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 30 -- The Suicidal Strategy!! Revenge Don't Interest Me!!
The morning had just begun when another tremor shook West Capital. It was the fourth in ten hours, the geological disturbances having begun not long after that fateful battle the previous night. While many people panicked, the occupants of Capsule Corporation needed worry about it little. Almost the entire complex was built in a series of domes, which did well to withstand the minor quakes. The Z Senshi--gathering here again--were allowed to be concerned with other matters.
Within a private workshop, Bulma Briefs sat cross-legged on the floor, immersed in her project. She had become fed up with everything falling off the tables, so had moved all her tools to the floor. As such, other than making her miss a grab for a screwdriver twice, the tremors did little to distract her. The pale white light of a table lamp illuminated her, casting long shadows on her face. Combined with a lack of sleep, the woman seemed old and weary.
Her shaking hands were busy constructing a small device, apparently the sixth in a series whose already assembled kin were in a pile to her side. Each had a thin circular shape, about five inches in diameter. The dull gray plastic gave way to a dark green monitor on one side. With a large dial on one side, it would appear to be an old-fashioned watch to the ignorant observer. At last, Bulma closed a small hatch on the back of her latest machine, then turned it over. It beeped when activated and a grid came to life on the screen. Twisting of the dial changed the scope of the grid, revealing seven glowing points. She turned it off and placed it with the others, gathering the necessary parts to craft yet another.
[One more,] Bulma thought. [Just one more...] A sharp pain in her head reminded the woman that she needed sleep, but she would not allow it.
Gohan's death had shown them all just how ruthless Kakarotto was. Buu's destruction was a show of sheer power. The demise of Mr. Satan was a reminder that no one was below his notice. Kakarotto would kill any of them, given the opportunity. That's why Bulma knew that she had to keep working. Their mad enemy didn't realize the dragon balls were no longer connected with Piccolo, and that was their trump card. With seven Dragon Radars they could collect them all very quickly right under Kakarotto's nose. The Briefs woman had been in her workshop for hours on end, ignoring her own grief.
A long-overdue shudder passed through her body and Bulma realized she could no longer see through her goggles. One hand weakly pulled them off her face and the bottled up tears began to stream down her face. Burying her head in her hands, the woman just let herself cry. Despite her friendship with Son Goku, she had never been around much to see his son grow up. But on Namek-sei, Bulma had seen how quickly the half-Saiyajin child had matured. Forced into battle at such a young age, he grew up too quickly. And now his life was snuffed out in its prime. Bulma wept for his tragedy--but also for herself, for she never really knew him.
There was a soft click of a door closing that went unnoticed by the aqua-haired woman, but she immediately recognized the arms that wrapped around her body. "V-veg...vege-ta?" she said, choking through her sobs.
The prince did not speak at first. He was just outside the ring of light from her table lamp, and only by his touch and the sound of slow, even breaths did she know he was there. Bulma leaned back in his embrace and matched her breathing with his, eventually calming down. He stood and she knew his black, piercing eyes were watching her from within the cloak of darkness. Bulma thought that the Saiyajin no Ouji had never appeared so regal where he stood silently above her with his raven crown.
Vegeta's face may have been hidden but the solemn tone of his voice was not. "I'm calling everyone for a meeting," announced the prince. His voice was low, steady, commanding and it had a rare, soothing effect on the nerve-wracked woman. "This is the time to act. I imagine you'll have something to suggest?" he asked, eyeing the pile of Dragon Radars.
"Hai," the woman replied. Vegeta turned his back to her and walked towards the door. "...anou..." Bulma clenched her fists as the door open again with a soft swish. "Vegeta!!" The prince turned his head ever so slightly and she could just make out his features by the light from the hall. "Vegeta, I....... Is there...is there any way we can resolve this without another fight..?"
"....No."
"...I'm worried. I'm worried for everyone. I'm worried...for you. I don't want you t-to...to die."
"I'm not the one you should be worried about--"
"Dame da!" Bulma cried, trying to stand. She failed and fell sobbing to her knees. "Just stop talking like that! P- promise me......promise me you wo..won't die....."
Silence.
"I promise you...the Saiyajin no Ouji shall not die."
Another click and the door closed.
