Race for the Dragon Balls: Part 2
By Robster80


Well, I finally got back into this series. Sorry it took so long, but writer's block and ideas for other stories at the same time (If it's possible) can be rather mind boggling. Anyway, let's get started off with a little backtracking... Oh, before I forget, it still takes place one year after "Ranma & Vegeta."

Last time: Ryoga & Pantyhose Tarou, Kodachi, and Shampoo & Cologne have begun searching for the Dragon Balls. Each have their own wishes they want (Marry Ranma, Kill Ranma, New name, etc.), but Vegeta has become aware of their activities and has gathered Ranma, Akane, Kuno, Akari and Mousse to plan on stopping them. Little do they know that Ukyo is also after the Dragon Balls...

Scores: Ryoga & Tarou 1, Kodachi 2, Vegeta & co. 2, Ukyo 1, and Shampoo 1


High above the earth, on Kami's Lookout, Piccolo sat and meditated. In truth, he was waiting for Vegeta to arrive. He had been en route to visit Gohan for a quick sparring match when he received a telepathic message from Goku. After learning of the current situation, he rushed to the Lookout to meet with Vegeta and his new "friends."

Finally, a large hovercar landed and everyone inside it came out, looking a little shaky. Piccolo was shocked as he recognized the driver: Vegeta. It made him laugh as he remembered the one time that both he and Goku were forced to take a driver's test at the insistence of Goku's wife. He stood up and regained his neutral expression as Vegeta changed the car back into a capsule and faced him.

Vegeta glared at the Namek. "And what are you doing here, Namek? I don't recall inviting you here."

Piccolo returned the glare. "Don't forget that I used to live up here before I gave up the role as Guardian of the Earth. I got word from Goku about what's going on, and since I helped create the Dragon Balls, it is my responsibility to make sure they stay out of the wrong hands. I've seen one monster receive immortality from Shenlong, and I do not want a repeat!" He looked over at Ranma and the others. "And who are they? Since when does the great Saiyan Prince need help?"

Vegeta smiled and said, "They came to me for help since they know who's after the Balls. That is all you need to know."

Mr. Popo came out along with Dende. He smiled as he saw Ranma. "Ah, Ranma Saotome! It is good to see you again after so long."

Ranma was a little embarrassed, but bowed in respect. Vegeta fumed a bit, but Piccolo said, "Don't worry, Vegeta. I won't say anything, but we must decide what we're going to do now. Already Ranma's rivals and fiancees hold the other five Dragon Balls."

Everyone looked at him in shock and said all at once, "FIVE?!"

Akane counted her fingers as she said, "Let's see... Ryoga and Tarou have one, Shampoo and Cologne have one, we have two, and so does Kodachi, and that means someone else we know has the last one. But who?"

Kuno then realized something. "I am a fool as usual! We have forgotten about Ukyo Kuonji!"

Akari looked at him. "Who is Ukyo?"

Ranma said, "My other fiancee. When I was ten, my father engaged me to Ukyo after her father agreed to give us his food cart as a dowry. Pop took the cart and me, but left Ukyo behind. She dressed up as a boy back then, and I thought she was one since I was only a kid. Six years later she came to Nerima and reinstated the engagement after I accidentally said she was cute. After Akane and I finally realized we loved each other, Ukyo was seriously pissed off and did almost everything to break us up."

Akane fumed at the memory. "She would definitely be the one to also go after the Balls. I wouldn't put it past her."

Vegeta absorbed what had been said, and then broke his silence. "I have a plan. Ranma, you told me that you became engaged to the Amazon named Shampoo because you defeated her in combat, correct?"

"Yes."

"And you, Mousse, you wish to marry her, correct?"

"Yes! Especially if it means that Ranma and Akane will have peace from her."

"Then the solution is simple: we get you to defeat her. After you do some training, first." Vegeta then turned to Piccolo and said, "Take him to the Room of Spirit and Time and train him! I will help Ranma figure out how we get the other Balls in the meantime."

Piccolo said, "No one, especially you, orders me around, Vegeta! But I will go along with it only because it may help us all in the end. Come, Mousse!" He led the Chinese teen away, leaving the others alone.

Once they had gone, Vegeta looked at Ranma. "Luckily, the Namek is a good teacher, but I'll never tell him that. I suggest we save Ryoga and the Amazons for last while we concentrate on the other girls. Kuno, you and I will have a little chat with your sister while Ranma and Akane confront Ukyo."

Kuno said, "Agreed, but could we not have you drive again?" He clenched his stomach remembering the wild ride they had recently been on.

Vegeta smirked. "You would prefer that I carry you and feel the wind in your face? Very well."

"And how do Ranma and I get to Ukyo's?" Akane asked. "He can't fly! And neither can you, for that matter."

Ranma wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "Actually, Akane... he can fly. Same goes for me." With that, he levitated slightly, carrying her with him. He then flew off back towards Nerima, still holding a surprised Akane.

Akari then said, "Isn't there anything I can do to help? Maybe I can try to reason with Ryoga."

Vegeta looked at the girl. "I doubt that, but that is your decision. Have Popo there take you to him. However, should you fail to persuade him, all bets will be off." He then grabbed Kuno and flew off back to the earth below.

Mr. Popo walked up to Akari and said, "I am ready to go when you are, miss." He pulled out his magic carpet and they got on and flew off to find Ryoga and Tarou, leaving Dende alone.


