Dragon Ball Yugure Z
A Dragon Ball Z fanfiction
by Son Goharotto (son_goharotto@hotmail.com)
Welcome to Dragon Ball Yugure Z, my personal pet project. This is what I like to call a "multi-generational alternaverse epic." Expect a complex story spanning several volumes that are littered with cliff-hangers and titanic battles. DBYZ has been revised in its entirety. While some episodes have merely been ridden of typos, others have been rewritten completely. I'll be starting from the beginning at one episode a day so new readers can join in, undaunted by DBYZ's length, and old readers can review past events. All this is leading up to the new Episode 37, from which I'll try to keep a normal updating pace instead of letting this be forgotten as it once was.
DISCLAIMER: As much as I mgiht wish it not to be, DBZ does not belong to me. It's the property of Akira Toriyama-sama and many others who (unfortunately) aren't me. I'm not trying to make any money off of this and it's just a way for me to show my love of all things Dragon Ball. Well, except maybe GT. Bleah. I is teh poor, so don't sue me.
WARNINGS: As a whole, this series contains mature language (usually in Japanese), graphic violence, brutality, mature situations (non-lemon), and a touch of angst.
NOTES: A liberal amount of Japanese vocabulary is sprinkled throughout, though nothing extremely important is ever said in another language that isn't translated. Mostly just basic Otaku Japanese. I've compiled a list of phrases I use on my homepage here: www.enpitsudo-dojo.com/libjapanese.html.
"dialogue"
""layered voice"" (Fusion, for example)
{alien language}
[thoughts, telepathy, memories]
_stressed words_
*sounds*
~scene change~
Volume IV -- Madness in the Heart
Episode 24 -- Hard Times Fall on the Z Soldiers!! What's Wrong With Goku!?
Deep in the Paozu Mountains, a small pagoda sits in silence amidst the light chirping of crickets. Illuminated only by the faint light of the stars, it is a monument to the old ways, every aspect built to correspond with nature. An old well a meter away stares dumbly up into the night sky, gaping open like a stone maw. There is no yard to speak of, only a clearing in the dense mountain forest.
Inside the tiny, traditional home, Son Goku sits in meditation, floating a few inches off the floor. Legs crossed, his arms are held in the lotus position, hands resting in his lap. His face is calm, unemotional, but a single bead of sweat roles down his brow, belaying an inner struggle. For weeks now, Goku has been searching his soul for the wellspring of his new power. A power that now even frightens himself.
Goku's lip twitched, then curled into a half-snarl. A feral hiss leaked from between his clenched teeth, but he forced himself to silence. [Control... Must stay... in control...]
Brow furrowing, the strain of concentration takes its toll with a splitting migraine. However, Goku does not budge, for fear of having to stop and losing his chance at an answer in the time it takes to seek relief.
The Saiyajin's body tensed and his muscles bunched tighter. Such severe meditation is now not only a mental task, but a physical one as well. A shudder passed through his shoulders as he finds something unexpected. Something angry. Something evil.
Unfortunately, there is one rule that stands true through out the universe. One rule that Goku is mortally ignorant of. No man should ever delve too deeply into his own heart. And especially not a Saiyajin.
Goku reeled, as if hit by a blow, falling to the floor with his hands raised to clutch his throbbing head. Laughter rings in his mind. Laughter that sounds suspiciously like his own. Except it is a vile sound, nothing Goku could ever produce.
[Who are you!?] Goku 'thinks' to himself. [What are you doing in my head!?]
[How dare you!!!]
[Nani!? What's going on!?]
[I'm taking my body back!!]
[Iie!! Dame da!! YAMEROOO!!!] Goku writhed in pain on the floor, his legs kicking wildly as he thrashed about. His mind feeling as if it were going to tear apart, Goku wrapped his hands around his head, trying vainly to ease the an eternity's worth of pain. Goku's tortured screams of anguish pierced the still of the night, echoing off the mountains and startling nearby the wildlife into immediate flight.
"IIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
~~~~~
One day earlier...