~~~~~
A sense of bereavement had sunken in, weighing down on the hearts of the Z Senshi. Many of them had already gathered together in the common room, their shared melancholy casting a somber shadow over the bright, cheerfully decorated room. Silence hung in the air like a wraith that might strike at any who dared to speak. It was an indomitable, overwhelming mood of anger and fear that they all felt; hatred for Kakarotto but at the same time, a shame for not standing up against their daunting foe as Gohan had.
No one could blame Tenshinhan when he left. They all knew that, despite being in excellent shape, he was certainly getting along in years. Besides, the bodyguard to an emperor had many obligations. The three-eyed warrior made his apologies, but it was understood that he was needed elsewhere. His bravery was not in question.
In an effort to find a welcome distraction, Kuririn had turned on the television. The entire assemblage seemed to cringe as one, for even the cool, calm voice of a professional anchorman sounded far too loud and harsh for this time of quiet mourning. Nearly every channel was preoccupied with the death of Mister Satan and Kuririn felt a surge of anger, his throat tightening up. It felt like an outrage that such a man was more important than the kind, brave Gohan! But the short man realized his fury was directed at the wrong person.
Some degree of comfort came from a familiar face. One station was running a recorded interview with Yamucha, who was being grilled by hysterical reporters. It seemed that even his minor sports celebrity status did not hold him above suspicion, but the scarred man was handling it quite well. He gave a small but significant look to the camera that eased a weight off Kuririn's shoulders. Yamucha had everything under control; the Z Senshi could fully concentrate on the matter at hand.
Relieved a bit, the ex-monk flipped channels again and came to a courageous rural news crew. The screen showed a scene of massive devastation that was new to the group of warriors. They had all sensed the magnitude of Gohan's final battle, but to see its results on the staticy thirty-inch screen was a true horror. Like some kind of perverse movie, the giant hole ripped into Chikyuu's surface was a graphic image that they felt guilty for even looking at so raptly.
While the adults watched in shameful awe, young Trunks slowly trod into the common room. Even with the small half-Saiyajin's solid build, he looked pale and thin; soft lavender hair wildly disheveled. The boy's face was streaked with tears and his red eyes glared at the flashing images on the TV screen. Chibi Trunks pushed his way past the startled warriors, delivering a punch that shattered the television set to pieces. His breathing came in long, ragged gasps and sorrow won over, pulling him down to his knees.
The group stayed quiet for a while, as Kuririn tried to comfort the young half-Saiyajin. Even Juuhachi-gou, who normally seemed indifferent, showed sympathy for the boy; perhaps feeling guilty for not being there to comfort her own child. A significant look passed between the Yugure Trunks and Yugure Goten, but they too said nothing. With all the horrible things he had done, for this especially, for disrupting these people's peaceful lives, Kakarotto would pay.
A pair of voices coming from down the hall gradually grew louder, until the two Vegeta's entered the common room. It was still an odd sight, made all the stranger because neither were outwardly upset. Chibi Trunks immediately ran for his father and while looking uncomfortable, the Saiyajin no Ouji accepted his grieving son's hug. Yugure Vegeta scanned the room, looking at each Senshi's tired yet determined face. "Where's Goku?" he asked evenly.
"Oi...I'm here," came the reply. Goku trudged into common room, appearing far more worn than for his years. Held up by one arm was little Goten, who looked as if he was crying harder than Trunks. However, like everyone else at the moment, the youngest half-Saiyajin was quiet and stoic. "Chichi just went to sleep," Goku continued, sitting down in a large armchair with Goten still clinging to his neck. He looked up at all his friends with an odd, blank expression. "This ends today."
"Indeed it must," Yugure Vegeta responded with a nod. "But we're not rushing blindly into this. We've done that far too many times, to which I can personally atest. This has to end in a single battle, with all of us together. It's our only chance at killing Kakarotto."
Goku raised his free hand, as if to stop the prince. "You're right on that, but if it's gonna be all of us, it's gonna be _all_ of us. We need to bring Gohan and others back first."
"And just how do you propose we do that?" Vegeta scoffed. "I doubt Kakarotto will give us enough time to collect all the Dragon Balls and resurrect them."
"Easily solved," replied his other-worldly counterpart. "Bulma's already figured that part out." The Yugure prince looked towards the door, where Bulma was slumped against the frame. Although weak from sleep deprivation, she had a triumphant grin on her face and seven new Dragon Radars stacked between her hands.
"But Kakarotto still knows the Shunkan Idou," Vegeta pointed out.
