life of constant fear and always being one edge. It does damage to you after a while." Arata removed her tail from around her waist and grasped her little brother's wrist with her tail, pulling him closer. "Promising to protect her is thanks enough, Goten. It's the thoughts that count, not one's actions. You're young now, and Buu is a force way too formidable to you. It's no surprise that you kids couldn't make a dent in this guy."

Goten sniffled. "I-It's just…after Mom, I-I didn't want to see her get hurt too." He said while whipping his eyes and nose with his sleeve. Goten pulled on his sister's tail, seeking the same comfort it had given him the time Arata had taught him to fly.

Arata brushed Goten's hair with her hand before moving her hand to raise Goten's chin to meet her eyes once again. "And if anyone can understand that, it's me. I know what's it's like to watch those around you get hurt and not be able to do anything about it. But, Goten, this isn't your fight." She informed him, noticing his lingering sadness. "Tell me, Goten. What does Natsuki mean to you? Relationship wise, that is."

It took a moment for Goten to think. "Like what Vitani means to Trunks." He murmured.

A soft smile came over Arata's face. "Do you see how Trunks is treating Vitani?" she motioned to Trunks, who was now behind Piccolo, holding an unconscious Vitani in his arms.

"Yeah." Goten nodded.

Arata moved Goten's arms in a way that he could hold Natsuki. "That's what I want you to do. While Gohan and I are fighting Buu, I want you to keep to your promise and protect Natsuki as if she's your little sister. Can you do that for me?"

Now holding Natsuki's small frame in his arms, Goten looked down at Natsuki before looking back up at Arata and nodding vigorously. "Yeah." He nodded with a serious look on his face. It was just in the beginning phases, but this relationship between Goten and Natsuki would only become stronger from this point on. "I won't let you down, Arata. I promise!"

Arata smiled as she stood to her full height. Patting Goten's head, she gestured to where Trunks was currently situated. "I have no doubt." She said. "In the meantime, hang back there with Trunks. Protect the girls and if Gohan and I tell you to, then flee."

"Right." Goten nodded before moving to where Trunks sat.

Returning to Gohan's side, Arata analyzed the situation. "So, what Supreme Kai said was right." She murmured as she tried to feel out any other life force. "Buu really did kill the others."

Piccolo nodded grimly. "He did." He confirmed.

"And they were good, too." Buu spoke with an evil tone and a wide smirk on his face, earning the twins' attention. Buu patted and rubbed his stomach as one would after a meal. "I turned them all into chocolate." His crackling laughter irritated both of the twins before Buu's train of thought brought a different emotion to their mind. "Except for one. He stood in my way, so I had to get rid of him. Just as boring of a fight as the first time."

Arata's muscles immediately tensed as she closed her eyes tightly. Gohan felt his sister's pain and anger at Buu's words, a silent plea going through her mind that he was just lying to get a rise out of her. Gohan looked at Piccolo. "So, Katsu…"

Piccolo shook his head, anger in his eyes as well. "Buu was impatient to face the kids as fused beings. Katsu stepped in to give them some time." He explained. "It was after our fight in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber when Buu taughted Natsuki with Katsu."

"What?" Arata snapped her eyes open and in Piccolo's direction.

"Buu…he kept knocking Katsu around as if it were nothing." Trunks voiced up, explaining the situation in a sad tone.

Goten nodded to, remembering it clearly despite being fused at the time. "He just kept hurting Katsu in front of Nat, wanting her to transform before he…"

Arata knew exactly what Goten was implying without him having to finish the sentence. Gohan clenched his fists in his own anger, but not for his sister's pain. His anger was for the pain that Natsuki had to go through. "It's like Daisuke all over again, huh." Gohan voiced aloud. "Being forced to watch something like that."

Arata, it's just faint…but I can sense something. Gohan spoke through the bond, knowing this was best to be kept private.

Arata reached out her senses, based off the information from Gohan. I agree…but it's just barely there. Perhaps he's keeping his energy low?

Let's hope that instead of the alternative. With Dende alive, we'll still be able to wish everyone back. Gohan replied. Arata mentally agreed. In the meantime, Majin Buu needs to be dealt with. How about we put our bond to the test? This fight out to be a better chance to see what it's made of.

Just don't get too confident. For all we know, Buu is still hiding the majority of his power. The best strategy to use right now is to not show our full potential either. Arata spoke as she analyzed Buu, who was starting to show his frustration at not being addressed.

Good idea. Gohan agreed as he began to walk towards Buu.

Arata didn't walk up to Buu as Gohan had done. Instead, Arata took in the battle strategy that Gohan imagined in his head, envisioning a familiar tactic that they used when fighting Dabura. That could work. But there's a difference between Buu and Dabura. From what I remember of our last battle, he is in better control when he's focused. When his mind get's clouded with anger, for example, the opposite must be true. At least that's what I gathered from watching the girls' fight with him on our way here. Natsuki must have come to the conclusion herself, however, I think they missed one thing with that conclusion.

What's that? Gohan asked as he stopped right in front of Buu's standing frame.

Arata stopped as well, being slightly behind Buu. The more his emotions get out of check, the more dangerous he gets. Sure, his concentration may wane a bit, but his sense for control diminishes significantly. Which means while his strikes get more predictable, the higher chance of a fatal outcome it becomes.

Good thing to keep in mind. Gohan stated in a thoughtful tone.

"So, hotshot, the two of you want to fight Majin Buu?" Buu questioned, including both Gohan and Arata.

Gohan smirked at Buu's confidence. "Fight you?" he replied with a question, his smirk widening. "No, we want to kill you."

Buu paused for a minute, processing Gohan's words, before erupting into barking laughter. As he calmed down, Buu's own smirk came over his face. "I remember the two of you now. You're two of many I've fought before. So, you want some more? Okay, but this will be the last time." He said. Another laugh escaped him as another statement came to mine. "Too bad that other friend of yours can't be here."

Gohan stepped forward without flinching an inch, causing Buu to step backward. Gohan displayed a fraction of his power to show Buu he meant business. Using this moment as the perfect opportunity, Arata moved forward. While grabbing his antenna, Arata knocked Buu's feet out from under him before Gohan landed a simple, but hard punch at Buu's jaw. The lack of stability and balance caused Buu to stumble backwards while Arata gracefully landed beside Gohan.

