Chapter VI: A Hero's Return, the Tournament Begins
Gohan felt sad that he had turned down Bulma's offer for transportation to the tournament. He would have liked to have had some private time with all his friends before hand. But if he had, he wouldn't be flying there with Videl. She held her position about a foot off of his left. They were nearly half way to the island, and Gohan felt his smile growing wider the closer he got.
Videl noticed it, "Getting excited?"
"You bet! Man, it's been so long. I can hardly wait to see everyone again."
"You know, you didn't have to come with me. I mean, you've hardly managed to go an entire day without saying how much you wanted to see your friends again."
Gohan felt a blush coming on, "Well . . . I just thought it would be nice to go with you. We've practically spent the last two weeks training together. It only seemed fair to be your escort."
"I'll make you eat those words, Gohan." The two shared a laugh. Videl laughed even harder though, "I can't wait to see the look on my dad's face when he sees me hanging around with you."
That didn't sound too good to Gohan. Had she found out about the Cell Games? "Why do you say that?"
"Well, he doesn't like the thought of me hanging out with boys that aren't as strong as he is." She laughed again, "And I was supposed to be on his airship when he arrives!"
That really didn't sound good, "Videl! Are you purposely trying to give him a reason to hate me!?"
Videl flew closer, "What's the matter? Did you want to make an impression on him, Gohan?"
Damnit, she's teasing me again. Gohan responded with an increase in speed, a little higher than what he knew to be Videl's limit. To his surprise, Videl caught up to him, and then passed by sticking her tongue out. He couldn't believe it, Since when could she go that fast? Oh man, she's been holding back this whole time.
Gohan flew faster, easily catching up with Videl. She tried to speed up more, but Gohan kept with the increase. Videl frowned; I thought for sure he'd have trouble going this fast. Guess I'll have to pull out all the stops when we have our match. If we have our match, that is. I just hope Gohan doesn't have to fight my dad right off.
The two teenagers continued on, trading small talk every now and then when the silence began to bother them. The island came into view shortly, and they soon began to fly above the city landscape. Videl pointed at secluded area and the two set down.
Videl dusted off her shirt, "Aren't there ways to keep all that crap from hitting me?"
"Yeah, but we never got that far. You wanted to learn everything, remember?" Gohan held up his arm and pressed the red button on his watch. Videl whistled as he donned his Saiyaman outfit. For a moment, she thought she could see his underwear.
"Why are you wearing that?"
"I don't want anyone to recognize me." Gohan touched the red button on his color; removing the visor. He had made sure that the material wasn't considered a violation of the rules.
"Why don't you want people to know your strength? I fight crime all the time and people know about it."
"Yeah, but your family can deal with the publicity behind a large fence and a hundred guards."
That brought on laugh, "Oh yeah." Videl looked at her own watch, "I'd better get going. I don't want my dad to worry. Um . . . Gohan?"
"What is it?"
Videl's cheeks flushed, "Nothing, I'll see you soon." She darted forward and placed a small kiss on Gohan's cheek. Videl then ran out into the street and disappeared.
Gohan remained thunderstruck, "Did . . . did she just . . ."
* * *
He had only wandered around for a half hour when he found a group of very familiar faces clumped together. Gohan waved as he approached, "Hey guys!" Krillin, Eighteen, Marron, Yamcha, Quar, Oolong, Vegeta, Bulma, Trunks, Piccolo, Master Roshi, Chichi, and the Ox King all turned to the familiar voice and waved. With the exception of Vegeta who just grunted. Gohan noticed the teary looks on their faces, "Hey, what's going on? Where's Goten?"
Krillin pointed over Gohan's shoulder, "Having some long overdue play time."
Gohan turned around, and nearly cried. Goten sat on the shoulder of a tall man wearing an orange outfit. The smile on the young Saiyan's face said it all. Gohan felt himself shaking, "Dad?"
Goku grinned, "Hey, Gohan."
Gohan didn't bother wasting time asking questions or making comments. He sprung forward and gripped his father in the tightest hug he could. It turned out to be a little much for Goku, "Whoa Gohan! That's some grip there. If I weren't dead already I probably would have died after that!"
The resurrected warrior pushed his son away to an arm's length. Though he kept his smile, Goku couldn't believe what he felt. I know Gohan said he would be training while I was gone, but this is incredible. I could almost feel it, but Gohan's been shielding his power. It's almost as though he doesn't want anyone to know the level he's obtained. I'm getting excited at the thought of fighting him!
