Disclaimer: I don't own DB or any of its characters, be it canon or filler.


WORLD MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT, PAPAYA ISLAND

The World Martial Arts Tournament has already begun, starting with the Junior Division. Meanwhile, Gohan and Videl are still waiting for their turn at the punching machine.

VIDEL: The Junior Division matches are already starting.

GOHAN: Yes... Goten's in it.

Gohan is growing a little impatient. He folded his arms on his chest and his foot is about to stomp on the venue. When he finally remembers something. He looks at his foot, then let out a sigh.

VIDEL: Hey! Don't worry. We'll be done soon enough to watch Goten.

GOHAN: I hope so. (looks in front) The machine is not even replaced yet. Do they really have a replacement for that?

VIDEL: Of course, they have! Hey, will you relax a bit?

Videl holds his arm to calm him down, but then that gesture suddenly made her feel awkward. She lets go of his arm then puts her hand back to her side.

GOHAN: I'm sorry... I guess sometimes I really have some difficulty managing my temper.

Videl gives him a questioning look. She kind of feels a little off about what Gohan just said. Gohan notices her staring.

GOHAN: It's not that... I go berserk or something... It's...

Gohan seems awkward. Videl suddenly feels bad for him.

VIDEL: You're a weird guy, Gohan.

Gohan looks at her.

VIDEL: Weird but... cute.

Gohan blushes. Videl laughs seeing him turn red.

GOHAN: I uh...

VIDEL: You're different. I know that already.

GOHAN: I guess... but, not entirely.

VIDEL: What do you mean?

Gohan looks at her intently.

GOHAN: I don't know what I can tell you now. Let me just say that whatever you see about me, about my friends and my family today, that is normal to us. I guess I'll tell you about it more later. After this tournament maybe.

VIDEL: I'll look forward to that... But, it's not strange bad, right?

GOHAN: I'd say it's a good type of strange.

VIDEL: Is there such a thing?

GOHAN: I don't know...

Both of them giggle.

VIDEL: I'm grateful you're opening up to me.

GOHAN: It feels good, talking to you like this.

VIDEL: I'm glad.

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: (voice over) On to the next fight, we have... eight-year-old Trunks versus fifteen-year-old Ethan!

GOHAN: It's Trunks! Oh... (looks in front)

VIDEL: Look! They replaced the machine.

GOHAN: But we still have a long line in front.

Gohan could not do anything but look impatiently at the volume of people in front of them. And then...

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: (voice over) Trunks wins by a knockout!

VIDEL: Wow! That Trunks won the match over someone way older than him.

GOHAN: (looks in front) Yeah…

Videl looks at Gohan who seems uninterested with what's happening. It seems like nothing else matters to him now than be done with his turn on the punching machine.

The junior division matches continue. The World Martial Arts Announcer can be heard all over, making the others know what is happening in the competition arena.

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: (voice over) Next match! We have Ikose, 14 years old versus the seven-year-old Goten!

GOHAN: Oh no! It's Goten's match!

Videl could only look back at the venue of the junior division. She herself would want to watch Gohan's little brother fight.

It wasn't long enough until the match was done. Obviously, Goten won.

VIDEL: Did you hear that? Goten won.

GOHAN: (uninterested) Uh-huh...

VIDEL: Aren't you even happy that your brother won over a fourteen-year-old? He's half his age.

GOHAN: Ah... yeah...

VIDEL: Okay... I get it. It's the we're-a-different-group-of-people thing again, right?

Gohan laughs nervously as he scratches the back of his head.

VIDEL: If you're confident that Goten will win his matches, then how come you're so eager to watch him fight? Surely, if all the contestants were not strong enough, I'm pretty sure he'll win all throughout.

GOHAN: Well, sort of. But there's Trunks.

VIDEL: Trunks... Bulma's son?

GOHAN: Yes. Remember that guy who crushed the punching machine?

Videl looks in front.

VIDEL: Yeah...

GOHAN: He's Trunks' father.

Videl gapes at Gohan at the realization.

GOHAN: He might not be as strong as he is, but he definitely is strong enough to challenge Goten. He might even be stronger.