Goten let out a weighty sigh as he made his way down the front steps of the small movie theater, Paresu clinging to his left arm with an embarrassing death-grip. Goten's mind was more or less occupied with his father, who even now was alone to struggle through his disturbingly sudden and immense power-up. Squinted, [How can Paresu act so... carefree...?]
"Soooo," the brunette began in a bouncy sort of voice. "How'd you like the movie, Goten-chan?"
The young Saiyajin grimaced, blowing a spurt of air up over his lip to adjust a lock of raven that had fallen out of place. "It was boring," he said in a sour monotone. He made a point of studying a passing cloud.
"Well poo-poo to you too! What's gotten into you lately?" Paresu slapped him roughly on the arm, for all the effect it had on the moody half-Saiyajin. "You're so bitter." An errant breeze whipped across the street, brushing against the clean, new buildings. Shouts could be heard from a construction site across the street.
Goten rubbed the back of his head, yanking thoughtfully on his long, shaggy hair. Still looking up, "What do you _think_ it is? What else could possibly be worse than..."
Paresu leaned into him to wrap her arms around his torso, hugging the half Saiyajin tightly. Unconsciously, Goten let his arms fall around her far narrower shoulders in a light embrace. "Don't beat yourself up about it," she murmured. "Goku-sama's tough. He can get through it."
"I wish I could be so sure. You know him a lot better than me."
After a pause, "I checked up on him a few days back."
Goten's eyes brightened noticeably and he craned his neck to look down at his sort-of-girlfriend. "Honto ni? How was he?"
Paresu made a face. "He told me to get lost." Noticing Goten's shock, "Well not in those _exact_ words!" she explained quickly. "He didn't seem very happy, but he did attempt a smile."
"Small favors," Goten muttered. His mouth opened as if to speak, but he suddenly snapped to attention and dashed out of the girl's embrace.
Paresu stumbled, but caught herself, spinning to the sound of a loud twang. Goten had run off to the construction site where a giant steel girder was hurtling towards a small crowd of workers. The Saiyajin barreled through a chain-link fence and leapt low over the ground to avoid a wide ditch.
Realizing he wouldn't get there in time, Goten flared his ki and put on a quick burst of speed, stopping under the falling girder. Reaching up above those too frightened to move, Goten let the girder fall right into his hands. His knees buckled slightly and the foundation gave way, breaking into great slabs of concrete as the two ton mass of steel halted jarringly.
Calmly, Goten weaved his way past the amazed men and set the girder down out of the way, the steel surface imprinted with the Saiyajin's hands. Workers crowded around the young man, smothering the reluctant hero with gratitude.
Paresu groaned. Gracious people tend to repeat themselves and she realized it might be several hours before their date could resume. Dejectedly, Paresu dropped down to sit down on the steps of the theater. She rolled her eyes towards the heavens, elbows on knees and chin in hand.
~~~~~
Trunks hovered just outside the wide pavilion. He glanced into the ivory platform, waiting patiently for one of its inhabitants to notice him. The young half Saiyajin yawned into a hand, the thin air this high up making him feel a bit light-headed. The wind blew past, mussing his long lavender hair. After a moment, he drifted around to the side to the staircase leading from the pavilion to the interior of the tower. He peered into the dark portal, but to no avail.
Now, it may have seemed childish in hindsight, but Trunks was growing annoyed, so he flew close to the dome and gave it a swift kick. As a result, the entire tower swayed, teetering precariously on the brink of collapse before slowly settling back into place.
"Oi! What in Jigoku was that!?" called out a raspy voice from inside. A large white cat waddled out onto the small balcony, a gnarled wooden staff in his grip. "Who's out there!?"
"It's me Karin-san," Trunks responded, floating into view. "I was just trying to get your attention."
"Why didn't ya jus' _knock_?" the cat asked with a frown.
"I thought that would be rude."
Karin gave the Saiyajin a flat stare. Trunks at least had the decency to look sheepish and Karin was satisfied to let it be. "Don't sweat it, kiddo. Jus' knock next time, ya know? So, can I help you or what?"