Goku looked his son up and down, "What's with the outfit?"
"Huh? Oh, this. It's a long story, but I wear it so when I use my powers my classmates won't know it's me. I'd rather keep it a secret."
Seems you want to keep a lot of things a secret, "Well, I understand." Goku turned to the rest of the group, "Shall we get going?"
The Z fighters and their families nodded their agreement. A collective roar and cheering sounded behind them. Everyone turned to see the world's hero and savior exiting his personal airship. Krillin couldn't help but chuckle, "Oh look guys, it's our hero. The man who saved us all from Cell because we were all too weak, remember?"
Even Vegeta shared the short man's resentment, "Perhaps we should knock his ass to the ground right now, along with all the other weaklings that show up." Though they all knew it wasn't entirely a joke, everyone had a good laugh. Vegeta slung his bag over his shoulder, "Let's get going."
Everyone followed suite and began walking towards the registration area. Goku decided it was time to have a little fun with Gohan, "So, what kept you Gohan?"
"Oh, I was just flying in with a friend, that's all."
"I know. I hear she's pretty cute." That got the desired effect, turning Gohan's face a bright red. Goku elbowed his son in the ribs, "When's the wedding?"
Gohan stopped in the middle of the street and nearly yelled, "We are not getting married!! We aren't even-" He couldn't bring himself to finish that statement. The memory of the kiss she gave him prevented any form of speech. Gohan felt himself get warmer, I can't believe this. She's a friend, not a . . . a what? Just what the hell am I thinking!?
Goku laughed at his son's dilemma, "Can't decide? Oh man, I really have missed out on a lot." Goku picked up Goten again, who had been pulling on his leg. They continued down the street, leaving a very embarrassed Gohan.
They all reached the registration booth a short while later. One by one, those who would participate in the tournament signed in. Goten and Trunks stood to the side pouting. They were forbidden from entering as punishment. The two had decided it would be fun to play a trick on Vegeta. They had poured a bottle of ex-lax in his milkshake, causing the Saiyan prince to miss out on an entire day's worth of training. Bulma had managed to keep her mate from killing the two youngsters, but was just as angry at them.
Gohan stepped up for his turn. The two men working the booth blinked, "What did you say your name was?"
"The Great Saiyaman!"
"Great Saiyaman . . ." The first of the two attendants shrugged, "No rules against your name. You may all proceed down this path to the locker rooms. The preliminaries will begin shortly."
The participants waved goodbye to their mothers, mates, and children before entering the lockers. After a quick change they emerged on the other side to see scores and scores of fighters. Gohan whistled, "You know, I hate to say this, but I'm with Vegeta. Let's just wipe 'em all out right now."
"Would I be included in that, Gohan?"
The disguised fighter turned around to see a young, pretty face staring back at him. Pretty? Oh, come on Gohan, snap out of it, "Hey Videl. No, but you have to agree that most of these guys just don't stand up to us."
She shrugged, "I suppose. Who are all these people?" She motioned to the Z fighters.
Goku was the first to notice her appearance, "Well, would this be your friend, Gohan?"
I swear dad, if you weren't already dead I would kill you. "Yeah. Videl, this is my father, Son Goku. Dad, this is Videl Satan."
"Huh, Satan?" Goku blinked, "Y-you're Hercule's daughter!?" He frowned as he mentally probed her, "I don't see how. You're-" Goku was abruptly silenced as Gohan dragged him back.
"Hey!" Gohan whispered, "Until she actually sees him lose, don't mention that she or any of us are stronger than Mr. Satan, ok?"
Goku nodded, "Uh, sure Gohan."
"What were you about to say?" Videl asked.
"Oh, just that . . . you're energy is built up. Normally you don't see that amongst people, and I know your father can't do that."
Videl smiled, "Yeah, I have your son to thank for that. Gohan's been teaching me these past couple weeks on how to use my energy."
"Really?" Goku appraised his son in a new light, "So you're a teacher now in addition to being a superhero?"
A swelling of pride built up in Gohan, "If you take Videl as an example, since she's the only one, I'm a pretty successful teacher. She learned to touch, control, and use her power all in one day!"
That brought a look of astonishment to Goku's face, "Oh wow! That's incredible. You say you've been under Gohan's arm for two weeks? What all has he taught you?"
Videl pondered for a moment, "At first he taught me to fly. Then we moved on to speed, strength, and ki blasts. He pretty much taught me everything he could about using my energy."