VIDEL: (on her mind) If those kids are strong at their age right now, then maybe, Gohan...

Videl suddenly remembers the videos she saw during the Cell Games.

VIDEL: (on her mind) During the Cell Games, there is this kid at my age... (looks at Gohan) But that kid is blond... Is it possible he colored his hair differently?

At last, it was Gohan's turn at the punching machine. Just like the other Z fighters, he restrained his strength to come up with a reasonable score. He got 180, to Videl's astonishment.

VIDEL: (on her mind) But of course! Why am I still surprised?

GOHAN: Videl, it's your turn.

Videl looks at him.

VIDEL: Huh?

GOHAN: The punching machine?

VIDEL: Oh yeah...

Videl takes her place in front of the machine.

VIDEL: (on her mind) How can I compete with that? I just hope I get a good enough score.

Videl gives all her strength as he punches the machine. Her score read 150, which surprises her.

GOHAN: Great job, Videl! Now, let's go to the tournament hall and watch Go...

Gohan froze at his steps. He was already walking to the tournament hall when he noticed that Videl is not with him.

GOHAN: Videl?

Videl slowly turns around, walks towards Gohan slowly, too.

GOHAN: Is there something wrong?

VIDEL: I...

GOHAN: Huh?

VIDEL: I scored higher than my Dad...

Gohan was a bit taken aback.

GOHAN: Well... look at that! (nervous laugh) It seems your training is paying off.

Suddenly, Videl is filled with joy.

VIDEL: Let's go check on Goten!

She ran to the tournament hall leaving Gohan behind.

GOHAN: I've never seen Videl this happy.

Gohan is obviously happy as he follows Videl to the tournament hall.

At that point, the final match of the Junior Division is about to begin. It is between Goten and Trunks. Gohan and Videl were just in time for the match. They join Goku and the others at the top level of the bleachers.

GOHAN: Are they starting already?

GOKU: You're just in time. The match is about to begin.

KRILLIN: It sure took a while before they were able to replace the machine.

GOHAN: Yeah... for a moment I was worried they won't be able to replace it.

Videl looks at the men who's with her right now.

VIDEL: (on her mind) These men... they don't feel like they're strong enough but their scores on the punching machine earlier…

Videl looks at her hand as she forms a fist.

VIDEL: (on her mind) After Gohan taught me about controlling my ki, I suddenly feel like I can feel someone's energy. I can tell who is there even without looking, and I can also gauge that person's strength.

She looks at the Z Fighters once again.

VIDEL: (on her mind) These people seem to be weaker than my father, but how can they get a higher score than him? Am I reading their strength incorrectly?

Trunks and Goten's match has begun, shocking everyone including Videl because of the intensity of the fight.

VIDEL: (to herself) Those are kids?

The intense battle entertains everyone, sending the audience at the edge of their seat. Videl looks at the people beside her.

VIDEL: (to herself) So this is normal to them.

The fight continues until Trunks' hands glow as he forms two energy beams.

GOHAN: What's he doing? Is he going to use energy attack?

KRILLIN: He'll gonna hit the audience!

GOKU: It'll be fine. They are smarter that you think.

Trunks throw the energy balls, trying to hit Goten who dodged them perfectly. Gohan and Krillin get ready for the catastrophe that might happen. But true to Goku's words, Trunks was able to divert the energy attack to miss the audience.

GOKU: See?

KRILLIN: That one's close.

But it didn't end there. Goten prepares for his attack to counter, which is the good ol' Kamehameha.

GOHAN: No, Goten! You still don't know how to control it.

KRILLIN: This is bad.

True enough, Goten wasn't able to control the Kamehameha. It hit the roof of the venue entrance.

VIDEL: T-That's...

Videl remembers Gohan's attack on the zombies.

VIDEL: (on her mind) They're the same…

Gohan looks at Videl, finally realizing it must be all too new for her. He puts his hand on her shoulder, making her look up to him. He grimaced awkwardly.