"Ah, I'm here to pick up some Senzu," Trunks answered.
'Oh, oh, oh! That's right! I completely forgot. Well, c'mon in, kid. I got 'em in the kitchen."
As Karin turned to reenter the tower, Trunks landed, falling in step behind his feline host. The inside was surprisingly cozy, the small kitchenette adorned in a warm, rustic fashion. Beyond was a den, the centerpiece of which was an entertainment center complete with a titanic wide-screen television.
Karin crossed the room and set his staff aside, reaching up onto the table. He turned to face Trunks, throwing a small bag. The Saiyajin caught it easily and opened it, peeking at it's contents with a frown. "Not to complain, but there are only half a dozen in here," he said, stuffing it inside his belt.
"Sorry 'bout that, kid. The weather's been lousy and the growing season was cut short. That's the best I could get for ya. Your just gonna have to make do for a few months until the Senzu plants are ready again."
"Wakatta," Trunks responded, "I've almost finished making repairs to the regeneration tank, so we'll be okay. Sayonara, Karin-san." As the young man turned to leave, Karin rapped the butt of his staff on the floor. Looking back over his shoulder, Trunks arched an eyebrow inquiringly. "Hai? Something else?"
"Have you noticed anything wrong recently?"
Trunks grimaced, looking frighteningly like his father. "Take your pick," he offered. "Demo, how do you mean?"
"Les'see, I've noticed a growing disturbance. The birds have stopped singing lately and the wind dies down, even way up here. You should probably be on alert. Something bad's goin' down. And real soon, too."
Trunks nodded gravely, already suspecting the answer. "We've been preparing for this. When it comes, we'll be ready. I think perhaps you and Yajirobe-san should find some cover soon. This tower is rather vulnerable."
"Don't worry 'bout it," Karin said, waving him off. "Yajirobe's got a place down south we can crash should it come to that. See ya 'round, kid. And watch you back!" he called after Trunks, who was just leaping out the door. The half- Saiyajin took a moment to get his bearings and headed home.
~~~~~
Exhausted, Goten shambled into his room and dropped down onto his futon in belly-flop completely lacking in grace. He burrowed his head under a pillow and groaned. "I don't know how long I can keep this up, Trunks-kun."
"I'd help you out if I could, Goten-kun," Trunks replied, turning to face his friend from his seat at the desk. The vibrant white of the flourescent lamp bounced off the stack of papers and books and splashed across the room. Goten idly wondered why they didn't just get an overhead light for the entire room. "Demo, Paresu seems to have taken a shining to you."
Paresu stopped in her tracks, the passing conversation having peaked her interest. Her route home had taken her past her boyfriend's room and she couldn't help eavesdropping. She eased against the wall and reached up on her tiptoes to get closer to the window. As a finishing touch, she pushed down her ki to insignificance, effectively rendering herself invisible. Craning her neck, Paresu cocked her head to move her ear closer.
"If she takes me to see one more movie..." Goten began, but he was too tired to formulate an appropriate vow. "She's gonna be the death of me," he said sadly.
"Gomen, but you know how important it is to keep an eye on her. She said it herself that something serious is going to happen soon. Karin-san confirmed it today. We can't risk a relapse." Paresu frowned. Apparently, Trunks still didn't really trust her.
"Hai, hai. Demo, I still think tousan's gonna be the problem." Startled, Paresu bit back a gasp. How could he suspect his own father!?
"I know what you're saying. Dakedo, we can't take any chances. Goku-san is more or less keeping himself in check as long as he's in isolation. All we can do now is wait."
"And the longer we wait, the _worse_ it'll be when it happens," Goten said grimly.
As the exchange drew to a close, Paresu backed away from the wall, deep in thought. Finding out she was a pawn her entire life had totally crushed her world and only her now true freedom helped sustain her. She had gripped the opportunity with vigor, but to think she was still under surveillance was unsettling to say the least. This was definitely food for thought.
Paresu absently raised two fingers to her head and disappeared. A few meters back, hidden by the shade of the trees, Vegeta grunted. This was not an easy time for any of them.
