CHAPTER 34 – Here's the Deal
Vegeta headed to the front of King Yama's desk, putting his gloves on as he did so. When he reached the center of the red carpet, he turned to face the Lord of the Afterworlds. But the ogre was not seated at his desk. He was on his hands and knees looking behind a gigantic viewing monitor that sat on the floor behind his chair. It showed nothing but snow with occasional vertical lines rolling down the screen. The King was having a heated discussion with the cable workers. "What do you mean, it doesn't go there. Look! I want to see what's going on. And if I have to look into that tiny crystal ball once more, heads are GOING TO ROLL! GOT IT?"
The impatient Prince called to the giant ogre, "YAMA! We need to talk before I leave." He consciously shifted his stare away from Yama's backside.
Yama spoke over his shoulder, "Hold your horses, Vegeta!" His attention went back to the cable guys. "Darn! Whos knows what I'm missing!" He slammed his hand down on the floor, shaking the entire foundation, before returning to his seat. "You got ten minutes! Understood?!" Several "yes sires" came from behind the screen. Then Yama swung his chair around, leaned forward and placed his clasped hands on the desk. He took a deep breath and looked down at Vegeta. "Now, what is it Vegeta?"
"I said I wanted to speak to you in confidence."
"Nobody is here." Yama noticed Vegeta glaring in the direction of the monitor. "Oh, don't worry about those guys. They're on a whole other plain. Now speak your peace."
With a low growl, Vegeta floated upwards until he was eye level with the great ogre. I wish to choose my reward for saving the Universe."
"Hahaha Vegeta, you are in no position to make such a request."
"And you and your Kias are in no position to deny me."
"Hahaha. You are truly a piece of work Vegeta. Alright I'll bite. What is it that you want? Your life back with an empire to dominate? Or better yet, Lord of the Universe? I know, eternal life, right? Hey, now that's good one—that would benefit me." Yama grew solemn when he realized the seriousness of Vegeta's demeanor. He could tell that Vegeta held his temper with much restraint.
Vegeta glared at the ogre, "Are you finished?"
Yama sighed and then changed tactics. "Prince Vegeta. Supposing you were to be instrumental in this fight against Buu, it still would not erase all the wrongs you have committed. If the Gods decide to reward you for your efforts, I'm afraid it will not be as grandiose as you would expect."
Gritting his teeth, Vegeta asked, "Will you hear my request?"
"I'm listening."
"Dead or alive, I want returned to me what is rightfully mine."
Suspiciously, the King asked, "And what would that be?"
Vegeta closed his eyes. His chest began to hurt again. He didn't like this feeling of vulnerability. It wasn't like him to ask for things. All his power, all his strength and pride was not enough to just take it. If he used force, those that cared for him would turn away. In a low voice he made his demand. "I want my family."
"Wha?" The King thought he heard right but he wanted others to hear this extraordinary plea coming from such an individual. "Speak up Vegeta, the Gods just might be listening."
Unblinking, Vegeta eyed the orge. "My mate and son. I want them with me."
Suspicious of the Prince, King Yama asked, "That's it?"
Frustrated, Vegeta balled his fists but kept them at his sides. He retorted, "Do you want me to spell it out for you?! Bulma, Trunks and I are to be reunited. Will you grant my request?"
Leaning back in his chair, King Yama waved a palm at the Prince. "Now, hold on, Vegeta. What makes you think I have the power to grant your wish?"
Realizing the King finally got it, Vegeta's demeanor relaxed. "The fate of my soul as well as theirs, are in your hands, are they not?"
"Yeesss. But then, I have no say on the living."
"Bulma is dead-" Vegeta turned his face away, "Trunks may as well be. The boy is stuck in the Guardian's Time Chamber. To us, it will be a small matter of time before he will parish. Bulma and I will wait for him-" Looking back at Yama he added, "together."
King Yama brooded over the Saiyan's request. Judging a single soul is one thing. What Vegeta wanted him to do is to judge them collectively. But that would not be possible until they all were dead. His mind slowly hashed out different scenarios. He desperately searched for a loop hole and then the Prince voiced one for him.
"When am I leaving Yama? The Earth's not going to last forever."
"I don't know if you are. Majin Buu couldn't beat Gohan, so he blew himself up." King Yama worked hard not to smile at himself. Maybe he could avoid this issue all together.