"Let me rephrase what I said earlier, Majin Buu." Arata spoke loud and clear with a dangerous undertone to her voice. "You'll regret what you've done to those I care about. Not one soul who crossed me has lived to tell the tale. There will be no exception."

Back with the boys, Trunks gulped lightly at Arata's chilling words. "Goten."

"Hm?" Goten questioned as he watching his older siblings with awe and pride.

"Remind me not to piss off your sister." Trunks murmured.

Goten gulped at the thought as well. "Yeah…" he replied in a quiet tone. "She might just be scarier than my mom." At that thought, both boys looked at one another and shivered at the thought.

Once Buu caught his footing, he looked at Gohan and Arata with anger pulsing through his veins. "You're making a mistake. I'll make you both dead." He warned.

Arata's eyes darkened significantly. While the uncomfortable and scared thought of what Gohan had seen of her life still lingered in the back of her head, that knowledge also gave her a sense of comfort to know she could now express herself and not hold back. Declaring it her turn to land a hit, Arata jumped into the air and landed her own blow on Buu's face, a powerful kick that too sent Buu stumbling a bit while she landed behind him.

Buu turned to face the female Saiyan. "You stupid girl." He growled out through clenched teeth.

Like the speed of light, Buu sent a punch intended to hit Arata, but was caught by her hands instead. In counterattack, Arata used the leverage of holding his fist by sending a high kick to Buu's face for the second time. Rising up with Buu, Arata said a hard and painful hit to Buu's stomach while Gohan hit at Buu's neck. This made Buu's body go downwards and at an angel at the same time with Buu having a hard time to land and stay on his feet.

Coming to stand by Arata's side, Gohan stood tall and smirked. "What's wrong? I thought you said something about making us dead?" he taunted, giving Buu a taste of his own medicine.

Buu looked at the twins while growling in anger and growing frustration. "Buu make you dead. What Buu say, Buu do! Now you die!" he yelled.

"Returning to those choppy sentences, Buu?" Arata taunted herself as Buu charged their way. "Don't down grade yourself now."

Gohan moved in front of Arata as Buu sent a punches and kicks that Gohan caught with ease. Arata appeared behind Buu while he raised one of his legs to kick Gohan and knocked the other from under him then sending her own kick at his middle. Buu crashed the ground hard, forming a small indent in the ground, showing the amount of force Arata was using. While Buu started to get up, Gohan launched a punch at Buu, sending him skidding along the ground.

A moment went by with no movement from anyone. Gohan narrowed his eyes. "You can get up now. I know you're not hurt. Not from an attack like that." He spoke.

Buu raised his head from the ground with a glaring growl in their direction before jumping to his feet. Gohan smirked once more while Buu whipped some blood from his lip. "Well, let's go. What are you waiting for?" he asked while walking towards him a bit and then disappearing only to reappear right in front of Buu to land a solid and deep kick in Buu's stomach. Gohan spun around and used the opposite leg to kick Buu in the neck once more.

Arata appeared behind the staggering Buu and punched Buu hard into the ground, not giving him a chance to take a breath or to think. Gohan then grabbed Buu's antenna mid-air and started to spin Buu around in a circle before letting him go, hurling him towards a bolder that just so happened to be behind Piccolo and the young Saiyans. Arata appeared just before Buu could connect with either one of them and kicked him high into the air. Arata flew into the air to match Buu and hit him once more to send him into the bolder he had originally been on track with.

At least watch where you throw him, Gohan. Arata critiqued.

A light laugh came through the bond. Didn't mean for that to happen. He's a bit heavier than I had truly expected.

Sure. Arata replied sarcastically, but an undertone of light heartedness.

A purple blast, which had been launched from Buu's mouth came in their direction at a fast past. This caused Piccolo and the young Saiyans to jump out of the way, which was difficult for Goten and Trunks while they were holding the girls' unconscious forms.

Following the trajectory of the blast, Buu came hurling at them in a ball form. Gohan responded quickly as he got into a stance and sticking out his hands just as Buu connected, causing Gohan to skid backwards enough to crash through a bolder himself. Buu uncurled himself from his ball and aimed a series of punches and kick that Gohan once again caught or blocked with ease.

Unconsciously knowing his intentions, Arata moved herself into the air while Gohan caught Buu's arms and threw him into the air in her direction. Once he was close enough, Arata quickly kicked him back in the direction of the ground. Buu connected with the ground, barely able to land without creating a crater.

Buu immediately began looking around for signs of either of the twins, but with no luck. Anger and frustration was filling him more and more by the minute, which was affecting the logical part that most fighters use during a battle.

"Pst. Behind you." Gohan alerted Buu to his presence behind him. Buu looked behind him quickly and gaped in shock, not understanding what was going on. "Hi, nice day." Buu closed his mouth, but continued to have a sense of shock and disbelief at the current situation as he looked in Gohan's direction. "What's the matter, Buu Buu?"

Really? Buu Buu? Arata questioned despite the amusing quality to the sound. How childish can you get?

You have to admit it is kind of funny. Gohan replied lightly, not earning a reply.

"Buu. Not Buu Buu." Buu corrected in an angry tone with growling to match. "Fool! I'll kill you all." Anger and frustration continued to rise in Buu. "You. You're dead. No one mocks me."

Buu appeared behind the twins, but Gohan was too fast and nailed Buu directly in the face as he reappeared. Arata retorted by sending a punch in replacement of her brother's elbow, sending Buu flying into the bolder behind them. An explosion from Buu powering sent small shards of rocks hurling their way. A difference in Gohan and Arata could be seen their as Arata managed to dodge and evade the shards of rocks in a faster pace than that of Gohan and could see Buu coming their way a few seconds before Gohan did himself. Just when Gohan saw the purple blast forming in Buu's mouth, Arata jumped in front of her brother and placed her hand on the forming blast, pushing it back into Buu's mouth and holding it there. The pressure of the blast being contained caused an explosion within Buu.

When the dust cleared, Buu was having some trouble balancing and was obviously bruised and battered. Smoke came out of holes all over Buu. "Quick thinking." Gohan murmured aloud, shocked at his sister's swiftness. He walked towards Buu and punched him in the gut before hitting him repeatedly on the back of the neck with his elbow, causing Buu to land on his hands and knees.

"Give it up." Gohan spoke. "You can't win."