A Dragon Ball Z fanfiction
by Son Goharotto (son_goharotto@hotmail.com)
Welcome to Dragon Ball Yugure Z, my personal pet project. This is what I like to call a "multi-generational alternaverse epic." Expect a complex story spanning several volumes that are littered with cliff-hangers and titanic battles. DBYZ has been revised in its entirety. While some episodes have merely been ridden of typos, others have been rewritten completely. I'll be starting from the beginning at one episode a day so new readers can join in, undaunted by DBYZ's length, and old readers can review past events. All this is leading up to the new Episode 37, from which I'll try to keep a normal updating pace instead of letting this be forgotten as it once was.
DISCLAIMER: As much as I mgiht wish it not to be, DBZ does not belong to me. It's the property of Akira Toriyama-sama and many others who (unfortunately) aren't me. I'm not trying to make any money off of this and it's just a way for me to show my love of all things Dragon Ball. Well, except maybe GT. Bleah. I is teh poor, so don't sue me.
WARNINGS: As a whole, this series contains mature language (usually in Japanese), graphic violence, brutality, mature situations (non-lemon), and a touch of angst.
NOTES: A liberal amount of Japanese vocabulary is sprinkled throughout, though nothing extremely important is ever said in another language that isn't translated. Mostly just basic Otaku Japanese. I've compiled a list of phrases I use on my homepage here: www.enpitsudo-dojo.com/libjapanese.html.
"dialogue"
""layered voice"" (Fusion, for example)
{alien language}
[thoughts, telepathy, memories]
_stressed words_
*sounds*
~scene change~
Volume IV -- Madness in the Heart
Episode 24 -- Hard Times Fall on the Z Soldiers!! What's Wrong With Goku!?
Deep in the Paozu Mountains, a small pagoda sits in silence amidst the light chirping of crickets. Illuminated only by the faint light of the stars, it is a monument to the old ways, every aspect built to correspond with nature. An old well a meter away stares dumbly up into the night sky, gaping open like a stone maw. There is no yard to speak of, only a clearing in the dense mountain forest.
Inside the tiny, traditional home, Son Goku sits in meditation, floating a few inches off the floor. Legs crossed, his arms are held in the lotus position, hands resting in his lap. His face is calm, unemotional, but a single bead of sweat roles down his brow, belaying an inner struggle. For weeks now, Goku has been searching his soul for the wellspring of his new power. A power that now even frightens himself.
Goku's lip twitched, then curled into a half-snarl. A feral hiss leaked from between his clenched teeth, but he forced himself to silence. [Control... Must stay... in control...]
Brow furrowing, the strain of concentration takes its toll with a splitting migraine. However, Goku does not budge, for fear of having to stop and losing his chance at an answer in the time it takes to seek relief.
The Saiyajin's body tensed and his muscles bunched tighter. Such severe meditation is now not only a mental task, but a physical one as well. A shudder passed through his shoulders as he finds something unexpected. Something angry. Something evil.
Unfortunately, there is one rule that stands true through out the universe. One rule that Goku is mortally ignorant of. No man should ever delve too deeply into his own heart. And especially not a Saiyajin.
Goku reeled, as if hit by a blow, falling to the floor with his hands raised to clutch his throbbing head. Laughter rings in his mind. Laughter that sounds suspiciously like his own. Except it is a vile sound, nothing Goku could ever produce.
[Who are you!?] Goku 'thinks' to himself. [What are you doing in my head!?]
[How dare you!!!]
[Nani!? What's going on!?]
[I'm taking my body back!!]
[Iie!! Dame da!! YAMEROOO!!!] Goku writhed in pain on the floor, his legs kicking wildly as he thrashed about. His mind feeling as if it were going to tear apart, Goku wrapped his hands around his head, trying vainly to ease the an eternity's worth of pain. Goku's tortured screams of anguish pierced the still of the night, echoing off the mountains and startling nearby the wildlife into immediate flight.
"IIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
~~~~~
One day earlier...
