Chapter Three - Budokai Begins!
Goku stood with the others just inside the building by the ring. There had been no sign of Piccolo or the other unusual competitors and the tournament was just about to start. "Gohan, I want you to be careful out there... there's no telling how strong this 13 is." Goku said glancing about for any trace of the 4 missing fighters.
"Right Daddy."
In the ring the announcer had just finished the preliminary announcements. "Today we will hold the Quarter Finals of the 24th Budokai!" he declared to a round of cheers. "Today's winners will proceed onward to tomorrow's Semi-Finals. The two winners of the Semi-Finals will then face off against each other in the Finals to determine who is the strongest man on Earth!" This sparked a new round of cheers from the crowd.
"This year will be a year of firsts here at the Budokai ladies and gentlemen. I'm sure you all know the name Son Goku. As a young boy he entered the 21st Budokai and narrowly lost in the finals to Jackie Chun. In the 22nd Budokai he faced off against Tien and came within inches of victory, only to lose again. Then, in the 23rd Budokai, Goku squared off against Piccolo in the finals, finals that completely obliterated our arena, and came out the victor!
"Well, he's back again this year looking to defend his title, but he's not alone folks. Goku now has a son, the youngest competitor in the history of the Budokai, five year old Son Gohan! Like his father Gohan breezed through the qualifying rounds and I have no doubt he'll be a force to be reckoned with this year, and in coming tournaments."
The announcer took a breath and then continued. "And we have other returning competitors as well folks! When Goku first entered the tournament he didn't come alone, with him was another student of the Turtle Hermit Master Roshi, Krillin! And Krillin has returned to the ring once more to try and finally claim the title.
"Also returning is Tien, the champion of the 22nd Budokai, looking to reclaim the title. Back also is Piccolo out to settle the score with Goku and be known as the world's strongest! And we've got three new competitors this year as well. We know little about them but they walked through the qualifiers without trouble. Three people who seem to have numbers for names, 13, 14, and 15!
"So, without any further ado let's get ready to rumble!" he turned toward the waiting area. "Would 13 and Gohan please report to the ring, your match is beginning!" Gohan walked out to the ring and looked around at all the people. Then he turned to see who he was going to fight, but, no one was there. "Umm, 13, you have five minutes to report to the ring or you forfeit the match!"
"I'm here." said a voice from the air. Gohan and the others all looked up to see a man in baggy pants, a vest, and a ball cap floating down to the ring. After a moment his feet touched down with a soft click.
"Umm, alright, let the match begin!" the announcer cried.
Gohan shifted into the fighting position Goku had taught him and looked across the ring at 13. The man hadn't moved but his eyes seemed to be... flashing? Gohan may have only been five but he knew that wasn't normal. He waited a moment longer but 13 still didn't move so he ran across the ring at full speed. Reaching the man he jumped up and landed a spinning kick to his stomach.
13 was knocked backward, his feet sliding along the ring floor as he moved. After a moment he regained control of his movement and looked at Gohan a bit shocked. "Now where did that power come from..." he said softly, computing Gohan's strength again. "Well, you're strong kid, but you're still no match for lucky 13."
13's feet shifted on the ring floor, his left foot pushed down cracking the floor beneath him as he pushed off. He flew across the ring at Gohan and spun, lancing out with a kick toward Gohan's head. The young boy used his short height to his advantage and managed to duck the kick. He came back up to punch him but 13 leapt into the air and floated above the ring.
"Hey!" Gohan called up. "I can't fly!" 13 just shrugged as he frowned down at him. He'd not expected this much of a fight from anyone. Not even Goku. Gohan stared up at him for a moment before shifting positions. "Alright then, if you wont come down to me... Kame... Kame.... Haaaaaaaaaaa!" Goku grinned as Gohan goofed the attack name but still managed to fire a small stream of blue energy.
13's eyes widened as the attack neared, he'd not expected a kid to be capable of energy attacks! He drifted to the right just dodging the attack and then dove toward Gohan at high speed. The young boy was unable to move or block as 13's fist smacked into his face knocking him sailing backwards. Unable to fly he couldn't catch himself before falling out of the ring.
"Oh, and that's it!" the announcer called. "Gohan is out of the ring, 13 advances! Alright, our next match is Goku vs. 15! Would our competitors please report to the ring!"
