A/N: Added a cover photo, using DBZ: Xenoverse 2, I created what I picture Celero to look like, especially after Chapter 7. I also made a Sharpener Character on Xenoverse 2, to show what he looks like during the tournament. Problem is, I am not good at photoshop, so I can't use both of them for the cover picture. Which brings me to a question. I used to have a facebook page for this site, so I could connect with any fans. I wasn't serious about writing like I am now, so I deleted it. As of right now, there are like 29 followers and 11 favorites for this story. which actually makes this one of my fastest, if not, the fastest growing story I've ever written. I know it isn't a big following, BUT, if I reopened a facebook page, so I can post these pictures of what characters would look like in the story, would anyone want that?

Regardless of what people say about a facebook page, I really would like to thank everyone who has read and reviewed, favorited and followed this story. It means a lot to have so many people liking my writing and I cannot emphasize my thanks enough. So please, read and review, favorite or follow, or just read it, no matter what, I thank you and I hope you continue to enjoy.

Chapter 9: The Tournament Begins!

A man with graying blonde hair, moustache and sunglasses wearing a nice suit walked out in front of the cabal of fighters participating in the tournament. He threw a mic high into the air, did a quick spin and raised his hand into the air to catch it.

"WELCOME WARRIORS! TO THE 25TH WORLD MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT!" he yelled into his mic, excitement palpable in his voice as the fighters began cheering. In a quieter voice he continued his speech, "It's been 5 years since the monstrous Cell subjected the Earth to the Cell Games. As such, we havent had a proper tournament in about 7 years! I am personally excited to announce for these fights hoping to make it more explosive than the Cell Games themselves!"

Monks began rolling out large machines with a display number and what looked like a punching bag. "To speed the process up, like last tournament, we are using punching machines to decide the finalists, as opposed to preliminary rounds. To explain and show how they work, we have, none other than MR. SATAN himself here to demonstrate! Let's give the Champ a round of applause!" He declared as Mr. Satan emerged from the top of the building behind the announcer and gave a signature pose before hopping down and landing on his feet.

Gohan leaned down to Videl, "Have you been training with Hercule? His ki actually feels stronger than what it was at the Cell Games." he asked as Mr. Satan laughed boisterously while showboating.

"Only a little. Daddy insisted on training on his own. I just gave him a few pointers." Videl replied quietly as Mr. Satan cleared his throat.

"Welcome one and all to the tournament. I'm surprised so many thought they stood a chance against me!" He laughed boisterously again. He composed himself, "These punching machines are state of the art. Generously donated by a long time sponsor of the tournament, Capsule Corp. They should be able to guage the strength of a fighter's punch." He quickly scanned and saw Gohan and Videl in the crowd, "No matter how strong the punch is!" He emphasized with a wink, attempting to tell them to dial it down.

"Now watch!" Hercule demanded as he got into a stance and powered himself up a little. To the Z Fighter's surprise, his ki actually rising significantly as he yelled "MEGATON PUNCH!" hitting the center of the machine. The display cycled through numbers before landing on '241'

"That oaf actually managed to hit a high number. It might be easier to conceal our strength than I thought!" Krillin exclaimed as Mr. Satan postured for a few more seconds before retreating to the Champion suite where he could watch the fights unmolested by the press.

Fighters began walking up and hitting the punching machine, very rarely breaking 150.

Eventually 18 walked up and hit it, thinking it was light. The numbers suddenly displayed '999' Krillin buried his face in his hands, "I guess it will be harder to disguise our power." he said annoyed as the announcer offered another chance for 18 to hit.

She hit lightly as the number popped up as '237' Instantly putting her as one of the finalists.

After a most of the Z fighters had passed through, Vegeta walked up last with a smirk. "Oh no!" Gohan exclaimed as they all watch as Vegeta pull his arm back farther than they thought possible and unleashed a powerful punch, sending the machine a couple feet and no number to show, but the word Prince.

He turned with a smirk and walked towards his allies, "What was that Vegeta!?" Videl asked as he turned his head slightly to look at her.

With a chuckle he responded, "What can I say? The woman knows me."

With all the finalists chosen by the machine they gathered in a waiting room specifically for the finalists, so they could draw lots to determine the fighter order.