While Gohan looked at Buu with a serious look, Arata caught the look in Buu's eyes. An insane look was held in Buu's eyes, making Arata feel extremely uncomfortable. Be on guard. The look in his eyes doesn't set right with me.

Buu stood up to his full height. "So, it's you." He spoke, causing Gohan to furrow his eyebrows in confusion as Buu began dusting himself off. "I've known about you all along."

"What?" Gohan questioned aloud.

Arata crossed her arms over her chest. "What are you talking about?"

Buu began to laugh. "I mean I've been expecting you." He elaborated. Ever since I started fighting those little brats. Even while I was fighting, I could sense your power in a far away place. Could feel it growing. I knew you'd be coming here. Opposites attract one another." Buu laughed again. "Yes. Yes. I've been waiting for you the whole time." Buu looked at the twins seriously. "I can't let a power greater than mine exist."

Arata narrowed her eyes at Buu. So, he treated his fight with the kids as nothing by a warm-up…

Gohan smirked. "Oh yeah?" he questioned. "I understand your feelings are hurt, but I don't think you have much of a choice. It would seem the scales are tipped in my favor."

"Goodbye." Buu said in a harsh tone. The confident smirk that was there moment ago was changing to anger once again. "Enough is enough. Now you'll see what happens to those I hate." As Buu spoke, he growled in anger while veins began appearing closer to his skin. Arata had a strange sense of déjà vu as she watch the situation progress, but couldn't quite put her finger on it. "Stupid children, you will pay." Buu's expression turned from anger to an insane look in his eyes. "Yes. You're going to pay for everything you did to me."

Buu's growling quickly escalated into yelling. The wind picked up with an intense gust and swirled around their immediate area. Piccolo shielded Trunks and Goten, who were still holding Vitani and Natsuki respectively, from the danger Buu was planning on unleashing. Buu's aura flashed around him as shards of rocks began rising into the air.

Gohan, something about this isn't right. Arata stated nervously, not quite sure of where this was going.

"Go ahead. Make me pay." Gohan said confidently, not being fazed by Buu's actions. "But if that's all your power than you're going to have trouble collecting."

Buu stopped his yelling and looked over at Gohan and Arata with an insane look on his face. "You're missing the point." He informed before erupting into a bout of evil and hysterical laughter.

It suddenly clicked for Arata and Gohan both. "Oh no!" Bright light filled the area as Buu released the power he had collected. The ground erupted in response to the power, unable to hold in such conditions. Dust rose up in the shape of a mushroom cloud, making visibility absolute zero.

When the bright light disappeared and some dust cleared, Gohan and Arata were above the point of explosion. Gohan had grabbed Piccolo and the boys while Arata had grabbed the girls the best she could in the heat of the moment.

"Whoa. Look at that hole." Piccolo voiced in shock, disbelief, and amazement all at once. "Thanks, Gohan."

"Oh wow. We would have died." Goten stated the obvious.

Trunks looked at where they had been a moment ago in apprehension. "No kidding. It's gigantic." He agreed.

"That was awesome, Gohan. How'd you know he was going to blow himself up?" Goten asked with an animated look in his eyes.

"I'm not so sure he did." Arata answered as she reached the same altitude that Gohan was hovering at.

"Arata!" Goten gaped happily, a sense of relief also coming off of him at the sight of Vitani and Natsuki in Arata's careful and protective grasp. "You knew Buu was going to blow up too, huh?"

"What do you mean that you're not sure Buu blew himself up?" Trunks demanded, also secretly relieved that Vitani hadn't been caught in the blast. "We watched him do it."

"Be quiet." Piccolo instructed.

"But-" Goten and Trunks tried to argue.

"Goten, Trunks." Arata spoke in a serious tone, causing both of them to look at her. "Now isn't the time to argue, understand? We have more pressing matters."

Finding a safe spot to land, Arata gently laid Vitani and Natsuki on the ground. Gohan, Piccolo, and the boys weren't too far behind with Goten and Trunks moving to the girls' sides. Arata joined Gohan and Piccolo near the edge, trying to sense any reminants of Buu's power.

"Well, what do you think? Is he dead?" Piccolo questioned Gohan and Arata.

Gohan shook his head. "No way." He stated .

"But he blew himself up! He was trying to take both of you with him." Trunks argued, but confusion was obvious in his voice.

"Yeah. That's exactly what he wanted us to think alright." Gohan informed. "But that freak is still out there somewhere."

Arata furrowed her eyebrows. This overwhelming sense of déjà vu that was coming over her was giving her the sense that there was something she was missing. "Gohan." She spoke in a low tone, catching Piccolo and Gohan's attention more intently than that of Goten and Trunks.

"What is it, Arata?" Piccolo questioned, recognizing the look on Arata's face that he'd seen on several fighters now.

"Is it just me, or is there a strange déjà vu feeling here?" Arata questioned as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Just before Buu blew himself up, this déjà vu feeling came to me and it's stuck."

Gohan furrowed his eyebrows as well. Using the bond to his advantage, Gohan entered his sister's mind to see what exactly she was seeing. His eyes widened when he came across a very familiar memory. "I see what you mean." He voiced.

Piccolo became more confused by the moment. "What's going on?"

"To make the long story short, Arata and I connected our bond while on Supreme Kai's planet. Supreme Kai saved us and took us to his planet." Gohan explained before returning his attention to Arata. "You're having that déjà vu from having my memories from my fight with Cell." Gohan turned thoughtful. "Got to say, I didn't quite make the connection. The attributes of both fights are extremely similar."

"The only difference is Buu has a furry that I don't believe Cell had himself." Arata stated, earning a nod of agreement from Gohan.

"Are you positive that he's still out there? I can't sense him…there's no signal." Piccolo questioned in a confused state.

Gohan nodded. "That's true, but he must be masking it." He replied. "Remember, we thought the same with Cell and look how that turned out."

Goten began looking around with intensity. "Hey, that means he could be ambushing us." He said.

"Could be." Arata agreed while continuing to stretch her senses. "He's obviously planning something."

"Hey, it doesn't matter if he's alive. Gohan and Arata are here. What are we worried about?" Trunks stated as he began hopping from one foot to the other. "Even we were stronger than Buu as Super Gotenks."

Goten laughed along with Trunks at the beginning. "No, we were about the same." He informed.