"That's where I come in." Goku stood, letting Goten down off his lap. "I'm the only one that can keep up with him, so I'll be the diversion."
Kuririn slammed his hand down on top of the television, shoulders shaking. "Dame da! If he kills you--"
"You guys can wish me back," the tall Saiyajin assured him. "Shenlong's stronger now, thanks to Dende."
"At least let someone go with you," Kuririn pleaded.
Goku shook his head. "We don't got that many to spare. We only got six to look for the Dragon Balls as it is."
"Iie," Yugure Trunks interrupted. "We have eight." This world's Goten and Trunks were looking to Goku, pleading to be included. "They'll search and they'll fight."
Yugure Goten grinned, hands on hips. "We're doing this together, ne? All of us means _all_ of us."
"Right then, it's decided," said Bulma. She went around, handing each of the Senshi a Dragon Radar. "Each one is set to a slightly different frequency, so you'll each only get one to look for. That way, you won't get in anyone else's way. If I made them right, these are more accurate than the older model."
Goku bowed, smiling. "Okay gang, wait til you sense me fightin' Kakarotto. That's the best time to start, 'cause he'll be distracted." He raised two fingers to his forehead, but paused and looked over everyone. His friends, his family, his allies. These were people he would give his life for, should the need arise. And with any luck, this would be the last time he might have to make that sacrifice. "Ganbatte yo, minnasan!"
~~~~~
The wind whistled shrilly in Kakarotto's ear, as if trying to drive him away. He stood atop the stone vantage point normally reserved for a particular Namek-seijin, furry yellow arms crossed like he was waiting for something. And waiting for something he was. Waiting for the next Senshi to make himself vulnerable. Waiting for the next Senshi to mark himself as prey. Waiting for the next chance to taste blood.
Watching with his mind, the mad Saiyajin tried searching for his enemies. But not even the skills he had stolen from the mighty Son Goku were enough to sense some who was surpessing their ki down to nothing. In fact, much of Kakarotto's mind was occupied with other matters; for instance, attempting to quell the pain that screamed in his side. Gohan may have been killed, but the Legendary had inflicted some major damage on his opponent. If the insane warrior tried to steal some Senzu, the Z Senshi would be all over him, but the wounds would gradually sap even Kakarotto's immense strength. With time no longer on his side, he couldn't afford to pass up the next chance to attack. Regardless of the foe that awaited, Kakarotto would have to strike.
Suddenly, there was a twinge at the evil Saiyajin's senses. His eyes opened wide in surprise as his counterpart revealed himself. The Son Goku of this world wasn't being careless, he was demanding a duel! His power rose and rose, challeging Kakarotto. There was no other choice. "Then a duel it is," he murmured with a gimace. A moment later and the madman's own Shunkan Idou brought him face to face with Goku.
The kinder Saiyajin hovered in mid air, the crackling of his aura acenuated by peals of lightning. His long mane of gold swirled in the backdraft of his power and his sharp brow was lowered in an inhuman degree of focus. But Goku wasn't straining to maintain the state of Super Saiyajin 3, and instead seemed quite at ease. Even though Kakarotto was a full level of power higher, the younger warrior was a far more dangerous foe than the Legendary. For all his power, Gohan could never match his father's fighting genius.
"Saa. It's about damn time," Goku said in a no-nonsense tone. "Let's do this."
"Are you really that stupid?" Kakarotto taunted with a mostly false confidence. "You _are_ going to die like all the others, you know."
"Maybe," Goku smirked. "Maybe not. Either way, this is the end for you. You die today."
The mad Saiyajin stretched his shoulder out, preparing for battle once again. "Sou ka? Then this is your desperate attempt the settle the score? Now now, Goku. Haboring a grudge will only distract you," Kakarotto added with a small wag of his finger.
"Revenge don't interest me." Goku's smirk widened into a grin. "To be honest, I'm just the bait."
His insane counterpart's eyes opened wide and for the first time, Kakarotto noticed the other eight Z Senshi spread out across Chikyuu. Something clicked, and the madman swore. "Kuso!! You mean this whole time, there was another set of Dragon Balls!?!?"
"Now who's stupid? I know Shunkan Idou too, so don't bother tryin' to stop 'em."
"KUTABARE!!!" Kakarotto roared, lunging at his enemy. Goku easily caught the punch.
"Don't get distracted, ne?