Goku walked out as a sullen Gohan joined up with the others again. As he neared the ring he saw the short and purple 15 float down from off the roof and land in the ring. /These guys are too bizarre. They can fly but I can't sense any energy from them. Who are they?/
"Well, hello there Goku." 15 said tilting his head up, the sun reflecting off his glasses. "I've been waiting a long time to meet you. You could say... it's the entire reason I exist."
Goku slid into a fighting position as the announcer began the match. 15 lifted into the air and flew straight at him. Upon reaching him he began to throw punches and kicks at high speeds but Goku easily dodged them all. "Hey, you're pretty good." Goku said grinning. "If you'd have been here at the last tournament you may have actually had a chance...." Goku flipped around a punch and then kicked out smashing his foot into 15's back.
The short man stumbled forward a bit but stopped and turned to look at Goku. Suddenly he shot in again at him, towards his face. He pulled back a short arm to punch him but Goku's fist reached his face first shattering his glasses. When 15 looked up again Goku's eyes went wide and he took a step back. 15 didn't have eyes in the normal sense. Instead Goku was looking at a pair of metallic gray spheres that appeared to be cameras. "What... are you?" Goku asked.
15 grinned. "I am Android Unit 15 of the Red Ribbon Army. I was created by Dr. Gero to destroy you and take over the Earth."
"Dr. Gero?" Goku asked. He wasn't the only one listening intently to 15. Piccolo, the other Z fighters, and in fact, the entire audience was listening. They all knew of the Red Ribbon Army and it's sudden collapse, as well as the rumors that a single child had taken it out.
"Yes, Dr. Gero. He was the scientific mastermind of the Red Ribbon Army. The Army funded his research into genetics and cybernetics and in return he created technology for them. The Dragon Radar that they used, several of their vehicles, and the Androids."
"Sergeant Metallic and Eighter!" Goku cried in understanding.
"Indeed." Replied 15. "But then you came along, a single child, and you began to defeat the Red Ribbon Army. Your exploits began to drain Gero's funding. And then came your assault on Muscle Tower. You destroyed Sergeant Metallic and managed to subvert Android 8. So Commander Red ordered Gero to build new units, more powerful units, and gave him the funds to do so." 15 shook his head. "But when the Red Ribbon Army collapsed after your assault on their HQ the bank accounts closed and the funding dried up. Stuck in the middle of a project and with no money Dr. Gero was ruined."
15 smirked. "He blames you for the hell of that year and wants nothing more than to see you dead. Taking over the world is just a nice bonus."
"But... if he was out of funding how'd he build you?"
"A new source of income." 15 said still smirking. "I believe you know Mercenary Tao." Goku's eyes widened as he remembered Mercenary Tao's cybernetic appearance at the last Budokai. "Yes indeed." 15 continued. "When you kicked that grenade back into Tao's face you nearly killed him. But he survived and found his way to Dr. Gero. He gave the good doctor all the money he had, well over two billion Zeni, to fix him. That money was used to build 13, 14, and myself. Dr. Gero has other backup plans but he trusts we can get the job done."
"Well, I hate to disappoint him, but you're no match for me." Goku said with a grin. "And from what I saw of 13 fighting Gohan, he's not all that strong either."
15 laughed. "Your son is strong, my scanners indicate a power reading of 75, very impressive. You clock in at 67, which means your son is stronger than you, and he couldn't defeat 13. Though I shall concede my match. My power is only 50, not a match for you." 15 floated up into the air and away from the ring where he landed in the grass long enough for a ring out to be declared and then floated back up to the roof of the building with the other two Androids. Goku just watched after him for a moment and then left the ring not sure what to think.
"Umm... yes, well, our next match is between Piccolo and Tien, would you please enter the ring now!"
Tien nodded to the others as he walked out to the arena. As he was climbing up into it, Piccolo's feet clicked as he landed, cape billowing out behind him. "I'd give up now if I was you Human." he said. Tien merely grinned and slipped into a fighting stance. Piccolo stood his ground as the announcer began the match.
Up on the roof of the building 15 took a drink from his flask as number's danced across his glasses. "Tien has a reading of 61. Piccolo a reading of 64. They are close but the green man has the clear advantage I think."
