Chapter 4 - Happy to See Me?
Note: One year has past since the events of the last chapter.
P.S. I haven't seen the episode where Goku returns in a while and my memory's a little rusty so bear with me and go easy on this chapter.
The World Martial Arts Tournament was here again and the Z fighters and crew were, of course, present and, like always, waiting for something.
Transport ships were landing all around the group as they moved closer to the registration area, "Goku said he'd meet us by the registration desk," Chi Chi called to the rest of the group. Gohan nodded vigorously as Goten grabbed his mother's leg.
The crew stopped by the registration desk as many began to fidget with impatience, "Waiting for Kakkarot. I never thought I'd stoop so low," Vegeta grumbled. Bulma whacked him over the head.
"Couch for a month," she hissed through her teeth. Vegeta rolled his eyes and shut his mouth. A sudden power surge ran through the area and all the Z fighters tensed together.
Goku's image flickered in one spot then became whole, "Dad!" Gohan exclaimed. He ran forward and gave his father a strong hug. Goku grinned his signature grin and greeted everyone.
"Goku!" Chi Chi almost sobbed. Goku was taken aback a little but gave his wife a quick kiss and a firm but loving hug. Goten hung back a little, now clinging to his brother's leg. Goku caught sight of the small boy who was his identical to his child self.
"Hey there, little guy," he said slowly, dropping to his knees. Goku glanced at Chi Chi, who was glowing, "Wow, you look exactly like me!" Goten smiled slightly. Goku grinned again as Vegeta shifted from foot to foot.
"Goten, don't just stand there!" Chi Chi exclaimed. Goten grinned widely and leapt into his father's arms. The whole Son family grinned happily as they were united for the first time. Vegeta coughed impatiently and, as if on cue, the loudspeaker blared that there was only twenty minutes left to register.
"Well, bet we'd better get moving," Goku sighed as he placed his son on the ground. The rest of the group nodded in agreement as Vegeta grumbled a quiet, "Finally," Bulma whacked and warned him again as the fighters lined up at the desk.
"Son Goku," Goku said to the woman behind the desk, "Also, my sons Son Gohan and Son Goten," the woman nodded. "Son Goten can only be entered in the Child Competition, sir," she said. Goku sighed and nodded as Goten began to pout. The woman glanced at the people behind the Sons and immediately recognized the Briefs, "Excuse me, sir, but are you the Son/Briefs Party?" Goku nodded, "Oh, you've been randomly selected to attend a special, all-you-can-eat buffet in the Garden Vista which overlooks the arena. It starts in about five minutes, sir."
Goku's eyes widened and he grinned. He looked around at Chi Chi and began to hop around in ecstasy. Chi Chi groaned and smacked her head. Vegeta pushed Goku out of the way and registered himself and Trunks. Krillin, 18, and Piccolo registered as well, "C'mon, c'mon!" Goku moaned. The second the others were done registering, he practically dragged his family and the others to the Garden Vista.
"Food, food, food, food!" he chanted as he entered the Garden Vista. It was a beautiful marble patio with vines twining around, acting as a privacy wall. A large mahogany desk, accompanied by a plush white silk armchair, sat in the center of the patio. Two servants stood in front of a door behind the desk.
"This isn't a buffet," Goku said in a disappointed voice. Vegeta came up next to him and crossed his arms.
"Thank you Captain Obvious. We were lured here by your love of food," Vegeta scoffed. The other Z fighters all stood behind or next to Goku and Vegeta. Suddenly, the two servants stepped aside as the door behind them opened. Four guards trooped through the door, followed by a young woman dressed in a black mini dress and coal black heels. Large diamonds iced both her wrists and her neck. An elegant hat graced her head, which shadowed her entire face except the bottom half. She sat gracefully in the chair as the guards took their place behind her.
"Hello everyone," the woman said, her face still hidden. Her voice was oddly familiar. She smirked as the Z fighters tried to figure out who this woman was. She raised her hand slightly and signaled to an unseen servant, who immediately brought a white silver tray with a crystal goblet and a large bottle of chilled water. He poured the water and handed the goblet to the woman. She took a sip, then spoke again, "You don't know who I am, do you?" she giggled, showing how young she truly was.
"I know that giggle," Gohan murmured. The woman smiled.
"That's right, Gohan, you do," she mused, taking another sip of water.
