A/N: Hey, hey, everyone. Yes, I know, it's been a hot minute since last I uploaded another chapter on this story. When I finished DARAGON Ch5, I was supposed to already upload this chapter, Ch42, but was so invested in DARAGON I couldn't help myself. My bad lol. I have to say, though, I'm well impressed with what I came up with in my second story.
But the feeling's the same with this story!
Just to clarify here in case if anyone else had forgotten, Lucy, Juvia & 21 are in the harem. Lucy & Juvia will take a while in come in, but if you want me to be specific, they'll be more invested in Goku in the new Timeline A that'll come after this arc. That's all I'm gonna say, guys.
Now get to reading...!
Android 21 Arc
Chapter 42: The Market of More Unconscious Members...
Evening...
Tropical Island, Camp (3 Hours Later...)
Former sleeping members, Gray & Juvia, have now joined the fray in helping Goku & the others stop the clones from wreaking havoc. With the progress they were making, the island they were on, when they confronted Goku's former foes, was being used as camp for Goku & the others.
Thanks to Bulma, Erza & Makarov giving the two now conscious duo the rundown of what's been going on, Gray & Juvia were as ready as ever. And to be fair, after hearing about their own clones stealing their own energy, they were livid and wanted to strike back as soon as possible.
Multiple camps were set up. With the ship being one of them, as Bulma's 'indoor tent', everyone was sitting on logs surrounding the fire they made in the middle. Since they've been working their butts off all day today, they thought it was time to call it a day.
Thanks to Virgo, Erza, & Juvia, the female trio worked up a buffet to everyone that was present at the camp. And of course, all of the boys, especially Goku & Natsu, were eating their hearts out...
"And there they go, eating as if they're in a buffet." Lucy said as she wasn't impressed. She barely finished her second bowl but called it a day after getting grossed out by the boy's sloppiness.
"This stuff's the greatest, girls!" Goku said with food in his mouth.
"Yeah, no kidding. It's freakin' fantastic, ah!" Natsu agreed as he went on to another bowl.
Erza grinned at the boys enjoying the food she helped made. Knowing that she can cook well, too, as it wasn't pointed obvious by the way the boys were eating, she knew she had to improve her cooking skills because she knew Mirajane's a pro & more talented than her in that department...
"It has been a weird day today. We meet our own clones, only to find out they have our own energy, specifically. Then, as it wasn't coming from a while away, we finally met one of Goku's former foes. Seeing Frieza, alive in the flesh, puts a scare in anyone who isn't acquainted with the hell they've been put through..."
Makarov cuts in, nodding as he was agreeing with Erza even though he never saw what Frieza looked like, "Frieza's an unpredictable foe. As Goku mentioned before, it would be wise to watch out for him, really. I wouldn't want any of you to get hurt."
"I would vouch for that, Old Man." Krillin said, scoffing as he got PTSD from getting blown up by Frieza, "Still, don't you guys think it's weird that they were all there? All of the people we defeated? We're talking Frieza, Cell, Cooler, the Ginyu Force, Nappa & the three weirdos that were with Cooler. They don't look like the type to be teaming up."
"I take it you're onto something, Krillin? Erza asked as she assumed Krillin was putting on his thinking cap.
"You betcha I am." Krillin responded. He closed his eyes for a brief second, let out a cough and began to explain his reasons on why the villains were teaming up, "When it comes to wanting something, Frieza's the one to stand out. Like how he was so desperate to get the Dragon Balls back on Planet Namek? And how he wanted to kill you when he came back a third time? I'm betting that he teamed up with his own brother, Nappa & Cell because they all have a common goal."
"If I had to guess, that goal would be to defeat the clones to get back their own energy?" Erza added, wondering if her guessing as correct.
"Exactly." Krillin said, snapping his fingers, "Other than defeating their clones, there really isn't any need for a villain alliance. Seems pretty weird, if you ask me. I mean, the only thing that would make sense here is that they all want to kill Goku since they all hate him."
Krillin's words were on point. To Goku at least. Even he knew a villain alliance seemed baited. While he knows for a fact that every past villain has a grudge against him, it doesn't really explain why they all teamed up. But then again, the reason could be anything. And to Goku, he might, though it's an assumption, know the reason...
"What if... the reason as to why they all teamed up is because they all got something personal with Towa, too?"
And the name Towa was brought up into the conversation, silencing everyone for a bit since they all got history with her. The camp and everyone in it were quiet. Serious faces all around, everyone but Virgo were feeling sick to their stomachs from hearing a name so vile...
"Towa..." Erza repeated, "That could be the reason, actually. She's the type to come and use people as she pleases. But the question is... what could she possible want that she went as far as to use Frieza & the others?"
"Questions that need to be answered, My Child. However, I think it's best we call it a now." Makarov suggested as he later yawned, "Today was good. We got back several other people and finally met Goku's foes he talks so much about. I'd say we're making good progress."
"You're right, Gramps. We saved a lot of people today, but tomorrow's a different story. And I can't wait to save more (especially Mira)."
"I'm with you, Goku. 18 got hurt 'cause I got careless. Well, not anymore! I'm going to make sure I draw in some payback to the person who called in these clones!" Krillin said, promising his best friend as he clenched his fists.
"We're all on that boat, then." Loke smiled, liking Krillin's confident, "Though we called it a day, if you guys like, I can watch over the camp while all of you guys catch a good night sleep."
