Chapter 4: The Prince and The Monkey
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Age 750 – 753
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Tarble's return is not glorious at the start but getting better at sneaking away food to gather his strength again allows him to regain his lost power. Soon Shen catching him as he became more blatant on disregarding his demands of being mistreated. Shen would attack Tarble, and Tarble with his renewed strength would outclass the master. Tarble once proving himself over his master, and with master Shen having heard of Turtle School students making it to the world martial arts tournament with one making it to the finals, was now allowed to train. Yurin not able to join in the boy's training as she was far too weak compared and Shen simply had her do basic body building work and Katas to build her into a possible fighting force.
Tien, Chiaotzu, and Tarble all training together, slowly building a comradery that was lacking between the three of them. With an extra strong fighter that is close to matching Tien's strength and steadily growing with his own leads to the fighters able to get a greater level of power for each other. This also with Master Tao no longer showing and Shen hearing no word from him, making them wonder what may have happened to him. This distraction hampering their training as it normally would have from the show (if it did at all).
Yurin constantly watching Tien, developing a sort of hero worship of the young warrior due to his saving her. Unaware of Tarble's contribution to the event as she only remembers Tien battling the wolves, then a massive cataclysmic event, and then Tarble yelling in a mad fury. Yurin's fear of Tarble does subside thankfully and the two are able to develop a friendship as well, though she could not stop talking about Tien and how cool he was.
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Age 753
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Goku's friends gather in front of the tournament grounds as they original did in the show. Only when they are pestered by the Crane School, they are introduced to three students instead just two. Tien flanked by Tarble and Chiaotzu, are forced to watch their master and the Turtle Hermit get into an argument. When Launch takes notice of Tarbles hanging tail, blinking curiously.
"Hey, that boy has a tail like Goku's." She spoke suddenly, Shen knowing of the tail but soon turned his head to his student.
All staring at Tarble, the young saiyan soon blushed but looking forward at them all. His mind raced at the idea of someone having a tail like him. Did a saiyan come looking for him? Did one get sent to this planet before him? Was he really a saiyan or just an earthling with a mutation? Tarble tried to focus his mind and look to the group. "I do not know of this Goku." He finally said as this was one of the first times, he had so much contact with people, normally staying in the Dojo.
"Well, he is sure to arrive any moment now. I am sure he would love to meet someone like him." Roshi said, hoping to take a student away from Shen. Still disapproving of his old rival's ways.
"You will meet him in the ring, and when you do you will prove yourself the better." Shen said quickly. "Now come." He ordered, Tien and Chiaotzu following behind.
Tarble stayed looking at the old man and the group of friends of this Goku. "One question. Does this Goku turn into a giant beast in a full moon?" He asked directly, the surprised faces more than enough to tell him so. "A simple yes or no will be enough." He continued as Shen turned with a visible annoyance for Tarble's disregard to his order.
"Y-yes, but does that mean you do as well?" Bulma finally chimed in, worry to her voice at the idea of two boys becoming the monster.
Tarble simply bowed toward Bulma. "Thank you." He then turned to follow with his fellow students. Shen obviously upset, so Chiaotzu and Tien speaking through their minds to Tarble.
~What was that about Tarble? We never really asked about your tail, you just tell us it is something all your people have. ~ Chiaotzu
~This Goku may be one of my people. The tail allows for my people to become monsters in a full moon. Them confirming he can only show he has done it, as it normally is not just talked about. ~ Tarble
~That may be the reason why the moon was destroyed three years ago, someone may have been attempting to keep him from doing it. Must be a terrifying thing. Good thing it is not possible for him to do it anymore. ~ Tien
~Unless he knows of a technique that allows him to transform… ~Tarble
The two visibly shocked and looking to Tarble. Chiaotzu gulping as Tarble seemed serious about how scary transformation was, and the idea of someone knowing a way to force it out.
~Do you know of the technique to do so? And why have you never transformed in the full moon? ~ Tien continued the conversation.
~I know there is a technique that can do it. And I never transformed because it requires direct sight on the moon normally. ~ Tarble, his mind quieting for a moment. ~Let us hope he does not know of the technique.~
~Do you know it, Tarble?~ Chiaotzu asked finally.
Tarble turned hearing the group of friends celebrate, catching a glimpse of Goku as the young boy turned and caught his eye. The two saiyans now seen each other, Tarble seeing him in a tiger skin and wild. His mind quiet as he attempted to size him up. But finally, in his mind he responded. ~No…~
How will the tournament change with the inclusion of Tarble, Find out next time on Chapter five: Battle to the Quarter Finals! Also, thank you everyone that has been enjoying this What If so far. And if you're not, I am sorry I could not make it more entertaining for you! Anyway, thanks for the read and catch you next chapter!