Trunks stopped hopping. "Really?" he questioned, thinking it over. "I guess your right. Well, at least Gohan and Arata can beat him."

"Trunks." Arata called and when Trunks looked her way, she continued. "It's attitude like that brings over confidence and an inflated ego." At Arata's comment, a light blush of embarrassment came over Trunks' cheeks as his thoughts went to Gotenks' personality.

Piccolo turned his attention to another pressing matter now that the debate of Majin Buu being alive or dead was settled. "By the way, how did the two you manage to get so strong?" he asked Gohan. Looking at each other for a moment, both broke into a smile towards each other. Arata gave a smaller, more sentimental smile at the similarities she saw with their respective mentors.

Gohan connected eyes with Arata and gave a laugh. "Got to say, your right about Daisuke and Piccolo being similar." He said before a more devious smile came to Gohan's face. "Of course, Piccolo, you're a bit more emotional."

"I am not emotional!" Piccolo growled in disapproving nature, causing Gohan and Arata to burst into a fit of laughter. Piccolo huffed and rolled his eyes before noticing a distinct change in the twins. Remembering Arata's cold attitude and detached personality from when she first arrived, it was a pleasant change to see a moment of happiness and joy spread across her facial expressions. "The two of you connected your bond, didn't you? There's a change in both of you, especially you Arata."

"It's a long story." Gohan informed. From there, Gohan began explaining the past events that he had gone through with Arata. While Gohan got Piccolo caught up to where Gohan and Arata had been this whole time, Arata once again shifted her attention to the unconscious forms of Vitani and Natsuki. Trunks and Goten were quick to join Arata.

"How much longer will they be like this?" Trunks asked worriedly.

Arata grimaced as her own worry came to mind. To answer Trunks' question, Arata reached out to feel Vitani and Natsuki's pulses once more. "Their pules have increased in pace." She informed, more talking to herself than anything else.

"What does that mean?" Goten asked eagerly.

"It's a good thing, Goten." Arata informed her younger brother with a comforting smile in his direction.

Goten smiled widely before cheering. "You're the best, Arata!" he complimented in an exuberated tone.

Before anything else could be spoken, a small groan shifted attention to the source. Trunks' eyes widened upon seeing Vitani's form begin to move. "Shut up, Goten." Vitani muttered out. "You're giving me a headache."

"Vitani!" Trunks yelled in happiness and relief while pulling his sister into a tight hug. "You're alright!"

Vitani grumbled. "You're not going to be if you don't let go of me!" her voice rose in volume as she got to the end of the sentence. When Trunks wouldn't let go of her, Vitani punched Trunks in the stomach, causing him to stumble back a bit.

"What was that for?" Trunks demanded angrily.

Vitani glared at Trunks in return. "To let go of me you dimwit!" she argued.

"What's all the yelling for?"

At the sound of Natsuki's voice, Arata's attention immediately shifted to her young daughter, who was slowly trying to sit up. Placing her hand on Natsuki's back, Arata provided some support for Natsuki to sit up. "Easy. Don't push yourself. Buu beat you around pretty good." Arata spoke softly.

Natsuki, who was holding her head with her eyes closed, froze at the sound of such a familiar voice. Her eyes snapped open and immediately filled with tears to see her mother kneeling before her. "M-Mamma!" Natsuki thrust herself into Arata's arms, which were quick to wrap around Natsuki's small form. Arata held Natsuki tight and unwound her tail from her waist once more to wrap around Natsuki's tail in a comforting gesture. Natsuki nuzzled her face into Arata's chest as tears fell down her cheeks. "I-I thought you were dead."

Arata used Natsuki's scent as a way to comfort herself. "I'm here now." She murmured. "But, we would have been if it weren't for the Supreme Kai."

"Both of you missed it." Trunks declared immediately with an animated expression. "Gohan and Arata showed up just before Buu was going to blast us into oblivion. Buu didn't stand a chance. Gohan and Arata were knocking him around like it was nothing! It was totally awesome, wasn't it Goten?"

Goten nodded with an equal amount of animation to his expression. "Yeah!"

Vitani fought the pout that wanted to show her disappointment at not being able to witness such a feet. Natsuki stopped nuzzling and looked around them. Her eyes immediately connected with the rising black smoke. "What happened there?" Natsuki asked, all the while staying in the confines of her mother's arms.

Arata's facial expression darkened. "Majin Buu blew himself up." She explained, causing Vitani and Natsuki to look at her with wide, shocked eyes.

"So…he's dead…just like that?" Vitani questioned, angry that it would end just like that.

"No." Arata said seriously, earning their attention once more. "Gohan and I don't know exactly what he's doing, but Majin Buu has something planned."

"Uncle Gohan's alive too?" Natsuki questioned, immediately looking around before finding Gohan's form standing beside Piccolo, bringing a wide smile to her face. Natsuki returned to gaze to Arata, the smile remaining on her face.

Arata returned the smile gently before a thought came to mind. Reaching towards her neck, Arata removed the necklace that Goku had given her in Natsuki's stead. As she did so, Natsuki's eyes widened upon seeing that necklace once more. "I believe this belongs to you." Arata stated while she returned the necklace to its original place."

"Grandpa really gave it to you." Natsuki murmured as she touched the necklace with her hand before looking back up to her mother. "Why did you give it back?"

"Your father gave it to you for a reason, to protect you." Arata explained while placing a hand on Natsuki's shoulder. "Right now, you're the one that needs protection. That includes you three as well."

"What do you mean we need protection?" Vitani demanded.

Arata narrowed her eyes. "Gohan and I saw the ending of your battle with Majin Buu. While you kids are strong for you age, I don't feel comfortable letting you fight. You don't have the stamina or the skill to be able to defeat Majin Buu. Don't take it as an insult. The power all of you have displayed at your age is incredible, but you've done your part." She stated. "Gohan and I will be taking it from here." Arata sighed. "Once he reappears that is…" Shaking the negative thoughts out of her mind, Arata turned serious. "In the meantime, you need to watch each other's backs. Who knows when Majin Buu is going to pop back up again."

"That reminds me." Gohan spoke up as he joined the conversation. "We're going to be needing the dragon radar."

"Oh, well…I had it, but then I gave it to Piccolo." Trunks informed. He looked at Piccolo for confirmation. "Right?"