The same announcer from before appeared with a white board behind him and a walkie talkie. He immediately walked up to Goku. "It's you! I thought it was!" He exclaimed happily as he began to fake cry, "I was wondering when I'd see you again! The tournament just hasn't been the same without you guys!" His mood changed again to determination as he smiled widely, "I hope to see some great fights out of you guys. I only have one favor, try not to destroy the ring like last time, could you?" He sais as Goku placed his hand on the back of his neck and laughed goofily.

"We'll try, no guarantees though." Goku replied as the announcer laughed out loud.

"Now that's the spirit!" He exclaimed as he walked to the board, "If you could all gather around, so we may draw lots. Fairly self explanatory, you draw a number, that's the spot you go on the board. First person to draw is..." He said as he looked at his clipboard. "Krillin!"

Krillin walked up confidently as he reached his hand in the box and pulled out a ball with the number 1 on it. "Haha! First to draw, first to fight. I just hope I don't get Vegeta." He said with a slight worry, knowing his chances of fighting the Saiyan Prince were now 1 in 15.

The announcer began going down the list as each fighter was assigned their fight. After all was said and done, the lots were drawn.

The first fight would be Krillin Vs. Pintar, an obese indian man with no confidence issues.

The second fight would be Tao's student, Spopovitch, against the Daughter of Mr. Satan, Videl!

The third fight would be the Firstborn son of former champion, Son Goku, fighting under the colors of the Demon School, Son Gohan Vs. Newest student of the Turtle School, Sharpener!

The Fourth fight would be a battle between two tiny terrors, Trunks Briefs Vs. Son Goten!

Fifth Fight would be between the quickest hands in Boxing, Killa Vs. Mercenary Tao!

The Sixth fight would be the lovely but dangerous, 18 Vs. the mysterious Celero!

The seventh fight would be the peaceful Sixteen Vs. The Mighty Mask!

The final fight of the first round would be Former Champion, Son Goku and the strangely powerful, Vegeta!

With lots drawn, and a certain group losing their stomach over the position of a couple Saiyans, the Tournament was underway.

The announcer had called out for our first two fighters, Krillin and Pintar. Krillon stood and smirked, "My turn, should be easy enough." He declared as Sharpener bowed to his master and Krillin bowed back.

Krillin stepped to the door as a large hand lightly smacked him, he looked up, annoyed at the large man, "Hey! Save it for the ring!" he exclaimed as the man turned to him.

"Oops, I did not see you down there little man!" Pintar exclaimed with his heavy accent, laughing as the two began to walk to the ring. Sharpener, Gohan and Videl all decided to watch from the doorway while Goku and Vegeta continued their eating contest.

"BEGIN!" the announcer exclaimed as Pintar immediately rushed Krillin. Krillin dropped into his stance as he waited for the large man so he could counter and end it quickly.

Instead, Pintar got close and began backspringing around the ring and flipping all over.

Krillin watched incredulously as the large man landed perfectly, "Do you see that Little man! My size does not affect my movement at all!" Pintar chortled as Krillin kept a confused look, "You may as well give up now! You cannot keep up with my speed!" He declared.

"I thought Mr. Satan was lame, but this guy is pathetic." He said quietly as Pintar walked up and stuffed his large gut right in Krillin's face.

"What did you say little man? Were you praying to your god that I go easy on you?" He chortled out again as he smirked, "You must have a merciful god, I'll give you one free punch!"

Krillin glared, "Alright, you asked for it!" Krillin yelled angrily as he dropped a punch square in Pintar's stomach, knocking the wind out of the bloated man, and sending him out of the ring easily. Krillin smiled at his easy win as he walked off the ring and back to the waiting area.

As he passed his student he smiled, "I think it was blatantly obvious what happened there." Krillin said as Sharpener nodded in agreement.

"He was overconfident in his abilities, and let it go to his head." Sharpener said, "He also underestimated his opponent because of your size. A mistake he's never had to make because he has probably never been in a real fight with anyone smaller than himself." the blonde boy surmised as Gohan nodded in agreement.

Krillin looked at him, then Gohan, then Sharpener again. "Best lesson from my fight, don't underestimate your opponent. Especially if you can't sense their ki." Krillin chuckled as he went to sit with Goku.

Before he could though, he turned to Videl, "By the way, I'd normally say be careful, because Spopovitch has been training with Tao, but you are a Saiyan, I don't think I have to worry about you, so instead, I'll say Good Luck." Krillin offered as Videl nodded with determination.

