I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. I also don't own the right to any of the music pieces you may see selected, just copies of merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.
Chapter 28: Life as a Hero
I awoke the next day to maddening sounds of running and crashing. The clock read ten in the morning, a bit late for me ever since I lived with the Briefs, though I hadn't slept since before Gotenks fought Buu so that was okay. I slipped on training pants and a blue shirt and opened the door. The hallway was quiet, but the noise continued from downstairs. I yawned and rubbed away sleep as I trudged down the steps. When I reached the bottom, I heard hammers pounding the walls and a feminine voice screeching orders. I made my way to the lobby area to see ladders and workers all over the place, with Mom screaming out orders to all of them.
"Hey you, put that streamer up over there. And you, it doesn't go like that, other way around!" she yelled at a few poor victims. I looked up to see streamers and balloons hanging everywhere, not to mention a large banner that read: "Saiyan Pride lives on!" No doubt Vegeta came up with that. I walked up to her slowly, so not to be hit with her flying finger.
"Hey Mom," I whispered lightly.
"And you, get over there and.." she began, pointing at me. I gave her a confused look, to which she realized that she got carried away.
"Well now, if it isn't my brave little warrior, about time you got up! I thought we'd have to get the life support out!"
I scratched my head and grinned, "Sorry, didn't sleep much in Other World, though when I did it was for a long time."
"Neither did I, trying to find you and Vegeta!" Ouch.
"What's going on here?" I asked, changing her scornful subject.
"I'm preparing a party of course, to celebrate the defeat of Majin Buu! We're holding it this afternoon. Mr. Satan demanded that we come for the parade and fireworks in Satan City tonight. Don't know why since I could put on a better show, but when he offered loads of food for everyone, well I couldn't resist!" She flashed off a beaming smile.
"So where is everyone else then?" I asked, scanning the immediate area.
"Goten and Trunks are out playing somewhere. Gohan is at Kami's lookout, Broly and Vegeta are sparring. Who knows what everyone else is doing, the party isn't until around two. So go find something to entertain yourself with until then, I don't want you trying to help around here!" She suddenly frowned and made a slight motion towards the door. I got the hint right away scurried upstairs for a pair of tennis shoes. I managed to avoid her screaming at the work crews and slipped out the door, seemingly unnoticed.
-
I wanted to fly at first, but it was a nice day and I was in no hurry, so I walked along the city sidewalks instead. It appeared that most office buildings and businesses were closed today, even though it was a Wednesday; no doubt the whole Majin Buu incident shook everyone up. I slowly trudged through the rather quiet downtown area, hands in my pockets. I came up to a park on the edge of downtown, where many parents had brought their kids out to the playgrounds. I stood on the sidewalk and observed them all without notice, letting a small smile give way due to reminisce. One tiny girl in particular caught my interest; she had brought her cat with her and was trying to get it to come to her. The cat slowly stepped her way before darting away to the sounds of a barking dog making a beeline for it. The cat ran straight up a tree without a second thought, the dog parked itself at the base of the tree, barking madly. I chuckled and started to walk by just as the dog owner came over to drag the dog away from the tree. The cat stayed where it was until the dog was a safe distance away, then it started to meow and whine as it looked for a way down other than jumping. The little girl started to cry as her mother tried to console her. I strode up to the mother and daughter, and then glanced up at the cat, which wanted down pretty bad.
"Hey, I'll get it!" I said, snapping them into attention in an instant. I gathered a tiny bit of ki and flew upwards slowly so not to scare the cat. I let it sniff my hands before gently grabbing a hold and lowering to the ground. I put the cat back on the ground and looked back up to see two individuals about ready to faint along with one excited little girl that hugged her cat protectively.
"Thanks!"
"Sure, anytime," I said, giving a slight salute.
"Hey I recognize you kid, you're one of those golden fighters that fought against Majin Buu! You were that kid that turned into a monkey aren't you!" The newcomer asked me. My eyes narrowed at the use of "monkey" but I ignored it.
"Yeah, you could say that," I shrugged like it was common knowledge.
"How do you do those light tricks anyway?" the man asked. His pitiful ki fluctuated slightly, showing he was actually interested.
"Oh this?" I asked, holding my palm up and forming a weak ki ball. All he did was gasp in amazement; the mother slumped to the ground with a classic faint.
"Where are the flashlights and the explosives, and the trick mirrors?"
"Sorry bucko, no tricks for you, only the real thing," I said, letting my tail off from around my waist. It twitched in agitation, causing a few onlookers to take notice. Then, just like that there was a crowd around me, asking random questions about my powers and a few about my tail, then if Mr. Satan hand picked me to train with him.
"No comment," I said, attempting to walk through. Surprisingly, the crowd let me by, probably in fear of what I could do. I spotted the little girl again; she had let her cat roam free again and was walking my way.
"Hey mister, can I ask you to do somethun for me?"
"I guess so, What do you need?"
"Can I go flying with you?" she asked hopefully. I thought this one over, but she put on the puppy dog eyes of doom that I had seen Goten and Trunks pull off so well.
"Pretty pwese?"
I smiled slightly, "Oh all right, I suppose we can just this once, if it's okay with your parents of course."
"My daddy said it was okay, my mommy is sleeping over there!"
"Alright then, climb on my back," I said, lowering myself down so she could reach. She jumped on like a piggyback ride and I lifted off slowly.
"Hang on tight, I won't go fast but you don't want to fall off!" I ordered, going a little faster. She gasped slightly, causing a tightened grip around my throat. I ignored it and flew straight up before leveling out, giving her a good view of the city before I started forward. I moved slowly, grimacing when she squealed a little to loudly for my tastes.