Vegeta raised his fisted hands, shaking, "What! It's over?!" The angered Prince couldn't believe Kakarot's half-Saiyan son pulled it off. His chance to return slipped away. "Then what the HFIL am I here for?" he hissed.
The King frowned at the Prince before he answered. "If Majin Buu died he would be here, yet he hasn't shown up."
Crossing his arms again, Vegeta floated to the desk and stepped down. "He can regenerate—I should know." Vegeta closed his eyes to recall his final attack on the monster. "He must be like Cell. Nothing must remain of the freak." His eyes shot open and he smirked. "You still need me."
That remains to be seen. So far Gohan has more than proved himself."
"Gohan will not win this one alone. He is not a true warrior."
Looking down at his hands, King Yama hesitated before he continued. When his gaze returned to Vegeta it had softened. "Trunks, Goten and Piccolo are there also."
"Trunks?"
The ogre nodded and added, "I know what you saw in the great globe. They were able to escape the Time Chamber and up until Gohan showed up, the fused boys have been in battle. Gotenks was holding his own until the fusion wore off. Then Gohan showed up."
"My son, he is well?"
"He's fine. They all are. The Earth is in good hands. -Huh?"
Yama looked down over his right side. One of the cable guys was tugging on his pants leg. "We think we've got, sir. Would you like us to bring it up now?"
The King glanced at the now reserved Prince then back to the subordinate, "Sure, why not." Vegeta perked up and without approval, walked across to the other edge of the desk. Yama nodded to the ogre who was now standing next to a huge remote control. With both hands he pressed three buttons and instantly images appeared.
There was Trunks , Goten and Gohan gathered around Piccolo and "Dende!" smiled King Yama.
Piccolo had his hands on the young guardian's shoulder, praising his efforts, "You two should be proud of yourselves. It was a very wise move. You are fine guardian Dende."
"Thank you Piccolo."
Vegeta listened to every word but his eyes were focused on his son, Trunks. There was someone behind the boy and he realized it was that idiot Hercule. Trunks was glaring at him over his shoulder. "You oaf! He's no bodyguard! He's the Guardian of the Earth!"
The Prince smirked, pride for his son written on his face. Then he heard Dende ask, "So where's the radar now?"
Gohan answered, "Piccolo's other pants." The light hearted warriors laughed.
"How can they jest while that freak is lurking around?!"
"Majin Buu is no longer a threat."
"He's an abomination, whose soul purpose is to destroy. This is far from over." No sooner had Vegeta finished when they watched those on Earth gasp and turn their attention to the west.
Trunks voiced what they all feared, "Buu, he's coming back!"
Gohan steely added, "That didn't take long."
The interruption ended Hercule's badgering Goten for answers regarding the dragonballs. "What? Majin Buu's here?!"
Piccolo went into a ready stance, "It's him. But why? Surely, he doesn't want to fight Gohan. Unless he's managed to improve in the last hour."
Vegta growled, "He will never stop."
Gohan stood up and readied to face Majin Buu. "Alright, I'm gonna see what he's up to." Looking over to the others. "Don't get sucked into the fight you guys. Stay here." Then he took to the air and flew over to confront the monster.
The pink creature landed nearby and stood there laughing. Majin Buu studied them for a moment then yelled at Trunks and Goten, "Come on then, little worms! I want to fight you now!"
All looked on in surprise but Gohan stood his ground, "No way, that is not going to happen." He pointed his thumb at himself, "You're fighting me Buu, you got it?"
Buu laughed, "I have a score to settle with them first. Then I will take care of you, stupid boy!"
"Sorry pal, but you're not the one making the rules around here. If you want to fight someone, then I'm your man."
Vegeta snorted to himself, "Man? (humph) Go home to your mother."
King Yama glared briefly at the Prince. "We can do without the commentary." Then the King looked down at the cable guys who where standing around watching. "Hey, How about some popcorn?! And make it King size." Moping, the four hunched over and slowly left by the back door.
Majin Buu continued to goat Trunks and Goten on. The two boys came forward to stand between Gohan and Majin Buu.
The seasoned Saiyan Warrior did not heed Yama's order to keep quiet. "Trunks! What are you doing? Augh!" Vegeta's arms dropped and his hands balled into fists. "They are playing right into the bastard's hands!"