"You sure? You're strong, Loke, I'll give you that. But we're in Goku's world now, remember? With Frieza & others who leagues above anyone we ever fought?"
"Rest assure, Lucy, darling, I'm not one to mess with big deals like them. I'll just alert you guys if they're back. Clones, however, I think I can face a couple of clones." Loke assures Lucy with a thumbs up.
"Wow... for once, you're not thinking with your private area, Loke..." Lucy said, amazed.
And that comment caused Loke to tumble into the ground dirt, to which, comedically, he got dragged across the ground, "That was totally uncalled for, Lucy."
Lucy giggled, "Best of luck in guarding everyone while we sleep, Loke."
"Right..."
Everyone was ready to call it a night. Taking out the fire, everyone had finished eating. Retreating into their own tents, with Bulma sleeping in her ship, where inside there is a built-in room. Lucy & Juvia were sharing a tent, Natsu & Happy as well. Gray decided to sleep with Makarov, not in that way, while Krillin had his own tent. Goku, on the other hand, had more than he had chipped for...
While walking over to his own tent, opening it up, he saw none other than the Queen of Fairies, the Princess of Fiore, and the Celestial Maid, "Um... Why are you all in my tent, girls?"
"What does it look like, dummy? We're going to sleep with you..." Erza replied, embarrassed.
"That's right we are..." Hisui said with blushing cheeks, "(Though I'm Goku's true lover! Why is it I have to share him with other girls who aren't fit for him? The audacity!)
"I'm just here to make sure you're safe from these vile mortals, Kakarot." Virgo said with a straight face, "You know, just to make sure there isn't any funny business with my master."
"M-Master?" Erza & Hisui said with comedic white circled eyes.
Goku, who was dumbfounded, responded, "Um... Okay, then..." he entered inside, with his futon that was the size of four people (coincidently), and didn't bother to ask more questions as it turns out he was tired. He wanted to get a goodnight sleep.
But again... he got more than what he bargained for...
-[Many Hours Later...]-
Everyone in the camp were peacefully sleeping. Unbothered in the peace and quiet, they all slept soundly. And doing a piss, poor job, Loke fell asleep. He mounted his back on a boulder two miles from the camp and just stood there, sleeping while standing with his neck tilted down to his left side.
In Goku's tent, he was having a bit of trouble sleeping. Though of course, he was able to sleep well at first. There were just... weight problem. To his right side was Hisui, bear hugging his right arm as she slept soundly. To his left was Erza, who was also bear hugging his left arm as if it was a body pillow. And for the third person, the one and only Celestial Maid, well... she was on top on him, awake...
"(Ugh, man... something's pressing on my chest. Two elbows?)"
Goku opened his eyes and found Virgo, with her hands on her cheeks, both elbows on Goku's chest, awake and staring at him. Blank expression with her blue eyes, blinking every twenty seconds, she was just staring at him. Him, who is also her master in whom she serves, possibility more than Lucy herself. When Goku found out she was giving him the eyes, he just had to ask why she was awake...
"Um... Virgo?"
"That's my name, Kakarot." Virgo casually said.
"Virgo, is there a reason as to why you're on top of me, crushing my chest in the process?"
The Maid responded, "Other than the fact I can't really sleep, not with these kinds of threats on the same planet as us, I just wanted to sleep how you sleep. In person, that is."
"That... doesn't sound creepy at all..." Goku said.
"How come you're awake, hmm? I thought in a situation like this, you would sleep like you're in paradise."
"I can't really sleep if your elbows are suffocating me, Virgo."
"Fair point..." Virgo got off of him as he decided to sit up.
Sitting up, with Virgo in front of him as her legs were in an m-shape position, both Hisui & Erza were sleeping with Goku's arms missing from their hold. Now that Goku was somewhat awake now, he decided to throw caution into the wind and interact with Virgo. Criss-cross apple sauce, Goku was wiping his eyes...
"Something's bothering you, Virgo. Can you tell me what it is?"
She was quiet for a brief moment. Looking at the ground, while still having a blank expression as if it was nothing new, she then looked up at Goku, readying to give him her answer...
"It's about what happened a few hours ago, when we met that Red Ribbon Scientist. I still don't think we should trust her. At the very least, we should keep an eye on her."
"You're still on that? Virgo..." Goku grunted softly as he laid back down, looking at the ceiling of the tent, "[Sigh] What else can I say on that situation, Virgo? She did save the wife of my best friend, you know."
"It could be a cover up, Kakarot. Think about it, a person, in whom we never saw before, just come and save one of your own friends? May I quote, 'we never saw before'."
"I heard you the first time, Virgo. And what if it's just timing? You don't know if she's evil or something."
"Kakarot, I'm never wrong about these things. I know a suspicious person when I see one. That lady, that four-eyed scientist, she isn't someone we can't trust."
"Sounds to me you're kind of thinking it too much. Try to not to overthink it, man, and see for yourself that we can, in fact, trust her."
"And why would I do that...? Kakarot..." Virgo was upset, but she tried to not let it get to her. But it didn't mean she couldn't pout 'cause she did.
"Ahh..." Goku smiled, head patting her with his right hand, "You're so weird..."
"Whatever. If it means you'll keep a closer eye on her, I guess I can do my part and do what you ask."
"That's my maid!" Goku chuckled, "Now if you excuse me, I'm gonna get some sleep now. Night..."