"Can we go faster, this is fun!" I sped up slightly, probably to about twenty or thirty miles per hour; enough to give her a thrill ride. I circled the city once before coming back to the park and letting her off to her parents.
"That was fun!" she giggled. Then I was nearly trampled by countless kids and even a few parents, wanted a ride on my back around the city.
I shook my finger, "No no, this ride is closed," I said, starting to walk off in defiance. I heard many bribes of money hit my ears, followed by a general sadness that I didn't let anyone else ride. Can't be showing off my abilities everywhere. I walked onward towards a more rundown part of town.
-
I ran a hand through my spiky hair as I strolled through what looked to be a roach infested portion of the city. There were random bums in messy clothes sitting around, some drinking some sort of alcohol. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a few drug deals going on in the alleys. Most of the buildings had browned out siding that was hanging off in some spots. What a miserable part of town, outta get the cops out here, then the street cleaners. I happened to glance over at another pair of bums, fighting over a cardboard box.
Note to self, suggest to Mom to clean up this section. I looked on the other side of the street just in time to see a gang of some sorts march up the street, about twenty of them in all, weapons in hand. Mildly interested, I decided to follow them, cutting through alleys and across streets in quick, but quiet pursuit. I turned a few corners and found myself in an empty street; the gang I had followed were staring off against another gang of different colors. Both packs were sporting weapons of different variety, mostly knives and chains. Then both groups rushed at each other, screaming shouts of battle filled the air as the gangs ripped into each other. I scowled at I observed the battle; many people were getting injured and sliced up on both sides. After seeing a boy that looked about twelve or so get knocked down and a knife towards his chest, I had seen enough. I sped in and grabbed the attackers hand that held the knife, squeezing slightly so that he would drop it as I nudged the boy out of the way. I lightly tapped the guy with my fist, causing him to double over and collapse. Then I moved through the pack, knocking down and separating the two groups until only myself stood in the middle with a pile of weapons at my feet. Both sides were furiously growling at the other, than at me.
"When will you people at least attempt to live life peacefully rather than this stupid quarrel. All of you just died and were luckily brought back to life after Buu was here! You won't be fighting each other when I'm around, got it?" I shouted, blasting the weapon pile until it melted into the concrete. Once I blasted the pile, both gangs took off as fast as they could in fear, many of the members separating just in case I gave chase. Once the crowd cleared, the young boy I had saved remained on the ground, wincing at his wounds that afflicted themselves on his arms and legs, one across the face.
I held out my hand and helped him to his feet, "Thank you," he spoke in a raspy voice.
"Why are you with these goons anyway?" I asked sternly.
"Because my brother is the leader. He said I could join and that we could do whatever we wanted and didn't have to go to school, but all I ever get is beat up!" he started to cry softly.
"This doesn't sound like much of a brother to me, where's your parents?" I asked, folding my arms.
"They died in a car crash when I was a year old, my brother and me were sent to an orphanage. He escaped from there five years ago, then broke me out a few months back. He promised our lives would get better, but they only got worse!" he cried a little louder now.
"Running around in a pathetic gang not knowing when your going to eat again, never mind sleep again, is no way to live. Come on, I'll take you back to the orphanage, or if you want, I'll take you to a better one," I said, offering out my hand.
"You're just a kid too though?" he asked when he got a good look at me.
"Kinda, I know of a good place for kids on the other side of town close to where I live. I'll take you there," I offered again.
"The other side of town, that could take all day. Plus my brother would kill me or you if he found out!" he interjected.
"I doubt it, he just left you here running for his life from me, do you think he really cares about you at all?" I asked. He didn't answer. "What's your name?"
"Rob..rob..Robby,"
"Robby, I'm Verto, take my hand," I said in a kinder voice. He shook a little bit before taking my hand, followed by a gasp of fear when I lifted us both into the air.
"Don't let go of my hand, otherwise you will fall," I ordered, getting him to calm himself.
"You're one of those golden fighters that fought Cell and Buu aren't you?"
"I didn't fight during the Cell games, but I did fight Buu," I smirked slightly before raising higher and taking off for the northern part of West City. Robby remained slightly intimidated as I flew him across town. His nervousness didn't cease even after I told him to calm down. Oh well, guess I was like that once too. I spotted our destination on the North side of town and landed, setting him down first before dropping myself.
"This is an orphanage? It looks more like a mansion!" Robby exclaimed.
"That is because the man who owns this place is very rich. He adopts kids all the time to give them a better life from cruel parents, or no parents at all. Come on, you'll like it here!" I said, trying to lift his spirits more. I rang the doorbell and a tall but older man answered, fortunately it was the owner.
"Young Verto Briefs! I haven't seen you or young Trunks since that blown up press conference! How is your mother Bulma? I've been meaning to contact her, but this whole Buu thing threw everything off," he said in a kind voice. Robby hid behind me for protection, the man was about six foot eight, easily menacing to a twelve year old.
"Mother is fine, Mister Cochteau, and yes that whole Buu thing threw us off to, he was quite a beast," I said, giving off a Son style grin.
"Amazing that you are barely bruised from that, but then you golden fighters probably have your own ways to handle that. What can I do for you today young man?" Cochteau asked. I explained the situation, and introduced Robby, who was still nervous about all this.
"We'd love to take Robby in, sounds like he could use something to take off all that nervousness. Don't worry Robby, I only pick on those who are my size!" Cochteau joked. Robby managed to laugh a little bit, and shook Cochteau's big hand.
"Thanks Verto, we'll make sure he's happy here, have a good day now. I hear Mr. Satan is holding a huge party in Satan City, you should go!"
