Before we begin, a big thanks to Victory is Strength's original author (JLyman) for helping me out with this chapter by writing a few segments in this chapter…which serves as a kind of short story compilation where the segments tell different sides of one story (or chapter in this case). It was also JLyman's idea to focus away from Goku, Vegeta, & such, the characters that have already made such a presence in the main story. So we will be focusing on primarily the Dragon Ball characters who haven't been really been in the spotlight of this story before…
So with that out of the way, have fun reading this chapter...
Episode 7: "Interlude, Androids on the Hunt…"
{Segment #1 (by Gojiradon): Androids 17 & 18…}
It has been a whole day since Forever Falls, and Android 18 had just finished up checking on her daughter Marron, making sure she was doing okay in this place away from home.
She recalled that her husband and Trunks went to report to Ozpin regarding some mysterious creature attacking Goku at Forever Falls. She even got a look of the creature's arm that Goku cut off, and she nearly threw up her lunch at how hideous it was. Ozpin had a few favors from geneticists to call to better identify what sort of monstrosity had an…*shudder*…eyeball, in its palm.
18 found herself rubbing her arms to try and rid the goosebumps she felt (if she could have goosebumps in the first place). Whatever thing that severed arm belonged to, the cyborg couldn't help but feel a sense of dread coming from this thing. It seemed to ooze an obvious, evil-feeling that chills you to the bone.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she overheard a conversation between Ruby and Pyrrha…
"So what was it we saw as we left from Forever Falls yesterday?" Ruby asked the redhead.
Pyrrha mulled it over, and thought/answered, "I don't know, I can certainly tell it was an animal of some kind. And that it definitely isn't a Creature of Grimm. It would've attacked us if it was a Grimm, but it instead walked away like it lost interest…"
Ruby then said, "But what kind of animal is taller than a large horse? And it looks like a reptile of sorts with what I could glean from its eyes, and I know it definitely wasn't whatever Goku was attacked by. But, I'm just guessing at this point. The shadows made it hard to see, but it definitely had all its limbs…"
"You know who would know more about animals and what it could be…? My brother could…"
-[Your Choice: Explanations]-
Ruby and Pyrrha jolted in surprise at 18 interrupting them. Ruby and Pyrrha looked at the blonde beauty, and replied…
"No…we were just, uh, talking. Yeah! Talking, about…uh…"
"Boys…! We were talking about boys-…"
Android 18 looked at the two with a skeptical look as she bluntly responded, "I overheard enough of your conversation to know for a fact you weren't talking about boys…mind telling me what's going on?"
Ruby and Pyrrha, with a few moments of hesitation, ultimately told the cyborg the truth. They explained that they saw some kind of large reptile at Forever Falls as they were taking off on the bullhead. Then, how the creature walked away as it took off, like it wasn't interested in them. The two students gave 18 a geographic location through their scrolls on where they last spotted the, what they surely know was an animal of sorts. At 18's insistence, the two reported about the creature they saw yesterday at Forever Falls to Ozpin, Goodwitch, and 18's brother, Android 17…
Ozpin contemplated what the two students had just described, and then said, "I am curious about this 'reptilian creature' you saw at Forever Falls…"
Goodwitch seemed a little annoyed as she said, "Miss Rose, Miss Nikos! If you did see this thing, why didn't you let us know about it…"
Ruby said nervously, "Well, it wasn't a Grimm, and it didn't seem interested in us at the time. So we didn't think it was important at the time…"
Ozpin let out a light chuckle, as he added, "Yes, if it wasn't a Creature of Grimm, you had no need to let Goodwitch or the rest of your group know about it. However, the matter that intrigues me is the identity of this animal you spotted."
He leaned forwards from his chair as he continued with a more inquisitive face, "If it was any sort of reptile we have on record, I might've dismissed this discussion from continuing any further than necessary. But, the looks in your eyes tell me this wasn't any sort of reptile humanity was aware of. Please describe this animal in any details you can recall…"
Pyrrha started with what she observed even in limiting visibility, "The creature was a great deal larger than any reptile I've seen or read about. It stood at a height of a medium-sized Ursa when it is on all fours. I could tell based on its relative height near the trees, that it is tall enough to be a few feet taller from the back than you, Professor Ozpin…"
Goodwitch exclaimed a little in surprise, "That is quite a large reptile, the largest reptile we know of is the Mistraltian Diamondback Crocodile, and not even the largest individual on record was anywhere close to half that size…"
"Yeah, it did seem taller because it wasn't on its belly like other reptiles…" Ruby added, "If I could guess, I think it had its legs straight…"
17 remarked while maintaining that somewhat cold stare the androids were known for, "That definitely isn't a common trait reptiles have. The closest things to that kind of anatomical design are all prehistoric by nature, more commonly associated with animals like dinosaurs…"
18 asked her brother, "Are you saying there's a dinosaur in those woods?"
Ozpin added, "That sounds like a possibility of this creature being this 'dinosaur' creature you suggest, but I would like to know. What makes you certain that this animal was a reptile at all?"
Pyrrha thought about it for a moment, then answered the headmaster's question, "I am certain that it was a reptile, it had crocodile-like eyes, and I am sure its body is covered in scales. I couldn't see it clearly enough to paint a picture of it, but I saw enough to know that it had those two traits that were certainly reptilian by nature…"
17 remarked as he uncrossed his arms, "That definitely merits an investigation. I am a park ranger that looks after a nature preserve, so I can track it down to know what kind of animal it is."
Ozpin nodded and said with approval, "Then you may do so, Mr. 17. I will have a huntsman join you to handle Grimm attacks…and Miss Rose, Miss Nikos, you may return to class. I will let you two know first about any developments regarding this creature you spotted."
Ruby and Pyrrha bowed as they left to attend their class. Android 17 replied to Ozpin, "No need to send a huntsman with me to look for this mystery reptile. I do this kind of work alone, and the Grimm are no trouble for me…"
"Well I'm coming with you. Beats waiting here, being bored out of my mind…" 18 said, 17 just shaking his head at knowing that his sister will come along anyways.