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 30 -- The Suicidal Strategy!! Revenge Don't Interest Me!!
The morning had just begun when another tremor shook West Capital. It was the fourth in ten hours, the geological disturbances having begun not long after that fateful battle the previous night. While many people panicked, the occupants of Capsule Corporation needed worry about it little. Almost the entire complex was built in a series of domes, which did well to withstand the minor quakes. The Z Senshi--gathering here again--were allowed to be concerned with other matters.
Within a private workshop, Bulma Briefs sat cross-legged on the floor, immersed in her project. She had become fed up with everything falling off the tables, so had moved all her tools to the floor. As such, other than making her miss a grab for a screwdriver twice, the tremors did little to distract her. The pale white light of a table lamp illuminated her, casting long shadows on her face. Combined with a lack of sleep, the woman seemed old and weary.
Her shaking hands were busy constructing a small device, apparently the sixth in a series whose already assembled kin were in a pile to her side. Each had a thin circular shape, about five inches in diameter. The dull gray plastic gave way to a dark green monitor on one side. With a large dial on one side, it would appear to be an old-fashioned watch to the ignorant observer. At last, Bulma closed a small hatch on the back of her latest machine, then turned it over. It beeped when activated and a grid came to life on the screen. Twisting of the dial changed the scope of the grid, revealing seven glowing points. She turned it off and placed it with the others, gathering the necessary parts to craft yet another.
[One more,] Bulma thought. [Just one more...] A sharp pain in her head reminded the woman that she needed sleep, but she would not allow it.
Gohan's death had shown them all just how ruthless Kakarotto was. Buu's destruction was a show of sheer power. The demise of Mr. Satan was a reminder that no one was below his notice. Kakarotto would kill any of them, given the opportunity. That's why Bulma knew that she had to keep working. Their mad enemy didn't realize the dragon balls were no longer connected with Piccolo, and that was their trump card. With seven Dragon Radars they could collect them all very quickly right under Kakarotto's nose. The Briefs woman had been in her workshop for hours on end, ignoring her own grief.
A long-overdue shudder passed through her body and Bulma realized she could no longer see through her goggles. One hand weakly pulled them off her face and the bottled up tears began to stream down her face. Burying her head in her hands, the woman just let herself cry. Despite her friendship with Son Goku, she had never been around much to see his son grow up. But on Namek-sei, Bulma had seen how quickly the half-Saiyajin child had matured. Forced into battle at such a young age, he grew up too quickly. And now his life was snuffed out in its prime. Bulma wept for his tragedy--but also for herself, for she never really knew him.
There was a soft click of a door closing that went unnoticed by the aqua-haired woman, but she immediately recognized the arms that wrapped around her body. "V-veg...vege-ta?" she said, choking through her sobs.
The prince did not speak at first. He was just outside the ring of light from her table lamp, and only by his touch and the sound of slow, even breaths did she know he was there. Bulma leaned back in his embrace and matched her breathing with his, eventually calming down. He stood and she knew his black, piercing eyes were watching her from within the cloak of darkness. Bulma thought that the Saiyajin no Ouji had never appeared so regal where he stood silently above her with his raven crown.
Vegeta's face may have been hidden but the solemn tone of his voice was not. "I'm calling everyone for a meeting," announced the prince. His voice was low, steady, commanding and it had a rare, soothing effect on the nerve-wracked woman. "This is the time to act. I imagine you'll have something to suggest?" he asked, eyeing the pile of Dragon Radars.
"Hai," the woman replied. Vegeta turned his back to her and walked towards the door. "...anou..." Bulma clenched her fists as the door open again with a soft swish. "Vegeta!!" The prince turned his head ever so slightly and she could just make out his features by the light from the hall. "Vegeta, I....... Is there...is there any way we can resolve this without another fight..?"
"....No."
"...I'm worried. I'm worried for everyone. I'm worried...for you. I don't want you t-to...to die."
"I'm not the one you should be worried about--"
"Dame da!" Bulma cried, trying to stand. She failed and fell sobbing to her knees. "Just stop talking like that! P- promise me......promise me you wo..won't die....."
Silence.
"I promise you...the Saiyajin no Ouji shall not die."
Another click and the door closed.