Videl stepped forward as Spopovitch stood next to her, the size difference being enormous. Spopovitch smiled at her, and she smiled back. 'His ki seems so kind compared to Tao's I wonder why he trained under him.' Videl thought to herself as she heard their names and began walking out while the announcer praised each of their accomplishments and she heard cheering from the stands specifically for her.

"BEGIN!" the announcer yelled once again as Videl decided to be aggressive and rushed her opponent. She ran right through Spopovitch and turned to see an afterimage slowly disappearing. She sought out his ki and found him in the sky, with his finger sticking out.

"DODON RAY... FIRE!" She heard him yell as a large beam tore through the sky as it approached her.

"I get it, trying to end it quickly." She said as she waited for the beam, smacking it away from her before fazing out of view.

Spopovitch saw her disappear and began looking for her as he felt a heavy foot hit the top of his head, sending him into the pavement of the ring.

He stood up rubbing the back of his head in pain, "Ah, that hurt like a mother!" he said as he turned to see Videl in a perfect stance. He dropped into his own stance, "I do want to make one thing clear. I tried ending it quickly because my only goal here is to humiliate Mr. Satan." He said as he quickly rushed her and sent a flurry of punches.

As Videl dodged each punch easily, she shrugged, "That's fair. I saw your fight against him in the last tournament." She replied as she sent a kick to the side of his head, "Unfortunately for you, I play for keeps!" She declared as she blasted him into the ground.

Spopovitch stood and wiped a bit of blood from the corner of his mouth. "I'll say. I think it's safe to say I'm outclassed here. But before I give up, would you be willing to try and withstand my ultimate attack?" Spopovitch taunted as Videl furrowed her brow.

"Sorry, I should end this now." She said as she reached back, ready to strike, "However," The saiyan blood in her ached for the challenge, "I am curious. How strong is this supposed attack?" Videl asked as Spopovitch smirked.

"Master Tao said it could completely destroy the planet if I put enough power behind it." he replied with a devious smirk as Videl nodded and helped him up.

"Uh, V-Videl, what are you doing?" The announcer asked, hearing the exchange as Spopovitch slowly raised himself far above the ring. The announcer looked up fearfully, "Well ladies and gentlemen, it seems as though Videl is going to allow Spopovitch to test out a planet busting attack on her!" He exclaimed as he ran to the waiting area where Gohan stood with a smile.

"I don't suppose you know anything about this?" the announcer asked Gohan who merely looked at him and smiled mystically.

"Don't worry." He looked back to her, "She's got this, besides, this will be great for your ratings." Gohan teased as the announcer smiled widely and ran back out to the ring.

Videl stood in the middle of the ring, her eyes closed as she felt Spopovitch's power slowly rise as he charged up energy. 'He wasn't kidding, he has enough power as is to destroy Earth, and it's still rising!' She thought excitedly.

She looked up and smirked as she prepared for him to throw it, her Saiyan Hearing picking up him yelling out the name of his attack. "TIGERRRR BUSTERRRR!" he screamed as the large blast began to barrel towards her.

As the blast barreled towards he she smiled and decided to show off. A golden aura began to swirl around her feet as it slowly rose up her body. Her eyes turning a light teal as he hair stuck up straight before finally turning golden. She raised her hands up to catch the blast. When it made contact with her hands she began pushing back with her own ki, to send it away.

Before she could send it back to him, Videl noticed Spopovitch's body slam down on the grass, unconscious. "He mustve used every drop to try and win." She reasoned to herself before kicking it away.

"And the winner by ringout is Videl Satan!" the announcer screamed happily, as he watched the magnificent show before him.

Videl began walking over to Spopovitch to congragulate his effort, but as she felt his ki dropping lower she ran to his side. Gohan quickly following.

"He used too much energy, right?" Videl asked as Gohan nodded.

"He tapped too deeply into his reserves and now it's spiraling out of control." He said worried as he placed a hand on his chest and released some ki, trying to stabilize it. He was quickly knocked out of the way by Tao.

"If he dies, he dies a failure." Tao said as Gohan stood and glared.

"Let me help him. I won't let someone die if I can prevent it!" Gohan declared heroically as Tao smirked.

"Then youre too late." Tao said as Gohan and Videl searched for Spopovitch's energy, only for it to be gone.

Gohan stepped forward as his father appeared between them. "Not now son." he said as he turned to Tao, "Well I guess you haven't changed after all, huh Tao?" Goku said, his voice laced with Ire. "I suppose it doesnt matter much, you'll get what's coming to you." Goku said as he began walking away with his son and Videl in tow.