Ozpin replied to 17's remark, "I know you do, your group's story proves that fact enough. However, it's a matter of formality, and to keep you and your friends & family under wraps for now. I also want to know more about this giant reptile creature, and if it will pose a threat to the students here."
17 replied, "Unlike those Grimm creatures, animals rarely attack people unless provoked or hungry, and the latter is only if they're desperate from time to time."
Ozpin thought it over and said, "A fair point. I am quite knowledgeable about animals myself, but will concede that a wildlife ranger knows more than I do. But I insist that you and your sister bring a huntsman along to help you with locals if you need to interview them if they spot the creature themselves…"
17 shrugged as he said only one word, "Fine…"
Both androids left Ozpin's office after he told them the name of who will accompany them. Ozpin was alone with Goodwitch, both of them taking the fact that a supersized reptile was in Forever Falls to heart. Goodwitch then asked the headmaster…
"Do you think this has something to do with those reports that started cropping up yesterday? About some unknown animal raiding farms. The killing and stealing of sheep and cows?"
Ozpin replied, "I am not sure, but I feel in my soul that there is a connection…"
Ozpin stared out the window to the campus below, and finished, "…I am certain about that…"
An Hour and a half later…
Forever Falls clearing…
-[Your Choice: Forest Mystery]-
The small bullhead landed in the clearing Ruby and Pyrrha saw this mysterious giant reptile.
The door opened and 17, 18, and the huntsman Ozpin assigned to help the siblings stepped onto the forest floor. The huntsman's name was Qrow Branwen, a former Beacon alumni and a part of Ozpin's inner circle. He is also the uncle of Ruby and Yang.
"So this is where those two students saw this mystery giant reptile?" Qrow asked as he stepped onto the forest floor, littered with vibrant red leaves.
17 looked at a nearby cluster of bushes that matched where the two girls saw this animal, and said as he investigated, "This is the place, and I found the spot the creature was when they did…"
18 and Qrow walked over and saw crushed & broken branches on the floor that signified something heavy was on them. There were tracks, footprints left by the animal, and something really heinous in smell that they could only assume was the waste of the reptile.
18 noticed the tracks were quite odd, even by reptile standards based on her limited knowledge on animals. She began to say, "Hey, these don't look like any reptile tracks–…"
"…That you've ever seen?" 17 interrupted, "I agree! These don't look like they belong to any reptile I know of. Especially since when did reptiles have bird-like talons on their back legs?"
Qrow looked at the tracks and remarked, "They look like the tracks of a type of Grimm called a Griffon. Except it was stated in the report that the mystery creature definitely wasn't a Creature of Grimm, but a reptile of sorts. So you got me stumped there…"
17 looked at where the tracks were leading and said, "Unfortunately, we seemed to have hit a wall in our investigation. We can't follow the tracks to where they lead to, the brush is too thick, without me or 18 blasting the trees away. And we have learned that doing that is cause for trouble…"
"Right…" Qrow said with a deadpan expression after taking a swig of alcohol, "…That Goku guy you guys were with, and that Vegeta fellow. They got in trouble because they were training and destroyed a part of the forest intended for that field trip. I get it…"
Qrow's scroll rang and the drunkard answered it once he saw the I.D. read 'Ozpin' and asked, "Yeah? What is it Oz?"
Ozpin talked on the device, Qrow seemed uninterested with him replying dull sounding 'yeah' and 'uh-huh'. But, then he replied with a 'hold on, what?' as his tired expression shifted to a surprised look. He hung up, and looked at the siblings, and told them what Ozpin told him.
"Ozpin called to let us know that the creature we're tracking appears to be attacking a nearby farm some twenty minutes ago. The farmer describes a very large reptile attacking his livestock, when he was first mistaking the beast as a Grimm."
"Hmph, where's the farm then?" 17 asked, to which Qrow answered, "About four miles west of Beacon school grounds. You two go ahead, I'll catch up with you shortly…"
"Don't keep us waiting. We'll need your help in bringing the beast to the headmaster…" 18 joked, to which the mid-aged huntsman gave a sarcastic laugh.
Five minutes later…
Qrow had arrived at the farm in record time, considering he flew there as a crow (why a crow is a LONG story). He saw the cyborg siblings looking at the farm with more tracks that matched the ones they found at Forever Falls exactly.
Qrow met with the head farmer and introduced himself, "Hey, you can call me Qrow, a huntsman working directly under Ozpin. I've been told some kind of monster attacked your farm?"
"Thank you for a speedy response…" the farmer, a muscular man who looked like he could wrestle an Ursa to death, said with relief, "And you would be correct. These two told me that they were with a huntsman, so I waited for you to show up."
Qrow replied, "Yeah. That's me. So, about this monster, are you sure it wasn't a Creature of Grimm? Like a Griffon, or a Creeper?"
The farmer replied, "I thought it was a Grimm myself when it came charging through. I was certain it spotted myself and my family, but it went right after my sheep, completely ignoring one of my workers who fainted once it let loose a throaty screech."
Qrow was even more curious as he raised an eyebrow and remarked, "Yeah, that is definitely not a thing the Grimm do, they see an opportunity to kill humans, and they take it. They also ignore animals most of the time, only fighting with them over territorial disputes."
17 added as he walked up to the two, "Then what we are looking for is undeniably a wild animal unlike any on this planet. From what I can recall about the Grimm as a whole, they don't leave feces of any kind. I've found some dung that looked like it came from a crocodile the size of an elephant. I've already collected a sample so Ozpin can give it to biologists."
Qrow Branwen then asked the farmer after imagining a crocodile as big as an elephant, "Huh, that's a big croc. So, what can you tell us about this farm raider, given I assume you had a good look at it."