"Elida?!" Gohan exclaimed. Elida laughed and threw off her hat. The Z fighters gasped.
Bulma squealed in delight and rushed forward. She pulled Elida into a hug, shaking her back and forth. Gohan hugged Elida as well, grinning the signature Son grin, "I'm so happy to see you!" he exclaimed. Elida smiled as well. Goku stood back from everyone as they greeted Elida with hugs and smiles. Even Vegeta gave Elida an almost kind greeting.
"Am I missing something here?" Goku said, scratching his head. Chi Chi rolled her eyes. Everyone had forgotten that Goku had never met Elida before. "Oh, this is going to be hard to explain," Bulma rubbed her temples. Goku scratched his head again. Every sweat dropped anime style.
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"Wow," Goku mused, "Very complicated," Bulma nodded. Elida was leaning against the desk while Bulma was explaining the whole complex thing to Goku.
Elida extended her hand towards Goku, "Nice to meet you, Goku. I've heard a lot of great things about you."
Goku smiled kindly, "Nice to meet you too, Elida." Elida's guards jumped to attention when Goku extended his hand as well.
"At ease, boys," Elida said without batting an eye. Bulma looked quizzically at Elida, as did Gohan. The other Z fighters had gone to the restaurants to get something to eat, "I'll explain later," she said.
The four, accompanied by Elida's guards, all jumped when the loudspeaker crackled on again, "All entrants in the Tournament please report to the preliminary round area on the east side of the fight ring."
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"Son Gohan!" the man holding the register list yelled out. Gohan walked up to the machine which would measure his power through his punches. He rapped the place where he was supposed to. 389, the meter read. The crowd gasped. The man recorded Gohan's score and informed him that he had qualified for the tournament.
"Argonath Elida!" the man called out. Elida, followed closely by her guards, stepped up to the machine. She flicked the spot with her finger. A shudder ran through the machine as the meter read 1008, "Excuse me, miss, but I think something might be wrong with the machine. Will you try again?" the man said. Gohan furrowed his brow and looked at his father for an answer.
Elida nodded at the man and flicked the machine again. 1014, the meter read. The man trembled and recorded Elida's score, "Congratulations, miss, you have qualified for the tournament," Elida smirked and turned. The crowd looked dumbstruck, as did Gohan and Goku.
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"Alright, the entrants are as follows: Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, Trunks, Goten, Elida, Piccolo, Krillin, Number 18, Shin, Kabito, Yamu, Spopovitch, Videl, Bruno, and Rellad. Now we will choose who you will battle first," the woman said in a calm voice. Gohan was talking in low voice to Goku, while Vegeta kept stealing glances at Elida, "First to choose their number is," the woman glanced at her list, "Elida Argonath," Elida walked up and placed her hand in the box holding the number balls. She pulled out a number 3 and showed it to the woman.
"Elida Argonath, number 3," the woman said as she recorded Elida's number. The others pulled out their numbers as well, "Last up is Goku Son," Goku stepped up. Even he knew that he would have to fight Elida, "The only number left is 4, Mr. Son," the woman said as she recorded Goku's number. Gohan bit his lip and looked warily at his father.
Elida smirked to herself and spun on her heel. She walked towards the fighters' area next to the arena. Her guards turned as well and followed her. She stepped into a dressing room inside the section designated for the fighters. A moment later she stepped out again, dressed in her fighting uniform. It was different then her former one and consisted of a strapless white shirt emblazoned with the crest of the royal house of Argonath and a skirt of white with sheets of black silk falling in sheets from a diamond and silver belt at her waist. Her fighting boots were a silky black and were high heeled.
Elida sat down on a plush white couch next to the opening that lead into the arena. The sounds of the large crowd began to fill the room gradually as the arena began to fill with people. Gohan and the others filed into the room. Elida smiled slightly.
Gohan looked quickly at what Elida was wearing, "El, you think you might be a little overdressed for fighting?" Gohan said sympathetically. He remembered how much Elida loved looking fashionable, "I mean, c'mon," he said more cheerfully, "heels?" He gestured at the six inch heels on Elida's feet.
"I doubt my feet will ever be more than a foot off the ground," Elida mused mysteriously. Gohan furrowed his brow again and sat down next to Elida.
"Hey, El," Gohan whispered, "You gonna tell me what's going on?" Elida smiled mischievously.