One side of Yama's mouth curled up. "Ah! Doesn't Trunks remind you of someone--Vegeta?"
The Prince only growled then went silent. His demeanor soon went to one of amazement as he watched his son and Goten do their foppish ritual to become fused.
King Yama sucked in his breath, "Oh, my." and Vegeta's face reddened.
"FU – SION – HA!" The boys fingers touched and both began to glow; engulfed within a ball of light. When the light faded, a single being stood in their place.
Yama chuckled, "Gotenks at Super Saiyan 3."
Gotenks thrusted out two fingers at Majin Buu, "Yeah! Sorry you were missing me, ugly. But now I'm back and stronger then ever."
Swelling with pride, Vegeta stuck his chest out. "That is royal Saiyan blood and pride speaking."
"Gotenks is a little cocky, isn't he?"
The Prince smirked, crossed his arms and sneered, "Yes, excellent." His anticipation for the battle grew within him. Though he could not be there, seeing Trunks become one of the strongest warriors in the Universe, squalled his anguish. He was looking forward to watching Gotenks fight.
Gotenks stretched his legs, preparing to fight. When he had finished he looked over his shoulder, "Well Gohan, I hope you don't mind if I take it from here. You're looking like you could use a little break." Gohan chuckled.
"I'll beat on Buu for a little while." Gotenks jumped forward and started to stretch his arms. "Then I might be nice enough to give you another shot at him."
"Nice attitude. You definitely got some Vegeta in you."
Gotenks (as did Vegeta) considered it a compliment, "Thank you."
All were focused on Gotenks and Majin Buu, waiting for who was going to make the first move. If only that blasted dog would quit is unrelenting barking. The Prince frowned at the moron Hercule who chased after the mutt. Then something pink moved behind Gotenks and Vegeta turned his attention back to the fight.
Both Vegeta and Yama stared dumbfounded at what they saw. A mass of pink goo lunged at Gotenks engulfing them within its folds. The same happened to Piccolo. Dende desperately cried, "No, not Piccolo."
Vegeta poised ready to fight as if he could jump right into the picture. "Grrr -- What's happening?!" But before King Yama could answer it became apparent as they watched in horror.
Buu called out, "Yes, come to me!" Now completely covered Gotenks and Piccolo, their misshapen forms flew to the monster, and adhered to his body.
Gohan cried what all were thinking, "No! What's he doing to them?!"
The three merged into one glob, folding -stretching, and then began to take form. Then Vegeta felt it. The creature's ki was increasing. He could feel as if it were in the next room.
Reality hit and Vegeta gasped, "He's absorbed them, he's transforming!"
Sen felt Majin Buu changing too and rushed into the palace. She slid to a stop when her attention was caught by the big screen. Reese followed. There was no mistaking the ki. It had to be Majin Buu. There it was the creature reforming itself. A warrior stood nearby ready to battle. She recognized the clothing, but it was not Goku. She filtered through the immense ki that Buu was giving off and identified the fighter. "Gohan?"
Majin Buu completed his transformation and flexed his hands, "So Gohan, what do you think of it? New clothes to match my figure--" and with the voice of Piccolo, he added, "and a few new abilities as well." Then he whipped his elongated appendage on his head, striking the rocks in front of him, turning them to rubble. "I suppose the sudden loss of your friends and family has left you speechless, Gohan. Hurry and drain your tears so we can fight. Hmm, hahaha"
"How could you do that to them?! They've been fair in this fight since the start!"
"Augh! Baka!" Vegeta shook with rage.
Buu pointed a finger at Gohan, "I'm not interested in fairness. I'm interested in the extinction of every living creature on this planet. A good fighter knows his mental and physical limitations. But a great fighter will figure away around them. From the moment I felt your power I knew I was beaten. And then I thought about something. If I could hatch a plan to absorb Piccolo and Gotenks and their powers, then no force on this boring pathetic planet would ever stand a chance against me again--"
"ENOUGH! Yama! I demand you send me back immediately! Gohan will not win this fight alone! The whelp's whole life was shadowed by his clown of a father and handheld by his pathetic earth mother. He cannot possibly survive Buu! "
"SILENCE! I will hear and see what Gohan will do!"
Gohan spit at the ground. "Well you got me angry too." The young man smirked, "You know if you wanted the best, you should have come after me. You just absorbed the wrong Super Saiyans Buu —and if you're using Piccolo's brain you know you've got thirty-minutes before your new found strength of yours defuses."