"Well…" the farmer scratched his head and replied to the query, "I'm sorry to say I couldn't see enough of it to paint a clearer picture. But from what I could glance, it was definitely a reptile, had yellowish eyes with a slit pupil, like a snake. It seemed to have a crocodile's head, with these spikes jutting out from its skull. It looked to have the body shape of a panther, and a long, thin tail with a rudder of sorts at the end. I couldn't see anything more than that, because it kicked up a lot of dirt when it went after my sheep. Two of them are missing, so I can assume they were killed and eaten by the animal."
Qrow tried to imagine what the farm raider looked like based on this vague description and a few clues 17 & 18 found earlier. And the end result looked really odd, like something a child ended up imagining.
"That doesn't sound like any reptile I know of…" Qrow stated, "It sounds more like a made-up creature, than a real animal…"
-[Regirock - Pokémon: Lucario & the Mystery of Mew]-
17 looked at Qrow intently when he made that statement, then asked the farmer, "Hey! About this raider, did it ever once fly or breathe fire?"
Qrow and the farmer looked at 17 with a look that non-verbally said 'Excuse me, What?!', and 18 looked at her brother and said to him…
"You can't be serious…are you seriously suggesting-?!"
The black-haired young man ignored his sister's words and asked again seriously, "Answer the question please. Did your farm raider fly or breathe fire?"
The farmer replied, "You mean…like a dragon? Hmm…I'm afraid I am not sure if it did, I was too busy getting my family to safety to notice if it did…"
17 looked around the farm a little more as he replied, "That's a shame…we won't know if it really was a classic, flying, fire-breathing dragon…"
Qrow looked at 17 and asked, "Are you seriously suggesting that we've been trying to find a dragon of all things? They're just a bunch of fantasy, stories for children and the socially ostracized…"
17 answered the huntsman's question without a hint of sarcasm, "As much as I want to say I am not, unfortunately, only a dragon fits with all the clues we have for this mystery reptile. The only other possibility that it could be is that it was a creature called a dinosaur. But based on this bit of information I just found, that is unlikely to be the case…"
17 stopped in one spot, looking down to the ground, Qrow, 18, and the farmer walked to 17's position, and looked at where he looked, and found odd scorch marks in the soil.
Qrow relented, "Okay…maybe we are tracking a dragon…"
18 responded, "I don't think so. If it was a dragon, these scorch marks would be more like it came from a flamethrower, this mark looks more like someone spilled an explosive chemical fluid on the ground."
17 smirked a little as he said, "The plot thickens…"
The four soon heard from a fair distance, a loud screechy cry. Unlike anything the natives of Remnant or Earth have heard.
"Sounds like whatever made that sound, it's heading for those mountains…" 18 pointed to a mountain range.
The farmer noticed the mountains and remarked, "Oh those mountains are inhospitable to all manner of creatures. Not even the Grimm survive long there, and it's too hazardous for humans to attempt any kind of settlement. If this thing raiding the surrounding farms is a reptile, then it wouldn't last long…"
17 replied with a slight smirk, "While I would prefer to catch the beast alive, if it dies, at least we'll have a corpse to bring back for study…"
The three (mostly 17 & 18 via carrying Qrow) flew off to the mountain range, unaware that the farmer they were speaking to saw them do just that.
He rubbed his eyes as he asked himself, "Did…did I just see that right? Did those two young'uns just fly?!"
Later on in the Mountains…
-[Mt. Coronet Summit - Pokémon Diamond & Pearl]-
There wasn't much in the way of getting to the mountains, the creature the trio were tracking had a head start. The mountain range had ferociously powerful winds that keep flying Grimm from just landing at the peak.
Unfortunately, those same winds prevent the two androids and one huntsman from doing the same. So they landed as high as they could up the mountain (which wasn't very far from the base due to the mountain's weather), and walked as high as they can, following the footprints of their mystery farm-raiding animal.
"Hey look…" 17 said as he brushed a bit of snow away, "It looks like we're back on track…"
18 and Qrow looked to see the same footprints as those found at Forever Falls, and blood-streaks from what they rightly assume is a sheep.
As they climbed the mountain's side, Qrow asked them, "So…uh…17, right? What are we going to do if this mystery animal turns out to be a dragon? How the hell are we even going to catch it?"
17 looked behind and said to the drunk, "Don't worry about the details, I have a way to contain the beast."
18 added, "My brother can produce force fields to trap individuals, they're quite strong ones too…"
"Oh…" Qrow thought as he tried not to lose his footing, "Right, I recall Oz telling me that over that…tournament of power…you guys participated in…"
Ozpin had earlier informed Qrow about Remnant's visitors from another world, and all the things that they have told him, eight students, and whoever else was with Oz when the visitors explained their story. It sounded like an even crazier world than Remnant, but the fact that there were no Grimm was the only plus in Qrow's book.
As they climbed up following the trail the creature created, they eventually found the torn limb from a sheep. What was most surprising is that the sheep leg had a couple teeth embedded into the consumed flesh, they were conical like a crocodile, but were much longer for croc teeth.
Qrow took the teeth out of the sheep leg and put them in a bag to hand to Ozpin. But the winds atop the mountain range intensified. They couldn't go any further, and their trail was being erased by the squall of snow pelting the frozen ground.
"Seems we won't be able to go any further and catch our mystery creature for now…" 17 remarked as he headed back.
Qrow looked at the android with a puzzled look, and asked, "I'm sure the creature didn't survive these conditions, so its frozen corpse shouldn't be too far ahead…"
"17 is saying we are currently unable to find the animal, or have the means to bring it back to the academy…" 18 answered as she began to turn back as well, 17 finishing, "We could leave it as is until the weather relents enough for us to use a bullhead to transport it. Besides, I doubt we'll find its corpse any further up the peaks…"
Qrow listened as both androids explain their reasonings, and complied, especially since the gathered up enough evidence to paint a more clear picture of the creature. They were unaware that they past by a hidden ice cave, and inside, a large creature snored at a slow pace, like it was hibernating…there were two of them actually, sleeping peacefully with stomachs full…
"For now…" 17 said as he, 18, and Qrow flown down to meet the recently arriving bullhead, "It seems our mystery animal wants to remain hidden from us. Let's head back and report to Ozpin…"
17 and 18 kept it to themselves, but they abandoned the search because a subtle voice in their minds convinced the two to leave the creature be for now. Insisting that it wasn't ready yet…
They don't know why, but they could feel it was being considerate…
So they trusted the voice, whoever it belonged to…
{End of Segment #1}
{Segment #2 (by JLyman): Chi-Chi & Videl}
"You said he would be safe here and not do anything reckless. And look what happened to him and Krillin!" Chichi glared at the screen in front of her, as she crossed her arms and shifted forward on her seat.