Goku placed a hand on each of their shoulders, "I have to say I'm impressed with both of you. Videl for learning so quickly, and you, Gohan, for being able to teach."
"Well, I did have two very good role models." That made Goku's grin widen.
As Goku left to talk with the other, Videl whispered, "You know, I think I like him more than my own dad already. I can see what you meant before. He really is a wonderful person."
"Yeah, I know."
Apparently they weren't the only two there who thought that. A blonde man wearing dark sunglasses appeared out of nowhere. He was laughing and smiling so much you would think he were deranged, "Is that really you? Oh my God! It is you! Goku, Krillin, over here!!"
Both men turned their heads to see the World Martial Arts Tournament announcer running towards them. They both were just as happy to see him. The three got into a huddle of handshakes and hellos. The announcer peered behind them to see Piccolo standing in the shade, and his mood brightened even more, if that were possible.
"Well, well, and I thought Goku and Krillin were good, having you here Piccolo is even better! I can't believe this is happening! You guys haven't come out to compete in ages. I'll tell you; these last few tournaments have been capital B boring! None of these fighters have your skill or style."
The announcer peered around the area, "And on that note," he whispered, "it wasn't really Hercule who beat Cell, was it? Come on, I know it was you guys." All Goku and Krillin offered were a couple of laughs. The announcer shifted his focus to Goku, "Say, you haven't always had that halo around your head, have you?"
"Well, I've been dead ever since my fight with Cell, but they let me come back this one day to compete with my friends."
The announcer's blank stare lasted but a moment, "Well, that's weird. But hell, it would be crazy to start doubting you now after all the stuff I've seen you guys pull. Am I right Goku baby?" He turned around, "Well, I had better get going. Got some last minute preparations at the ring. See you guys soon; I'm expecting a great show!"
Gohan walked up to his dad's side, "At least some people know how great you guys are. I take it you're all old friends?"
"Yeah," Krillin nodded, "Ever since our first World Tournament he's been the announcer."
"What's his name?"
Goku and Krillin glanced at each other, "Actually . . . we don't know." They said in unison.
Videl stood in disbelief at the announcer's remarks, "What did he mean by 'skill or style?' My dad's won the tournament the last three times. Doesn't he count?"
"Not really, Videl." Gohan thought of an answer to that; "Your dad just didn't know how to use his energy when he won those tournaments. The ones my dad, Krillin, and Piccolo fought in, at least half the fighters knew some way to manipulate your power."
"If that's true, then why aren't those guys still fighting matches?"
Gohan didn't know what to say. Truthfully, he said, "That's a good question. I don't know." He was glad she at least hadn't heard everything the announcer had said.
Videl shrugged, not really caring about competitors from the past. She was more interested in fighting Gohan, his father, or her father. The others that came with them were probably also strong, but Videl knew that the three she had in mind would be the true challenges.
"Attention; would all participants of the World Martial Arts Tournament please step forward. We will begin the preliminaries now." One of the tournament officials called out from a megaphone.
The entire mass of fighters formed a semi-circular clump around the podium. Videl stuck with Gohan and his friends. Her father would make his debut soon. The official continued, "I would like to personally welcome all of you to this tournament. As you know, there are over one hundred and eighty fighters who have signed up. Unfortunately, there are only sixteen spots on the tournament bracket. Mr. Satan, as the reigning champion, is automatically placed. That leaves only fifteen spots to fill."
Goku blinked, "Sixteen minus one . . ."
"Now then," the official continued, "Those fifteen participants will be determined by punching strength. Those with the fifteen highest counts will be placed for the tournament. Now, the aides will assign you all numbers. You will approach the punching machines as your number is called." Off to the man's left, a large object was dragged in by two others.
"All right, will Mr. Satan please come out and give us a score to measure by!"
Roaring cheers came as Hercule appeared out of the stadium arch. He threw his cape up into the air and held out the World Champion belt, "Does anybody want this!?" More cheering came at that. Hercule grinned like there would be no tomorrow. He noticed the reporters, "Well, how's about I give you something to put in that paper, eh?"
Piccolo never felt so sick in his life as Hercule began to makes poses in front of the flashing cameras. This has to stop. With a blink of an eye, Piccolo used his power to systematically destroy anything with a lens in the area.
Gohan had watched the whole thing, "Piccolo? What'd you do that for?" He whispered.