"Not just yet," Elida said, still smiling. Gohan shook his head, smiling as well, but his eyes were clouded with confusion, and for the first time, he did not trust Elida.
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"And Krillin is the winner! Bruno is disqualified!" The Announcer Man (what is his name?) announced. Krillin stepped out of the ring and walked cheerfully back into the fighters' area, "Next up is," the Announcer Man glanced at his list, "Goku Son and Elida Argonath!"
Gohan looked warily at his father, "Dad," he whispered, "Go as easy as possible on her," Goku nodded. He began to walk into the ring, but Gohan grabbed his arm, "But don't let your guard down. Something is not right," Goku looked confused for a second, then walked into the ring. Elida climbed the steps behind Goku and stepped onto the marble stage. The moment she set foot on the stage, many men in the crowd began to holler catcalls. Elida rolled her eyes and snorted.
The Announcer raised his microphone, "Fight!" he yelled. Goku crouched and waited for Elida to attack. Elida simply stood and crossed her arms. She raised an eyebrow, challenging Goku, "Ok," the man said, looking at Elida and Goku.
"Goku," Elida said, examining her nails, "Just because Gohan said to go easy on me, doesn't mean I'll wait for you to strike first," Elida smirked. She blurred and was suddenly in front of Goku. They both threw punches at the same time.
The collision sounded out like a gunshot through the arena. Goku and Elida were both thrown back, "Good," Elida said getting up. She swerved her hands around each other, then (like Morpheus in the Matrix) beckoned Goku to strike again. Goku yelled and charged. He began to throw punches at Elida, each one becoming faster. Elida blocked them effortlessly. She struck Goku square in the chest and knocked him back a few paces.
He yelled again and gathered an energy ball in his hand and threw it at Elida. She smirked again simply batted it away. Goku flared his nostrils and glared at Elida, "C'mon, Goku," Elida said, "Show me what you've got!" she blurred again and brought he leg crashing down on Goku's back. Goku swung around with his own leg and hit Elida. She smiled again and rose into the air.
She formed a silver energy ball in each hand. They sporadically sent bolts of lightning and connected themselves every few seconds. They connected permanently and Elida threw them at Goku. The balls wrapped around the Saiyin and pinned his arms to his sides. Goku struggled for a moment, then the energy balls were destroyed by his strength.
Goku yelled and his hair began to flicker gold, his eyes turquoise. He roared once more and reached Super Saiyin 2. Gohan gasped slightly, amazed that his father had to resort to going Super to defeat Elida.
Elida sighed and shook her head. She raised herself up another few inches and extended her arms. She began to glow with a silvery light and shut her eyes. Her hair began to fly around her as if she was going Super. It turned a silver light and burned as if it was molten metal. Her clothes began to fly around her as she opened her eyes. Her irises and pupils had disappeared and her eyes emitted a startling silver light. She lowered herself and took a step down from the air.
When her foot touched the ground, cracks began to spread in the marble from her foot, as if her power was too much for the ring. Her other foot touched the ground as well and more cracks appeared. Gohan could only stare and Vegeta had furrowed his brow. A purple skinned alien named Shin and another pink skinned one named Kabito had wide eyes and were almost ready to run out into the ring.
Goku shook himself and reminded himself that he had beaten enemies he thought he couldn't before. He gathered his hands at his side, "Ka," he yelled, "me, ha, me," a ball of energy began to form in his hand, "HA!" he screamed, directing the golden beam at Elida. Elida stretched out her hand and the beam stopped two inches from her palm. She closed her hand and the beam disappeared. She flicked her hand upward and Goku rose off the ground.
Elida yawned, "I'm getting bored with this," Elida flicked her hand again. Goku flew clear threw the wall.
"Wow! What an amazing show of telekinesis!" The Announcer yelled, "Elida is the winner! Goku is disqualified!" All the Z fighters gasped, as did Chi Chi and Bulma. Elida floated off the stage and powered down, little by little. She placed her feet on the ground and the ground didn't crack.
She looked directly at Gohan, who was staring at her as if she was a threat, "Happy to see me now?" she murmured.
Shin and Kabito stood in her path. Both bowed low, "All powerful Empress of Rai, we are your humble servants," Shin said. Elida smacked her forehead and rolled her eyes.
"It starts," she mumbled.