"Right. I don't sleep that much, and I know Big Brother Loke's sleeping on the job, so I'll just take over his position. Have a good night sleep with your girlfriends, Kakarot." Virgo leaned over to Goku, pushed his front bangs up and kissed his forehead, causing him to blush in amazement due to her braveness. His eyes widened.
She got up from delivering her kiss and exit out the tent, leaving Goku speechless. His forehead was still exposed but he repositioned it back to his usual hairstyle as his blushing cheeks were still visible. From time-to-time, it's impossible to understand what Virgo is thinking. But to Goku, however, he feels as though he can understand her. Not because of how he's her master, but because she's showing significant changes that he asked from her weeks ago...
"Virgo..." Goku mumbled her name as he laid back down, only to have Erza & Hisui automatically lock onto his arms again, "(Wow... didn't take long for these two to lock on again)."
He looks at the sleeping beauties and was baffled at their actions. To do it while still knocked out, it blew Goku's mind out of the gutter...
"Better get some sleep. I have to get up in a few hours so I can save my friends. Mira..." Goku later closed his eyes and fell asleep.
-[Morning...]-
-[Tropical Island, Camp...]-
After a delicious breakfast to start off the day, led by the trio cooks of the hair color of red, blue & pink, Goku & the others' placed the tents away in Bulma's ship and were ready to scout out more of their unconscious members. Putting out the fire, Goku was spotted stretching his legs on the freshly cut grass, with Krillin, Natsu & Gray watching him from behind...
"Right!" Goku clenched his fists after a good stretch, "Let's get this show on the road. We have a lot more people to save. Not to mention villains we have to stop."
"Ready when you are, Goku!" Natsu gave his master the thumbs up, "I'm still weak as hell so along the way, I hope we run into our clones."
"Hmph. I'll probably kill more of my clones than you will with yours, Natsu. After all, I'm stronger than you." Gray said, cocky as he crossed his arms while smiling with his eyes closed.
Natsu gave his rival a smug look, "Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry, Popsicle. Aren't you the stripper who fell unconscious longer than me?"
"!" Gray opened his eyes to his threatening words, knowing that it was true, "Ugh... who me? I- - I was just taking a nap! Yeah, that's all!"
"Sure..." Natsu continues his taunt with his shark teeth appearing for this occasion, "Man, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're embarrassed that someone like me managed to wake up before you."
"Oh, yeah? Just shut your face, Ash-Breath! It was too convenient that someone like me would pass out on that stupid E.M.P.! I wasn't ready! You know, I was caught off guard?"
"Sure- -"
Natsu's smart remarks caused him to bump heads with Gray. Both their auras, red & blue, began clashing. In the background was a dumbfounded Lucy, a bloody-nose Juvia, and a supportive Happy. Goku & Krillin were next to each other as they, too, were seeing the smack-a-down go right in front of them...
"You know, Goku, for some reason, I'm getting vibes from seeing them duke it out. Reminds me of you and Vegeta, haha..."
"I thought the same!" Goku chuckled with his arms behind his head, "But non Saiyan version."
Looking at an ongoing fight between two Fairy Tail members, Bulma honk the ship's horn to get everyone's attention...
"Hey! If you're done fighting like morons, let's get story on heading out here!" Bulma said through the speakers.
"I see Bulma's fired up." Goku said, not knowing that wasn't the case.
"Or, Goku, she's just annoyed with the fact that it's too early to fight." Erza said, popping next to Goku, "How many people do you think we'll get this time? I'd say five or something."
"Four, six, two." Goku replied.
"I'm going to go with four, too." Krillin adds, "We're going to think big, but nothing's too big here."
"You guy's ready?" Erza asked the boys.
"Yeah." Goku & Krillin nodded.
As everyone entered the ship, Natsu & Gray were the last to enter. Requested by Lucy, Virgo used her energy chains to wrap around the two, separating them, and dragged them inside the ship. With everyone now in, at once, Bulma fired up the engines and the gang was now on the move.
But as a reminder, though, when the ship was all the way up in suitable height above the clouds, Virgo threw Natsu & Happy out due to motion sickness. An hour in, mostly Goku & Virgo were energy searching for friends, with of course the looking out for villains...
"Hmm... I don't have any readings on your friend so far, Kakarot." Virgo confirmed, "Are you having any luck?"
"I'm stuck in a pickle here, Virgo. Ugh, not dice." Goku sighed after, "Maybe we're going in the wrong direction or something. That would explain why I haven't sensed any energy sig- -"
With his arms still crossed, and his eyes widened, Goku had discovered something. A blessing was coming his way and he decided to take it. Speaking to him telepathically, this random voice was trying to reach him, to ask for his assistance as he is in dire need of one...
"Hey, umm... hello? Someone's talking inside my head..." Goku said to Virgo, "Someone's trying to get my attention..."
"Telepathy..." Virgo said, intrigued, "But who could it be that's trying to reach out to you?"
"I'll find out right now." Goku closed his eyes to concentration on the voice of reasoning. Pitched in a black background, he was able to connect to this speaker's line...
"Goku! Goku!" the mysterious voice cried for help as it was recognized in his desperate voice.
Opening his eyes while still on the line, Goku widened his eyes just a little, "Piccolo..."
"At once, I need your help! Come, quickly! They're too strong and there's too many!"
And the signal created by none other than the Namekian Piccolo ended...
Warping back to reality, Goku ran to Bulma. The others, including Virgo, were curious as to why Goku went to Bulma, who is currently stirring the ship...