"Vegeta rushed over to hover in front of King Yama's face, and shook his fist. "This is it, Yama. Are you willing to risk the future of Earth on a coddled, low-class, adolescent half Saiyan? Because, I'm not! Only a true warrior elite can put an end to this freak's reign."
"Errr-Remember who you are talking to, Saiyan! Now MOVE ASIDE!"
Vegeta arched his back and cried in frustration. Ki waves emanated from his body. The interference caused the monitor to go blank. They were left with a continuous shish sound coming from the speakers.
"FUDGE!" Hollered Yama and slammed his fists down on the chair arms, causing the place to tremble. Sen heard Reese from behind, whispering, "Kias help us now."
Yama leaned forward and jabbed his gigantic finger into Vegeta's chest, causing the Prince to end his outbreak. But Vegeta stood his ground and glared at the King in defiance. "Look here you! You are in my house! I am in charge here! It is me who decides your fate!" He moved in so close that Vegeta could feel the heat coming from his red hot sweating face. Quietly, he added. "Do I make myself clear?"
Vegeta gritted his teeth and stared into the great ogre's right eye. His own reflection looked back at him daring him to challenge Yama. What stopped him from taking over? He could easily take charge and make all of them pay. But that's not what the Prince wanted.
"Fine." Moving backwards, he relaxed and crossed his arms. "It appears we are at a stalemate."
Yama surprised at his withdrawal, mumbled, "Huh?" Then he too pulled back and eyed the Prince. "How so?"
"As of yet, you are not convinced I will participate in this heroic farce. But that will soon change. And for my gallant efforts, I will expect my reward. You will restore what is rightfully mine."
Sen gasped bringing the Prince's attention upon her. He looked down his nose at her daring her to say something. Getting no response, he turned his body away from Yama to face the front. He watched for signs of souls through the front archways of the palace. Then quietly, he threatened over his shoulder, "Never forget who you are dealing with, King Yama. Now, if you will excuse me, I await my son's arrival." The Prince flew over to the land in front of Yama's desk and walked imperially down the red carpet and out the center front archway.
Vegeta headed to the front of King Yama's desk, putting his gloves on as he did so. When he reached the center of the red carpet, he turned to face the Lord of the Afterworlds. But the ogre was not seated at his desk. He was on his hands and knees looking behind a gigantic viewing monitor that sat on the floor behind his chair. It showed nothing but snow with occasional vertical lines rolling down the screen. The King was having a heated discussion with the cable workers. "What do you mean, it doesn't go there. Look! I want to see what's going on. And if I have to look into that tiny crystal ball once more, heads are GOING TO ROLL! GOT IT?"
The impatient Prince called to the giant ogre, "YAMA! We need to talk before I leave." He consciously shifted his stare away from Yama's backside.
Yama spoke over his shoulder, "Hold your horses, Vegeta!" His attention went back to the cable guys. "Darn! Whos knows what I'm missing!" He slammed his hand down on the floor, shaking the entire foundation, before returning to his seat. "You got ten minutes! Understood?!" Several "yes sires" came from behind the screen. Then Yama swung his chair around, leaned forward and placed his clasped hands on the desk. He took a deep breath and looked down at Vegeta. "Now, what is it Vegeta?"
"I said I wanted to speak to you in confidence."
"Nobody is here." Yama noticed Vegeta glaring in the direction of the monitor. "Oh, don't worry about those guys. They're on a whole other plain. Now speak your peace."
With a low growl, Vegeta floated upwards until he was eye level with the great ogre. I wish to choose my reward for saving the Universe."
"Hahaha Vegeta, you are in no position to make such a request."
"And you and your Kias are in no position to deny me."
"Hahaha. You are truly a piece of work Vegeta. Alright I'll bite. What is it that you want? Your life back with an empire to dominate? Or better yet, Lord of the Universe? I know, eternal life, right? Hey, now that's good one—that would benefit me." Yama grew solemn when he realized the seriousness of Vegeta's demeanor. He could tell that Vegeta held his temper with much restraint.
Vegeta glared at the ogre, "Are you finished?"