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"Elida?" Gohan said incredulously, "An Empress?" Gohan looked wide-eyed at Elida, who had put on her best innocent face and started to whistle, "That explains the guards, and the servants," Gohan mused. Elida snapped her fingers and a servant put a black cloak around her shoulders.
"Whoa, Empress?" Goku said, "This is going way beyond me," Vegeta snorted.
"Everything more complicated than food is beyond you," Vegeta scoffed. He turned to Shin, who was about a foot or more shorter than he was (quite short), "So, you think that Elida here is the Raian Empress?" Shin and Kabito nodded, "You're even stupider than Kakkarot!" he roared.
"I assure, Vegeta," Shin said coldly, "that we are not mistaken in our claims. Are we, Your Majesty?" Shin turned to Elida who was busy making herself as small as possible by sitting in a corner.
"Um, hmm," she said, a fake smile pasted on her face. She looked outside quickly, "Well, I would be lying if I said Supreme Kai Shin here is wrong," Shin bowed low again.
"You're the Raian Empress?" Vegeta said shakily. He took a step towards Elida, "You are the most powerful being in the universe?!" Elida nodded meekly. For the first time in his life, Vegeta bowed, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. Show me mercy," he mumbled.
Goku and Gohan gasped together. Piccolo stepped forward from the shadows, "So," he rumbled, "the Raian throne is finally filled," Shin nodded vigorously.
"Since Her Majesty's return last year, the Raian Empire has been rebuilt and expanded once more. The Civil War is over and a ruler occupies Luelthian Cior once more!" he almost giggled he was so happy. He became solemn once more when he remembered the purpose of his mission to Earth.
"And now, Gohan versus Kabito!" The Announcer Man (still waiting for a name) announced (duh). Gohan, with some difficulty, tore himself away from the soap opera drama unfolding before him.
Kabito entered the arena as well and the match was underway, "C'mon Gohan, show me your fabled Super Saiyin," he taunted. He knew what would happen if Gohan was to go past Super. Gohan was bait and no one knew but he and Shin.
Gohan, still slightly shocked and angered by his father's defeat, roared and blasted past Super Saiyin. The tiles on the ring began to vibrate, "The Golden Fighter," numerous people in the crowd murmured. Yamu and Spopovitch stepped stealthily out of the shadows. They leapt into the ring, carry what looked like a giant rock syringe with a meter at the end.
Gohan didn't have time to react. Neither did Elida. Yamu shoved the object in between Gohan's ribs. Gohan gasped for air as it escaped his lungs. His golden aura began to ebb as he sank to his knees.
"Gohan!" Elida and Goku yelled together. Elida rushed past the other in the fighters' lounge but was stopped by Piccolo before she could reach the ring, "Move, Piccolo!" she growled. Shin was in the process of explaining his plan to Goku and the others, while Piccolo had already known.
"My lady, no!" Shin yelled as he and Goku grabbed Elida from behind. They tried to restrain the squirming empress, "No, Gohan!" she cried. Gohan began to become a pale white as he fell on his back. Yamu and Spopovitch grinned and shot off into the sky. It seemed they had drained Gohan's energy. Elida broke free of her restrainers and blurred into the ring.
She dropped to her knees beside Gohan, who was shivering. She removed the black cloak from her shoulders and placed it under Gohan's head, "Kabito!" she cried. Kabito knelt next to the two. Elida grasped Gohan's hand in her own, "Stay with me Gohan!" she murmured.
Goku and the others, including Shin, gathered themselves and set off in pursuit of Yamu and Spopovitch. Elida watched them become tiny specks, then turned back to Gohan.
"Help me heal him, Kabito," she commanded in a strong voice. She placed her hands over Gohan's chest as the Saiyin began to wheeze. Kabito did the same. A gold light glowed about Kabito's fingers as a silver did the same to Elida's. The color came back to Gohan's flesh and his breathing returned to normal. He ceased his shivering and sat up. Elida wrapped him in a brief hug.
"Come," she stood, "Your father has already set off after them. We must move quickly if we are to catch them," Elida said strongly. Gohan nodded and quickly got to his feet. Kabito followed but said nothing. All three sped off into the sky, after the other Z fighters and the great evil that was about to be reborn.
Whew! My longest yet! That means more reviews are needed!! Tell me whether Elida should have one, two, or three kids! Review! As Empress of Rai, I command thee!