Trunks and Goten's fight continue. In what seems like the ending, Trunks was able to get hold of Goten, asking him to surrender. But the smaller tot does not want to give up. In the process, Goten turns into Super Saiyan.

GOHAN: Goten! You didn't!

GOKU: (shocked) He can turn into Super Saiyan?

VEGETA: That is not fair, Kakarot!

GOKU: I... don't know anything about this.

VIDEL: (on her mind) Goten... he turned blond... then it only means...

The fight continues, until Trunks turns into Super Saiyan beating Goten.

GOKU: Trunks can turn into Super Saiyan, too?

KRILLIN: Yeah... seems like those boys are really next level.

VIDEL: (on her mind) That kid, too? Does every one of them turns into that... whatever they call it?

The match ended, Trunks being victorious, Vegeta bragging to Goku about it. The next match is an exhibition between the winner of the Junior Division and the world champion himself.

GOKU: Do you guys want to grab something to eat? I'm starving.

KRILLIN: Well, food's better than watching.

VIDEL: Hey! Aren't you going to watch your kid fight the world champion?

All of them look at Videl, surprised at her sudden outburst.

GOHAN: Ah... ha ha! Yeah, right! Guys, let's watch the fight. I'm sure this will be a good match.

GOKU: You go watch then. We'll go ahead.

Videl and Gohan watch as the group leave.

VIDEL: (on her mind) Of course this match is nonsense to them. After all, my dad is... (looks at the ring) He's not real...

Mr. Satan makes his entrance making the people around the arena shout in glee and chant his name.

VIDEL: (on her mind) His energy level is not even as strong as Trunks. And he's just eight.

Videl grips the railing of the safety barriers of the terrace.

VIDEL: (on her mind) Dad, what have you done? Why did you... make everyone believe?

Gohan stands beside Videl, unaware of the emotional turmoil she's going through right now.

VIDEL: (on her mind) How can you do that? How can you claim a victory that is not really yours?

GOHAN: Who do you think will win?

VIDEL: (detached) I don't know...

GOHAN: Huh?

Gohan finally looks at Videl, but as innocent as he is, he remains clueless at what's happening with the girl beside him.

The fight continues with Mr. Satan being goofy and Trunks being unimpressed with Mr. Satan's antics. In the end, Trunks launch a punch on Mr. Satan's face, sending the world champion off the ring.

VIDEL: Dad!

Mr. Stan stood up, telling the crowd that he's just okay. He then proceeds inside his waiting room.

VIDEL: (on her mind) It's not even the strongest punch…

GOHAN: That... went well. Don't you think?

Videl looks at Gohan, smiling.

VIDEL: Yeah... Let's go to your friends now.

Gohan looks at Videl. He can sense something's off with the way she smiles at him.

GOHAN: (on his mind) Something is different in her... but what is it?

Gohan and Videl ascends to the waiting area to look for Goku and the others. The two found the rest of the gang in the pantry, eating.

GOKU: Gohan! Come and join us!

GOHAN: Great! I'm starving, too.

Gohan went ahead and eat with Goku. Voraciously eat, that is. Videl just watched, quite shocked at what she is witnessing.

VIDEL: (on her mind) I've seen Gohan eat before, and he really eats a lot... but, not like how he is right now. Maybe, it's because his dad is here.

It's not only Goku and Gohan, but also Vegeta.

KRILLIN: I'll never get used to this Saiyan eating habits.

GOHAN: Krillin, you don't really know how to shut your mouth!

KRILLIN: (frightened) Sorry...

Videl looks at Gohan.

VIDEL: (on her mind) Gohan, you don't have to bother. I know there's something different about you. But what is a Saiyan? Does it have something to do with the Great Saiyaman?

Gohan feels like someone is watching him. He looks up and finds Videl staring. Videl smiles at him, making him blush and tone down his eating a little bit.

After feasting, Goku and the group walks to the ring to see the draw lots for the matches. As they walk, they meet two mysterious man. The first one is a tall, blue-skinned man with long, white hair and broad face. But what caught Videl's attention is the second one. He is a short, purple-skinned man with white mohawk and yellow earrings.

VIDEL: (whispering) Gohan, I think he's floating in the air.