Yama sighed and then changed tactics. "Prince Vegeta. Supposing you were to be instrumental in this fight against Buu, it still would not erase all the wrongs you have committed. If the Gods decide to reward you for your efforts, I'm afraid it will not be as grandiose as you would expect."
Gritting his teeth, Vegeta asked, "Will you hear my request?"
"I'm listening."
"Dead or alive, I want returned to me what is rightfully mine."
Suspiciously, the King asked, "And what would that be?"
Vegeta closed his eyes. His chest began to hurt again. He didn't like this feeling of vulnerability. It wasn't like him to ask for things. All his power, all his strength and pride was not enough to just take it. If he used force, those that cared for him would turn away. In a low voice he made his demand. "I want my family."
"Wha?" The King thought he heard right but he wanted others to hear this extraordinary plea coming from such an individual. "Speak up Vegeta, the Gods just might be listening."
Unblinking, Vegeta eyed the orge. "My mate and son. I want them with me."
Suspicious of the Prince, King Yama asked, "That's it?"
Frustrated, Vegeta balled his fists but kept them at his sides. He retorted, "Do you want me to spell it out for you?! Bulma, Trunks and I are to be reunited. Will you grant my request?"
Leaning back in his chair, King Yama waved a palm at the Prince. "Now, hold on, Vegeta. What makes you think I have the power to grant your wish?"
Realizing the King finally got it, Vegeta's demeanor relaxed. "The fate of my soul as well as theirs, are in your hands, are they not?"
"Yeesss. But then, I have no say on the living."
"Bulma is dead-" Vegeta turned his face away, "Trunks may as well be. The boy is stuck in the Guardian's Time Chamber. To us, it will be a small matter of time before he will parish. Bulma and I will wait for him-" Looking back at Yama he added, "together."
King Yama brooded over the Saiyan's request. Judging a single soul is one thing. What Vegeta wanted him to do is to judge them collectively. But that would not be possible until they all were dead. His mind slowly hashed out different scenarios. He desperately searched for a loop hole and then the Prince voiced one for him.
"When am I leaving Yama? The Earth's not going to last forever."
"I don't know if you are. Majin Buu couldn't beat Gohan, so he blew himself up." King Yama worked hard not to smile at himself. Maybe he could avoid this issue all together.
Vegeta raised his fisted hands, shaking, "What! It's over?!" The angered Prince couldn't believe Kakarot's half-Saiyan son pulled it off. His chance to return slipped away. "Then what the HFIL am I here for?" he hissed.
The King frowned at the Prince before he answered. "If Majin Buu died he would be here, yet he hasn't shown up."
Crossing his arms again, Vegeta floated to the desk and stepped down. "He can regenerate—I should know." Vegeta closed his eyes to recall his final attack on the monster. "He must be like Cell. Nothing must remain of the freak." His eyes shot open and he smirked. "You still need me."
That remains to be seen. So far Gohan has more than proved himself."
"Gohan will not win this one alone. He is not a true warrior."
Looking down at his hands, King Yama hesitated before he continued. When his gaze returned to Vegeta it had softened. "Trunks, Goten and Piccolo are there also."
"Trunks?"
The ogre nodded and added, "I know what you saw in the great globe. They were able to escape the Time Chamber and up until Gohan showed up, the fused boys have been in battle. Gotenks was holding his own until the fusion wore off. Then Gohan showed up."
"My son, he is well?"
"He's fine. They all are. The Earth is in good hands. -Huh?"
Yama looked down over his right side. One of the cable guys was tugging on his pants leg. "We think we've got, sir. Would you like us to bring it up now?"
The King glanced at the now reserved Prince then back to the subordinate, "Sure, why not." Vegeta perked up and without approval, walked across to the other edge of the desk. Yama nodded to the ogre who was now standing next to a huge remote control. With both hands he pressed three buttons and instantly images appeared.
There was Trunks , Goten and Gohan gathered around Piccolo and "Dende!" smiled King Yama.
Piccolo had his hands on the young guardian's shoulder, praising his efforts, "You two should be proud of yourselves. It was a very wise move. You are fine guardian Dende."
"Thank you Piccolo."
Vegeta listened to every word but his eyes were focused on his son, Trunks. There was someone behind the boy and he realized it was that idiot Hercule. Trunks was glaring at him over his shoulder. "You oaf! He's no bodyguard! He's the Guardian of the Earth!"