It had been quite some time since the incident at Forever Falls. For those who aren't aware of past events or have simply forgotten about it, here is a recollection.
One day ago, the Saiyans Son Goku, Vegeta, and Future Trunks, along with their companion and friend Krillin, were tasked by the Beacon staff to protect Teams RWBY, JNPR, and CRDL during a trip to Forever Falls from the creatures of Grimm, with the teams of Huntsmen and Huntresses in training all while collecting tree sap for an assignment tasked by Professor Peach.
It was supposed to be a simple cash-and-grab trip. But unfortunately, things didn't go well as planned. The large group had a run-in with several of the aforementioned monsters and the Z-Fighters were left no other option but to protect the students.
As a result, Goku and Krillin gotten seriously injured and out of breath. However, through miraculous means, Krillin was able to find a bag full of Senzu Beans, and the two martial artists were healed soon thereafter.
Ultimately though, that wasn't enough to calm Goku's wife's nerves down.
"I understand your concern Ms. Chichi, but to be frank with you, we did the best in our ability to make sure everyone involve was safe," Ozpin replied through the Scroll's screen.
Currently, Chichi was in the abode that was chosen for her, her family, and her friends by the Beacon staff, having a 'talk' with the Headmaster of Beacon Academy through her Scroll; even though she had been living on Beacon for a couple of weeks, Chichi was able to, at the very least, get a somewhat understanding on how to use the Scroll.
From her view, Chichi can tell Ozpin was sitting in his office who, seeing the documents to his right, was previously in the middle of doing some paperwork, "Well, you should've done more! Things could've gotten a lot more worse if it weren't for your student's actions, and it is only a miracle that they were able to find those Senzu Beans!" Which I still can't believe we actually found some here, Chichi thought afterwards, still a little bewildered by that revelation.
She then heard Ozpin sigh, "Mrs. Chichi, I do apologize for the circumstances. But as you know, we were in a very tight spot. Originally, my plan was to send the students to a safer area of Forever Falls, but because of your husband's and Vegeta's actions earlier that day we had to improvise. Furthermore, regardless of where the students were sent, we were prepared for the possible encounter of Grimm; but we were not prepared for the encounter of the now-unidentifiable creature. Rest assured though, I am sending one of my finest Huntsmen to conduct a full investigation, with Androids 17 and 18 lending their aid. But nevertheless, I promise you that the next time we send your husband out, me and my staff will take better care."
Chichi sat there momentarily and contemplated over Ozpin's words. She wasn't sure if she wanted to accept his proposal, but Chichi then realize something that Ozpin left out. She was partly responsible for sending Goku to Forever Falls; Chichi wasn't happy when she found out that her husband and Vegeta destroyed part of the forest, so she believed that sending Goku on guard duty was a proper punishment.
In a way, she can respect Ozpin for not taunting her on that fact, but she still felt dissatisfied that her husband got hurt... again.
After a few moments, Chichi said, "Just make sure he doesn't get hurt again."
She then noticed Ozpin form a small smile, "I never go back on my word, Mrs. Chichi."
-[Final Fantasy VII Main Theme Lofi Hip-Hop Remix - Rifti Beats]-
The call ended, with Ozpin hanging up.
Just after he did so, Chichi lean back in her seat, let out an exasperated sigh, and stared up toward the ceiling. "Why do you always do this to me?" she spoke softly.
"Goku?"
Chichi looks back down and notices Videl standing in the front doorway, carrying Pan in her arms. "Who else?"
Videl's expression became more relaxed, as she began walking towards Chichi, "I heard what happened. Is he alright?"
"He's fine. Honestly, he's pretty much the same as ever," Chichi responds, as Videl sits besides her.
"You kinda sound like you don't want him to be," Videl slowly remarks, noticing the slight snark in her mother-in-law's tone.
Chichi sighs, "It wouldn't be the first time. As loving and supportive Goku is, he would every now and then go off to either train, fight, or just go to places that I would have no knowledge of; and when he does come back he would usually be seen in a state where I have to do the job of questioning him for his antics."
"It feels like this is an everyday thing for you. I mean, I don't speak to Goku as much as you do, but I can understand," Videl replies.
Chichi was silent for a bit, now contemplating on the current situation in front of her. By now, she already knew so much about Videl; quite specifically on how she was married to her son, Gohan.
Since they're were talking about her husband, Chichi felt it wouldn't hurt to ask.
"Can I ask you something?" Chichi opened up.
"Sure," Videl replied back.
"How do you deal with Gohan?" Chichi then asked.
Videl raised an eyebrow; a little confused, "What do you mean?"
"Well, I know he's not as... jumpy as Goku, but there have been a few moments where my son has done some risky things in the past. How do you deal with that?" Chichi explained.
Videl was quiet for a moment, thinking on a good response to her friend's question. She didn't feel in the slightest insulted by her shift in conversation, but she did recognize the uncertainty in Chichi's tone; almost like she wanted some advice.
"Honestly, I can understand why he does it," Videl began, "Ever since I got to know Gohan, I realized how thoughtful he is whenever he's faced with a difficult situation. But that doesn't mean I don't worry about his safety. It eventually became obvious to me that he's gonna get hurt no matter what happens, but I always have faith in him. Even though Gohan is not as active as his father, I do believe in his reasoning," she then forms a soft smile, "And I think he shares the same feelings as I do."