The two men conversed with Goku, and it seems they are just being amiable. They immediately leave after.

PICCOLO: They don't look like they are from Earth.

GOKU: Yeah.

PICCOLO: They might be from space. But why would an alien join the tournament?

VIDEL: (to Gohan) What is he saying? Alien?

GOHAN: Ah... he meant that those guys look quite odd.

VIDEL: I see... (on her mind) You really aren't telling me anything, huh, Gohan?

KRILLIN: They're starting the draw.

All of them walks to the preliminary competition venue.

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: Ah, here you are! The draw is about to start.

GOKU: Alright!

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: Hello everyone! We are about to start the draw lots. If you hear your name, please step up and pick a number.

KRILLIN: (praying) Please don't let me be paired with someone strong.

PICCOLO: Are you praying to Dende?

Krillin is speechless, realizing that the Earth's guardian is Dende. Goku is beside him, looking around at the other competitor they are about to face.

GOKU: Everyone seems normal. Those two we met earlier... I can't sense anything unusual.

PICCOLO: Me either. But look at those two.

Piccolo is looking at two muscular men. They are both bald, has pale complexion, and their bodies are so ripped the veins are already visible.

GOKU: There's something odd about their eyes. And I can sense a strong ki in them.

Goku looks around some more, until he saw a masked man with blue cape and white loose outfit.

GOKU: (to himself) That guy looks strange.

Goku might sense something on the masked man as he is actually Trunks and Goten disguised as the real Mighty Mask. Trunks is on top of Goten's shoulders and the younger tot serves as the lower limbs.

The draw lots started. Krillin picks number 1. Gohan is 8, and is paired with one of the guys they met earlier, the taller one.

GOKU: Be careful with him, Gohan. I sense he's not an ordinary being.

GOHAN: Yes, Dad. I can sense that, too.

The draw continues. Android 18 is number 9. And then, the other guy who they met earlier, the one who's floating, got number 3.

The next to pick is Spopovich. Videl was surprised to see Mighty Mask come rushing, only to be pushed away by the real Spopovich.

VIDEL: What is wrong with Mighty Mask?

Spopovich got number 6. The draw continues and Goku got number 11. Videl is next to pick up.

VIDEL: (to the announcer) Where's Dad?

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: He's taking a rest for a while. We're picking his number for him.

Videl got number 5.

VIDEL: (to herself) Spopovich, huh? This will be easy.

Goku and the others are talking about Videl while she picks her number.

GOKU: He said Dad. Does that mean she's Mr. Satan's daughter?

GOHAN: Yes, Dad.

KRILLIN: So that's why she's so hung up with that world champ. I must say, she doesn't look like him. She's kind of cute. (to Gohan) I bet she's going to make you marry her someday.

GOHAN: (blushing) Stop kidding! We're not even dating!

VIDEL: Who's dating?

Gohan was dumbfounded. The others continue to tease him in front of Videl.

GOKU: Gohan, why is your face red all of a sudden?

GOHAN: Dad! Stop it, please...

The others just laugh at the banter. Videl just looks around suspiciously.

The draw lots continue, with Vegeta having to fight Goku first sending shock to the others. Android 18 is being paired up with Mr. Satan.

VIDEL: How unlucky for you to fight my father first?

ANDROID 18: (no reaction) Your Dad?

VIDEL: (on her mind) Don't tell me this girl can also turn into that blond fighter? Or is she already on it that's why she's blond? She doesn't look so strong, but even those kids seem harmless and yet they fight that intense. With these people everything is possible.

The draw lots ended, and after a few moments the tournament finally begins.

Krillin was the first to fight. His match is against a regular named Pintar, a huge brown-skinned man who looks like a genie but is a trash talker. As the others bid Krillin good luck, Videl is by Gohan's side, watching.

VIDEL: (on her mind) Okay. Let's see what these guys are made of.

It was an easy fight. It didn't take long for Krillin to win.

VIDEL: He's very good. Amazing!

GOHAN: Yeah... Krillin might look unimpressive, but he sure is strong.