"Kakarot?" Virgo's left eyebrow lifted up.
"Uh, something on your mind, Goku? Don't be afraid to say it..." Bulma said, looking back at her woke friend.
"Bulma, quickly! We need to change course! I know where Piccolo is! He contacted me through telepathy and during the time I was able to get in line with him, I manage to sense his energy."
"You have? That's great!"
"It's a small energy distortion... that way!" Goku pointed east from the regular coordinates from where they were originally heading.
"I'll trust on you that, Goku! Hold on tight, everyone! I'm about to change navigations here! Here we go!"
Changing course, with new coordinates along with Goku being the one to direct them, Bulma punched the ship's engine into overdrive. Flying at half a mach's speed, the ship's leading path was cleared for Natsu & Happy to follow in pursuit...
Morning
Green Plain Wasteland (Destroyed...)
In his SSJ form, Goku, along with Krillin, Natsu & Gray were scouting the area to where Piccolo might be. Granted, this was based off of an energy distortion. A weak one, but it was one they had no choice to take.
The foursome sausage team were flying forward, looking everywhere, left and right, and were still coming up short on finding Piccolo. However, it wasn't until their continued further exploration that Goku was able find the Namekian, unconscious...
"Hmm?" Goku stopped his search, looked down and saw Piccolo on the ground, who was lying on his stomach, "Look, guys! There he is! Piccolo!"
The boys' aura disappeared the moment all four descended down to aid the unconscious Piccolo. Checking his pulse, Goku gave the signal to his friends that Piccolo was going to be fine...
"He's alright, guys. Just unconscious, that's all." Goku said, relieved.
Krillin sighed out of worry no more, "Thank goodness, haha..." he wiped his forehead to get rid of the built up sweat.
Natsu & Gray, apart from not arguing and starting a fight for a change, were happy, too. However, their celebration on saving Piccolo came to a temporary end as Gray, with his arms crossed, noticed a horde of clones heading their way. So, he decided to grab everyone's attention...
"Uh, guys? Not to stop the win for the day here, but it looks like we got company..." Gray announced, turning on his aura.
"Goku, look! Clones! You, me, Natsu & the shirtless guy, Gray!" Krillin said, pointing it out as he stood up.
Goku turned around and immediately was ready for a fight. Clenched fists with his arms angled upwards, he, along with the other boys were ready to square down with their clones. Turning on their auras, they noticed the number of clones marching their way to them...
"I'm counting 47 clones, with half of them being clones of you, Goku." Krillin said, fixing his wristbands.
"Yeah. And you know what that means, right? Guys?" Goku smirked.
"Hehe... of course. I'm ready when you three here all!" Krillin gives the okay to them as he took several steps forward like a madman.
Natsu pounded his right fist into his left palm and responded, "I'm all fired up! I'm ready, guys!"
"Same here. Getting informed about this plan at the last second, I kinda was lost. But, hey, as long as I can deliver the blows, I'm fine with it!" Gray said, freezing up his cupped hands for an upcoming attack after Krillin's.
"Right! Let's get this started! On my signal...!"
The clones, with no mind of its own, started sprinting their way to the four. Shoulders that were slouched, the clones gave no damns about it. When the clone versions of themselves were at reasonable range, Goku, Natsu & Gray closed his eyes.
As Krillin was the one in front of the three, he turned on his clear aura and expanded it as largely as he could. Both his hands, with fingers stretched as far away from each other in fair space, were placed at the close center of his face. His fingers were spread towards his eyes and in two words, he chanted...
"Solar Flare!"
Calling out the technique with a great yell that was echoing out, a white light emerged and proceeded to do its job. The white light attacked everything in its site as it renders the enemies' vision helpless, leading the clones to blindness. Now that the upper hand went to Goku & the others, the trio behind Krillin got to work.
After the light disappeared, Krillin jumped in the air and dashed behind Goku and the other two. Unveiling their eyes, the three charged up and energy attack with their cupped hands together. The clones were still rendering helpless and thanks to that, the three charged up a perfectly enough energy attack they were about to combined together, with Goku being the strongest to come out of it, of course.
The three, in an orderly fashion, chanted the syllables...
"Ka...me..."
"ha...me..."
"HAAA!"
The trio Kamehameha launched away as its course was set to the clones, who were still blinded. Three separate energy attacks now merged as one swallowed all of the clones entirely, leaving not one clone behind and the ground they all stood on was destroyed in the making. However, it wasn't collateral damage to the victors.
All 47 clones had perished thanks to the Master & Student Kamehameha and because the battle was over, the energy the four received from it was a huge success. Goku turned back to base form and went back to Piccolo and carried him over his left shoulder...
"Holy, crap..." Gray looks at his hands, "This energy that I just got back, it's so much..."
"I hate to agree with you, but you're right. It is." Natsu said, noticing that the received energy wasn't what he intended.
"There were more clones of you, Goku. Did you get back a lot?" Krillin asked.
Goku responded while in his Instant Transmission gesture with his right index & middle finger, "Oh, yeah. I got back, like, a lot. I'm like, uh, I guess twenty-four percent...? It was a huge one, Krillin. Yours was huge, too. All three of you, actually. Just not as huge as mine."
"Hmph! Well, it's not like the clones we just killed were the majority of me, Goku. It was just by luck that there were more of you!" Natsu pouted, crossing his arms as he was sad there wasn't much of his clones from the recent battle.