It was then that Videl frowned a bit, "I do got to say though; I don't think you wanted me to give you marital advice, right?"
Chichi was about to think over on what her friend said, when Videl brought this up. She was a bit taken back on her forwardness and how quickly Videl caught on, but as she considered the circumstances they were both in, Chichi realized that it wasn't that surprising. "You can say that," Chichi replied, sighing again.
"Is everything okay?" Videl asked, now sounding concerned.
Chichi was at first quiet for a few moments, before turning her head and looking out the window toward the courtyard behind her, "We're stuck in another world, Videl. A world that none of us are familiar with. If we were still on Earth, I too would somewhat understand the shenanigans Goku occasionally does. But it's not Earth, and that's what's making me scared. We know very little on what these Grimm are, and then there's that creature Goku encountered the other day!" Chichi slowly began rubbing her forehead, "It's all happening so quickly for me."
There was then a long silence between the two. The air felt a bit tense and a little discomforting, but on either side there was no neglect. While Chichi was cooling off, Videl was pondering over what her friend said. It again didn't take long for her to understand why Chichi brought this up; it was clearly written all over her face.
"I agree," Videl bluntly stated, while sighing in return. Chichi looked at her, as she continued, "We've only been here for almost two weeks and so much has happened since; to tell you the truth, I sometimes feel uncomfortable about it... But I do think we are in a good place right now," Videl recomposed herself before smiling again, "Like you said, we don't know much about this world; heck we don't even know much about this Ozpin fellow. But something tells me that he does have good intentions, along with all the other people that work here and even the students."
Videl then placed a comforting hand on top of Chichi's, "I know it's not easy right now, but at least we still have our friends, our families, and each other."
Chichi didn't reply back, but the smile in return was enough for Videl to know that she was thankful for her words.
Remnant was still a new world to them and to the rest of the Z Fighters, and it was all but certain that they would soon have to face the challenges undertaking this world... and maybe some that will soon erupt.
But it was at this moment where they at least felt content, knowing that whatever dangers their husbands may come across, they will be prepared and ready to fight on another day.
{End of Segment #2}
{Segment #3 (by Gojiradon): Hercule Satan…}
"YEAHHHHH!"
-[Wrestling Rock - Best of Dragonball Z]-
The Martial Arts champion of the world, and savior of the planet (publicly speaking), exclaimed loudly with conviction!
"That's what you get for messing with the martial arts champion of the world, and savior of the planet! You're going down today!"
But, he was shouting at himself in front of the large mirror in the academy's gym, flexing and posing as he thought about how he should act for the next tournament.
Most of the students, except Blake Belladonna ignored him, as they're made aware that Hercule Satan was a performer (for entertainment).
Blake asked the man with an afro, "Uh…should I be concerned about you?"
Hercule noticed Blake giving him this…odd look, like she was both annoyed, scared, and worried at the same time. He turned around and laughed as he said…
"Ha-ha-ha! Of course not, I have millions of fans back home, and I'm thinking on how to give them a good show as I claim the title of World Martial Arts Champion next time…"
Blake was the only person presently in the room who was aware that Mr. Satan did indeed have millions of fans back at his home…in another dimension…
She was told that as far as anyone not in the know is aware, Mr. Satan has horribly powerful delusions of grandeur.
"I get it, but you might want to tone it down before they send you to the psychiatric ward for the insane…" Blake said, matter-of-factly.
"Oh…uh…right…I forgot…" the mid-aged man said as he excused himself from the exercise room. Blake following him out and then heading down the opposite direction of the man.
A few minutes of walking and the man entered a room Ozpin had specially prepared to house the champion's friend, the slumbering Majin Buu. Presently the most dangerous creature on Remnant…
Provided he doesn't get angry and release the pure evil Majin like he did last time, should that happen, Ozpin would have more to worry about than the Grimm and their master…
But fortunately, Hercule managed to form a close friendship with Buu, taming this force of unpredictable nature.
-[Your Choice: Friends]-
"*sigh* Still asleep aren't you, Buu old buddy?" Hercule said as Buu snored loudly, completely content.
"I still don't see how this thing is the most dangerous creature in the universe." Glynda Goodwitch said as she entered the room.
"Oh, he's harmless as he is right now…" Hercule began to say, "…It's only a problem if his temper goes out of control-…"
"I'm aware…" Glynda interrupted, "I know all about this Majin Buu, thanks to your group's story…"
Glynda Goodwitch thinks that, based on what she was told through the otherworlder's story, Majin Buu is a serious threat to not just Beacon Academy, not just all of Vale, but all of Remnant. She be damned if the pink monster wasn't a bigger threat than the Queen of the Grimm, Salem herself. But, when she recalled that part of the story, there was an odd inconsistency with what they described…
"And to be perfectly frank, if we had a way to obliterate him down to his atoms, I would do so to prevent him from releasing another killing machine like the one you described…" Glynda said matter of factly, Hercule hugged his best friend like a teddy bear in response to that statement.
Glynda sighed as she asked, "So, how long does this thing sleep?"
Hercule answered, "Oh, he sometimes is out for days, but occasionally he sort of hibernates, and is out like a light for a few months in that case. This is one of those times…"
Glynda shook her head in disbelief as she stated, "And how long ago was it when he first took this 'hibernation' nap of his?"
"Uh…a few days prior to us arriving here on Remnant, I suppose…I could be wrong, because, for all we know, we've been out for years maybe…" Hercule answered with a forced chuckle, trying very hard to sound like he knows what he's talking about (which he's good at).
The lieutenant of Ozpin's muttered aloud, "If it's like that, then he likely won't wake up until a few weeks before the Vytal Festival at the soonest…"
Hercule was talking more like he knew what he was talking about, "Well, yeah, that's probably when he'll wake up. By the time Remnant's world martial arts tournament comes to Vale…"
Glynda asked sternly with a deadpan expression, "You have no idea what the Vytal Festival is, do you…?"