Goten let out a weighty sigh as he made his way down the front steps of the small movie theater, Paresu clinging to his left arm with an embarrassing death-grip. Goten's mind was more or less occupied with his father, who even now was alone to struggle through his disturbingly sudden and immense power-up. Squinted, [How can Paresu act so... carefree...?]
"Soooo," the brunette began in a bouncy sort of voice. "How'd you like the movie, Goten-chan?"
The young Saiyajin grimaced, blowing a spurt of air up over his lip to adjust a lock of raven that had fallen out of place. "It was boring," he said in a sour monotone. He made a point of studying a passing cloud.
"Well poo-poo to you too! What's gotten into you lately?" Paresu slapped him roughly on the arm, for all the effect it had on the moody half-Saiyajin. "You're so bitter." An errant breeze whipped across the street, brushing against the clean, new buildings. Shouts could be heard from a construction site across the street.
Goten rubbed the back of his head, yanking thoughtfully on his long, shaggy hair. Still looking up, "What do you _think_ it is? What else could possibly be worse than..."
Paresu leaned into him to wrap her arms around his torso, hugging the half Saiyajin tightly. Unconsciously, Goten let his arms fall around her far narrower shoulders in a light embrace. "Don't beat yourself up about it," she murmured. "Goku-sama's tough. He can get through it."
"I wish I could be so sure. You know him a lot better than me."
After a pause, "I checked up on him a few days back."
Goten's eyes brightened noticeably and he craned his neck to look down at his sort-of-girlfriend. "Honto ni? How was he?"
Paresu made a face. "He told me to get lost." Noticing Goten's shock, "Well not in those _exact_ words!" she explained quickly. "He didn't seem very happy, but he did attempt a smile."
"Small favors," Goten muttered. His mouth opened as if to speak, but he suddenly snapped to attention and dashed out of the girl's embrace.
Paresu stumbled, but caught herself, spinning to the sound of a loud twang. Goten had run off to the construction site where a giant steel girder was hurtling towards a small crowd of workers. The Saiyajin barreled through a chain-link fence and leapt low over the ground to avoid a wide ditch.
Realizing he wouldn't get there in time, Goten flared his ki and put on a quick burst of speed, stopping under the falling girder. Reaching up above those too frightened to move, Goten let the girder fall right into his hands. His knees buckled slightly and the foundation gave way, breaking into great slabs of concrete as the two ton mass of steel halted jarringly.
Calmly, Goten weaved his way past the amazed men and set the girder down out of the way, the steel surface imprinted with the Saiyajin's hands. Workers crowded around the young man, smothering the reluctant hero with gratitude.
Paresu groaned. Gracious people tend to repeat themselves and she realized it might be several hours before their date could resume. Dejectedly, Paresu dropped down to sit down on the steps of the theater. She rolled her eyes towards the heavens, elbows on knees and chin in hand.
~~~~~
Trunks hovered just outside the wide pavilion. He glanced into the ivory platform, waiting patiently for one of its inhabitants to notice him. The young half Saiyajin yawned into a hand, the thin air this high up making him feel a bit light-headed. The wind blew past, mussing his long lavender hair. After a moment, he drifted around to the side to the staircase leading from the pavilion to the interior of the tower. He peered into the dark portal, but to no avail.
Now, it may have seemed childish in hindsight, but Trunks was growing annoyed, so he flew close to the dome and gave it a swift kick. As a result, the entire tower swayed, teetering precariously on the brink of collapse before slowly settling back into place.
"Oi! What in Jigoku was that!?" called out a raspy voice from inside. A large white cat waddled out onto the small balcony, a gnarled wooden staff in his grip. "Who's out there!?"
"It's me Karin-san," Trunks responded, floating into view. "I was just trying to get your attention."
"Why didn't ya jus' _knock_?" the cat asked with a frown.
"I thought that would be rude."
Karin gave the Saiyajin a flat stare. Trunks at least had the decency to look sheepish and Karin was satisfied to let it be. "Don't sweat it, kiddo. Jus' knock next time, ya know? So, can I help you or what?"