LOL! I wish!
Note: One year has past since the events of the last chapter.
P.S. I haven't seen the episode where Goku returns in a while and my memory's a little rusty so bear with me and go easy on this chapter.
The World Martial Arts Tournament was here again and the Z fighters and crew were, of course, present and, like always, waiting for something.
Transport ships were landing all around the group as they moved closer to the registration area, "Goku said he'd meet us by the registration desk," Chi Chi called to the rest of the group. Gohan nodded vigorously as Goten grabbed his mother's leg.
The crew stopped by the registration desk as many began to fidget with impatience, "Waiting for Kakkarot. I never thought I'd stoop so low," Vegeta grumbled. Bulma whacked him over the head.
"Couch for a month," she hissed through her teeth. Vegeta rolled his eyes and shut his mouth. A sudden power surge ran through the area and all the Z fighters tensed together.
Goku's image flickered in one spot then became whole, "Dad!" Gohan exclaimed. He ran forward and gave his father a strong hug. Goku grinned his signature grin and greeted everyone.
"Goku!" Chi Chi almost sobbed. Goku was taken aback a little but gave his wife a quick kiss and a firm but loving hug. Goten hung back a little, now clinging to his brother's leg. Goku caught sight of the small boy who was his identical to his child self.
"Hey there, little guy," he said slowly, dropping to his knees. Goku glanced at Chi Chi, who was glowing, "Wow, you look exactly like me!" Goten smiled slightly. Goku grinned again as Vegeta shifted from foot to foot.
"Goten, don't just stand there!" Chi Chi exclaimed. Goten grinned widely and leapt into his father's arms. The whole Son family grinned happily as they were united for the first time. Vegeta coughed impatiently and, as if on cue, the loudspeaker blared that there was only twenty minutes left to register.
"Well, bet we'd better get moving," Goku sighed as he placed his son on the ground. The rest of the group nodded in agreement as Vegeta grumbled a quiet, "Finally," Bulma whacked and warned him again as the fighters lined up at the desk.
"Son Goku," Goku said to the woman behind the desk, "Also, my sons Son Gohan and Son Goten," the woman nodded. "Son Goten can only be entered in the Child Competition, sir," she said. Goku sighed and nodded as Goten began to pout. The woman glanced at the people behind the Sons and immediately recognized the Briefs, "Excuse me, sir, but are you the Son/Briefs Party?" Goku nodded, "Oh, you've been randomly selected to attend a special, all-you-can-eat buffet in the Garden Vista which overlooks the arena. It starts in about five minutes, sir."
Goku's eyes widened and he grinned. He looked around at Chi Chi and began to hop around in ecstasy. Chi Chi groaned and smacked her head. Vegeta pushed Goku out of the way and registered himself and Trunks. Krillin, 18, and Piccolo registered as well, "C'mon, c'mon!" Goku moaned. The second the others were done registering, he practically dragged his family and the others to the Garden Vista.
"Food, food, food, food!" he chanted as he entered the Garden Vista. It was a beautiful marble patio with vines twining around, acting as a privacy wall. A large mahogany desk, accompanied by a plush white silk armchair, sat in the center of the patio. Two servants stood in front of a door behind the desk.
"This isn't a buffet," Goku said in a disappointed voice. Vegeta came up next to him and crossed his arms.
"Thank you Captain Obvious. We were lured here by your love of food," Vegeta scoffed. The other Z fighters all stood behind or next to Goku and Vegeta. Suddenly, the two servants stepped aside as the door behind them opened. Four guards trooped through the door, followed by a young woman dressed in a black mini dress and coal black heels. Large diamonds iced both her wrists and her neck. An elegant hat graced her head, which shadowed her entire face except the bottom half. She sat gracefully in the chair as the guards took their place behind her.
"Hello everyone," the woman said, her face still hidden. Her voice was oddly familiar. She smirked as the Z fighters tried to figure out who this woman was. She raised her hand slightly and signaled to an unseen servant, who immediately brought a white silver tray with a crystal goblet and a large bottle of chilled water. He poured the water and handed the goblet to the woman. She took a sip, then spoke again, "You don't know who I am, do you?" she giggled, showing how young she truly was.
"I know that giggle," Gohan murmured. The woman smiled.
"That's right, Gohan, you do," she mused, taking another sip of water.