"Err... we better head back to Bulma & the others. I told Virgo to stay on the ship to protect everyone so if we don't hurry back, she's going to get mad at me..."
"That weird maid can get mad? Her face is always blank..." Gray pointed out.
"Well, you have to get to know her, Gray. I did. Now I know what she feels. Now, hold onto me and I'll get us to Bulma & the others!"
"R-Right..." Krillin & the boys said, unenthusiastic.
Morning
Bulma's Ship...
(20 Minutes Later...)
After the rescue operation of Universe 7's Namekian, Piccolo was no longer conscious. While standing on his two feet as his right eye was closed, he kept making fists, tightening the grip each time as it was an experiment to see if he could move around...
"Ugh... good. I can finally move again." said Piccolo, "Thank you, you four. I would've died from the army of clones if you four hadn't rush to my aid."
"Haha, it's no biggie, Piccolo!" Natsu said, smiling as he took the compliment.
"We would've not done it if it wasn't for you talking to Goku's mind, man. You deserve some praise here." Gray said, asking Piccolo to accept his compliment.
"Hmph." Piccolo smirked at Gray.
"Well, I'm glad you're okay, Piccolo. But you have a lot to get catch up on. You missed out on a lot of things as it was happening. Things are only going to take a turn for the worse here." Bulma said, looking back at him & the others.
"If you're referring to the clones & the E.M.P. Energy Ball, you could spare yourself the time. I know all about it." Piccolo said, shocking everyone around the room.
"Y-You have?" Erza was surprised, "But how?"
"Did Goku not tell you all here? I can read your minds. While I was down and out, during the last few minutes when I was barely in contact of Goku, I scrim through his mind, along with everyone that was on his ship. I know about the past foes we previously defeated."
"Amazing..." Lucy said, admitting she learned something new about him.
"If only I could have the ability to read minds. I could've easily used it to see what my beloved Gray likes..." Juvia voiced from behind while sitting next to the still unconscious Jenny Realight.
"As long as you're well aware, then I guess..." Makarov said, arms crossed.
"(If he can read minds, then... does he know I was thinking of Goku...?)" Hisui drowned herself in embarrassment.
"Wait, wait, wait. You... read my mind...?" Bulma said, receiving creepy vibes from him.
"Yeah. For those who are wondering here, Piccolo used to be Kami. Reading minds was kinda his thing. It's an old hat to him." Krillin informed.
"Eh? So, what else did you look at without my permission, huh!?" Bulma glared, "Don't tell me, you saw memoires of me taking a bath? Or when I'm with Vegeta?"
"What? Don't be ridiculous, Bulma. I don't recall any of that. Just the ones that I deem to be important. Like the E.M.P. and clone problem we're in right now." Piccolo assures her.
"Also, Bulma, why would a Namekian be interested in girls anyway?" Krillin wondered.
"Fair point..." Bulma said, looking back to the stirring wheel, "Whatever..."
Now that everything was patched and fixed, Virgo decided to clear the air and came next to Goku, Piccolo & Krillin...
"Kakarot, are you okay?"
"Well, I came out of the battle unscathed. So, yeah!" Goku chuckled, "That reminds me! Piccolo, was there anyone with you that we missed perhaps? I want to make sure we don't get pass someone that might've been near you, just several yards away or somethin'." Did you see Mira, Gohan, Lisanna by any chance?"
"Unfortunately, no, Goku. I was alone. If I recall, I said that I was going to meditate back at the Lookout. However, during my journey there, that was when the E.M.P. struck."
"Dang. So, you were the only one in the area we picked you up, huh? That's a shame..." Goku said with disappointment invading his mind.
"Well, in other news, after you sent 18 back to my house, Goku, I ran some test thanks to the drones being my POV. Accompanied by my dad, we found that there's nothing wrong with her physically, so there's no doubt she can come around soon." Bulma said, assuring Krillin, "It's gonna be okay, Krillin! You just have to stop making faces as if it's the end of the world."
Krillin responded, "W-Well, it kinda is, Bulma. But this isn't the first time we were put in this situation, and I know this isn't gonna be the last. Thanks to you guys here, and new friends..." Krillin looks at Makarov and the other Fairy Tail members, "I'm sure we'll get through it."
"Hmph." Piccolo looks down at Krillin, "Still, aside from the calvary from new friends, it still boggles my mind that 16 is involved in all of this. The 16 I know wouldn't go along with the Red Ribbon Army's twisted way of doing things. Though, it does seem suspicious that Towa informed him about everyone. Why not kill him on the spot?"
"You're not wrong, Piccolo. It's true. 16 was never one of the bad guys." Krillin said, remembering the times 16 was himself in the Android/Cell arc.
Bulma cuts in, "When Android 16 first showed up on the scene, he did mention the part where he's not the one we know. He's but another 16. Makes me wonder if the 16 we saw was a copy of the original's specs."
"Maybe, I don't know. He didn't seem like a completely android." Goku adds, noticing that something wasn't adding up.
"You have a point." Bulma said, agreeing with him, "Hmm, what if he IS a copy, but with the original's memory?"
"It's certainly is a mystery. However, our only course of action at this point is to find the Army's base."
"You're right, Piccolo!" Krillin said, clenching his right fist.
"Hey, Bulma, since we got back Piccolo, with no one else that was with him, where are we off to next?" Hisui asked, coming next to her.