"I expected more challenge from these Humans." 14 said looking at the crowds of people. "It's almost a waste of time."
Back down in the ring Tien had launched in at Piccolo. The three eyed man was throwing punches and kicks at thunderous speeds but Piccolo was dodging them all, though with some difficulty. Suddenly Tien connected with a kick that knocked Piccolo toward the arena walls. But he managed to pull himself to a stop only inches from hitting it and turned to face Tien again. "Impressive Human, but you still don't know what you are up against."
Tien floated up into the air and glared at him and then quickly pointed an arm and finger toward him. "Dodon Ray!" he cried. The golden stream of energy tore free of his finger and surged toward the ring and Piccolo. The green man lept into the air and the energy missed him but tore a hole in his cape. He floated above the ring now but still several feet below where Tien was.
Pulling back both arms he charged orange purple energy around his palms quickly and then began to fire off energy blasts in rapid fire succession. Tien weaved in and out and around them as they flew up toward him. After several moment Piccolo stopped his attack, his arms still outstretched, and grinned. No longer trying to dodge the attacks Tien finally noticed he was surrounded by the energy. "What!"
Piccolo brought his hands together and the energy blasts surged in at Tien who balled himself up in defense. There was a thunderous explosion and bright flash of light. When the dust cleared it revealed a panting Tien, his clothes partly torn. The tri-clops shot down at Piccolo and swung a fist for his head but the green man dodged... in both directions... Tien looked to his right and left and he was surrounded by four Piccolos.
At first he thought three of them were illusions but his head was suddenly sandwhiched in between four fists. Tien drifted down toward the ground for a moment but then righted himself and looked up at the four smirking Piccolos. "Copying me are we Piccolo?" he asked. The green man just shrugged. Tien crossed his arms across his body as he began to glow. A moment later four Tiens floated above the ring as well.
"Hmm. Interesting technique." 13 said.
"Not that good." replied 15. "Their ratings are minimal now. 16 for the green men and 15 for the tri-clopses."
There was a flash of green as the four Piccolos surged down at the four Tiens and they began to exchange blows in a massive brawl. A loud crack as a fist smashed into a jaw sent and a Piccolo reeling backwards. He brought his hands above his head and crossed his palms, orange puprle energy gathering quickly. A moment later he launched it. "Masenko Ha!" he cried firing the energy blast. The three other Piccolos dodged quickly out of the way and the attack hit the Tiens head on.
They fell and hit the ring landing on their feet before looking back up at Piccolo. The four green men floated down and landed between the Tiens. "Give up yet?" they asked together.
The Tiens smirked as they stood and placed their hands in front of their chests in triangle shapes. "Tri-beam!" they shouted in unison. There was a brilliant flash of gold and then a massive explosion in the center of the ring. Panting the four Tiens merged back into one and looked around for Piccolo. The other found him first as his foot smashed into the back of his neck and sent him sprawling to the ring floor.
"Ah..." the announcer said looking around and then at the fallen Tien. "Um, well, I missed what happened but Tien is down so... 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9... 10! Piccolo is the winner and advances!" He watched as Piccolo floated back over to his part of the roof and sat down again. "Um, okay, would 14 and Krillin please report to the ring!" he called as two monks carried Tien back into the competitors area.
"Be carefull Krillin." Goku said.
"Right." the short man said walking out and entering the ring.
By the time he was there, so was the towering grey form of 14. "You should surrender now." 14 said watching him. "My power is 65, yours is only 56, you stand no chance against me."
"We'll just have to see about that." Krillin said taking a fighting stance as the match began. With a cry he ran across part of the ring, and then lept and flew at 14 head on. The large man's eyes flashed and Krillin was flung backward into the arena wall before slumping down to the ground dazed.
"Er... well, 14 wins by ring out and advances..." the announcer said in shock.
Goku stood with the others just inside the building by the ring. There had been no sign of Piccolo or the other unusual competitors and the tournament was just about to start. "Gohan, I want you to be careful out there... there's no telling how strong this 13 is." Goku said glancing about for any trace of the 4 missing fighters.
"Right Daddy."