Piccolo started to look a bit nervous. "That's right, but I think its in my other pants pocket." He stated awkwardly. "Only I t doesn't make a bit of difference, guys. Dende's gone, remember? The balls are inert."

"Does that mean that the y don't work?" Trunks asked.

"Hnn." Piccolo grunted.

Gohan smiled. "Wait a second. I think you're jumping the gun here." He said. Piccolo looked in Gohan's direction with curiousity, but doubtfulness as well. "Don't you feel it?"

"It's faint, but it's still there." Arata agreed.d

"What?" Piccolo demanded, shocked that he would miss such a thing. He closed his eyes and stretched out his senses. His eyebrows raised in surprise. "Ah, you're right. It's faint, but I sense him."

"I can too." Goten agreed with his eyes closed in the same fashion.

Trunks too had followed the example. "Me too."

Gohan kept the smile on his face. "Great." He said. "What do you say we track down Dende?"

Arata's attitude turned dark. "Before our friend Majin Buu beats us to it." She reminded.

"Sounds good." Piccolo agreed. "Let's go."

Before taking off, Gohan felt a tug on his pant leg and looked down to find Natsuki standing there. Gohan kneeled down to her level, giving her a bright smile. "Hey kiddo."

Natsuki wrapped her arms around Gohan's neck. "I'm glad you're not dead." She murmured. "I missed you."

Gohan hugged her back. "Your mother and I don't plan on going anywhere." He said as he patted her shoulder. Natsuki pulled back. "Don't you worry. Once we defeat Majin Buu, we'll get the dragon balls together so we can wish everyone back."

Once in the air, Piccolo and the twins were in the front as they began looking along the ground for any survivors. Natsuki hung closer to her mother with Goten hovering closer as well to hold true to his promise. Trunks and Vitani hung close to Goten, but was slightly behind, making up the back.

"Hmm." Gohan murmured.

"What is it?" Piccolo questioned.

"It's a man…and a dog." Gohan answered.

Stopping in the air, the small group looked down on what-or who-Gohan had spotted. "Oh…it's him, huh?" Trunks spoke first. "We're not going to help that guy, are we? He's a cheater and he lies a lot too."

Arata stared blankly at Hercule's struggling form. "Got to say, Trunks makes a fair argument." She agreed, not to fond of the so-called hero that defeated Cell.

Piccolo looked at Arata with a raised eyebrow and slightly amused look on his face before talking. "Yes. But, I think he's paid his dues." He said smiling as they watched the struggling Hercule. "Deep down, he's a decent guy. I've been keeping tabs on the man lately."

"That could be debatable." Arata stated dryly

Vitani crossed her arms. "Just leave him be." She stated before a mischievous look came over her face. "Serves him right."

Ignoring Vitani's comment, Piccolo dove down and grabbed Hercule by the back of his shirt. Goten joined Piccolo by grabbing the dog that had been traveling with Hercule. Arata moved to Gohan's side as Piccolo and Goten returned to their altitude.

"How a fool like that ever survived Buu, I'll never know." Arata muttered sarcastically.

"No. Angel of Death, I take it back." Hercule was begging as they came up to their altitude. Once realizing that nothing was going to hurt or kill him, Hercule opened his eyes only to be surprised to see Gohan and Arata there as they scanned the ground. "Hey, it's you. Videl's friends."

Gohan gave a brief smile in Hercule's direction. "Hey there, Mr. S." he greeted before returning to scanning the ground.

Hercule scrunched himself up the best he could in Piccolo's grasp in his embarrassment. "Oh…uh…hey. Thanks for the lift." He said.

There was a silent pause before Piccolo broke the silence. "There's still one thing I can't seem to figure out."

"What's that?" Gohan asked.

Piccolo furrowed his eyebrows. "How Dende managed to survive. Buu had ample time to hunt him down." Gohan broke away from scanning the ground and looked at Piccolo in confusion. "When Buu gave us the slip, it was quite some time before we managed to catch back up with him again. So, even if Dende got away, it seems Buu would have found him."

"That may be true." Arata spoke up, getting gazes from Piccolo, Gohan, and even Hercule. "But you guys were fighting in the hyperbolic time chamber at the time from what I heard. So, to you, a good while passed before you got out, but on the outside that same amount of time would equate to a couple minute." Arata connected eyes with Piccolo. "That is if my knowledge on the hyperbolic time chamber is correct."

"Yes. That's it!" Piccolo exclaimed as he suddenly come to a stop. "It's obvious! Why didn't I think of that myself? I'm such a fool!" In his exasperated mental state, Piccolo released Hercule from his grip, causing Hercule to start flying to the ground. Arata's eyes widened in shock while trying to hold in her laughter at the irony of the situation. "I guess I let the stress get to my head."

"You don't say?" Arata questioned sarcastically.

It seemed in that moment, Hercule finally returned to Piccolo's mind. Thankfully for Hercule, Trunks rushed in and caught Hercule in Piccolo's absence. "Sorry. My friend got carried away." He grumbled.

"Woo. Thank-you." Hercule said, either ignoring or not catching the tone of Trunks' voice. "Don't worry about it. It was nothing." Suddenly, something caught Trunks' attention on the ground that caused his eyes to widen. "Huh? Oh wow, there he is!" Following Piccolo's actions, the surprise and excitement got to Trunks' brain and caused him to release Hercule from his grip as Piccolo had done. "You guys, it's Dende!"

This time, Arata couldn't help the laughter that left her mouth. "Alright. Now I'll admit that he's had his just dues." She chuckled. Gohan looked at her with a raised eyebrow, but the amusement in his eyes made it hard to take him seriously.

Natsuki rolled her eyes and flew after Hercule herself, catching him just barley by the back of his shirt. "Are you alright, Mr. Satan?" she asked kindly.

Hercule looked at the young girl that had caught him. "If everyone would stop dropping me." He muttered.

"Sorry about that. Trunks seems to have a short attention span." Natsuki replied with a joke to cheer him up.

"Hm." Hercule grunted. He looked at the young girl as she gently flew him to where the others had begun to land. "I remember the time when Videl was as small as you were. Perhaps you shouldn't strain yourself."

Natsuki smiled kindly at Hercule despite the slight insult to her abilities. "No offense, Mr. Satan, but I think you're the last person to be giving strength advice when you couldn't even defeat that Cell monster." Hercule's eyes widened when she said that, shocked that she knew the truth. Natsuki noticed his look and gestured to Gohan. "That's my uncle Gohan. He's the true hero that defeated Cell. He's the one that told me the story."