"Already am I think, Mom mentioned it this morning," I said, walking down the steps and waving goodbye to Cochteau and Robby. I momentarily picked up on a strong ki nearby, strong for a human anyway, but it dissipated the instant I turned my head.
-
I decided to walk back from the north side of town rather than continuing my tour of the southern part, it was nicer there anyway. I passed by a busy street that had up roadblock signs with Police written all over them, not to mention loud bangs going off in tune with an alarm. Taking a closer look, I saw the police hiding behind a car with masked men shooting at them. Some things just never change. I rose over the barricades and walked towards the bank robbers, waiting for one of them to notice me.
"Boss, that's one of them gold fighters! That's the one that took out the Red shark gang a few months ago!"
"Shoot him then, he's just a kid!" A shower of bullets then came my way. I was able to pick up every one of them and easily dodged them all, but stayed on my course.
"Damn, they went right through him!" One crony announced before running at me with a punch cranked back. I folded my arms and jumped up and over him, back kicking him in the head. Victim number two ate a boot to the gut, and number three wasn't going to walk normal for a while, even if I didn't break his legs. I allowed the leader to punch me directly, even though it seemed like an eternity before his fist made contact. He pulled back right away as his knuckles snapped and shattered.
"What the hell are you made of?" I didn't answer and caught his next punch with the other hand. He was nursing a broken wrist a moment later, forgetting about his other broken hand. The cops didn't make a move in shock; one gave me that fainting look.
"They're all yours boys!" I shouted back at them as I walked onward. The strong ki signal appeared above me and landed behind me. It was low and unthreatening, but noticeable nonetheless.
"Well, I guess I don't need to monitor West City police anymore!" a female voice said. I spun to see Videl behind me, dressed in her usual attire of a pink shirt and a white top with black shorts.
I smiled slightly, "Guess not huh?"
"What are you doing out here Verto? I figured you'd be with Vegeta or Trunks until the get together later," she asked, giving me a puzzled look.
"Just out and about, Mom wanted me out of the house," I shrugged.
"That was a nice thing you did for that little boy, and here I thought you were corrupted by Vegeta," She shook her head slightly.
"Spying on me Videl, I'm flattered. I don't think Gohan would approve, but you are getting better at hiding your ki," I said, chuckling at the joke.
She beamed slightly at me, "Careful, Gohan would beat you up if he heard you say things like that, or Chichi would whack you over the head real good!"
I chucked along with her, "Even I'm not that stupid, I don't want any more bumps from the frying pan of death!"
"So are you coming to Dad's parade and party later on?" she asked.
"I think so, Mom's throwing one too; it's at about two this afternoon. She mentioned his party and that he demanded we come."
"Yeah, Dad really wants you guys to come, even hired tons of cooks to prepare all the food we will need for you bottomless pits!" She said, poking at my stomach on the word pits.
"What can I say, with great power comes a great appetite, you're starting to show it, Hahahaha!" I said as she started to chase me with a big red face. I ran at a slug's pace so she could catch up to me.
"You little worm, you take that back right now!"
"Or what?" I challenged.
"Or I'll get Goten and Trunks to dye your hair pink in your sleep!"
"You wouldn't dare!"
"Try me; I can get Gohan and Goten to do anything! And Trunks won't be that hard!" She warned with a bright smirk.
"And you said I rubbed off of Vegeta huh, girl you got a mean streak to even consider that!"
"Well I am a Satan you know!" she said, fluffing her hair slightly.
I snorted, "As if that means something."
Her watch beeped once, "Well it's almost time for Bulma's party, let's get going! Fly or walk?"
"Walk, it isn't that far away," I said, starting to walk beside her.
-
Even as I walked beside Videl and her ki didn't fluctuate, I got this nagging feeling she wanted to ask me something. Odds were that it was something I couldn't or maybe shouldn't answer.
"Verto, no offense or anything, but why is it you don't act like a normal kid. Were your past years difficult on you to make you grow up faster? I doubt that it is just because of Vegeta. I know you're a Saiyan, but so are Trunks and Goten and they are still little maniacs like most hyperactive kids. What's different about you?" That was it, I sighed slightly, deciding on what to tell her and what not to.
"Videl, you remember the first day we met?" I started.
"Yeah why?"
"That older version of Trunks you saw sent me here. I'm from an alternate dimension in which no one on this Earth existed. The continents and everything were different. There was no Cell, no Mr. Satan, no Goku, and etcetera. I however was a Saiyan, and Trunks was traveling through random dimensions and happened to discover me. Did Gohan ever tell you about Frieza?" I asked as she shook her head.
"He was a terrible villain that existed way out in the galaxy, Goku and Gohan fought him on planet Namek, the one where Piccolo comes from. Well there was a Frieza in my timeline too. And he wanted all Saiyans either dead or under his control. I was born a human, worked a job and went to school just like any other. Two days before my twenty-first birthday, Trunks showed up. He told me I would slowly turn into a Saiyan over the next year following my birthday thanks to some sort of device that was used on me by Frieza's men long before that. At first I didn't quite believe him, even though all the signs were there. Even though he had his powers to show off I didn't quite buy it, then I woke up with this," I said, unwrapping and holding up my tail.
"Wow, must have been a shock to learn that," Videl said, studying my tail like a scientist.
"You could say that. Future Bulma, or Mom as I call her now, said that I would become extremely unstable and maybe aggressive and destructive over the year as I slowly changed. So she invented some kind of medicine that would change me overnight. What she didn't mention was that it would cut my age to a third, making me into what you see now. Something about more stability and control, not to mention I wouldn't wake up and try to kill everyone. She had invented a device that would hide Trunks' extreme power from any type of scanner that Frieza had, but it couldn't block out both of us. We tried to get off the planet fast enough.." I sniffled slightly.