"Well," Bulma quickly responded, "As of now, this is just a hunch, but I'm going to go on a limb and assume some of our people in our guild are in this one specific city. The city of Runic Chasm. It's one of the biggest cities on this entire planet. It would be impossible not to spot our people there."
"I take it it's a very famous city?" Erza wondered.
"It's a city known for having the sixth highest population. I've been there only two times in my life, but my father, on the other hand, has been there several times." Bulma explains.
"Then that's where we'll go, everyone!" Loke announces, "To the Runic Chasm City!"
Late Morning
Runic Chasm City (Destroyed...)
Ahead of time, Makarov suggested the idea of splitting into two teams, given that Runic Chasm City's population was a huge one. Team 1 consisted of Goku, Erza, Hisui, Virgo, Krillin & Piccolo. Team 2 consisted of Bulma, Lucy, Loke, Makarov, Gray, Juvia, Natsu & the still unconscious Jenny Realight.
An hour in on searching for anyone, with Goku's fine sight & Virgo's sharp energy sensing, Team 1 managed to find a group of four lying unconscious on the streets. And that group was none other than Gohan & the Strauss siblings...
"Uh! Mira! And look! She's with Lisanna, Elfman & Gohan!" Goku pointed out as he and everyone flew down to them.
Goku checked on Mirajane's pulse while Virgo did the same to the other third. The way Goku flew down so fast sparked jealousy among Erza & Hisui. Realizing that he loves Mirajane the most out of all the girls that has an interest in him, the two girls were quick to pout, as they looked away to avoid getting even more jealous than they already are...
"Mira's alright. Just unconscious. What about Gohan, Lisanna & Elfman, Virgo?"
"They're going to be okay, too. Just unconscious like your main lover over there." Virgo answered.
"(Main lover... Ugh. I keep forgetting Goku loves Mira the most)." Erza flicked her tongue.
"Well, that's a relief. I'm glad Gohan & the others are okay. Looks like they're gonna make it through..." Krillin said, giving the updated report, "Safe to say that out of the four, Gohan's really in one piece."
"What did you expect? He's made from tougher stuff than you." said Piccolo, reminding Krillin that Gohan's half Saiyan.
"Gimme a break, Piccolo. You know that I know that Saiyans are too robust for their own good. They're a living cheat code."
"Not to mention they can eat an entire planet's food supply." Erza said, cutting in as she crossed her arms in making the others but Goku laugh.
"I have no idea why everyone's laughing..." Goku said to himself as Mirajane was in his arms.
It looks like Bulma's hunch about more people being in bigger cities was right. For Goku's team to find four people out of the blue like that was a bit... suspicious. To everyone there, it felt too easy. Then that's when they realize the clones were behind them.
25 clones total. Hisui hid behind Goku as Virgo, Piccolo, Krillin & Erza stood their ground and confronted the clones, with Erza in the middle of course. Four clones of Mirajane. Four of Lisanna. Four of Elfman. Four of Gohan & Piccolo...
"More clones, huh? Wow... I'm surprised it's not more of me. I'm counting... twenty-five total." Goku said.
"They're a stubborn bunch, aren't they?" said Virgo, loosening her chains.
"Alright, everyone. I'll take care of them. I've been itching to fight my own clone since it stole my own energy. Though, with this many around, and with my energy not at a hundred percent, I guess I could use one or two backups." Piccolo suggested as he took off his weighted gear.
"I'll join you, Piccolo." Erza said, changing into her Heart Clothes, "I'm in the mood in wiping out these clones, whether it's me or not. It'll also help me take my mind off of the fact that Goku's holding... Mira." she later grunted.
"What does that got to do with the clones?" Piccolo asked.
"Ugh... it's a girl's thing, Piccolo. I doubt you know a thing or two about situation like that."
"Right. Alright, Goku, Krillin, Erza & I will keep these guys' company. Get the four out of here and back to the ship!"
Right as when Piccolo said that, Goku already vanished with Instant Transmission. With Goku carrying Mirajane, Virgo carried Elfman & Gohan while Hisui took a part in it and was holding Lisanna on her back. When Piccolo looked to his left, he saw no one but Krillin & Erza with him...
"Uh..." Piccolo didn't know what he just witnessed as a single sweat drop fell on his right side of his face, "W-Wha- - Did he just leave on sight!?"
Krillin sighed, "As you were speaking about taking on the clones with me & Erza, Goku had already chipped in the plan you were going to explain. With that Virgo girl & Hisui, the three picked the four up and went to Bulma using Instant Transmission..." he scratches the back of his head.
"D-Does he not want to fight the clones or something? That doesn't seem like Goku..." Piccolo asked, blushing in embarrassment.
"Ugh... IT'S 'CAUSE OF MIRA!" an annoyed Erza, with a cross popping vein, rushes to the clones to take out her anger out of seeing her main lover holding another girl other than herself.
"Erza seems to be... energetic..." Krillin said, noticing the change in Erza's behavior as she was slashing down the clones, one-by-one.
"Whatever. Let's just get this over with..." Piccolo said, rushing to aid Erza, "(How embarrassing. Talking to myself as he already left. Gah...)"
And Krillin was the third to hop in on the fray...
Early Afternoon
Grassy Wasteland, Camp...
(40 Minutes After Another Rescue Operation...)