~~~~~
A sense of bereavement had sunken in, weighing down on the hearts of the Z Senshi. Many of them had already gathered together in the common room, their shared melancholy casting a somber shadow over the bright, cheerfully decorated room. Silence hung in the air like a wraith that might strike at any who dared to speak. It was an indomitable, overwhelming mood of anger and fear that they all felt; hatred for Kakarotto but at the same time, a shame for not standing up against their daunting foe as Gohan had.
No one could blame Tenshinhan when he left. They all knew that, despite being in excellent shape, he was certainly getting along in years. Besides, the bodyguard to an emperor had many obligations. The three-eyed warrior made his apologies, but it was understood that he was needed elsewhere. His bravery was not in question.
In an effort to find a welcome distraction, Kuririn had turned on the television. The entire assemblage seemed to cringe as one, for even the cool, calm voice of a professional anchorman sounded far too loud and harsh for this time of quiet mourning. Nearly every channel was preoccupied with the death of Mister Satan and Kuririn felt a surge of anger, his throat tightening up. It felt like an outrage that such a man was more important than the kind, brave Gohan! But the short man realized his fury was directed at the wrong person.
Some degree of comfort came from a familiar face. One station was running a recorded interview with Yamucha, who was being grilled by hysterical reporters. It seemed that even his minor sports celebrity status did not hold him above suspicion, but the scarred man was handling it quite well. He gave a small but significant look to the camera that eased a weight off Kuririn's shoulders. Yamucha had everything under control; the Z Senshi could fully concentrate on the matter at hand.
Relieved a bit, the ex-monk flipped channels again and came to a courageous rural news crew. The screen showed a scene of massive devastation that was new to the group of warriors. They had all sensed the magnitude of Gohan's final battle, but to see its results on the staticy thirty-inch screen was a true horror. Like some kind of perverse movie, the giant hole ripped into Chikyuu's surface was a graphic image that they felt guilty for even looking at so raptly.
While the adults watched in shameful awe, young Trunks slowly trod into the common room. Even with the small half-Saiyajin's solid build, he looked pale and thin; soft lavender hair wildly disheveled. The boy's face was streaked with tears and his red eyes glared at the flashing images on the TV screen. Chibi Trunks pushed his way past the startled warriors, delivering a punch that shattered the television set to pieces. His breathing came in long, ragged gasps and sorrow won over, pulling him down to his knees.
The group stayed quiet for a while, as Kuririn tried to comfort the young half-Saiyajin. Even Juuhachi-gou, who normally seemed indifferent, showed sympathy for the boy; perhaps feeling guilty for not being there to comfort her own child. A significant look passed between the Yugure Trunks and Yugure Goten, but they too said nothing. With all the horrible things he had done, for this especially, for disrupting these people's peaceful lives, Kakarotto would pay.
A pair of voices coming from down the hall gradually grew louder, until the two Vegeta's entered the common room. It was still an odd sight, made all the stranger because neither were outwardly upset. Chibi Trunks immediately ran for his father and while looking uncomfortable, the Saiyajin no Ouji accepted his grieving son's hug. Yugure Vegeta scanned the room, looking at each Senshi's tired yet determined face. "Where's Goku?" he asked evenly.
"Oi...I'm here," came the reply. Goku trudged into common room, appearing far more worn than for his years. Held up by one arm was little Goten, who looked as if he was crying harder than Trunks. However, like everyone else at the moment, the youngest half-Saiyajin was quiet and stoic. "Chichi just went to sleep," Goku continued, sitting down in a large armchair with Goten still clinging to his neck. He looked up at all his friends with an odd, blank expression. "This ends today."
"Indeed it must," Yugure Vegeta responded with a nod. "But we're not rushing blindly into this. We've done that far too many times, to which I can personally atest. This has to end in a single battle, with all of us together. It's our only chance at killing Kakarotto."
Goku raised his free hand, as if to stop the prince. "You're right on that, but if it's gonna be all of us, it's gonna be _all_ of us. We need to bring Gohan and others back first."
"And just how do you propose we do that?" Vegeta scoffed. "I doubt Kakarotto will give us enough time to collect all the Dragon Balls and resurrect them."
"Easily solved," replied his other-worldly counterpart. "Bulma's already figured that part out." The Yugure prince looked towards the door, where Bulma was slumped against the frame. Although weak from sleep deprivation, she had a triumphant grin on her face and seven new Dragon Radars stacked between her hands.
"But Kakarotto still knows the Shunkan Idou," Vegeta pointed out.