Hercule was silent aside from a few chuckles, he looked at her unchanging expression for a good minute, uttering an attempt to bluff by saying he did know. But her face reminded him of his strict school teachers when he was a boy, and relented…
"No mam…" Hercule lowered his head in defeat as he confessed, "…I don't know what the Vytal Festival is. I just heard there's a tournament that participants all over the world enter…"
"Say no more, Mr.…uh…Satan…" Glynda replied, "I'll explain it to you…"
Two Hours Later…
On The Campus Grounds, By Bulma's Capsule House…
Hercule thought in his head, 'Boy was I a dummy…even though Ms. Godlitch was hot, she was so strict. Like my Middle School, Literature Teacher, Mrs. Tori…'
Hercule was given by Glynda Goodwitch, a history lesson about the Great War from almost 80 years ago, and how the Vytal Festival fit with that piece of history.
His train of thoughts were interrupted by the giggling of his quarter-Saiyan granddaughter, Pan. He was playing with her as his daughter Videl went with Chichi and Goku to do some grocery shopping.
"Aww-haw-haw! Who's your favorite grandpa, little Pan?" Hercule said affectionately, "Is it me, The Champ? Or is it your Grandpa Goku?"
"Gogu! Gogu!" Pan said with an infectious giggle, trying to say Goku…
Hercule was 'petrified' with shock, and sulked facing the wall for a brief moment. Muttering incoherent words that did hint his disappointment with the fact that Pan thinks Goku is the better Grandpa than he is.
After getting over it quite quickly, Hercule noticed the clock on the wall close to the kitchen, and read the time…
"Hmm…it's nearly four, and Videl said that she will be back with Goku and Chichi in half an hour after they left." The 'fighter' thought, "And that was five minutes longer than two hours…something must be up."
He began to feel a horrible pit in his stomach, as he thought aloud, "Oh boy, why do I have a bad feeling about this. But, I can't bring Pan. I need someone to watch my little grand-baby while I look for Videl, Goku, and Chichi…"
He picked up Pan as he continued to think aloud like a crazy, "Vegeta can't for obvious reasons, with little Bulla. Piccolo is busy helping Gohan and Master Roshi with their class of second-year students. Bulma's with that Oz-win fellow in developing capsule technology for the world, with a lot of the others helping them out. Oh crap! What am I going to do?"
Then, there was knocking on the door, which made the mid-age man jump like a skittish cat, and his eyes bulge out like a fish's. He answered it and found Yang Xiao Long, Ruby Rose, Li Ren, and Nora Valkyrie at the doorstep.
"Oh hi, Mr. Satan…" Ruby said as she smiled innocently, "We were hoping to speak with Mr. Goku about ki training…"
"Oh good!" He interrupted, "Here! Look after Pan until I get back!"
He quickly handed Pan to Yang, who wore a very confused expression on her face but it soon melted away at seeing Pan.
"Wait! What about-?" Was all Ruby could say before Hercule interrupted again as he left the school grounds, "Goku, his wife, and my daughter should've been back over two hours ago. I'm gonna find them, and I can't go with a baby with me."
He 'flew' (as in ran) off like he would at something way too much for him to face against in a fight.
"What just happened?" Ruby said meekly and confused.
Ren answered her question, "I think we just got sacked with babysitting Pan…"
Over an Hour Later…
-[-]-
Hercule managed to, despite all odds, do some detective work and figured out where his friends & daughter went.
He saw little bits of evidence that there was a struggle. And venturing further into a warehouse, a dimly lit, spooky warehouse, Hercule, despite all odds, summoned enough courage to enter.
Through the flickering lights, he saw something that rang all the warning bells in his mind, splatters of freshly spilt blood. Including some near a crate labeled "For shipment to this facility. Due process in which it is for management to sign off with a seal of approval. Dream Take toys shipment of Vytal Festival merchandise. Satisfaction Guaranteed or you get your money back! Not for the idiot scalper who keeps robbing my kid a chance to buy his toy with his own money!"
He heard the pained grunts of someone he knew immediately. He rounded a corner of a lot of storage crates to find…
"Goku! Ha! Boy am I glad to have found you! Uh, what happened to you?"
Goku was on his knees, he was beaten and bruised, bleeding in places, and his iconic orange gi was in tatters. He looked behind and said…
"Mr. Satan? What are you-…? No! Never mind, you have to get Chichi and Videl out of here!"
Hercule was about to ask why once he saw his daughter and her mother-in-law unconscious, but a familiar, chilling voice said to him…
"I'm afraid that is no longer an option, Goku…"
Hercule's blood froze, as he turned around and saw the familiar form of Perfect Cell, and further behind him, was Super Buu, and Frieza.
His hair stood up straight as Frieza said, "Well, as much fun as it was to mess with the monkey, it has been a long time since I had the pleasure of seeing a weaker life form shudder with fright at my presence."
Hercule was sweating bullets, the three worst monsters from his world are here on Remnant, and they defeated Goku. He was so nervous that he wet his pants in sheer terror.
Super Buu noticed as he pointed out, "Heh…looks like he wet himself out of fear…"
Frieza added as he readied one of his death beams, "Ho! He most certainly is! Ha-ha-ha-haa! I haven't seen a such a big coward in such a long time!"
Hercule was indeed a coward. A sniveling, lying, cheating, weak, lilly-livered, hairy, smelly–…
-[Insert Record Scratch]-
"ALRIGHT Alrighty! I get it narrator! I'm a coward! Stop making me sound bad and try to make me sound good already!"
Hercule shot the narrator an annoyed glare as he quickly shaped his hands into a 'T' and pointed it at the villains.
He was unaware that a broomstick was right underneath him, and a loose light landed on the broom in such a way that it whacked Hercule in the crotch hard.
Hercule groaned loudly in absolute pain as he placed his hands on his crotch in pain. Enough so for Cell, Frieza, and Super Buu to decide and give him a minute to recover. It's pretty obvious that the narrator did that because Hercule got too big for his britches.