"Oh it's okay," she tried to comfort me but I was going to say it anyway.
"But right after we did, Frieza, that son of a bitch, blew up the earth from space," I finished as the tears came out.
Videl gasped slightly, "How could he live then?"
I attempted to straighten up, "Frieza can survive in space, with or without a ship. He then boarded Trunks' ship and tried to capture me alive, Trunks sent me ahead in his old time machine. In case you didn't know, he was the purple haired one at the Cell games," I added though she nodded quickly.
"And so…" Videl started to say.
"I just happened to land on the outskirts of West City, and bumped into you that day," I said, wiping my eyes and face off.
"So you're not related to Vegeta at all, well that was kind of obvious. Your faces don't look alike at all, and you're a lot sweeter too," She giggled as she said that, my cheeks reddened.
"So that's the answer you were looking so hard for," I said, still a bit upset for her digging that up.
"Wow you're really in your early twenties huh, and here I thought you were just eight or so. I guess that explains why you're a little different, and so smart. Though it's a bit weird."
"Tell me about it," I muttered. She walked without comment for a few more minutes, but her ki level told me she was itching to ask something else.
"Ever had a girl?"
I winced slightly, "Couldn't resist could you?"
She attempted her best innocent face and failed miserably, "Well it is a legit question. Had you been older when you got here I would have asked a long time ago."
"No," I answered quickly. Her ki felt relieved afterwards, for some odd reason.
"Well, were you as cute as you are now when you were human?" Videl asked again, trying to sound innocent again.
"And here I thought I was talking to Videl Satan, not that Erasa girl," I said, throwing up my hands in defeat, "No."
"Oh come on, I'm sure you were and are just too proud to admit it," Videl said as she nudged me in the back.
"No. My life hasn't been the worst, but it hasn't been pretty either. I'd say I was rather normal, but that's a debate for someone else," I muttered.
"Hey there's Capsule Corp up there!" Videl said happily, no doubt trying to get off the subject. I sighed again, watching her run up there to greet Gohan and Goten, who were just flying in.
-
"Hey Videl, Hi Verto!" Goten danced over to us. Both Gohan and Goten were dressed as if this party was formal. Gohan had a purple suit and tie on. Goten was dressed in purple slacks, a green shirt with suspenders, and topped off with a red hat that barely sat on top of his wild hair. Yeah, I'll have to make fun of him for that later.
"Where's Goku and Chichi?" Videl asked.
Gohan's face went slightly pale, "They had something to take care of first," he said quickly. I would have left it at that, but Goten couldn't.
Goten looked confused, "Gohan, what were mommy and daddy gonna do? I thought they were dressing up for this, but daddy was taking his clothes off.." Gohan's hand quickly clamped over his brother's mouth. I couldn't help but laugh; Videl chuckled a bit while Gohan blushed in embarrassment.
"What's so funny guys?" Goten asked, clearly not getting the joke.
"When you're older Goten, you'll get it," Gohan explained the best way he could without details.
"So can we go in?" Videl asked.
"It's what, one-thirty now? I don't suggest it, Mom was pretty serious about not coming back until two," I said, stopping in the front yard area. I felt two large powers coming our way, one I recognized and one I didn't. I turned my head to see Vegeta dropping out of the sky, dressed in his pink "bad man" shirt. Broly appeared behind him, wearing a hysterical yellow shirt with pink flowers on it. I bit my tongue so not to laugh at the sight, Gohan and Videl were having trouble as well. Vegeta shot me a quick glare, but softened it and walked up to me.
"The woman was quite, persuasive this morning," he muttered when I gave him a confused look.
"I guess," I muttered, giving Broly a friendly wave. The door suddenly opened and Trunks stepped out, holding his ears.
"I said not until two, now get out!" I heard Mom screech out at him. The door slammed once he was out the door, making everyone wince.
"I see she's still at it, let's not go in until she stops throwing chairs," Videl suggested.
"Prince Vegeta, I wish to disembark immediately after the celebration today," Broly said respectfully, catching everyone's attention.
"Granted," Vegeta said almost out of practice.
"Broly never respected Vegeta once before," Gohan's voice sounded in the back of my head.
"Probably cause he now knows Vegeta would kick the crap out of him now, maybe not in terms of power but in speed. Plus he said South Kai cured him of insanity some time ago. He crushed Cell and Frieza while you were inside of Buu," I answered.
"Thank you sir, when do you wish me to return?" Broly asked again.
"Whenever, you don't have to come back unless I have the Kais summon you," Vegeta said, leaning against the side of the building like usual. Broly accepted this and stood on the other side of the door, same stance except he didn't fold his arms. A huge ki suddenly popped up, just as Goku and Chichi materialized in front of us. Goku was dressed in the same style suit that Gohan was in. Chichi's hair was done up very well for her, it wasn't tied back in a bun but styled much like her husband and sons, one thick bang hung over her face followed by two shorter ones. She wore a loose pink dress shirt and black slacks that fit her figure rather tightly.
"I'm impressed Kakarot, you and your mate found time to make yourselves almost respectable!" Vegeta laughed from the wall. Chichi's sleeve went up in a flash as she marched his way.
"I'll have you know I spent all day on my hair so you better appreciate it!" she screamed at him, causing him to laugh harder.
