Chapter 8: The arrival of champion's
The moment they arrived in the null realm, Vegeta slapped Broly and Piccolo's hands away "I still can't believe that we have to hold hands to travel like this." He complained, crossing his arms "the teleportation technique of the Kai's is not so different than the instant transmission technique that both you and Goku possess. Besides, it act's as a beneficial trust building experience. You must all be willing to put aside your many differences to work together. If you do not, you will never prevail against our enemy. The members of Universe thirteen are champions of their Universe, just like you; they are the veterans of many war's. The ones that you fought at the expo and the others that they will bring with them now. They are all masters of the art of combat. Universe has survived this long because of them. They will not go down without a fight; they will never accept defeat unless it is absolute. All past transgressions must be forgotten if you hope to survive." Whis explained as Universe's six and eleven arrived next to them, bringing a wide eyed smile to Goku "yo, Jiren. How've you been?" he asked, walking up to the stoic warrior; a small smile breaking when Goku neared "Goku, I hope you've kept up your training. I'm still waiting for the rematch you promised." He stated, clasping his hand "I know, so have I. Hey, Jiren? What do you think about Universe thirteen?" Goku asked, crossing his arms.
Taking a deep breath, Jiren crossed his arms and closed his eyes "to be honest, I'm not sure what to think. The ones we saw at the expo defeated their opponents without breaking a sweat. Even that dragon defeated Toppo without really trying. It almost seems as if they were testing us. Scoping out the competition in a way." Jiren explained, looking behind him when Cabba ran past.
Reaching Vegeta Cabba clenched his fist tightly "master, I'm so excited to fight alongside you." He stated, a wide smile across his face "it'll take more than excitement to win this fight Cabba." Vados critiqued, stepping next to Whis and Marcarita, a melancholic expression covering them "precisely, it will take the combined efforts of all Universes for you to stand any chance." Marcarita agreed as Whis nodded "what's so special about those Universe thirteen guys anyway? So what, they won all their fights. Their strong, but not stronger than the Saiyan's." Caulifla bragged, walking up to them with Kale huddling close to her. Walking toward Broly the second she saw him "geez Caulifla, give me a break. You Saiyan's aren't the only strong fighters you know." A tall man snapped, his Mohawk slicked to one side, matching his leather jacket and black jeans perfectly, his heavy boots causing his footsteps to echo around them "you want something?" He asked, flicking his head in Vegeta's direction, scowling when Vegeta simply stared at him with wide eyes "nothing, just wondering how you expect to fight in something that tight." Vegeta explained, crossing his arms "I could say the same thing gramps. I can basically see your veins popping through." He replied, smirking when Vegeta grit his teeth "who's your friend Caulifla?" Goku asked, as they walked over "I'm Merrick." He introduced himself, crossing his arms when Goku held out his hand "I'm Goku, this is Vegeta." Goku replied, looking at Caulifla when she groaned "stop being so protective, their both married. Besides, their old enough to be my grandpa." Caulifla explained as Goku placed his arms on his hips "hey, I'm not that old you know" Goku replied, scowling.