Bulma was right on the Zeni. Because of Runic Chasm's population listed as the sixth highest, both teams racked up the motherload of Fairy Tail members. Four from Goku's team, five from Bulma's, nine total. Right where Goku & his the team found Mirajane & the others, on the other side of Runic, Bulma's team managed to find Team Shadow Gear with Gajeel & Lily Panther...
"Wowie! We sure got more people back with us!" Natsu said, grinning at his nine members as they were laid down on their backs on lawn mowing chairs, in a line.
Goku was with Mirajane as his right hand interlocked with her left, "She and the others should be waking up now. The energies you guys took back from the clones should be enough to wake them up."
"Oh, that reminds me, Goku. Why didn't you fight with Erza, Piccolo and me? They weren't strong but it so wasn't like you to not miss out on a fight..."
Goku responded calmly, "I wanted to, but I also remembered Mira telling me to balance things out. I can't be fighting all the time. Plus, I knew you three were going to kick the clones' butt! Good job!"
"Save the flattery, Goku. We all know you just wanted to be with Mira..." Erza said with her arms crossed.
"Uh, I was just worried for her safety, Erza. I would've done the same thing to you if you weren't with me when I had woken up."
Erza blushed, "I-I see..."
"Err... Either way, is it really necessary to hold her hand as if she's battling a disease!?" Hisui came next to Erza, pouted with her fists clenched.
"Sorry, Hisui. It's our thing that she would want me to do. I can do the same thing to you, if you want."
"Maybe another time." Hisui said, looking to her left while blushing, "I'm not in the mood to voice my opinion on you & Miss Mirajane. It's a lovely thing you two have. It's just over the top when you do it in front of me."
"We'll have our own thing once all of this is over."
"Sure..." Hisui smiled.
"Say, Natsu, guys, how many clones were there when you saved Gajeel & the others?" Goku asked, turning his attention to Team 2.
"Not that much, sadly. About eight total." Natsu answered, "The majority of the clones were of Gajeel. Ugh... Damnit! I wanted the clones to be me! I want more of my energy to come back already!" Natsu stomps his feet on the ground out of frustration.
"Four were of Gajeel, two were of me and Juvia. Needless to say, Goku, they were all weak, so I got some energy back." Gray grinned at him.
"Ahh! Gray looks so handsome smiling at our master!" Juvia said, fangirling in the back.
"Ugh, see what I mean!?" Natsu pointed at Gray while looking at Goku.
"I read you loud and clear, Natsu." Goku chuckled just a bit, "With more people we have now, we're about to get back everyone in such a short amount of time, guys."
"And not only that, we'll be able to face the mastermind behind the E.M.P. once all of Fairy Tail is here, including Frieza & the others." Loke adds.
"But we still don't know who the mastermind is..." Lucy reminded everyone as she looks down on the ground, "We know that Frieza & the others are experiencing the same crisis as us, we just don't know if they know who the culprit is."
"All things considered; we should still be focusing on saving everyone." Makarov said, "It's always family first in our guild."
"We also just need to make sure we don't lose our composure when we face up with Frieza again." Gray said as he was eager to meet him, "Sucks that I wasn't able to see him when I woke up. God..."
Juvia was also on the same boat as Gray. As much as she loves him, in this current temporary Timeline A, she also showed great respect to Goku, her master. But until that time comes, however, she, along with Gray, was going to have to get used to saving more of their members until judgement day.
Speaking of members, the unconscious nine were beginning to wake up.
Mirajane was the first. Slowly blinking her eyes, she opened them. She looked at the sky and noticed the feeling of her hand getting held on by a familiar sensation. Mirajane looked left and her curiosity was answered...
"Goku..." Mirajane said, sitting up.
"Mira!" Goku excitedly hugged Mirajane the moment she sat up, startling her as her eyes widened.
"It's nice to see you, too, honey. Where are we?" Mirajane asked as she looked around, "Master? Erza? Princess Hisui? Natsu & the others... What's going on?"
"We have a lot to catch you up on, Mira." Erza said as she knew it was going to be a long one.
"Uh, why is my brother & sister, Gohan, Levy, Gajeel & the three others lying on the chairs next to me?"
"Like Erza said, Mira, it's going to take a while so let's wait until everyone's awake." Goku suggested.
"Right..." Mirajane took Goku's word for it.
-[25 Minutes Later...]-
After Mirajane, the others were finally conscious. Up and about, Mirajane was in Goku's arms as Lisanna & Elfman were sitting next to them on the same lawn mowing chair. Gohan, Gajeel, Levy, Lily, & the two Levy worshippers got informed by Goku & Piccolo as the other woken members were at the campfire with food already cooked up thanks to the trio cooks from early morning...
"I see. That would explain why I feel so weak right now, despite getting a little bit back from the clones Erza, Piccolo & Krillin defeated."
"It's very manly for them to save us. Though, of course it's manly. As a man, I condemn it, haha!" Elfman hysterically laughs.
"Thank you for saving us, dear." Mirajane rewarded Goku with a direct kiss that he didn't mind taking as he shown smiling.
"Towa, 16... haha. When will it all end?" Gohan wonders as he was comfortable in seeing his dad kiss his soon-to-be mom.
"Oh, that reminds me, Gohan. It looks like there isn't a single scratch on you anywhere."
"Goku, can't you show a little more concern for your son's wellbeing?" Piccolo asked, question his ability as a father.
"It's okay, Piccolo. I'm fine." Gohan chuckled, "I'm not at full strength but I got the same amount of energy back as mom here."