"Women spend all day fretting about their hair, amazing you found time to take care of the business with her Kakarot!" CLANG! Vegeta rubbed his sore head as Chichi put her frying pan back into her dimensional pocket. Where it was hidden I didn't know, the pan just seemed to appear and vanish almost at will sometimes.
"Not in front of my children!"
"What is the business Trunks?" Goten whispered to his friend.
"You dummy, they're talking about sex, my mom and dad do it all the time!" Double CLANG! Trunks zipped his lip for once, and I think Chichi tried to wipe Goten's memory of the words.
"Anyone else while it's out?" Chichi dared. When no one answered she put the evil weapon back, getting a heavy sigh of relief. As luck would have it, Master Roshi and Oolong arrived with Krillin and Eighteen a few minutes later. And right away Roshi and the pig perked up to how Chichi looked today. She ignored them until Roshi touched her ass. CLANG! Roshi squirmed on the ground.
"I'm going to go in and help her out!" Chichi announced, marching toward the door.
"I wouldn't do that Chichi," Videl warned. As she opened the door, she ducked just in time to avoid a chair that came flying out and struck Oolong across the head just before he got his dirty hands on Videl's rear. Chichi ran through and shut the door quickly, the screaming stopped right away.
"And the universal terror known as Chichi departs the battlefield," Krillin joked, drawing a grin or two.
We stood in mostly silence for the remaining time; Goku and Krillin struck up a conversation about the Buu fight details. Trunks and Goten sat elsewhere and were whispering and giggling ideas to each other. Eighteen minded her daughter while fending off the two perverts. Gohan and Videl discussed school and crime in Satan City. Broly, naturally, was quiet. Vegeta however actually started a conversation, but only to another pureblooded Saiyan, me.
"Hey boy, what's a good hobby? Or something else to do besides train?" he whispered. I stuck up an eyebrow at him, signaling the general puzzlement I had.
"The woman wants me to do something else other than train, she didn't say what I should do though," he said, he sounded desperate.
"She probably meant anything else, even if it was taking the boys to the park of something, or heaven forbid, baby-sit them. Maybe some kind of activity you do enjoy that doesn't involve eating or training, maybe go play some kind of sport, or watch one. I don't know, why are you asking me?"
"Because you know if you mention this to anyone I'm going to throw you in the gravity chamber at five hundred times gravity and make you train non-stop for a week, that's why!" he rasped almost aloud. I gulped and nodded. The door swung open and a stressed out mother walked out,
"You may come in now, the party is in the main chamber!"
-
We walked in through the doors, underneath the Saiyan pride sign and into the big room Dr. Briefs kept his pets in. There were about twenty tables of food lined up, food steaming and emitting intoxicating smells, nicely in tune with rumbling sounds coming from my stomach and probably everyone else who was at least part Saiyan. I grabbed a few plates as well as everyone else and starting tearing into the food supply. I found that mother had lain out blankets and empty tables for sitting area. I dumped a portion of my food on one and dashed back to get more. I probably grabbed twelve plates overflowing with food before I sat down to eat it. By the time we were done with round one, half the food on the tables was gone, no shock there. Goten and Trunks sat with a huge heap of food and tackled it together. Gohan sat with Videl, though she didn't touch much of the feast in front of her. Goku sat with Chichi of course, though you couldn't see her behind his stack. Vegeta and Broly sat alone and Mom minded the robots that were running around serving drinks. Yamcha and Puar arrived somewhere around the time I was ripping into fried chicken, Tien a few minutes later. After my food stack was demolished, I laid back and relaxed, barely dozing off. I woke up suddenly when a hand grabbed my tail and pulled it from its waist position. I looked over at the culprit only to discover he or she was no longer there. But there was a pink ribbon tied on my tail! I heard faint laughter from across the room, coming from the demon twins, and crying from the middle of the room, coming from Marron.
"They stole my ribbon mommy!" she cried to Eighteen. I almost tore the ribbon off, but took it off carefully and walked over to them, handing it back to Eighteen.
"How'd you get it back? I thought I'd need Vegeta's help or something!" Eighteen asked me.
"Fellow victim, they tied it around the tail," I said in a scowl, sending a death glare their way. Trunks howled in laughter, Goten right along with him. I noticed that they were holding tall glasses of whatever they were drinking. And just like that I had a revenge scheme.
"You wanna get them back Eighteen?" I asked.
"I always want to torture those two little devils," Eighteen snarled slightly.
"Then ask Mom where she keeps the Prune Juice, I'll do the rest," I replied, smirking slightly. Eighteen caught on real fast and got up with Marron to ask that very question. I heard another screech and turned to see Videl chasing the boys now, Trunks was waving something white around in the air that he obviously stole from Videl. I about choked when I realized it was Videl's bra. Gohan stood still, not sure what to do while he tried to hold down laughter. I wasn't having much better luck, and anyone else watching had none. Okay, way too much sugar for them. Then I realized that Chichi wasn't present, nor was Mom, I sensed both of them out in the lobby.
No wonder their not catching hell right about now. Eighteen came back in a minute later, a large brown bottle held in her palm. I smirked again and rushed over to the boys' drinks while they were running from Videl. I drank down the soda they had overhauled on and poured the juice in, snickering as I did. My vision blurred a bit and I felt really ornery a minute later, but I had been on a sugar high before and knew how to handle it, Saiyan or not. Wow, now that is metabolism on over-drive. Laughing on the way back, I saw Trunks tie the bra to a stick and waved it around like a flag in front of everyone, getting away just as Videl got to him. The two blurs ran by us and Videl came to a stop, huffing and puffing.
"Man, those little hellions!" she said, dropping to her knees, "I'll never catch them, and Gohan isn't doing a thing."