"I-I-I-" Hercule stammered.

"But don't worry. I won't tell." Natsuki smiled a bit.

"Hi everyone." Dende shouted.

Piccolo landed first and placed his hands on Dende's shoulders. "Dende."

"Hi Piccolo." Dende greeted.

"You're alive. I don't know how you did it." Piccolo said with happiness and relief in his eyes. "You did well kid."

As Natsuki landed last, making sure Hercule had his footing before letting go, Trunks watched the scene while rubbing the back of his neck. Natsuki landed and glared at Trunks. "Say your sorry." She demanded.

"Huh?" Trunks questioned. "What for?"

Natsuki narrowed her eyes, making Trunks gulp a little. Even if he didn't want to admit it, after watching Natani fight Buu and seeing the potential in Arata's anger, Trunks really didn't want to see just how much like her mother Natsuki really was. "You know what for. You catch Mr. Satan, apologize for Piccolo's distraction only for you to do the same thing! That's just mean." She replied.

Trunks slumped his shoulders. "Sorry."

Vitani smirked at the situation. "Well, well, well. Look at you big brother!" she teased, causing Trunks to tense up a bit. "You may have beaten her in battle at the World Martial Arts Tournament, but she can beat you in whit. What will become of you?"

"Oh, shut up, Vitani!" Trunks yelled, unable to come up with a better comeback.

Natsuki simply giggled at the situation. Grandma was right. Scaring the boys is fun.

"Thanks." Dende took the compliment. "But if it wasn't for Mr. Popo, I would have never escaped. Buu came out of the time chamber through a small hole. He was in liquid form." Dende began explaining what had happened that resulted in Dende surviving Buu's onslaught.

"Brave Popo." Piccolo's smile turned into a serious look. "Let's just hope that his sacrifice wasn't in vain. You two should be proud of yourselves. It was a wise move. You're a fine guardian, Dende."

"Thank-you, Piccolo." Dende said.

Hercule, meanwhile, looked on at the situation with confusion. "That scrawny…green…elf boy…is he some kind of body guard or something?" he asked.

Vitani glared at Hercule. "You oaf!" she yelled.

"He's no bodyguard!" Trunks joined in. "He's guardian of the Earth!"

"Huh? Really?" Hercule exclaimed. "Well, I'll be darned."

Vitani rolled her eyes. "Idiot." She growled.

Dende looked over at Gohan, who was sitting on a rock slightly above them, and Arata, who was standing beside said rock. "So, where's the radar now?" he asked.

"Piccolo's other pants." Gohan informed, resulting in those that were listening in to laugh. Once the laughter died down, Piccolo and the twins started filling Dende, and Hercule, in on what had transpired in such a small amount of time.

"What?!" Hercule yelled suddenly at a certain piece of news. "My sweet little Videl is dead?" Tears formed at the corners of Hercule's eyes. "My poor little Videl. How could Buu do that to her?" Hercule began crying and wailing around like a toddler. "Darn him! He was my friend!" Hercule suddenly stopped his toddler act as a fact came to mind. He immediately moved to stand in Gohan's face. "What's wrong with you?"

"Huh?" Gohan questioned, startled. Arata narrowed her eyes at the so-called hero.

Hercule grabbed the front of Gohan's uniform. "Why didn't you protect my little girl, huh? What kind of boyfriend are you, pal?" he demanded.

Gohan looked startled at such a question. "I wasn't there." He tried to make Hercule understand.

"Hey. Don't worry, sir." Goten spoke in an attempt to calm the frantic man. "She'll come back to life."

Hercule turned his attention to Goten in a frantic manner. "What are you talking about? She's dead you little imp." He yelled while holding the front of his uniform as he had done to Gohan and began shaking him back and forth. "How are you going to bring her back to life? No joking around. This is my daughter we're talking about!"

Arata quickly came to Goten's aid and knocked Hercule from gripping her younger brother. Hercule fell onto the ground quite harshly. "Get a grip!" she growled, causing Hercule to connect eyes with her. "You're not the only one who lost someone because of Buu. If you haven't noticed by the state of the planet, we're the only ones left alive." Arata leaned closely into Hercule's face, startling him significantly. "Grab either of my brothers like that again and not even Piccolo there will stop me from killing you."

"Y-You wouldn't k-kill me." Hercule stammered.

Raising an eyebrow, Arata returned to her full height. "That's what you think." She stated. "Unlike my brother there," she motioned to Gohan. "I'm not as kind hearted as he is." Arata narrowed her eyebrows a bit. "I don't have the conscious to care when it comes to protecting the ones I love."

Before Hercule could say anything to calm down the female half-Saiyan, everyone (but Hercule) gasped at the sudden surge of power that overcame them. Gohan and Arata immediately turned their attention in the direction of the source. Piccolo quickly followed with the chibis also keeping tabs.

"Buu, he's coming back!" Trunks exclaimed.

Gohan narrowed his eyebrows. "That didn't take long." He muttered.

"What? Majin Buu's here?" Hercule questioned.

Arata nodded. "Don't try and be a hero, Hercule. You wouldn't survive anyway." She muttered. "You're lucky you survived Cell."

"It's him…but why?" Piccolo voiced his confusion out loud. "Surely he doesn't want to fight Gohan and Arata again…unless he's managed to improve in the last hour."

Crossing her arms, Arata moved to stand beside her brother. "Something tells me that Buu came together with a plan." She stated her thoughts aloud.

"Alright. We're going to see what he's up to." Gohan informed loudly. "Don't get sucked up into the fight, you guys."

Gohan powered up and Arata followed suit. "Stay here." Arata instructed before quickly followed her brother to the edge of the large boulder that they had taken refused on to get a better view of Buu's incoming arrival.

Why is he back so soon? What could have changed? Gohan shared his thoughts with his sister, even though neither could give an accurate answer.

Arata tensed her muscles in apprehension and furrowed her eyebrows in concentration. Keep on your toes, Gohan. If there's one thing I got from the memories of Cell, it's to be ready for anything. Even you couldn't have predicted Cell's movements and, from what I gathered, Cell was rather predictable to me. Buu, however, is a lot more unstable and the more unstable one gets the less predictable they become.