"Elida?!" Gohan exclaimed. Elida laughed and threw off her hat. The Z fighters gasped.
Bulma squealed in delight and rushed forward. She pulled Elida into a hug, shaking her back and forth. Gohan hugged Elida as well, grinning the signature Son grin, "I'm so happy to see you!" he exclaimed. Elida smiled as well. Goku stood back from everyone as they greeted Elida with hugs and smiles. Even Vegeta gave Elida an almost kind greeting.
"Am I missing something here?" Goku said, scratching his head. Chi Chi rolled her eyes. Everyone had forgotten that Goku had never met Elida before. "Oh, this is going to be hard to explain," Bulma rubbed her temples. Goku scratched his head again. Every sweat dropped anime style.
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"Wow," Goku mused, "Very complicated," Bulma nodded. Elida was leaning against the desk while Bulma was explaining the whole complex thing to Goku.
Elida extended her hand towards Goku, "Nice to meet you, Goku. I've heard a lot of great things about you."
Goku smiled kindly, "Nice to meet you too, Elida." Elida's guards jumped to attention when Goku extended his hand as well.
"At ease, boys," Elida said without batting an eye. Bulma looked quizzically at Elida, as did Gohan. The other Z fighters had gone to the restaurants to get something to eat, "I'll explain later," she said.
The four, accompanied by Elida's guards, all jumped when the loudspeaker crackled on again, "All entrants in the Tournament please report to the preliminary round area on the east side of the fight ring."
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"Son Gohan!" the man holding the register list yelled out. Gohan walked up to the machine which would measure his power through his punches. He rapped the place where he was supposed to. 389, the meter read. The crowd gasped. The man recorded Gohan's score and informed him that he had qualified for the tournament.
"Argonath Elida!" the man called out. Elida, followed closely by her guards, stepped up to the machine. She flicked the spot with her finger. A shudder ran through the machine as the meter read 1008, "Excuse me, miss, but I think something might be wrong with the machine. Will you try again?" the man said. Gohan furrowed his brow and looked at his father for an answer.
Elida nodded at the man and flicked the machine again. 1014, the meter read. The man trembled and recorded Elida's score, "Congratulations, miss, you have qualified for the tournament," Elida smirked and turned. The crowd looked dumbstruck, as did Gohan and Goku.
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"Alright, the entrants are as follows: Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, Trunks, Goten, Elida, Piccolo, Krillin, Number 18, Shin, Kabito, Yamu, Spopovitch, Videl, Bruno, and Rellad. Now we will choose who you will battle first," the woman said in a calm voice. Gohan was talking in low voice to Goku, while Vegeta kept stealing glances at Elida, "First to choose their number is," the woman glanced at her list, "Elida Argonath," Elida walked up and placed her hand in the box holding the number balls. She pulled out a number 3 and showed it to the woman.
"Elida Argonath, number 3," the woman said as she recorded Elida's number. The others pulled out their numbers as well, "Last up is Goku Son," Goku stepped up. Even he knew that he would have to fight Elida, "The only number left is 4, Mr. Son," the woman said as she recorded Goku's number. Gohan bit his lip and looked warily at his father.
Elida smirked to herself and spun on her heel. She walked towards the fighters' area next to the arena. Her guards turned as well and followed her. She stepped into a dressing room inside the section designated for the fighters. A moment later she stepped out again, dressed in her fighting uniform. It was different then her former one and consisted of a strapless white shirt emblazoned with the crest of the royal house of Argonath and a skirt of white with sheets of black silk falling in sheets from a diamond and silver belt at her waist. Her fighting boots were a silky black and were high heeled.
Elida sat down on a plush white couch next to the opening that lead into the arena. The sounds of the large crowd began to fill the room gradually as the arena began to fill with people. Gohan and the others filed into the room. Elida smiled slightly.
Gohan looked quickly at what Elida was wearing, "El, you think you might be a little overdressed for fighting?" Gohan said sympathetically. He remembered how much Elida loved looking fashionable, "I mean, c'mon," he said more cheerfully, "heels?" He gestured at the six inch heels on Elida's feet.
"I doubt my feet will ever be more than a foot off the ground," Elida mused mysteriously. Gohan furrowed his brow again and sat down next to Elida.
"Hey, El," Gohan whispered, "You gonna tell me what's going on?" Elida smiled mischievously.