"He's probably to embarrassed to do so, and the father's don't seem to care at the moment since they haven't blown anything up yet," Eighteen suggested.
"Yeah, when those two have too much sugar, the pranks begin; they already got me. Looks like you were the next victim, but payback is coming their way pretty soon," I chuckled evilly as I saw Trunks and Goten down the jugs of prune juice.
"Must have gone flat while we were running around Goten," Trunks said. Oh too perfect.
Eighteen grinned, "About time those little demons got what was coming to them!"
"What did you do?" Videl asked, confused.
"You'll have plenty of time to get your clothing back once the Saiyan metabolism kicks in. Might take a few minutes, but the sugar will be leaving their systems very soon," I cackled as I broke out into evil laughter and rolled on the ground a bit. Sure enough, Trunks and Goten stopped dead in their tracks a few minutes later with horrified looks on their faces before jetting off to the nearest bathroom.
"What did you do to them?" Videl asked.
"Prune juice ring any bells?" Videl turned slightly pale, but giggled a minute later as she got up to retrieve her property.
"So that's why they suddenly stopped." A raspy voice said behind me. I turned to see Piccolo towering ever everyone.
"Yeah, he gave them what they deserved!" Eighteen answered for me.
"Piccolo, didn't even know you were here!" I said with a smile.
"That's because I've been hiding ever since those two stole my cape and pranced around in it this morning."
-
Once Goten and Trunks came back, sickened faces displayed, Mom cut out the lights before turning on some music and dance club style lights.
"Let's bogey!" Goten and Trunks got over their stomach problems right away and jumped around on the floor. Most everyone grooved to the music slightly, exception of Vegeta, Broly and Piccolo, though they were tapping their feet slightly. Mom shoved Videl onto the dance floor just as Chichi shoved Gohan to hopefully get a dance going out of them. Gohan simply hopped around like an idiot, clearly not knowing what to do. Vegeta stood up and grabbed Mom's arm, taking to the middle of the floor.
"This should be good," Krillin cracked, getting a glare from Vegeta that even the flashing lights didn't block out. A slower song started up just as Vegeta and Mom took up a standard poses, hand and hand, opposite arms around each other, and began. I was amazed to see Vegeta actually moving with the music, and not tripping over his feet. He was dancing! And cutting the rug very well considering who he was and probably expected to be. They moved in slow circles around the floor, carefully not tripping over anyone's feet and continued till the song was over. It resembled the Tango, but I wasn't sure, I wasn't caught up in dance information. When Vegeta gave a respectful bow to his partner, we broke out in applause, except for Goten and Trunks, who looked sick again at the sight.
"Wow Vegeta, did she teach you that?" Yamcha asked, not joking but it certainly came out like that.
"No you buffoon! Saiyans are naturally good dancers, royal family are taught to dance the same day they can walk," he bragged.
"Really? Goku get out there!" Chichi snapped.
"Yes Chi," Goku ducked his head and followed his wife out there. The song started up again once Mom hit the button, and Chichi and Goku began. It certainly didn't have the luster that Vegeta left behind, nor did it come close. Goku kept tripping over his feet, and then his wife's late in the dance. He finally fell upside down and took Chichi down with him, who was lying on top of him in a rather bad looking position given present company.
"Well most Saiyans are good dancers, there are exceptions," Vegeta said, chuckling along the way. Goten and Trunks had enough and were begging everyone to not dance anymore.
"It's more evil than Majin Buu!" Trunks whined.
"I just thought of a great torment for them, take them to a ballet," Videl suggested.
"I'm not taking them, and I wouldn't want to see the place after it gets destroyed," I quickly said back.
"Hey guys, it's getting close to five! Shall we head to Satan city for the parade and party out there, I think they're doing fireworks too," Mom asked the group. There were quick denials from Krillin's family as well as Tien and Roshi. Goten and Gohan weren't given the option since Mom, Chichi and Videl were present, which means I didn't get to choose either. Vegeta and Broly declined, and walked out towards the backyard.
"Well, I guess that settles who is going and who is not, robots clean this place up!" Mom shouted as we bid everyone else goodbye. The brats dashed off to Trunks' room, Goku and Chichi headed for the door as well.
"Dad, aren't you going?" Gohan shouted to him.
"No, me and your mother have things to catch up on," Goku winked at Chichi and pulled her up in his arms before taking off out the door and into the skies.
Gohan gagged slightly, "I really wish they wouldn't do that like Bulma and Vegeta do!"
"You shouldn't be surprised Gohan, they haven't seen each other in what, seven years. Did you expect them to be normal right away?" I said, grinning slightly as another thought came up, "You and Videl aren't going to run off all the time are you?" I almost immediately had to run for my life right, with Videl hot on a warpath, leaving Gohan and Mom in the dust. I ran a complete circle around the building before coming back to a stop in the lobby; Videl came back around a minute later, huffing and puffing.
"You're gonna get it one of these days, I'll make sure of that!" She threatened.
"Sure sure," I said, closing my eyes with a smile, a mistake to say the least. CLANG! A lovely metal ping rung in my ears for a few minutes once I dropped in a heap with a nasty headache.
"His mouth is going to get him in trouble, but what can I expect, he hangs around Vegeta all the time," Mom said, as Videl handed her back the skillet.
"It's natural talent. It's obvious they're going to be sneaking off in the middle of the night," I added.
"Well if he thinks Gohan and me are a couple to be made fun of, he better think again!" Videl snorted and turned her back to us, "He's j-just a good friend!" She stuttered.