"A ring is a place for those of strength, not publicity seekers. Gohan, I don't want you holding anything back because of your fear of being discovered. You entered this, so go all the way."
Gohan nodded. Always the teacher.
Hercule couldn't believe what he had just seen, "Some of those would have made good posters. Ha, I'll give 'em something to talk about." Hercule gave a victory sign with his index and middle fingers. He then hunched near the punching machine, and concentrated. With a loud cry, Hercule swung with all his might.
The official stared in astonishment, "One hundred and thirty seven points! That's at least ten more from his score the previous tournament. Let's all give him a big hand!"
Hercule nodded at the enthusiastic support of his fans. As he reentered the stadium, he turned to say one last thing; "I hope you top contenders at least score over a hundred. That way, we can have a good fight."
Gohan didn't know why he was thinking it, but he warmed a little to Hercule. So he does enjoy a challenge. Well, at least when they're on his level I suppose. I can see why people like him. It's not just 'saving the world,' but he does have this quality about him.
Videl snapped her fingers in front of Gohan's blank stare, "Hey, Saiyaman, what's up?"
"Oh, nothing. I was only thinking."
"Yeah," Videl nodded, "My dad will be tough to beat with a score that high."
Goku came up to the two, "Sorry Videl, but I need to talk to Gohan for a moment." Goku pulled his son away and said, "Gohan, the rest of us came to an agreement. None of these people would likely believe us if we used a good deal of our strength on the machine. So it was decided to keep it down to around Hercule's level, ok?"
"Sure, no problem there." Fighters had already started testing themselves on the machine. Only a handful scored over a hundred. When the Z fighters began their turns you could almost hear a smacking sound from the collective drops of everyone's jaws. Even Videl couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"One . . . hundred forty two?" The official felt ready to bring out the second machine, but when other fighters took their turns the machine ready them at just above a hundred or lower. To think, Mr. Satan will really have a hard time this year with such strong competition.
Gohan took his turn, managing to keep his score down to one hundred sixty two. When Videl stepped up, you'd think she had her own fan base, which in a sense she did. Videl swung at the machine with all her strength.
"Oh my, incredible!! Videl Satan has just scored one hundred and fifty nine points! That makes her stronger than her father!"
Videl couldn't believe herself. As she moved away from the podium she saw Gohan standing there with a grin. She almost felt angry at him, "Don't get so cocky. You only scored three points higher than me." Videl shook her head, "Ugh, I can't believe I actually surpassed my dad. Did you know about that?"
"Uh, no."
"There's no way I could have. He must have been holding back, just for show. Yeah, that's the kind of thing my father would have done. All for a good show."
Gohan would have laughed at how familiar this sounded. During the Cell games, Gohan had thought his father was holding back the whole time just to give him a shot. In truth, Gohan had already risen above him in strength and power. He had thought he couldn't have been stronger, he had thought no one would be. Videl had the same mind set now. They were a lot more alike than he had thought.
* * *
The top finalists gathered in a small area inside the stadium. The announcer walked up and began his first official duty, "Congratulations to you all. You have qualified for the World Martial Arts Tournament, and will soon be competing for the title of strongest in the world." He motioned behind him to a whiteboard, and a table with a box atop it, "As I call your names please approach the drawing box and take a ball. Your position in the bracket will be determined by the number on the ball."
Hercule stepped forward, "All right. I assume I'll be going first?"
The announcer nodded, "That is correct. Please proceed, Hercule."
The world champion reached inside and pulled out a ball. He laughed in delight, "Not exactly the position I had hoped for, but it'll do?" The ball held the number ten on it.
As other fighters began to draw, Gohan noticed a concerned look on Piccolo's face. He tapped him on the shoulder, "Something wrong?"
"Yes and no. There are at least two fighters here withholding their true power." Piccolo nodded towards a pair standing away from the main group. One was short, paled purplish skin with white hair. The other stood very tall with red skin. "Their names are Shin and Kabito. They are masking their energy, much like you are." He eyed his former student curiously.
"Jugger, you're up next."
Gohan nearly froze at the name. That's impossible! He turned around slowly, and gaped at the sight. There, drawing from the box, stood a red skinned man, with long white hair, baggy pants, and no shirt. Gohan didn't understand it, "That's not possible!"
Piccolo and several others frowned at his outburst. Goku walked up to his son, "What's wrong?"
Gohan ignored everyone's concern and marched towards the alien, who had just drawn the number two. "Jugger!" Gohan barked.