The Prince smirked, pride for his son written on his face. Then he heard Dende ask, "So where's the radar now?"
Gohan answered, "Piccolo's other pants." The light hearted warriors laughed.
"How can they jest while that freak is lurking around?!"
"Majin Buu is no longer a threat."
"He's an abomination, whose soul purpose is to destroy. This is far from over." No sooner had Vegeta finished when they watched those on Earth gasp and turn their attention to the west.
Trunks voiced what they all feared, "Buu, he's coming back!"
Gohan steely added, "That didn't take long."
The interruption ended Hercule's badgering Goten for answers regarding the dragonballs. "What? Majin Buu's here?!"
Piccolo went into a ready stance, "It's him. But why? Surely, he doesn't want to fight Gohan. Unless he's managed to improve in the last hour."
Vegta growled, "He will never stop."
Gohan stood up and readied to face Majin Buu. "Alright, I'm gonna see what he's up to." Looking over to the others. "Don't get sucked into the fight you guys. Stay here." Then he took to the air and flew over to confront the monster.
The pink creature landed nearby and stood there laughing. Majin Buu studied them for a moment then yelled at Trunks and Goten, "Come on then, little worms! I want to fight you now!"
All looked on in surprise but Gohan stood his ground, "No way, that is not going to happen." He pointed his thumb at himself, "You're fighting me Buu, you got it?"
Buu laughed, "I have a score to settle with them first. Then I will take care of you, stupid boy!"
"Sorry pal, but you're not the one making the rules around here. If you want to fight someone, then I'm your man."
Vegeta snorted to himself, "Man? (humph) Go home to your mother."
King Yama glared briefly at the Prince. "We can do without the commentary." Then the King looked down at the cable guys who where standing around watching. "Hey, How about some popcorn?! And make it King size." Moping, the four hunched over and slowly left by the back door.
Majin Buu continued to goat Trunks and Goten on. The two boys came forward to stand between Gohan and Majin Buu.
The seasoned Saiyan Warrior did not heed Yama's order to keep quiet. "Trunks! What are you doing? Augh!" Vegeta's arms dropped and his hands balled into fists. "They are playing right into the bastard's hands!"
One side of Yama's mouth curled up. "Ah! Doesn't Trunks remind you of someone--Vegeta?"
The Prince only growled then went silent. His demeanor soon went to one of amazement as he watched his son and Goten do their foppish ritual to become fused.
King Yama sucked in his breath, "Oh, my." and Vegeta's face reddened.
"FU – SION – HA!" The boys fingers touched and both began to glow; engulfed within a ball of light. When the light faded, a single being stood in their place.
Yama chuckled, "Gotenks at Super Saiyan 3."
Gotenks thrusted out two fingers at Majin Buu, "Yeah! Sorry you were missing me, ugly. But now I'm back and stronger then ever."
Swelling with pride, Vegeta stuck his chest out. "That is royal Saiyan blood and pride speaking."
"Gotenks is a little cocky, isn't he?"
The Prince smirked, crossed his arms and sneered, "Yes, excellent." His anticipation for the battle grew within him. Though he could not be there, seeing Trunks become one of the strongest warriors in the Universe, squalled his anguish. He was looking forward to watching Gotenks fight.
Gotenks stretched his legs, preparing to fight. When he had finished he looked over his shoulder, "Well Gohan, I hope you don't mind if I take it from here. You're looking like you could use a little break." Gohan chuckled.
"I'll beat on Buu for a little while." Gotenks jumped forward and started to stretch his arms. "Then I might be nice enough to give you another shot at him."
"Nice attitude. You definitely got some Vegeta in you."
Gotenks (as did Vegeta) considered it a compliment, "Thank you."
All were focused on Gotenks and Majin Buu, waiting for who was going to make the first move. If only that blasted dog would quit is unrelenting barking. The Prince frowned at the moron Hercule who chased after the mutt. Then something pink moved behind Gotenks and Vegeta turned his attention back to the fight.
Both Vegeta and Yama stared dumbfounded at what they saw. A mass of pink goo lunged at Gotenks engulfing them within its folds. The same happened to Piccolo. Dende desperately cried, "No, not Piccolo."
Vegeta poised ready to fight as if he could jump right into the picture. "Grrr -- What's happening?!" But before King Yama could answer it became apparent as they watched in horror.