In the ring the announcer had just finished the preliminary announcements. "Today we will hold the Quarter Finals of the 24th Budokai!" he declared to a round of cheers. "Today's winners will proceed onward to tomorrow's Semi-Finals. The two winners of the Semi-Finals will then face off against each other in the Finals to determine who is the strongest man on Earth!" This sparked a new round of cheers from the crowd.
"This year will be a year of firsts here at the Budokai ladies and gentlemen. I'm sure you all know the name Son Goku. As a young boy he entered the 21st Budokai and narrowly lost in the finals to Jackie Chun. In the 22nd Budokai he faced off against Tien and came within inches of victory, only to lose again. Then, in the 23rd Budokai, Goku squared off against Piccolo in the finals, finals that completely obliterated our arena, and came out the victor!
"Well, he's back again this year looking to defend his title, but he's not alone folks. Goku now has a son, the youngest competitor in the history of the Budokai, five year old Son Gohan! Like his father Gohan breezed through the qualifying rounds and I have no doubt he'll be a force to be reckoned with this year, and in coming tournaments."
The announcer took a breath and then continued. "And we have other returning competitors as well folks! When Goku first entered the tournament he didn't come alone, with him was another student of the Turtle Hermit Master Roshi, Krillin! And Krillin has returned to the ring once more to try and finally claim the title.
"Also returning is Tien, the champion of the 22nd Budokai, looking to reclaim the title. Back also is Piccolo out to settle the score with Goku and be known as the world's strongest! And we've got three new competitors this year as well. We know little about them but they walked through the qualifiers without trouble. Three people who seem to have numbers for names, 13, 14, and 15!
"So, without any further ado let's get ready to rumble!" he turned toward the waiting area. "Would 13 and Gohan please report to the ring, your match is beginning!" Gohan walked out to the ring and looked around at all the people. Then he turned to see who he was going to fight, but, no one was there. "Umm, 13, you have five minutes to report to the ring or you forfeit the match!"
"I'm here." said a voice from the air. Gohan and the others all looked up to see a man in baggy pants, a vest, and a ball cap floating down to the ring. After a moment his feet touched down with a soft click.
"Umm, alright, let the match begin!" the announcer cried.
Gohan shifted into the fighting position Goku had taught him and looked across the ring at 13. The man hadn't moved but his eyes seemed to be... flashing? Gohan may have only been five but he knew that wasn't normal. He waited a moment longer but 13 still didn't move so he ran across the ring at full speed. Reaching the man he jumped up and landed a spinning kick to his stomach.
13 was knocked backward, his feet sliding along the ring floor as he moved. After a moment he regained control of his movement and looked at Gohan a bit shocked. "Now where did that power come from..." he said softly, computing Gohan's strength again. "Well, you're strong kid, but you're still no match for lucky 13."
13's feet shifted on the ring floor, his left foot pushed down cracking the floor beneath him as he pushed off. He flew across the ring at Gohan and spun, lancing out with a kick toward Gohan's head. The young boy used his short height to his advantage and managed to duck the kick. He came back up to punch him but 13 leapt into the air and floated above the ring.
"Hey!" Gohan called up. "I can't fly!" 13 just shrugged as he frowned down at him. He'd not expected this much of a fight from anyone. Not even Goku. Gohan stared up at him for a moment before shifting positions. "Alright then, if you wont come down to me... Kame... Kame.... Haaaaaaaaaaa!" Goku grinned as Gohan goofed the attack name but still managed to fire a small stream of blue energy.
13's eyes widened as the attack neared, he'd not expected a kid to be capable of energy attacks! He drifted to the right just dodging the attack and then dove toward Gohan at high speed. The young boy was unable to move or block as 13's fist smacked into his face knocking him sailing backwards. Unable to fly he couldn't catch himself before falling out of the ring.
"Oh, and that's it!" the announcer called. "Gohan is out of the ring, 13 advances! Alright, our next match is Goku vs. 15! Would our competitors please report to the ring!"
Goku walked out as a sullen Gohan joined up with the others again. As he neared the ring he saw the short and purple 15 float down from off the roof and land in the ring. /These guys are too bizarre. They can fly but I can't sense any energy from them. Who are they?/
"Well, hello there Goku." 15 said tilting his head up, the sun reflecting off his glasses. "I've been waiting a long time to meet you. You could say... it's the entire reason I exist."
