Chapter 1

Strangers

"Welcome to the World Martial Arts Tournament!" The announcer yelled into the microphone and the stadium cheered and screamed. "Welcome, one and all! The judges need a moment to get ready so bare with us."

Goku smiled as he stretched his legs. He glanced over to see Trunks and Goten talking to each other and shook his head at seeing Goten go red. He hopped up, running a hand through his hair and gazed at Vegeta at his side. Vegeta glimpsed at the young men from the corner of his eye and snorted, a smile itching at his lips.

"I see your son has the same slack attitude as mine." He commented; Goku laughed and elbowed him playfully.

"Come on, Vegeta. They gave up their dates to the prom for us. They deserve a little respect."

"Trunks didn't really like the idea of having any allowance taken away either." Vegeta mumbled, causing Goku to chuckle.

"I can't believe it, guys." Bulma said as she leaned out the window above the arena. "They are actually starting."

"About time!" Everyone said.

"I hope that Goku and Vegeta are not paired up in the first match." Yamcha commented as he approached the window. "They would tear this place apart."

"I actually hope that they are." Videl replied; everyone looked at her. "Well, then my father would have to pay for it. He spends to much money on boats and fighting equipment."

"Mom, is daddy going to win this year?" Bra asked, tugging lightly on her mothers sleeve.

"Maybe, Bra."

"Hey look! They're starting."

"Ladies and Gentlemen," the announcer began, "the moment of truth…. It is time to draw lots to see who is fighting who in the tournament. Will all contestants please enter the ring."

A cheer went up as Goku, Goten, Pan, Vegeta and Trunks began towards the arena. Goku peered out of the corner of his eye to see five other individuals. The other two were men, Nitro and Miashi, that some ladies called out their names. Buu just mused and waved to his own crowd of admirers. Two were little boys that spoke to each other then one glared at him at the side of two young women.

Goku focused on the two young boys, cracking a smile. The two little boys had on matching black pants and orange tops. One had blonde hair and the other dark violet. They stopped then sat, closing their eyes. Little fringes of energy escaped from him, although weaker than his own.

"Enough of the games, Kakkorot." Vegeta stated. "Tell me who surprised you with their energy."

"You'll see." Goku stated as he turned back to the announcer.

"So what do you think, Trunks?" Goten asked, pointing to one of the women in the stands.

"She's HOTT!" He laughed. "In that blue shirt and jeans-OWWW! She's a lot cuter than Rachel."

"I think the one in the dress is cute." Goten stated. "Do you think they have any boyfriends?"

"I don't know." Trunks confessed.

"The first contestant is….Trunks Briefs." The broadcaster said into the mike.

Trunks approached the judges and reached into the box then pulled out a ball. He looked at it and handed it to the man.

"Three...Trunks has chosen number three!" Trunks walked back to Goten and gave him a high-five. "Next is….TK!"

Trunks watched as the violet haired boy meandered up to the box. As he passed, Trunks thought he saw him meet his gaze. His gaze seemed so familiar, but where? He thought he saw him laugh, but he couldn't tell by his serious expression. The boy reached in, rattled around. Goku suddenly saw a boy touch his cheek and wink. Buu snapped and looked around blankly; Piccolo flinched and peered out the window. TK drew a number. He held it up to the announcer.

"Number four! TK has chosen number one!"

Trunks watched the judges hurry and write his name on the bracket, secretly sighing. "Next is Vegeta."

To Trunks' surprise, as Vegeta went up, he shot a warning glance at the young lad. The boy smirked and walked calmly away. Vegeta reluctantly drew a number, grumbling as he returned to his place.

"Five….Vegeta has drawn number five!" Goten nudged him.

"Is it just me, or did your father scowl at that boy?" He whispered.

"Yeah, he seemed really uneasy. But I-"

"Goku, come on up." After showing him the number, the telecaster stated: "Goku has drawn number seven. TJ is next!" The announcer bellowed, interrupting him.

The remaining child jumped up and skipped to the box. As he shuffled around, Goku watched as TK touched his cheek and winked. Buu bolted and whirled around in confusion. Goku smiled. Just what I figured, he thought. This is going to better than I thought.

"Whew!" Bulma sighed. "For a minute there, I thought that Goku and Vegeta would get placed together." Suddenly she tensed and folded her arms. "Though I hope he chokes on it!"

"Bulma, did you have another fight?" Chi-chi asked in dismay.

"If he wasn't so arrogant!" Bulma fumed. "Sometimes I wish my Particle Accelorator worked."

"What's that?" Asked Krillin.

"It's a device that breaks you down into particles too small to see." Bulma said proud fully. "I call it the Husband Illiminator." Everyone laughed.

"Where can I get one?" Videl asked and everyone laughed harder.

"Goku and Vegeta are the worst of our worries. We aren't out of the woods yet." Piccolo declared.

"Why? What's wrong, Piccolo?" Gohan asked

"Something is about to happen." He replied gravely. "Something…."

Soon the bracket was set:

Round 1

TK

VS. TJ

Round 2

Trunks

VS. Pan

Round 3

Vegeta

VS. Buu

Round 4

Goku

VS. Goten (Uh-oh! -__-' )

Round 5

Miashi

Vs. Nitro