"You think?" The martial arts fake squeaked out with a hiss.
He did ultimately have a point, so we fast forward a little to where the trio are attacking Vale, destroying everything.
-[Your Choice: Despair]-
"They're too strong for us…" Ruby said to her remaining teammates.
Super Buu had Jaune's clothes on him and Ozpin's came in his hand, meaning the pink creature absorbed the leader of team JNPR and the headmaster of Beacon Academy. Hercule looked around like a meerkat, wondering what just happened. He saw Krillin, Piccolo, Tien, Yamcha, Chiaozu, Android 17, & Android 18 lying on the ground defeated. Frieza had both Goku and Vegeta by their throats, Cell was mercilessly punching Gohan in the face repeatedly.
"What the hell am I supposed to do?" Hercule wondered aloud as he was living his worst possible nightmare right now.
He was powerless. Weak. And cowardly…
"Why do I feel like I'm being insulted right now?" The clueless idiot thought. Until…
(Well, I've had my fun…let's wrap this up…)
-[Your Choice: Musical Sting (not that kind of Sting)]-
"You can do it Mr. Satan!" A voice shouted.
Hercule's ears were alerted as more people in Vale shouted…
"Come on! You're the world champion!"
"They're fakes, right? Then see through their tricks you say!"
"You're our last hope!"
Hercule then heard amidst the words of encouragement, the entirety of Vale cheering his name, Mr. Satan.
-[Wrestling Rock Lead - Best of Dragonball Z]-
"YEAAAAAAHHHH!"
Hercule roared as he flashed a victory pose, confusing the heck out of the villains, and the Dragon Team.
"What's he all gung-ho about?" Frieza asked himself, to which Vegeta replied to himself, "What is that moron thinking? He's gonna get himself and all of us killed…"
"You had your way with those chumps, but you now have to contend with the champ! I can see right through all your tricks!" Hercule said with gusto, hiding the fact he's sweating worse than a sinner in a church.
"Please tell me this worm is joking…" Frieza asked as he put the battered Vegeta and Goku down.
Cell responded with a bit of irritation in his voice, "Unfortunately not…let's squash this pest to shut him up, so we can go back to getting our revenge…"
Cell kicked Gohan back as the half-Saiyan slumped over some rubble. Buu simply snorted in disinterest as he decided to toy with Ruby and whoever remained of her friends.
"If it is all the same to you, Cell…" Frieza said as he soon transformed into his golden form, "…I'll silence the ape in one quick motion, if that is to your liking…"
"By all means…the sooner that buffoon is exterminated, the better…" Cell sneered as he crossed his arms.
Frieza grinned sadistically as he readied his Death Beam technique and aimed it for Hercule's heart. Hercule was scared out of his wits once he saw Frieza's actions aimed at him.
But, spurred by a voice of encouragement, Hercule got into a fighting stance (while still shaking uncontrollably), and spoke, "Enough talk, let's fight!"
Suddenly, Hercule charged at Frieza with speed that surpassed the Saiyans, and decked Frieza in the face. Sending the tyrant flying into a building.
"What's the meaning of this?!" Super Buu exclaimed as Cell wore a dumbfounded expression to what he just witnessed.
Feeling euphoria at the realization that he just decked the freaking tyrant of the whole freaking universe, Hercule got instantaneously more bold.
"You're no match for the champ! Ha-ha! You're going down!"
"How is this possible?!" Cell exclaimed with fear, "He's an ordinary human! A weakling!"
Hercule readied to charge at the trio of cowering villains, and throw his Dynamite Punch…
But then…
-[Stop Music]-
"Hey! Are you even listening?"
"Huh?!"
Hercule soon found himself sitting down by the slumbering Majin Buu, he looked around for Perfect Cell and Super Buu, and whoever else was with those two. But, he couldn't find them anywhere, and then quickly did a check around his body. He was completely unscathed, he was dreaming that whole ordeal up.
"Are you okay?" Glynda asked, in a tone that betrayed a slight annoyance at who it's directed towards…
"What just happened?" Hercule asked as he scratched his head like a confused primate.
Glynda Goodwitch sighed as she replied, "It seems you have fallen asleep while I was explaining what is to be done for this upcoming Vytal Festival…"
The tourney champion looked over to see a still snoring Majin Buu.
Glynda noticed and stated, "I still can't believe that this pink, harmless creature is a force of destruction and chaos. Even more so that you tamed such a creature. This Majin Buu would certainly be of help against the Grimm if he was awake at the moment."
"I know…" Hercule said, "…But he's effectively hibernating, so he won't wake up for about another month, I wager…"
Glynda quipped in her serious, professional tone, "Glad I'm not the betting type…"
Hercule chuckled a little as he got to his feet, then said, "Well, I got to check up on Videl and my little Pan…"
He headed to his daughter and granddaughter, certain aspects of that dream he had felt too real to just be a dream. It rattled in his brain over and over, especially since he remembered every little detail so vividly. It wasn't a thing most people reported. He had to wonder…
If that dream was just a dream…or something more to it…
He was too busy to notice something looking at him from the shadows…
Then, it disappeared without a trace…
{End of Segment #4}
{Segment Epilogue (by Gojiradon): Trunks (future) & Bulma…}
Trunks looked as his mother from the past prepare for tomorrow's class to perform a science experiment. The in-class assignment is meant to be done over the course of the week (including the weekend), and the half-Saiyan figured that those who aren't well versed in science would complain about it.
"Hey mom?" Trunks asked, "Would you like me to assist you with class for the week?"
Bulma looked at her son and said, "Oh, of course you can…especially since you offered! I would require you to handle the, literal, heavy-lifting for the coming week's class assignment."
Trunks nodded with approval of his mother's suggestions, and then offered to help her get ready by taking most of the heavy lifting of the heavier materials.