"That's where I come in." Goku stood, letting Goten down off his lap. "I'm the only one that can keep up with him, so I'll be the diversion."
Kuririn slammed his hand down on top of the television, shoulders shaking. "Dame da! If he kills you--"
"You guys can wish me back," the tall Saiyajin assured him. "Shenlong's stronger now, thanks to Dende."
"At least let someone go with you," Kuririn pleaded.
Goku shook his head. "We don't got that many to spare. We only got six to look for the Dragon Balls as it is."
"Iie," Yugure Trunks interrupted. "We have eight." This world's Goten and Trunks were looking to Goku, pleading to be included. "They'll search and they'll fight."
Yugure Goten grinned, hands on hips. "We're doing this together, ne? All of us means _all_ of us."
"Right then, it's decided," said Bulma. She went around, handing each of the Senshi a Dragon Radar. "Each one is set to a slightly different frequency, so you'll each only get one to look for. That way, you won't get in anyone else's way. If I made them right, these are more accurate than the older model."
Goku bowed, smiling. "Okay gang, wait til you sense me fightin' Kakarotto. That's the best time to start, 'cause he'll be distracted." He raised two fingers to his forehead, but paused and looked over everyone. His friends, his family, his allies. These were people he would give his life for, should the need arise. And with any luck, this would be the last time he might have to make that sacrifice. "Ganbatte yo, minnasan!"
~~~~~
The wind whistled shrilly in Kakarotto's ear, as if trying to drive him away. He stood atop the stone vantage point normally reserved for a particular Namek-seijin, furry yellow arms crossed like he was waiting for something. And waiting for something he was. Waiting for the next Senshi to make himself vulnerable. Waiting for the next Senshi to mark himself as prey. Waiting for the next chance to taste blood.
Watching with his mind, the mad Saiyajin tried searching for his enemies. But not even the skills he had stolen from the mighty Son Goku were enough to sense some who was surpessing their ki down to nothing. In fact, much of Kakarotto's mind was occupied with other matters; for instance, attempting to quell the pain that screamed in his side. Gohan may have been killed, but the Legendary had inflicted some major damage on his opponent. If the insane warrior tried to steal some Senzu, the Z Senshi would be all over him, but the wounds would gradually sap even Kakarotto's immense strength. With time no longer on his side, he couldn't afford to pass up the next chance to attack. Regardless of the foe that awaited, Kakarotto would have to strike.
Suddenly, there was a twinge at the evil Saiyajin's senses. His eyes opened wide in surprise as his counterpart revealed himself. The Son Goku of this world wasn't being careless, he was demanding a duel! His power rose and rose, challeging Kakarotto. There was no other choice. "Then a duel it is," he murmured with a gimace. A moment later and the madman's own Shunkan Idou brought him face to face with Goku.
The kinder Saiyajin hovered in mid air, the crackling of his aura acenuated by peals of lightning. His long mane of gold swirled in the backdraft of his power and his sharp brow was lowered in an inhuman degree of focus. But Goku wasn't straining to maintain the state of Super Saiyajin 3, and instead seemed quite at ease. Even though Kakarotto was a full level of power higher, the younger warrior was a far more dangerous foe than the Legendary. For all his power, Gohan could never match his father's fighting genius.
"Saa. It's about damn time," Goku said in a no-nonsense tone. "Let's do this."
"Are you really that stupid?" Kakarotto taunted with a mostly false confidence. "You _are_ going to die like all the others, you know."
"Maybe," Goku smirked. "Maybe not. Either way, this is the end for you. You die today."
The mad Saiyajin stretched his shoulder out, preparing for battle once again. "Sou ka? Then this is your desperate attempt the settle the score? Now now, Goku. Haboring a grudge will only distract you," Kakarotto added with a small wag of his finger.
"Revenge don't interest me." Goku's smirk widened into a grin. "To be honest, I'm just the bait."
His insane counterpart's eyes opened wide and for the first time, Kakarotto noticed the other eight Z Senshi spread out across Chikyuu. Something clicked, and the madman swore. "Kuso!! You mean this whole time, there was another set of Dragon Balls!?!?"
"Now who's stupid? I know Shunkan Idou too, so don't bother tryin' to stop 'em."
"KUTABARE!!!" Kakarotto roared, lunging at his enemy. Goku easily caught the punch.
"Don't get distracted, ne?