"And not to mention, you're ready to fight!" Goku said, encouraging his son, "Besides, Piccolo, I know you've been training him from time-to-time and when he used the gravity room back at my house in Mira's world!"
"Hmph." Piccolo crossed his arms, "He still has a lot to learn."
"So... thanks to getting informed by you two, I'm down to fight! I want to help save the world again!" Gohan got up as he clenched his fists.
"That's my son, haha..." Mirajane smiled at him as it reminded herof Goku.
"Heh. Count me in, too, brat. I want a piece of that action. Getting drained sucks but I wonder what it's like facing my own self, my own... clone..." Gajeel smirks as he was itching to fight.
"Just make sure you don't end up killed, Gajeel." Levy cuts in, "Some clones have more energy than others, so be careful."
"Yeah, yeah... I know." Gajeel had his left hand under his chin, his left elbow on his left leg and looked to his right, "Sucks that out of four clones, I only got back such a crappy amount."
"As long as you're getting energy, then all should be good, Gajeel. Little energy is better than no energy at all." Lily said, giving wisdom.
"Right!" Goku smiled as he couldn't contain his excitement, "Only a matter of time before we save 'em all!"
"(Goku...)" Lisanna smiled at his positive tenacity, as her memories were that of the new Timeline A.
"Hey, honey, I was thinking of something." Mirajane sat up to sit next to Goku's left side. But her hand was still interlocked with his, "I'm grateful you saved me, but there's still more of us that need saving."
"I know. I just need Virgo to lock her senses more and we'll be able to save more people that are out cold."
"That's good, but you haven't sensed our son, Goten? He was with Trunks & Wendy, so I'm worried they might be in danger." Mirajane said with worry.
"(...)" Lisanna's eyes got a little but intense, "(Her son?) Mira, Goten's his father's son. He, with Trunks & Wendy, wouldn't go down without a fight."
"Yeah, I guess you're right, Lisanna." Mirajane agreed, remembering that in the new Timeline A, Goten is the son of Lisanna, not her, "(Supreme Kai of Time told me about the new Timeline A and how Goten's not mine. So, I said he was my son just now out of habit)."
"Sis, you're worried for them, even though they're strong as a man. I totally get it!" Elfman's eyes showed flames that meant he was getting all fired up, "We should find them and save them!"
"Okay, I get what you're saying now, Mira. Alrighty, then." Goku gave Mirajane a kiss to the forehead, "We never really had an objective on who to save first, but to your request, Mira, we're going to go save the kids...!"
His announcement sparked joy to Mirajane & Lisanna deep inside...
End of Chapter 42...
A/N: Sorry if this chapter was short. Some parts of the 21 arc are really short so I tend to make it the same, if that makes sense. Same scenarios, but with more characters from the Fairy Tail Verse, also destined to be short so... yeah. However, next chapter won't be. Next chapter will be a guaranteed 12k words! You have my promise!
Also, if it's alright with you all, I'd like to make the saving Goku's friends & Fairy Tail as fast as that, like how I did in this chapter. Not because it's a hassle, but because I want to end this arc already. It's fucking boring and from time-to-time, I get writer's block. I love 21, but damn it's annoying to hear the characters say "The enemies' in front of us! Looks like we're going to have to take them down!" I want to make the chapter of the Supreme Kai of Time making the new Timeline A to put in effect already and to get started on the Goku Black Arc.
If I'm going to be direct, this arc will end in 10 chapters, possibly less depending on how I do it. I find no joy doing this arc, sadly. But for Goku Black? You bet your ningen ass I'll bring the best out of me in making that the best arc with the FT characters.
I'll try to make this arc interesting, though. I have a couple of ideas shifting towards the light here. Here's a spoiler for one of the idea: SSJ2 Goku & Cell will take on an Android 21 clone who matches the both of them. You guys can relax, okay? SSJ2 Goku & Cell are very weaken still. I'm using the 3 different arcs in the FighterZ game and putting it into one but replacing some scenes as it isn't necessary.
As for Dokkan 5th year banners, I'll post my summons on DARAGON Ch7 'cause I'm going to get started it right after this Ch gets uploaded. (I did pull amazing units, btw)
andrea04carta: Beerus won't take part in it 'cause he wasn't involved that much in FighterZ.
asim rockstar: Sorry, I can't.
GrimmjowTaichou: The evil 21 and Malty will get along, yes. I can see that lol.
twisterblake2015: Thank you!
fanfictionboy1998: Thank you!
supersaiyanman290: Thank you!
dbzclassicman: Thank you, thank you!
GeoNovaWraith: Thank, thank, thank, thank you!
STAND UP PROUD: THANK YOU!
Doc oc 102: Since I decided to make this arc possibly short, the split will happen soon. The good 21 will come around to help Bulma soon enough, friend. She'll be able to befriend everyone in Fairy Tail.
WhereThe PartyAt: She is indeed. She's clutch and gets right into the action without wasting her or anyone's time.
Guest: Thanks. Lucy moments with Goku will happen in the new Timeline A.
RogerGoken2003: Sorry, I haven't the slightest clue what you're saying :( To anyone who understand Spanish, can someone translate?
Guest: I'm sorry, but I can't. Even if I did make one, it'd be the same as the other harem fics. That same with this one. I'm so sorry again :(
Later.
A/N: Also, Jenny will wake up next chapter.