As they walked out, Trunks asked, "Hey mom, what do you think that creature 18 and 17 were following was? I cannot believe that it slipped from their grasp so easily…"
Bulma replied as she carried a couple books and a tool chest, "Whatever it was, we are glad it seems to have just been an animal of sorts and not a Grimm. They'll have another chance to go look for it once they pick up its trail again…but, I do find it slightly odd that it seemed to prefer the livestock as a food source…"
"Yeah…" Trunks thought, "And those blast marks, they came from concentrated streams of fire from the air in long sweeping motions. Still can't believe 18 and 17 couldn't find whatever creature it was. They had a trail, but it then ran cold…"
"Well, at least for now, we should be thankful that for now, this carnivore is only interested in sheep and cows, instead of people…" Bulma said, the two continued down to the capsule house on school grounds, discussing more about the mystery animal that had been raiding farms for the past few days.
Unbeknownst to them, a dark figure watched them from the sky with eyes as red as blood.
The figure said to himself, "Hrrgh…the response of whoever sent these mortal beings was too swift to be a mere coincidence. I was sure I had more time before any of them had time to act, but now I'm running against the clock. I need to find that artifact before they find out…"
It bared its fangs in a snarl as he bitterly finished before disappearing, "…I need something to distract them…good thing I anticipated this…"
There was something, that didn't seem to fit with this creature, like it was out of place on Remnant as Goku and his friends. And whatever's it has planned…
…it doesn't spell anything good…
To conclude Volume 1…
Next Chapter: The Heart of Understanding…
Author's & Beta-Reader's Notes:
Well this has been a fun little break from the main story of RWBY & Dragon Ball, and some of what got put down for this chapter are written to be one-off, non-canon stories. But, some of what happened is canon, and if you're paying attention, there's hints of something more massive in the background…
I also thought it would be fun to impose a few little rules as a sort of challenge when writing the segments;
1- Established pairings must be left alone & no cross-canon pairings, whether they exist at the point of the characters point in time they came from (meaning post-ToP-pre-Moro for Dragon Ball, or during the latter half of Volume 1 for RWBY)…
2- We each lay claim on a specific character, or group of characters and write a short story about those characters…
3- We do not screw with the established lore of either property, (ex. Saiyans are actually descended from Faunus)…at least for this chapter or unless it refers back to previous chapters…
If it wasn't already clear enough, I did ask the story's original author, JLyman to contribute for two of these story segments.
Now, onto notes for this chapter…:
—
(Gojiradon's Story Segments notes)
I focused my segments on Androids 17, 18, and the comic relief character known as Mr. Hercule Satan. Initially, I wanted to write a segment on Master Roshi, but I abandoned that idea in favor of Hercule. Can see that was a wise choice on my part.
I tried to play more on the fact that Android 17 was a Wildlife Conservation Ranger, so between him and his sister, I think you figured who was more of a focus. I also wanted my segment there to be focused on something I have planned in the near future.
I originally had no clue who I wanted to accompany the cyborg siblings, I was thinking of a story-original character, but JLyman suggested I use Qrow Branwen instead. It worked, but I feel I betrayed the story's original timeline (as far as RWBY is concerned), and introduced Qrow way too early. Oh well, too late to change that…
If you're smart enough (or have been in the know around 2004-2007), I know you know what I'm referencing here. If not, here's a quick rundown on the mystery animal's features:
It's a carnivorous reptile… It's taller than a full-grown, human male… It walks on four limbs, its legs straight, and its back legs have talons on its feet… It has a 'crown' of spikes on the back its crocodile-like head… It had a long reptilian tail with a rudder-like appendage attached to the end…
Props to you if you can figure it out…
The second segment is focused on Hercule Satan, and is my attempt to try and infuse comedy in most of the story. I was initially thinking of Master Roshi, but I changed my mind because I couldn't think of anything for his story. So I went with an easy choice with Hercule Satan.
"Mrs. Tori" I know you know is a very tongue-in-cheek reference to a certain author of a popular fighting manga…
If you're confused about what part was a dream, and what part was reality, Hercule's thoughts about Glynda's explanation was well into the dream, anything before that was reality.
Frieza, Cell, and Evil Buu on Remnant?! Is this a gag? Or is it foreshadowing? Well, at least it was a dream…or was it? (FYI, it was 100% a dream)
Hercule's dream of defeating all those villains has taken cues from the opening sequence of the film Kung Fu Panda, regarding Po's dream of him being a legendary kung fu master.
The epilogue is short and simple, meant to briefly foreshadow what's to come in the next chapter, and the volume after that…
Now for JLyman's notes on his segments…
—
(JLyman's Story Segments notes)
Hey everyone. It's me JLyman. As you already know by now, I have been working with Gojiradon on this story he adopted from me.
As you read above, my segment focused on Chichi and Videl talking about the matters their husbands are facing and how much it has complicated things for them, since they are now in another world; don't worry, nothing bad is gonna happen to their marriages anytime soon. XD
Anyway, what I was trying to do here is focus on the prospect on the Z Fighters coming to terms in living on Remnant for awhile, and how scary it can possibly be for them; I know not all the characters are openly sharing this argument, but I wanted to state this emotional fact with Chichi and Videl so it can be settled in with you guys and the story overall. And even though my segment is WAY shorter than Gojiradons', I wanted to make sure that this part of their characters isn't left out.
That's all I have to say today. I'll hand this back over to Gojiradon. :)
—
Now that we'll be heading for the end of Volume 1 on the RWBY story's timeline, for the next chapter. With everything done so far will reach its peak, and some pretty big mysteries will be unraveled once that chapter nears its end…it will also likely be the longest written thus far for the story, possibly a 60,000 word long chapter (but don't take my word for it as law, as it may end up being shorter than I anticipated)…
What's in store? Well…I would rather keep it a secret, but perhaps I can give a hint…
Someone pretty significant on the Dragon Ball side of things will appear before long on Remnant…
As well as something…shocking…about how Goku & his friends ended up on Remnant and had their powers weakened…
Next time is the finale of the Volume One part of the story…
So we'll see you then…