The announcer who heard the whole thing was saddened by the loss of Spopovitch as he conveyed the news to the crowd.

The Z Fighters, save Vegeta and Celero, offered to help carry the large man's body off the field.

"We're going to take a quick break, and a moment of silence for our loss here at the tournament. We'll work on getting back to the festivities as soon as possible folks." The announcer declared as he turned off his mic and left it on the side of the ring. The man had never had to report the death of a fighter.

He's seen fighters die of course, but never had to report it to a crowd. He shuffled off to report the news to Mr. Satan who had unfortunately witnessed the whole event.

He stomped from his suite and walked into the waiting area where the rest of the fighters were. Videl noticed this immediately and felt some light tears return to her eyes. From what she could tell, Spopovitch was an honorable fighter, and only had one goal in this tournament.

Hercule walked right up to Spopovitch's body, "I'm sorry this is how your journey ends. I was looking forward to facing you again." Mr. Satan said somberly as he sat next to Videl, who wrapped her arms around him for a hug.

Celero watched from a distance. His niece was sad, and she didn't want any comforting words from him. She made that clear last time they spoke. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Gohan.

"She is still your niece. Whether she likes it or not. She hasn't dealt with death like this before. A merciless, brutal death, witnessed right before her eyes, and she needs anyone and everyone who is willing to make her feel better." Gohan said sagely as Celero smacked the teen demi-Saiyan's hand from his shoulder.

"Thanks for the kind words, but theyre meaningless coming from anyone one who allies themselves with him." He said pointing a finger at Vegeta who smirked lightly at his ire.

Gohan frowned at this, "His motives havent always been noble, and despite what he might say, his primary goal now is to protect his loved ones. I'm proud to ally myself with anyone who protects, including Vegeta." Gohan said as he patted Celero's back and walked over to Videl who threw herself into his arms.

Celero looked back over at Vegeta, who was still smirking at him, but refusing to say a word.

A half hour passed before the announcer returned to pick up his microphone. "Well folks!" He started, his voice still wavering slightly, "It's time to get back to the action!" he announced, "But first! Mr. Satan would like to say something!" he said as Mr. Satan stepped out from the waiting room.

He walked to the center of the ring. Without any theatrics he spoke, "Ladies and gentlemen, I did not come here to watch people die. Least of all Spopovitch, who gave yours truly a run for my money in the last tournament. I want to encourage my fellow fighters to fight honourably. This tournament is a test of strength and skill, and I will not have it sullied by killers!" He said plainly, and angrily as he pointed at Tao, who was standing in the doorway, giving an evil smile.

"With that being said, I want to see the next two fighters out here now." Mr. Satan ordered as he stepped away from the ring and set up a seat near the judges table.

Gohan and Sharpener appeared at the doorway and bowed respectfully to each other before turning to walk out. "Remember Gohan, I want you to hold nothing back!" Sharpener declared as Gohan nodded.

"Same from you. Give it your all!" Gohan requested as the two slowly stepped onto the ring and dropped into their stances.

End Chapter

Next chapter will begin right where we left off here. Probably going to start with literally the word "Begin!" Although, a slight chance of inconsistency, but nothing really noticeable I'm sure.

I dont know if people will think there was enough emotional connection to Spopovitch for the reaction that happened, but I think Spopovitch was willing to fight Videl honourably. His beef was with Mr. Satan, not Videl.

I want to paint Tao as a villain, and I like to think I've done that well so far. I also want to emphasize, there is no primary villain. Just random conflicts. This story is so fun to write and I can't wait to get to a future fight. I'm going to drop a bombshell!

One thing I want to emphasize: I have some personal things coming up in the beginning of March. It will be an emotional couple weeks for me, and I honestly dont know if that will cause my writing to pick up in pace, or completely stop. But it should be around chapters 12-14, so, I might post 12-14 all at once before then, or after then. No way to say for sure right now.

The way I'm writing, and posting updates, I should be done with the tournament arc in mid-April. Whether I continue after that, is a mystery to me, but if I get enough positive feedback, I will absolutely keep this story going. I do have an idea for another arc after the tournament. I dont know where it will go yet, but I have an idea as to who will be the focus, considering the name of the story.

Also, if you think I should make a facebook page to post pictures of characters as I see them in the story, please review, or send me a message directly.