"Ah, I'm here to pick up some Senzu," Trunks answered.
'Oh, oh, oh! That's right! I completely forgot. Well, c'mon in, kid. I got 'em in the kitchen."
As Karin turned to reenter the tower, Trunks landed, falling in step behind his feline host. The inside was surprisingly cozy, the small kitchenette adorned in a warm, rustic fashion. Beyond was a den, the centerpiece of which was an entertainment center complete with a titanic wide-screen television.
Karin crossed the room and set his staff aside, reaching up onto the table. He turned to face Trunks, throwing a small bag. The Saiyajin caught it easily and opened it, peeking at it's contents with a frown. "Not to complain, but there are only half a dozen in here," he said, stuffing it inside his belt.
"Sorry 'bout that, kid. The weather's been lousy and the growing season was cut short. That's the best I could get for ya. Your just gonna have to make do for a few months until the Senzu plants are ready again."
"Wakatta," Trunks responded, "I've almost finished making repairs to the regeneration tank, so we'll be okay. Sayonara, Karin-san." As the young man turned to leave, Karin rapped the butt of his staff on the floor. Looking back over his shoulder, Trunks arched an eyebrow inquiringly. "Hai? Something else?"
"Have you noticed anything wrong recently?"
Trunks grimaced, looking frighteningly like his father. "Take your pick," he offered. "Demo, how do you mean?"
"Les'see, I've noticed a growing disturbance. The birds have stopped singing lately and the wind dies down, even way up here. You should probably be on alert. Something bad's goin' down. And real soon, too."
Trunks nodded gravely, already suspecting the answer. "We've been preparing for this. When it comes, we'll be ready. I think perhaps you and Yajirobe-san should find some cover soon. This tower is rather vulnerable."
"Don't worry 'bout it," Karin said, waving him off. "Yajirobe's got a place down south we can crash should it come to that. See ya 'round, kid. And watch you back!" he called after Trunks, who was just leaping out the door. The half- Saiyajin took a moment to get his bearings and headed home.
~~~~~
Exhausted, Goten shambled into his room and dropped down onto his futon in belly-flop completely lacking in grace. He burrowed his head under a pillow and groaned. "I don't know how long I can keep this up, Trunks-kun."
"I'd help you out if I could, Goten-kun," Trunks replied, turning to face his friend from his seat at the desk. The vibrant white of the flourescent lamp bounced off the stack of papers and books and splashed across the room. Goten idly wondered why they didn't just get an overhead light for the entire room. "Demo, Paresu seems to have taken a shining to you."
Paresu stopped in her tracks, the passing conversation having peaked her interest. Her route home had taken her past her boyfriend's room and she couldn't help eavesdropping. She eased against the wall and reached up on her tiptoes to get closer to the window. As a finishing touch, she pushed down her ki to insignificance, effectively rendering herself invisible. Craning her neck, Paresu cocked her head to move her ear closer.
"If she takes me to see one more movie..." Goten began, but he was too tired to formulate an appropriate vow. "She's gonna be the death of me," he said sadly.
"Gomen, but you know how important it is to keep an eye on her. She said it herself that something serious is going to happen soon. Karin-san confirmed it today. We can't risk a relapse." Paresu frowned. Apparently, Trunks still didn't really trust her.
"Hai, hai. Demo, I still think tousan's gonna be the problem." Startled, Paresu bit back a gasp. How could he suspect his own father!?
"I know what you're saying. Dakedo, we can't take any chances. Goku-san is more or less keeping himself in check as long as he's in isolation. All we can do now is wait."
"And the longer we wait, the _worse_ it'll be when it happens," Goten said grimly.
As the exchange drew to a close, Paresu backed away from the wall, deep in thought. Finding out she was a pawn her entire life had totally crushed her world and only her now true freedom helped sustain her. She had gripped the opportunity with vigor, but to think she was still under surveillance was unsettling to say the least. This was definitely food for thought.
Paresu absently raised two fingers to her head and disappeared. A few meters back, hidden by the shade of the trees, Vegeta grunted. This was not an easy time for any of them.