Jugger turned around, beaming a coy smile. He was surprised to see Gohan, but didn't show it as much as his delight, "Well, well, well, that's a voice I would never forget. If it isn't the prodigal Super Saiyan, hiding in a child's costume. I must say that I am very pleased to see you again."
"How the hell did you escape from that planet?" Gohan tried to pierce Jugger's mental shields. The alien had been projecting a power signature, but it was far lower than what Gohan knew he was capable of.
"Ah, my prison you mean. A little help, and I was very glad to have it. I've been dreaming of the chance to fight you again, and what a coincidence that you're here on Earth." Gohan noticed an ornate 'M' tattooed on Jugger's head. The alien stepped closer and placed a hand on Gohan, "I know you're trying to size me up. I am far more powerful than when we first met. Let me show you . . ."
Gohan felt his jaw clench. Jugger had relaxed his hold just enough so that only Gohan could feel his true strength through contact. Jugger had not lied. Gohan could feel his power, and knew it to be several magnitudes higher than when they had fought. It didn't make any sense.
"And Krillin is number two!"
Gohan pulled away from Jugger and grabbed Krillin as he walked past, "You have to forfeit."
"What? Have you completely flipped your lid Gohan?" Krillin brushed off the teenager's arms, "I mean, can't you sense him at all? This will be a piece of cake for even me."
Gohan grabbed Krillin again, "If you fight him he'll put you in the hospital. You just don't understand!"
"Gohan, that's enough." Goku stepped forward, "I don't know what he said to you, but you can't just tell Krillin what to do. Let him fight, and make his own choices."
His eyes darted to the other fighters for help, but everyone seemed to side with Goku's words. Gohan never felt so angry at them in his life. He tried to tell Krillin something important, but had been ignored. Jugger stood off to the side, enjoying the show Gohan provided. He suddenly felt very different about being on Earth. It had paid off already.
"Excuse me, Great Saiyaman, you're up."
Gohan took his mind off of Jugger for the moment and took his ball. Number seven.
The announcer started going through the line one by one. Decent matches were set up, with most of the weaker fighters being teamed up with each other, much to the Z fighters' delight. Videl had been teamed up with Spokovitch. Gohan noted that he had been sticking close with Jugger the whole time. His father's fight was to take place in the sixth match. Gohan wondered who he would fight.
No one had to wait long to find out. Vegeta stepped forward with an air of boredom as he drew his lot. The prince's mood changed faster than one could blink. He turned about and held up his ball with great satisfaction.
The announcer didn't quite understand the significance of the event, "Um . . . so you're number twelve?"
Anyone who knew Goku and Vegeta let out a collective outcry. Krillin turned to Gohan with wide eyes, "And you think my match up is bad?"
"No . . . not those two in a ring!" Piccolo did his best not to visualize the rampant destruction that would ensue from their match. It would overshadow his match with Goku all those years ago the last time they had competed in the World Tournament.
Jugger noted the expressions on the faces of his enemies. The two fighters who stood measuring one another would have to contain great power if they're ensuing fight was so feared. That truly didn't matter to him. Jugger couldn't help but turn his gaze to the costumed Saiyan. They had called him the Great Saiyaman, a ridiculous name for sure, but Jugger suspected that was not his true name. Saiyaman obviously had been derived from Saiyan, a sort of tribute to his race. Jugger so wished to know the Saiyan's true name.
The announcer watched the final position be filled, making the bracket complete. He began to count down the matches, "All right everybody, its official. Round one will be Krillin versus Jugger. Round two will be Piccolo versus Shin. Round three is Videl versus Spokovitch. Round four has the Great Saiyaman against Kabito. Round five will be Jule versus Hercule. Round six is Goku versus Vegeta. Round seven will be Eighteen versus Killa. And finally, round eight will have Pentar versus Mighty Mask."
He motioned for the fighters to follow him to an arch. He stopped just before it and addressed the group one last time, "This leads to the waiting room just before the stadium floor. I will not give you the rules. You are the loser if you give up, if I count to ten, if you fall outside the ring, or, unfortunately, you kill your opponent."
Everyone began to file inside, except for Gohan. He trailed, lost in his own thoughts. Jugger didn't even have a tenth of what I just felt four years ago. If he were a Saiyan I'd accept such an increase, but he isn't. How . . . how the hell did that happen? Where did he get all that power?
Gohan knew Jugger to be evil. He only hoped if pitted against the tyrant, Gohan could defeat him.