Mom shook her head, "Looks like you're right on the money kid. Cool, that means Yamcha owes me a thousand zeni for that bet!" Videl must have been blushing like crazy. Then we heard a loud roar and the ground shook a little bit.
"Guess that means Broly is out of here," I said, sensing his large ki leaving at a decent pace. Vegeta came back in, giving Mom quite a stare, followed by a smirk of the ages.
"I think Vegeta and I will stay here to. You guys go to the parade in Satan City, don't come back till late!" she said, walking slowly towards Vegeta, returning the smile.
"Goten, Trunks, we're going!" Gohan shouted as he took the hint and started heading for the door quickly. I followed Videl out the door, but Goten and Trunks took their sweet time. I sensed them run past the lobby doors and down the hall before coming to a demanding stop and then running like mad out the door, scared expressions glued to their faces.
"What's wrong guys, see a ghost or something?" Gohan asked.
"Worse than that, Dad was starting to take off Mom's clothes!" Trunks whined and stuttered.
"Super gross!" Goten wailed. I just shook my head and lifted into the air, the others did the same and we blasted off towards the east to Satan City.
-
The parade was already starting when we arrived, but Mr. Satan's big float hadn't moved just yet. We landed near it to see the big nut shouted all kinds of orders around, threatening to pound them into the ground if they screwed something up.
"Hey daddy, you okay?" Videl tugged his cape from the edge of the float.
"Don't you know what these powerful hands can do, who dares touch my glorious cape, I'll.." he suddenly gasped when he saw who he was warning. "Oh you're here, you all can ride on my float if you want, or you can watch the parade and catch all the candy," he implemented the last part towards the boys.
They looked hopeful, until Gohan shut them down, "No we'll ride it, and they don't need any more sugar today!"
"Ah, but brother!" Goten tried to latch on the puppy dog eyes.
"No buts Goten, you two aren't getting any candy," Gohan stood firm. Goten pouted some more until Trunks started whispering plans into his ear. The float started to move slightly, but didn't leave the huge driveway yet, the other floats were still around. That's when I got off and examined it, Mr. Satan was standing at the top of a stairway, the front disguised as a big version of his head, and his two arms shooting outwards with victory signs. His big mouth was open as well, looking utterly ridiculous. The words "World champ" were sewn in below his poster board head. Satan saw that I was practically disgusted at the sight of this, and flashed a victory sign at me. I floated up on the other side of him, but behind his cardboard wall.
"Is all this really necessary?" I asked.
"I didn't design it, all I know is you guys might want to sit up a little closer, the back of the trailer is loaded with fireworks. I did come up with something during the firework show later on, I really wanted you guys to see it," he was almost begging now.
"Fine, we weren't given much of a choice anyway. I don't think anyone else is coming though, Goku and Vegeta are spending quality time with the wives, the others weren't interested," I said.
Mr. Satan looked down slightly, "Well it is televised and I have a lot of people taping it."
"What's your big surprise later anyway?" I asked.
"You have to wait and see!" I gave up, dropping to the floor of the float next to Videl, who was kicking her feet over the side in general boredom.
"Need some company?" I asked, dropping to a seat.
"That would be nice, Goten and Trunks jetted off to the middle of the parade to get candy, Gohan chased after them," she said, holding her head up with her hand.
"Those boys are bound to blow something up as wound up as they are. Though I've seen it worse. Last time they had a bit to much soda, Vegeta and Gohan took turns beating it out of them," I explained. As if on cue, one of the floats caught fire just as three blurs went by it, one blur went back and put it out before continuing the chase.
"Tell me something kid. If you were a bit older again, would you find me, attractive?" she asked in dismay.
I looked at her, confused, "Why would you ask that?"
"Cause Gohan treats me more like he would a sister or a really good friend, he either doesn't notice me in that way, or doesn't care," she sounded almost sad.
"He does Videl, you're probably his first actual friend outside of his father's group, that and I'm sure he doesn't have much experience with girls. I was like that at one point or another in my previous life. Why do you think the other guys make fun of him all the time? Besides, anyone who reacts the way he did when Supopovich was beating on you, does care and love you more than just a friend," I said, adding a comforting tone at the end. She didn't seem so sure about that.
"He just seems thick sometimes," she added.
"You're talking about a descendant of Goku, his head is ten times thicker than your dad's," I chuckled slightly, getting a smile from her. Her smile turned really evil within seconds.
"So anyway, what's so special about your tail again? I've been meaning to ask and Gohan didn't explain it really well?"
"Oh this thing?" I asked, unraveling it from it's worn in waist spot and holding it up for her.
"It's just really sensitive, you could blow air across it and I'll swear someone tried to make off with it. I think its part of the Saiyan nervous and immune systems or something. Without it I couldn't turn into that monkey like creature and take on Buu. So even though it's a big pain, I'm thankful it's there," I said, closing my eyes in a slight smile.
"Can I see it?" she asked.
"Sure, just don't squeeze hard," I said, handing it over to her hands. The instant she touched it, I was overcome by warm fuzziness once again as she rubbed it slightly.
"Sure is furry and warm, guess it's supposed to be like that. What does it feel like?" she asked.
I managed to keep my answer to a stutter, "It, it feels like an extra arm or leg I gu, guess!"
"Why are you stuttering silly?"
I blushed slightly, "Cause when you rub it, it feels weird."
"Weird as in what?"
"I dunno, just weird," I blushed again.
Her eyes turned evil again, "Weird as in good?"
"Yeah a little," I said, rubbing my head slightly and scooting back a little bit. She held my tail firm however, and petted it like she would a dog or a cat. Instantly my throat uttered a purring sound and I curled up on the floor. After a few grueling minutes she finally let go, and whatever caused the sound I was emitting continued out of my control until I felt strange, good and warm, but strange.