VIDEL: (on her mind) You're right, he's pretty amazing... But still, my dad can easily do that. Pintar is not that strong after all.

Videl looks around.

VIDEL: (on her mind) He's not yet here. He definitely was hurt by that punch.

The next fight is Piccolo versus Shin, the mysterious floating guy.

VIDEL: (on her mind) This green guy looks tough- Wait! They call him Piccolo. (looks at Gohan) Didn't he say he was trained by a certain Piccolo?

The match begun, but nothing happens. Piccolo and Shin just stared at each other. To everyone's surprise, Piccolo surrenders.

VIDEL: What happened?

GOHAN: I don't know...

Piccolo returns to the waiting area.

GOKU: Is he that strong, Piccolo?

PICCOLO: Yes. His level is so much above me.

KRILLIN: (quite alarmed) You're not telling the truth, right? 'Cause I have to fight him next, you know.

VIDEL: (on her mind) Now, this is strange. I thought he'll show something great.

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: Folks, our next fight will sure give us a great show as we are about to witness none other than Mr. Satan's daughter, Videl!

The people in the arena cheer for Videl.

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: And of course, Videl's opponent is a regular... Spopovich!

Videl looks at Spopovich.

VIDEL: (on her mind) He sure changed a lot. I wonder what happened to him.

GOHAN: You really are popular with the crowd, Videl. Do your best, okay?

VIDEL: Wait for me here, Gohan. I promise to give you a good fight later on our match.

Videl walks out to the arena with Spopovich.

VIDEL: (on her mind) He seems to have improved a lot for the past three years, but… what is this strange energy I feel from him? Is this how he really is?

The match begins. Videl has the upper hand since the start of the fight. Spopovich is not even dodging his attacks, multiple times falling into the ring.

Gohan and the others watch her fight.

GOHAN: Videl is killin' it!

KRILLIN: She's not bad at all.

GOHAN: She might win this.

KRILLIN: Someone's excited for the next round.

GOHAN: (blushing) Wha-

KRILLIN: Goku, I think we will be having another proposal at the World Martial Arts Tournament. What do you think?

Goku just keeps on watching, quite seriously.

KRILLIN: Goku?

Once again, Spopovich falls down. Everyone thinks that Videl is about to win, but Spopovich stood up, as if nothing happened. Everyone is surprised, and Goku is getting a little worried.

GOKU: Something's strange.

KRILLIN: Huh? What do you mean?

But Goku does not answer.

Gohan, on the other hand, is just focused on Videl and seems to be oblivious of the peculiarity of the situation.

GOHAN: Videl! Keep it up!

VIDEL: (on her mind) He's taking every blow as if nothing has happened. Are my attacks weak?

Videl attacks again, and again it seems like she won.

GOHAN: She won! It's over!

GOKU: No, it's not.

GOHAN: (looks at Goku) Huh?

Spopovich suddenly stands up.

GOHAN: What... He stood up!

VIDEL: (on her mind) He's not yet done? What happened to him? He's not like this before!

GOKU: She better give up now. There's something strange about this guy. She might be in trouble.

GOHAN: Huh?

With what Goku said, Gohan suddenly feels worried. And it's not just him who's worried. Videl looks at the guy he's fighting as she tries to catch her breath. The guy sneers at her, and there's something about those eyes that creeps her out suddenly.

With the unusual energy she's feeling, Videl was caught up with Spopovich's attack. It was her turn to fall down on the ring.

Videl stands up again, not wanting to give up. But Spopovich is on the attack again, punching and kicking her, sending her off ring. Everyone thinks she's about to fall, but alas! She floats by the ringside.

Everyone is surprised. Gohan feels proud.

GOHAN: She mastered flying very well.

GOKU: I think it was best if she just lost that time.

GOHAN: What?

GOKU: Something is strange with this guy. Videl's attacks should send him off already, but he's still standing. There's something in him, but I'm not sure what it is.

Videl floats back to the ring.

VIDEL: (on her mind) He's... he's a monster! He's not normal! Something's off. It seems the ordinary attacks are not affecting him. I must step my game up.