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Happosai grinned evilly as he lit the last of 9000 black candles around an altar he kept hidden in the wilderness outside of Nerima. The burning fumes of the lit candles gave the old pervert a sweet scent of darkness. It was now time for his revenge against Ranma.

He was still dumbfounded as to how Ranma had defeated him, Kuno, and Ryoga one year ago so easily. It was as if he had gained one full year of training in mere a few days (which he had). Since then, he didn't dare return to the Tendo Dojo until he was ready to pay Ranma back in full. He was finally ready.

"Ancient Ghosts of Darkness!*" he chanted. "Hear my cries, and appear before me!"

*Thought I was gonna use something else, didn't you? (Hint: THUNDERCATS)

There was silence for about two minutes before he then shouted, "GET UP HERE!" A swirl of black mist appeared and formed an evil face before the short and aged martial artist. Its eyes were glowing blood red as it spoke without moving its mouth. "And what do you want now, Old Lecher? I was busy preparing a plague."

Happosai crossed his arms. "I have called you here because I wish to summon a powerful demon to exact my revenge on a disobedient pupil of mine."

"In other words, he was sick of both you pinning your crimes on him and feeling him up in his cursed form, so he gave you the gate finally, right?"

"He has grown powerful, my ally. More powerful than me, now. I need a demon to humiliate him and break some of his bones." Then I'll have my way with him/her! Hee-hee!

The face shook itself. "Sorry, old boy. No more demons for you. They all know you and refuse to serve under you."

"WHAT?! But I must have one! I can't beat Ranma alone! Even his rivals are no match for him now!"

"The answer is still-! Wait a minute! I'll be right back!" The face of mist vanished for a moment before it returned. "On second thought, there is someone I can resurrect for you who is both deadly and ruthless. He says he's willing to help you if you will let him have his own revenge."

The old pervert jumped up and down for joy. "I'll take him! I'll take him!"

"Good! Now, you'll need to gather several ingredients for this to work..."


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"Dammit," Ryoga cursed. "I hate being lost!"

Both he and Tarou had been searching for the six remaining Dragon Balls for several days. They had almost gotten one, but it was taken away by several ninjas working for Kodachi. Now they were lost in a plain, even with Tarou leading them and holding the map.

Tarou looked at his "partner." "Stop complaining! You've been lost before. What, you got someone waiting for you other than that Tendo chick?"

Ryoga hung his head. "Not anymore." He recalled the days he spent with Akari on her pig farm. They were happy times, but he couldn't decide between Akane and Akari. Finally, Akari realized his dilemma and showed him the door, never wanting to see him ever again. At least I was almost free to pursue Akane, if Ranma hadn't gotten in my way as usual! Well, this time he-!

"Hey Pig-boy!" Tarou's shout snapped him out of his train of thought. "We got incoming!"

They both looked to see something flying at them. As it drew closer, they saw that it was a black goblin with a turban and a girl riding a magic carpet. Ryoga recognized the girl, and frowned. It was Akari.

Once the carpet came to a complete stop, Akari jumped off it and looked at Ryoga. Tarou got in a battle stance. "What the hell do you two want? State your business!"

Akari said, "I'm here to speak with him," pointing at Ryoga.

Tarou glanced back at Ryoga. "You know her?"

Ryoga looked away. "I did once," he said coldly.

Akari flinched. "Ryoga... I know you're angry with me, and you have every right to be. I hurt you when I should have been trying to help you. Ranma and Akane told me what happened... and I'd like to help you now... if you'll let me."

Ryoga turned to glare at her. "What made you think I would ever accept anything from you? You made your decision long ago, Akari, and I've burned that bridge behind me!"

Akari was crying now. "So... then this means you'll still chase after Akane?"

"Damn right!"

"But why?! You took advantage of her and lied to her! What makes you think she'll want you when she has Ranma?"

Ryoga was furious now. "That bastard is a lying, dishonorable, womanizing pervert! He's hurt Akane more times than I can count, always let her get kidnapped, always insulted her, and always hung around other girls because she wasn't woman enough for him! I will not let him hurt her anymore, and that's why I'm after the Dragon Balls. There is nothing you can say or do that will make me change my mind."

Akari shook her head. She hadn't known Ranma for long, but she could tell that he was a good person, just misunderstood a lot. "Very well, Ryoga. I won't try to reason with you." She walked back to the magic carpet, but then turned and said, "But you won't succeed! Ranma and Akane know what you're up to, and I will help them stop you even if it means my life!" She hopped back onto the carpet and said, "Let's go back, Mr. Popo."

Mr. Popo nodded, and drove them away into the sky.

Ryoga looked at them go. Go ahead and tell them, Akari. I still won't stop until I have paid Ranma back in full for all he has done to me and Akane.


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Well, that's all I can muster for now. The poll is still open for which dead DBZ VILLAIN you fans want Happosai to resurrect. So far Frieza is in the lead, with Dr. Gero, Zarbon, and others tying with one vote each. Also, someone voted for Goku... no offense, but what part of "Villain" don't you understand?

Last chance, folks! Remember, Cell and Garlic, jr. are out because it has to be someone Vegeta can beat so I can stay true to the remaining DBZ sagas. But, there is some good news! You wanted him, so you got 'em: Gohan shows up next time to lend a hand. R&R, folks! -R80