"Well now, it seems I found a great weapon to use against you whenever you decide to bash me or Gohan with your crude comments!" Videl said, a victorious smile displayed on her face. I didn't respond right away, I felt like I was on cloud nine, without the drugs.
"Never do that again," I said in slight contempt when I finally snapped out of it.
"Oh you're awake, I thought you were going to be out the whole night, the float has been moving for about ten minutes!" she shouted at me before waving and throwing some candy from a bucket at her side.
"Note to self, don't let women touch the tail," I muttered as I sat up.
"Now that is too bad Goten and Trunks don't have tails, boy that would be useful. Here I thought it would be to dangerous to keep them!" A voice said behind me. On the other side of the float I saw Gohan watching me, throwing the occasional candy bomb. Goten and Trunks were sitting on the edge throwing half and eating half. I crawled to the middle of the float and sat with me knees ahead of me.
"I think you embarrassed him Videl," Gohan said.
"It wasn't the just the embarrassment from her that sucks, it's going to be future embarrassment from her and any other lady who decides to check it out. And potentially dangerous if you think about it," I grunted. Some explosions went off behind the float, or at least at the end of it, right in tune with one of Mr. Satan's victory poses. I stood up eventually in an effort to quit moping and attempt to enjoy the rest of this.
-
The parade didn't last quite as long as I thought it would, despite the size of the city. It continued until we arrived at an amphitheatre of some sort that overlooked a big lake. Mr. Satan jumped down from his ride, and landed on the stage, slipping on his feet the instant he did. He recovered from it right away by rolling into a flip. Mass applause erupted as Satan approached the podium. Before he started a speech, he looked over to see us still on the float and gave a slight wave. A short man with a business suit on waited at the mic, along with the MC from the tournament.
"Ladies and gentleman, I'd like to welcome you to our fireworks exhibition in honor of the world champion Mr. Satan's defeat of Majin Buu!" the short man said. I got a closer look and saw Mayor plastered all over his wardrobe in a white banner.
"So what did your dad want us to come for?" Trunks asked Videl.
"You'll see," she smiled and put a finger to her lips. The show began and explosives shot into the sky, nothing I hadn't seen before, but Goten and Trunks were new at this and kept the oo"s and ah"s going. When the grand finale began, I saw a sign light up across the lake, with fireworks going off all around it. It read "Thank you Mr. Satan!" in big golden letters. Satan whispered something into the mayor's ear just as it lit up and pulled out a remote control of some kind. How the mayor heard him at all was amazing, but he nodded his approval to whatever Satan told him. Satan pressed the button and the Satan sign rose into the air. It lifted about twenty feet off the ground before revealing another sign underneath it, one that glowed all colors before a brighter gold than the original. More fireworks went off around it, even more than the finale of the show. What it said touched my heart then, and I could see why Mr. Satan hoped we would all show.
"This is what dreams are made of Gohan, you finally get a little recognition, feels good doesn't it?" I said to him, nodding to the sign.
"Yeah, but its for you too!" he answered back. True.
"Thank You, Gold fighters! I couldn't have done it without you, how about a big hand for the gold fighters!" Mr. Satan read the sign and then roused the crowd. Huge cheers went up, Goten and Trunks couldn't believe it, nor could Gohan.
"Hey Gohan, let's finish off the show with a fly over!" I suggested, wanting to bask in the light for a minute at least.
"Okay," he said as I let loose my ki and turned Super Saiyan. The boys followed up and Gohan settled for his new mystic form, a white and clear aura around him. We blasted off above the crowd, waving at all of them before flying over the lake and in-between the explosions. The fireworks ceased once we did, so I let off a few ki blasts to show off instead, making them explode harmlessly in the air.
"Wow, I can't believe Mr. Satan actually did this for us!" Gohan said.
"Just his way to show his thanks I guess, hey we got some publicity right?" I said.
"I can't believe that big oaf actually gave us credit!" Trunks exclaimed.
"Well, it's getting late, Mom will have a fit if she hears we were out this late!" Gohan said, staring a hole into his watch.
"Well let's make our exit the right way!" I shouted as we turned back towards the crowd. Gohan slid next to Goten and Trunks slid next to me and we flew over the billboards and then the lake. We came up on the crown and fired ki blasts into the air, creating more of a light show for the people. We waved goodbye as we flew over, both to the fans and to each other. Gohan and Goten curved around in the air and headed for the Son residence just as we turned and flew the opposite way towards Capsule Corp. In no time we cleared the city, laughing happily all the way.
"Hey big brother, this is fun!" Trunks said as he sped by me suddenly. I matched his speed and went past him. We carried this on for several miles, probably looking like a couple of crooked arrows tearing up the sky. We came back together as we approached West City about fifteen minutes later. Trunks gave me a big smile and sighed as we both dropped out of Super mode.
"Hey, I'm just glad we got through all that crap with Buu, and that were all alive again," I said as we came up to Capsule Corp.
"Yeah! We showed that pink freak not to mess with the Saiyans!" Trunks said, giving me a high five.
"Not just the Saiyans Trunks, but also this planet as a whole. Now we can live it up, we have the rest of our lives to look forward to!" I said, giving thumbs up as we landed. And in that moment, I was happy that I was a Saiyan from now on.
The Previous Chapter was inspired by the song "Hero" by Chad Kroeger.
2/19/09: The previous chapters have been cleaned up for fixed punctuation and some other tweeks, though no major changes were made. This will likely be done to the other Sagas when I have time.