She tries to attack Spopovich once more. She was able to land a kick on his face, too strong it broke his neck. Everyone is shocked. That broken neck sure is a fatal blow.

VIDEL: No way... I thought... but he's...

Spopovich lays still in the ring, unmoving.

GOHAN: Videl...

KRILLIN: She killed him.

Videl looks at Spopovich in horror, about to cry believing she just killed the man.

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: In an unfortunate event, Videl seemed to have hit Spopovich with the intensity that he wasn't able to take. Spopovich is-

Everyone was flabbergasted when Spopovich suddenly stands up, with his head turned on one side. He twisted it like it was just nothing and his head looks normal again.

VIDEL: What the... What is he?

Videl starts to panic, and with that all her fighting knowledge seems to fly away. Spopovich attacks and he hits her in the face, making her nose bleed.

VEGETA: Kakarot is right. She should surrender. Something is not right with that guy.

Spopovich's attack sends Videl up in the air again.

GOHAN: That's right. Just stay there and rest for a while.

VIDEL: (on her mind) This is not normal anymore. It's something that those guys encounter. (looks at the Z Fighters) Maybe...

Videl looks around, trying to find her father. But she was shocked when Spopovich also flies up.

VIDEL: No way...

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: Spopovich has flown in the air as well! The fighting now transcends in the air.

Everyone is also shocked at what had just happened.

VIDEL: (on her mind) This is insane! This is not a tournament anymore. This is...

SPOPOVICH: Are you scared now?

VIDEL: What?

SPOPOVICH: You're very unlucky, you were matched to me. It's not you who we came here for.

VIDEL: What do you mean?

SPOPOVICH: But we have to play along.

Spopovich extends his hand to Videl, then blasts off an energy attack.

VIDEL: No...

Videl tries to block the attack. It was weak but strong enough to send her down and make her fall to the ring.

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: Videl is down! (starts to count)

But Videl is not yet giving up.

VIDEL: No… wait...

The crowd cheer for her. The Z fighters are quite alarmed.

KRILLIN: That was an energy attack! He could have killed her with that!

VEGETA: He blasted a weak attack. He knows what he's doing. He doesn't want to be disqualified, but he's not giving her mercy as well.

GOKU: He has so much power, so much he can't control it. I'm not sure how that works.

Videl is quivering as she stands up.

VIDEL: (on her mind) Something is happening... Dad... There's a monster and you need to stop him!

The fight continues. Videl lost her ability to fight, and she also cannot dodge Spopovich's attack anymore. Blow by blow she takes it, sending more damage to her body.

GOHAN: Videl... you've done enough. Give up already.

Even the World Tournament Announcer is being worried about her.

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: Videl is down once again. (goes to her) Videl, you don't have to continue. Everyone will understand if you quit right now.

VIDEL: Is my dad here?

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: Huh? (looks around) Not where I can see... are you not stopping because you want him to see you fight?

VIDEL: Sort of... (on her mind) Dad, you're the world champion. You should be the one who should stop this freak... Or maybe... maybe you're not!

Videl's fists tightens. Her tears start to form not only because she is in pain, but also because of frustration and disappointment. With all her strength, she stands up.

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: Videl...

VIDEL: (smiles at the announcer) Why were you not there during the Cell Games?

WORLD TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCER: Huh?

VIDEL: Do you believe that it was my father who saved the world?

The announcer was not able to answer. Videl laughs ironically.

VIDEL: I'm not giving up.

She looks at Spopovich sharply.

VIDEL: If the world champion won't stop you, then I will.

And the fight continues.


A/N: On my head canon, Videl can sense energy as well since she was taught how to control it. I'm guessing that's the rule when it comes to controlling the ki. When you learn how to control it, you also learn how to sense it not just on yourself but also on the others as well.

I want to portray her as a smart girl. Well, not a book smart type but someone who has a strong common sense and an intelligent fighter. But still, she has her weakness. She might be smart and strong, but her emotions can overpower her making her lose her guard. That is how she usually lose and/or fail on her missions. Good thing Gohan is already there to save her, or the Great Saiyaman for that matter.