"Not just yet," Elida said, still smiling. Gohan shook his head, smiling as well, but his eyes were clouded with confusion, and for the first time, he did not trust Elida.
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"And Krillin is the winner! Bruno is disqualified!" The Announcer Man (what is his name?) announced. Krillin stepped out of the ring and walked cheerfully back into the fighters' area, "Next up is," the Announcer Man glanced at his list, "Goku Son and Elida Argonath!"
Gohan looked warily at his father, "Dad," he whispered, "Go as easy as possible on her," Goku nodded. He began to walk into the ring, but Gohan grabbed his arm, "But don't let your guard down. Something is not right," Goku looked confused for a second, then walked into the ring. Elida climbed the steps behind Goku and stepped onto the marble stage. The moment she set foot on the stage, many men in the crowd began to holler catcalls. Elida rolled her eyes and snorted.
The Announcer raised his microphone, "Fight!" he yelled. Goku crouched and waited for Elida to attack. Elida simply stood and crossed her arms. She raised an eyebrow, challenging Goku, "Ok," the man said, looking at Elida and Goku.
"Goku," Elida said, examining her nails, "Just because Gohan said to go easy on me, doesn't mean I'll wait for you to strike first," Elida smirked. She blurred and was suddenly in front of Goku. They both threw punches at the same time.
The collision sounded out like a gunshot through the arena. Goku and Elida were both thrown back, "Good," Elida said getting up. She swerved her hands around each other, then (like Morpheus in the Matrix) beckoned Goku to strike again. Goku yelled and charged. He began to throw punches at Elida, each one becoming faster. Elida blocked them effortlessly. She struck Goku square in the chest and knocked him back a few paces.
He yelled again and gathered an energy ball in his hand and threw it at Elida. She smirked again simply batted it away. Goku flared his nostrils and glared at Elida, "C'mon, Goku," Elida said, "Show me what you've got!" she blurred again and brought he leg crashing down on Goku's back. Goku swung around with his own leg and hit Elida. She smiled again and rose into the air.
She formed a silver energy ball in each hand. They sporadically sent bolts of lightning and connected themselves every few seconds. They connected permanently and Elida threw them at Goku. The balls wrapped around the Saiyin and pinned his arms to his sides. Goku struggled for a moment, then the energy balls were destroyed by his strength.
Goku yelled and his hair began to flicker gold, his eyes turquoise. He roared once more and reached Super Saiyin 2. Gohan gasped slightly, amazed that his father had to resort to going Super to defeat Elida.
Elida sighed and shook her head. She raised herself up another few inches and extended her arms. She began to glow with a silvery light and shut her eyes. Her hair began to fly around her as if she was going Super. It turned a silver light and burned as if it was molten metal. Her clothes began to fly around her as she opened her eyes. Her irises and pupils had disappeared and her eyes emitted a startling silver light. She lowered herself and took a step down from the air.
When her foot touched the ground, cracks began to spread in the marble from her foot, as if her power was too much for the ring. Her other foot touched the ground as well and more cracks appeared. Gohan could only stare and Vegeta had furrowed his brow. A purple skinned alien named Shin and another pink skinned one named Kabito had wide eyes and were almost ready to run out into the ring.
Goku shook himself and reminded himself that he had beaten enemies he thought he couldn't before. He gathered his hands at his side, "Ka," he yelled, "me, ha, me," a ball of energy began to form in his hand, "HA!" he screamed, directing the golden beam at Elida. Elida stretched out her hand and the beam stopped two inches from her palm. She closed her hand and the beam disappeared. She flicked her hand upward and Goku rose off the ground.
Elida yawned, "I'm getting bored with this," Elida flicked her hand again. Goku flew clear threw the wall.
"Wow! What an amazing show of telekinesis!" The Announcer yelled, "Elida is the winner! Goku is disqualified!" All the Z fighters gasped, as did Chi Chi and Bulma. Elida floated off the stage and powered down, little by little. She placed her feet on the ground and the ground didn't crack.
She looked directly at Gohan, who was staring at her as if she was a threat, "Happy to see me now?" she murmured.
Shin and Kabito stood in her path. Both bowed low, "All powerful Empress of Rai, we are your humble servants," Shin said. Elida smacked her forehead and rolled her eyes.