Buu finally showed himself, landing on a separate boulder in front of Gohan and Arata. "Hey! Majin Buu!" Hercule yelled loud enough for them to hear. "How dare you hurt my daughter! What's wrong with you? You promised not to kill anymore, remember?" Hercule's words only seemed to amuse Buu.

Arata closed her eyes in frustration as she rubbed her hand over her face. "Someone shut the buffoon up." She growled. "He'll only make matters worse."

"Wake up!" Piccolo said harshly. "The Buu you made friends with is gone!"

Hercule didn't take in Piccolo's comment. Pulling Bee out from his shirt, Hercule raised him up. "Hey! You remember Bee, don't you?" He yelled desperately. "This is the puppy you saved!"

Buu, once again, broke out in laughter at the situation. "Alright. You gave it a try." Piccolo muttered, holding his anger in the best he could. "Now, back off. Let Gohan and Arata handle it from here."

There doesn't seem to be a change in him. Arata informed Gohan of the analysis she had gotten. The only change is in his mood.

"Hey. I bet he's bluffing, guys." Trunks declared. "Ten to one he runs away again!"

Buu heard Trunks' comment and finally decided to make a comment. "Come on then, you little worms! I want to fight you now!"

Gohan's eyes widened and Arata tensed. "What? No way!" Gohan disagreed. "That's not going to happen! You're fighting the two of us, Buu. Got it?"

Buu laughed before pointing in the direction of the chibis. "I've got a score to settle with them first." He said, shifting his finger to then point at Gohan and Arata. "Then I'll take care of the both of you."

"Sorry, pal, but you're not the one making the rules around here." Gohan declared.

Arata glared at Buu. "If you want someone to fight, your only option for opponents are myself and my brother." She said before smirking herself. Arata punched a fist into her palm. "Besides, didn't I say I'd make you regret laying a hand on those children? I haven't had my fill yet."

Buu smirked, but didn't address Arata's comment. "What happened, kiddos? Don't tell me you're scared to fight Buu?" he taunted, getting the rise out of the boys that he was looking for. Goten and Trunks growled at the taunting and glared at Buu. Vitani began glaring at Buu as well as Natsuki narrowed her eyebrows. "You were raging to go before, but now that your friends showed up, you're acting like cowards." When no one did anything, Buu growled. "Come on!" Buu relaxed his features in an attempt to take another approach. "Oh, I'm sorry. I must have misjudged you."

"What's he saying?" Trunks demanded.

Goten smirked. "I think he's trying to say we're weak."

Trunks smirks as well. "Then I guess he doesn't remember us kicking his butt." He declared while beginning to move his finger back and forth. "I wouldn't say we're down for the count just yet. We just thought that Gohan and Arata deserved a shot!"

"Ahh, I see." Buu said. "For a moment, I thought you were hiding behind him."

Arata narrowed her eyes. Normally a comment like that would have sent him off the edge. Instead he ignored it, choosing to taunt the kids instead…? She questioned, letting the confusion transfer to Gohan.

Gohan too was confused, but didn't let it show. He's so determined to face the kids in their fused forms…but for what reason?

Not sure myself. Arata stated. Stretching her senses out, a strange feeling came over her. Gohan, something isn't feeling right with his power level. It's like it's changing, but there's no fluctuation.

Yeah, I feel it too.

"Why don't you do your little magic so we can get started?" Buu continued.

"Fine!" Goten and Trunks said together.

"I'm ready. With Gohan and Arata on our side, there's no way we'll get beat." Goten declared.

Trunks agreed. "Yeah. I'm tired of hearing this guy run his mouth."

Vitani made a move to do the same as the boys, but Natsuki grabbed Vitani's arm and pulled back. Turning her anger on Natsuki, Vitani glared at her. "What are you doing? This could be our chance." She growled at Natsuki.

Natsuki, however, wasn't affected by Vitani's anger. "Don't you see? He's taunting us, this is exactly what he wants." She stated.

"Then let's give it to him. Trunks is right. With Gohan and Arata here, plus the joined efforts of Gotenks and Natani, Buu doesn't stand a chance at all." Vitani informed with confidence.

Natsuki turned her glare on Vitani, matching hers easily. "If someone tells you to jump off a cliff, would you do it?" she demanded angrily. "Buu beat us down easily and from what Goten and Trunks said, Uncle Gohan and my mother matched him blow for blow without breaking a sweat. Meaning, Uncle Gohan and my mother weren't using their full abilities and match Buu in power or even surpasses him."

"So?"

"With Uncle Gohan and my mother, why would Buu shift his attention on small fry like us? Their power easily surpasses Gotenks' and Natani's combined. That should be more of a threat than some stupid score to settle with some little kids." Natsuki argued intensely. Natsuki turned her attention to her mother with a worried look. "Just as Mamma said, Buu has something planned…and we're in the middle of it."

"Goten, Trunks; hold your ground for a moment. I'm sensing some sort of deception." Piccolo instructed, feeling the same strange disturbance that Arata and Gohan were feeling.

"Come on, Piccolo." Trunks exasperated. "You've got to be kidding. He's not smart enough for something like that. He can't even spell deception."

Goten smirked once more. "Let's go." He said before both boys jumped forward.

"No. Come back!" Piccolo growled, but to no avail.

Goten and Trunks landed beside Gohan and Arata. "There. You got what you asked for Majin Buu! Gotenks is back in the ring." Trunks declared.

"No, Trunks. You two stay back." Gohan disagreed. "Arata and I will handle this ourselves."

"But-" Trunks argued.

"Oh come on! We're really good." Goten argued as well.

Arata narrowed her eyes at the boys, who did their best to avoid her gaze. "Whether you're good or not doesn't matter. Get back there." She demanded. "You don't see Vitani or Natsuki doing something this stupid."

Trunks crossed his arms. "This stinks! We can't just stand here and watch? I want to fight!" he declared.

"Yeah!" Goten agreed.

Natsuki took her eyes off the scene in front of her at the sound of Bee's barking. Looking at Bee, he was crouching along the ground while growling. Natsuki narrowed her eyes as she slowly followed Bee's tracks. When she came upon what Bee was growling at, a sense of fear came over her.

Vitani noticed her movements and raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you?" she demanded.

Before she could get an answer, however, Natsuki sprung from her spot and darted to where her mother and uncle were standing. Vitani was left confused and without an answer as she ventured to where Natsuki had been standing.