Looking down at her, Merrick sighed "alright. Sorry, I get it, their just friends." Hearing his words, Goku shook his head "what's up with him?" Goku asked, whispering to Caulifla as he glared back at Vegeta "he's my boyfriend, I know he feels like he needs to protect me but, gosh is it annoying." "I told you that if you could beat me, I'd stand down." "Oh, don't start with me, not everyone can be like you two!" She snapped, pointing at him and Goku "wait, your stronger than Caulifla?" Goku asked, clenching his fists in excitement "Merrick is the strongest fighter in our Universe. Outclassing the other Sayian's as well as Hit." Vados explained, smiling proudly "wait, Merrick? That doesn't sound like a Saiyan name." Vegeta thought, rubbing his chin in thought "that's probably a good thing, because I'm not a Saiyan." "Then what are you?" Goku asked, walking in circles around him, inspecting him carefully "I'm a Tuffle." Hearing his reply, Vegeta fell silent, staring at him in complete shock "did I say something wrong?" Merrick asked, leaning towards Caulifla "Is he... Okay?" He asked as Cabba walked towards him "Master? Do you know what a Tuffle is?" He asked, placing his hand softly on Vegeta's shoulder "first planet Sadala and now the Tuffle's." Vegeta gasped, shaking his head "what happened to the Tuffle's of your Universe?" Merrick asked, raising an eyebrow at him "my father and the other Saiyan's killed them all." Vegeta replied, causing Cabba and the others to gasp "sorry." Goku apologized, bowing just as Merrick held up his hand "it's fine, every Universe is different. You killed the Tuffle's of your Universe. That doesn't mean I should hate you for it. You didn't kill any of my family or friends." He explained, walking up to Vegeta "everyone makes mistakes, it's what we do with the lessons we learn from them. In the end, that's all that matters." Merrick explained, shaking his head "wait a minute, if the Sayian's still inhabit planet Sadala, how did you meet them?" Vegeta asked, looking up at him, his composure regained "a few years ago someone sent out a distress signal from Planet Plant; Caulifla took the job, but when she arrived, I had already taken care of it. Then, of course; she attacked me, thinking that I was the threat. I fell in love with her at first sight and left with her." He explained, wrapping his arms around Caulifla's shoulders, an ear to ear smile stretching across his face as he squeezed her "just so you know, Berrus. You're Universe isn't the only one that has someone that's mastered Ultra instinct anymore." Champa bragged, closing one eye as he laughed "do you mean?" "Yes, Merrick has also mastered Ultra Instinct. Under my tutelage, he has perfected the art and has quickly rose through the ranks of power. Even able to push both Lord Champa and myself to our limits." Vados explained, causing Goku to squeal in delight "you have Ultra Instinct too? I'd love to fight someone else that's mastered it." Goku gasped, shaking with excitement "sure. You're on, old man!" Merrick replied, taking a fighting stance "not so fast Kakarot, were teammates in this tournament." Vegeta snapped, glaring at him "enough, save this for later. I told you what happens if we loose, right!? Pay attention and focus!" Caulifla snapped, grabbing Merrick by the ear and pulling.
Crossing his arms, Jiren smirked "you Saiyan's are all the same, even though you're from different Universe's, your similarities are plain to see. Especially your affinity for battle. You thrive in the heat of battle, able to adapt to any situation without any hesitation." He admitted, shaking his head "I agree completely, honestly, I'm jealous of how easily you break past the limits of your power." Hit agreed, walking up to them, his hands in his pockets "be that as it may, we will not be outshone. Will we Jir-…" Toppo began to speak, freezing in place, turning his head to look into the distance along with; Goku, Vegeta, Merrick, Cabba, Piccolo, Hit, and Jiren.
Starring at an empty section of the arena with a shared expression of shock and fear across their faces, everyone else began to look at them in confusion "what is that?" Merrick asked, his left eye twitching as he began to shiver "this power, I've never felt anything like it." Piccolo added, gulping "its so heavy, it's almost suffocating." Jiren stated, clenching his fist tightly "Kakarot? What is that?" Broly asked, stepping next to him, Kale still huddled behind him "Broly? You can feel it too?" Goku asked as Merus stepped next to Whis and Vados "impossible!" he gasped, his hands shaking subconsciously "what is?" Marcarita asked, poking him with her staff "that aura… It… It can't be." He stuttered, shaking his head, a fear filled expression covering his face "is it that Shougen guy? The one who you said beat Goku?" Caulifla asked, raising an eyebrow as she poked Cabba, who flinched at her words "no, I can feel Shougen's power but this is on another level. I've never felt anything like this before." Goku admitted, gasping when a pillar of light appeared before them "allow me to introduce to you all, the combatants of the thirteenth." The grand Priest announced, causing everyone to look at the pillar of light in awe, wondering what the sixteen fighters of Universe thirteen would be.