"It starts," she mumbled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Elida?" Gohan said incredulously, "An Empress?" Gohan looked wide-eyed at Elida, who had put on her best innocent face and started to whistle, "That explains the guards, and the servants," Gohan mused. Elida snapped her fingers and a servant put a black cloak around her shoulders.
"Whoa, Empress?" Goku said, "This is going way beyond me," Vegeta snorted.
"Everything more complicated than food is beyond you," Vegeta scoffed. He turned to Shin, who was about a foot or more shorter than he was (quite short), "So, you think that Elida here is the Raian Empress?" Shin and Kabito nodded, "You're even stupider than Kakkarot!" he roared.
"I assure, Vegeta," Shin said coldly, "that we are not mistaken in our claims. Are we, Your Majesty?" Shin turned to Elida who was busy making herself as small as possible by sitting in a corner.
"Um, hmm," she said, a fake smile pasted on her face. She looked outside quickly, "Well, I would be lying if I said Supreme Kai Shin here is wrong," Shin bowed low again.
"You're the Raian Empress?" Vegeta said shakily. He took a step towards Elida, "You are the most powerful being in the universe?!" Elida nodded meekly. For the first time in his life, Vegeta bowed, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. Show me mercy," he mumbled.
Goku and Gohan gasped together. Piccolo stepped forward from the shadows, "So," he rumbled, "the Raian throne is finally filled," Shin nodded vigorously.
"Since Her Majesty's return last year, the Raian Empire has been rebuilt and expanded once more. The Civil War is over and a ruler occupies Luelthian Cior once more!" he almost giggled he was so happy. He became solemn once more when he remembered the purpose of his mission to Earth.
"And now, Gohan versus Kabito!" The Announcer Man (still waiting for a name) announced (duh). Gohan, with some difficulty, tore himself away from the soap opera drama unfolding before him.
Kabito entered the arena as well and the match was underway, "C'mon Gohan, show me your fabled Super Saiyin," he taunted. He knew what would happen if Gohan was to go past Super. Gohan was bait and no one knew but he and Shin.
Gohan, still slightly shocked and angered by his father's defeat, roared and blasted past Super Saiyin. The tiles on the ring began to vibrate, "The Golden Fighter," numerous people in the crowd murmured. Yamu and Spopovitch stepped stealthily out of the shadows. They leapt into the ring, carry what looked like a giant rock syringe with a meter at the end.
Gohan didn't have time to react. Neither did Elida. Yamu shoved the object in between Gohan's ribs. Gohan gasped for air as it escaped his lungs. His golden aura began to ebb as he sank to his knees.
"Gohan!" Elida and Goku yelled together. Elida rushed past the other in the fighters' lounge but was stopped by Piccolo before she could reach the ring, "Move, Piccolo!" she growled. Shin was in the process of explaining his plan to Goku and the others, while Piccolo had already known.
"My lady, no!" Shin yelled as he and Goku grabbed Elida from behind. They tried to restrain the squirming empress, "No, Gohan!" she cried. Gohan began to become a pale white as he fell on his back. Yamu and Spopovitch grinned and shot off into the sky. It seemed they had drained Gohan's energy. Elida broke free of her restrainers and blurred into the ring.
She dropped to her knees beside Gohan, who was shivering. She removed the black cloak from her shoulders and placed it under Gohan's head, "Kabito!" she cried. Kabito knelt next to the two. Elida grasped Gohan's hand in her own, "Stay with me Gohan!" she murmured.
Goku and the others, including Shin, gathered themselves and set off in pursuit of Yamu and Spopovitch. Elida watched them become tiny specks, then turned back to Gohan.
"Help me heal him, Kabito," she commanded in a strong voice. She placed her hands over Gohan's chest as the Saiyin began to wheeze. Kabito did the same. A gold light glowed about Kabito's fingers as a silver did the same to Elida's. The color came back to Gohan's flesh and his breathing returned to normal. He ceased his shivering and sat up. Elida wrapped him in a brief hug.
"Come," she stood, "Your father has already set off after them. We must move quickly if we are to catch them," Elida said strongly. Gohan nodded and quickly got to his feet. Kabito followed but said nothing. All three sped off into the sky, after the other Z fighters and the great evil that was about to be reborn.
Whew! My longest yet! That means more reviews are needed!! Tell me whether Elida should have one, two, or three kids! Review! As Empress of Rai, I command thee!
LOL! I wish!