"Mamma."

"Oh look who joined. Are the little girls going to join in too?" Buu taunted.

Arata wiped her head around to see Natsuki landing. "Natsuki, what did I just say to the boys? Get back behind Piccolo!" she demanded angrily while pointing in Piccolo's direction.

Natsuki looked at her mother with desperation. "But, Mamma! There's something-" she started to argue.

"It's not safe here. I'll be damned if I let you get hurt again." Arata interrupted.

"Don't worry about a think Gohan, Arata." Goten spoke up. "You haven't see Trunks and I in action, yet. But when we're in fusion, we're unbeatable. Watch this, okay?"

Natsuki began panicking, getting a strange and thoughtful look from both Gohan and Arata. "Goten, don't!" she cried. "You don't understand."

Trunks rolled his eyes. "Oh calm down, Natsuki. You're making such a big deal out of nothing." He stated as he and Goten got into position. "We understand you're scared. Just hang back with my sister and this will be over before you know it.""

"That's not it!" Natsuki yelled in frustration. "Buu's trying-"

Goten and Trunks ignored Natsuki's desperate plea and proceeded with following the movement of the fusion dance that they had been taught. "Now, are you ready, Goten?" Trunks asked rhetorically.

"Yeah and this time we should definitely start out as Super Saiyan 3." Goten answered.

When the light and dust cleared from the fusion, the combined form of Goten and Trunks appeared. "Yeah." Gotenks voiced while holding up two fingers in a peace sign. "Sorry you were missing me ugly, but now I'm back and stronger than ever."

Natsuki growled in furious anger, an anger that caused her hair to wave as if she were going to transform into her Super Saiyan state. "You idiot!" she yelled. The intensity of her anger startled both Gohan and Arata.

Gotenks rolled his eyes at Natsuki. "Calm down you big baby! Don't get yourself so worked up."

"Don't you see this is exactly what Buu wants?" Natsuki tried to argue.

Vitani, meanwhile, had wide eyes at the creeping lump of pink that she knew only spelled disaster. "Piccolo!" she yelled in her attempt at warning.

Piccolo didn't turn to face her. "Not now, Vitani."

Vitani growled in annoyance at the blow off Piccolo gave her. Looking beyond him, Vitani noticed that Natsuki was having the same problem she was with Piccolo. What temporarily unnerved her, however, was the state Natsuki was in. It was similar to how she acted after watching Katsu being killed in front of her. Why would her frustration translate into her transforming? Sure, with Katsu it was pure anger and hatred, but she doesn't hate Goten and Trunks…so why is she so out of control?

"Well, Gohan, Arata; I hope you don't mind if I take it from here." Gotenks stated overconfidently. "You're looking like you could use a little break."

Gohan smirked a bit. "Hn." He gave a dry chuckle.

"I'll beat on him for a while, then I might be nice enough to give you another shot at him." Gotenks declared.

"Nice attitude. You've definitely got some Vegeta in you." Gohan spoke.

"Thank-you." Gotenks took that as a compliment.

Arata, however, glared at Gotenks in frustration. Between Buu's confident smile, Gotenks' egotistical self, and her daughter this situation was getting worse by the second. "That shouldn't be compliment boys." Arata growled. "Last time Vegeta acted like this, he screwed everyone else!"

"Now I know where Natsuki gets it." Gotenks stated, making Arata's eyes widen in shock.

Arata's eyes narrowed. "Just you wait until you defuse…" she growled.

The pink blob that Vitani was keeping her eye on started moving faster. "Piccolo!" she yelled angrily.

"I said not now, Vitani!" Piccolo growled.

"How about I give you the first move." Gotenks said confidently before a blob of pink shot forward and began to cover Gotenks from head to toe.

Natsuki's eyes widen. "Gotenks!" she yelled hysterically.

"What is that?" Gohan demanded in shock.

"Hey, get this nasty goo off of me." Gotenks grumbled while he tried to fight it.

Arata immediately grabbed Natsuki around the waist, preventing her from going after Gotenks. "Let me go! He needs help." Natsuki demanded.

"If you go, you'll only get caught up in it as well." Arata informed, barely struggling at all against her daughter's struggles. "How did I not see this coming. Damn it."

While Gotenks was struggling with the pink goo, Gohan and Arata turned around to find Piccolo fighting it as well. Vitani was growling in frustration to cover her concern. "Why don't you idiots listen to me!" she yelled.

"No! Not Piccolo." Dende gasped.

"Guys, stay close. You'll be safer." Gohan declared.

Arata shook her head. "That's not it." She stated just as the pink blobs containing Piccolo and Gotenks darted from their spot and onto Buu himself.

"Yes! Come to me!" Buu yelled.

Gohan growled. "No! What's he doing to them?" he questioned.

Arata released her grip on Natsuki, who had stopped struggling. "This was what he was planning the whole time." She voiced her thoughts aloud, not able to concentrate properly to use the bond.

Natsuki narrowed her eyes at Buu. "He's changing…again." She muttered.

"He absorbed them." Arata declared what had just happened as Buu began to take shape.

"Does that mean he's going to go around absorbing us all?" Hercule fretted.

"Maybe." Dende stated. "We know he's absorbing the bravest fighters."

"That's not it." Arata declared, having attention drawn to her. "Think about it Dende. Think about the attributes of Piccolo and Gotenks. Piccolo has a sharp and logical mind that even rivals my own, as much as I hate to admit it. And Gotenks has a power that is intense…add that on top of what he already has…"

"…and this just became harder." Gohan finished her thoughts.

A.N.: Let me know what you think of this chapter.

Likes? Dislikes? General Opinions?

Tell me what you enjoyed most!

We're starting to get to the meat of this major battle…

Natani got to showcase her fighting ability without Gotenks around. For her age, what do you think?

What did you think of Gohan and Arata's fight? (Keep in mind, more will be shown next chapter.)

R.Q.: There were a few hints to future of the characters in this chapter. What are you looking forward to see when it comes to the future of a character or multiple characters? Is there something you're dying to see?

Next Chapter: With Gotenks and Piccolo absorbed, Gohan and Arata's fight with Majin Buu just got a lot more difficult. Gohan and Arata will have to step up their game…but will it be enough or will they get absorbed as well?

Stay tuned!