Buu called out, "Yes, come to me!" Now completely covered Gotenks and Piccolo, their misshapen forms flew to the monster, and adhered to his body.
Gohan cried what all were thinking, "No! What's he doing to them?!"
The three merged into one glob, folding -stretching, and then began to take form. Then Vegeta felt it. The creature's ki was increasing. He could feel as if it were in the next room.
Reality hit and Vegeta gasped, "He's absorbed them, he's transforming!"
Sen felt Majin Buu changing too and rushed into the palace. She slid to a stop when her attention was caught by the big screen. Reese followed. There was no mistaking the ki. It had to be Majin Buu. There it was the creature reforming itself. A warrior stood nearby ready to battle. She recognized the clothing, but it was not Goku. She filtered through the immense ki that Buu was giving off and identified the fighter. "Gohan?"
Majin Buu completed his transformation and flexed his hands, "So Gohan, what do you think of it? New clothes to match my figure--" and with the voice of Piccolo, he added, "and a few new abilities as well." Then he whipped his elongated appendage on his head, striking the rocks in front of him, turning them to rubble. "I suppose the sudden loss of your friends and family has left you speechless, Gohan. Hurry and drain your tears so we can fight. Hmm, hahaha"
"How could you do that to them?! They've been fair in this fight since the start!"
"Augh! Baka!" Vegeta shook with rage.
Buu pointed a finger at Gohan, "I'm not interested in fairness. I'm interested in the extinction of every living creature on this planet. A good fighter knows his mental and physical limitations. But a great fighter will figure away around them. From the moment I felt your power I knew I was beaten. And then I thought about something. If I could hatch a plan to absorb Piccolo and Gotenks and their powers, then no force on this boring pathetic planet would ever stand a chance against me again--"
"ENOUGH! Yama! I demand you send me back immediately! Gohan will not win this fight alone! The whelp's whole life was shadowed by his clown of a father and handheld by his pathetic earth mother. He cannot possibly survive Buu! "
"SILENCE! I will hear and see what Gohan will do!"
Gohan spit at the ground. "Well you got me angry too." The young man smirked, "You know if you wanted the best, you should have come after me. You just absorbed the wrong Super Saiyans Buu —and if you're using Piccolo's brain you know you've got thirty-minutes before your new found strength of yours defuses."
"Vegeta rushed over to hover in front of King Yama's face, and shook his fist. "This is it, Yama. Are you willing to risk the future of Earth on a coddled, low-class, adolescent half Saiyan? Because, I'm not! Only a true warrior elite can put an end to this freak's reign."
"Errr-Remember who you are talking to, Saiyan! Now MOVE ASIDE!"
Vegeta arched his back and cried in frustration. Ki waves emanated from his body. The interference caused the monitor to go blank. They were left with a continuous shish sound coming from the speakers.
"FUDGE!" Hollered Yama and slammed his fists down on the chair arms, causing the place to tremble. Sen heard Reese from behind, whispering, "Kias help us now."
Yama leaned forward and jabbed his gigantic finger into Vegeta's chest, causing the Prince to end his outbreak. But Vegeta stood his ground and glared at the King in defiance. "Look here you! You are in my house! I am in charge here! It is me who decides your fate!" He moved in so close that Vegeta could feel the heat coming from his red hot sweating face. Quietly, he added. "Do I make myself clear?"
Vegeta gritted his teeth and stared into the great ogre's right eye. His own reflection looked back at him daring him to challenge Yama. What stopped him from taking over? He could easily take charge and make all of them pay. But that's not what the Prince wanted.
"Fine." Moving backwards, he relaxed and crossed his arms. "It appears we are at a stalemate."
Yama surprised at his withdrawal, mumbled, "Huh?" Then he too pulled back and eyed the Prince. "How so?"
"As of yet, you are not convinced I will participate in this heroic farce. But that will soon change. And for my gallant efforts, I will expect my reward. You will restore what is rightfully mine."
Sen gasped bringing the Prince's attention upon her. He looked down his nose at her daring her to say something. Getting no response, he turned his body away from Yama to face the front. He watched for signs of souls through the front archways of the palace. Then quietly, he threatened over his shoulder, "Never forget who you are dealing with, King Yama. Now, if you will excuse me, I await my son's arrival." The Prince flew over to the land in front of Yama's desk and walked imperially down the red carpet and out the center front archway.