Goku slid into a fighting position as the announcer began the match. 15 lifted into the air and flew straight at him. Upon reaching him he began to throw punches and kicks at high speeds but Goku easily dodged them all. "Hey, you're pretty good." Goku said grinning. "If you'd have been here at the last tournament you may have actually had a chance...." Goku flipped around a punch and then kicked out smashing his foot into 15's back.
The short man stumbled forward a bit but stopped and turned to look at Goku. Suddenly he shot in again at him, towards his face. He pulled back a short arm to punch him but Goku's fist reached his face first shattering his glasses. When 15 looked up again Goku's eyes went wide and he took a step back. 15 didn't have eyes in the normal sense. Instead Goku was looking at a pair of metallic gray spheres that appeared to be cameras. "What... are you?" Goku asked.
15 grinned. "I am Android Unit 15 of the Red Ribbon Army. I was created by Dr. Gero to destroy you and take over the Earth."
"Dr. Gero?" Goku asked. He wasn't the only one listening intently to 15. Piccolo, the other Z fighters, and in fact, the entire audience was listening. They all knew of the Red Ribbon Army and it's sudden collapse, as well as the rumors that a single child had taken it out.
"Yes, Dr. Gero. He was the scientific mastermind of the Red Ribbon Army. The Army funded his research into genetics and cybernetics and in return he created technology for them. The Dragon Radar that they used, several of their vehicles, and the Androids."
"Sergeant Metallic and Eighter!" Goku cried in understanding.
"Indeed." Replied 15. "But then you came along, a single child, and you began to defeat the Red Ribbon Army. Your exploits began to drain Gero's funding. And then came your assault on Muscle Tower. You destroyed Sergeant Metallic and managed to subvert Android 8. So Commander Red ordered Gero to build new units, more powerful units, and gave him the funds to do so." 15 shook his head. "But when the Red Ribbon Army collapsed after your assault on their HQ the bank accounts closed and the funding dried up. Stuck in the middle of a project and with no money Dr. Gero was ruined."
15 smirked. "He blames you for the hell of that year and wants nothing more than to see you dead. Taking over the world is just a nice bonus."
"But... if he was out of funding how'd he build you?"
"A new source of income." 15 said still smirking. "I believe you know Mercenary Tao." Goku's eyes widened as he remembered Mercenary Tao's cybernetic appearance at the last Budokai. "Yes indeed." 15 continued. "When you kicked that grenade back into Tao's face you nearly killed him. But he survived and found his way to Dr. Gero. He gave the good doctor all the money he had, well over two billion Zeni, to fix him. That money was used to build 13, 14, and myself. Dr. Gero has other backup plans but he trusts we can get the job done."
"Well, I hate to disappoint him, but you're no match for me." Goku said with a grin. "And from what I saw of 13 fighting Gohan, he's not all that strong either."
15 laughed. "Your son is strong, my scanners indicate a power reading of 75, very impressive. You clock in at 67, which means your son is stronger than you, and he couldn't defeat 13. Though I shall concede my match. My power is only 50, not a match for you." 15 floated up into the air and away from the ring where he landed in the grass long enough for a ring out to be declared and then floated back up to the roof of the building with the other two Androids. Goku just watched after him for a moment and then left the ring not sure what to think.
"Umm... yes, well, our next match is between Piccolo and Tien, would you please enter the ring now!"
Tien nodded to the others as he walked out to the arena. As he was climbing up into it, Piccolo's feet clicked as he landed, cape billowing out behind him. "I'd give up now if I was you Human." he said. Tien merely grinned and slipped into a fighting stance. Piccolo stood his ground as the announcer began the match.
Up on the roof of the building 15 took a drink from his flask as number's danced across his glasses. "Tien has a reading of 61. Piccolo a reading of 64. They are close but the green man has the clear advantage I think."
"I expected more challenge from these Humans." 14 said looking at the crowds of people. "It's almost a waste of time."
Back down in the ring Tien had launched in at Piccolo. The three eyed man was throwing punches and kicks at thunderous speeds but Piccolo was dodging them all, though with some difficulty. Suddenly Tien connected with a kick that knocked Piccolo toward the arena walls. But he managed to pull himself to a stop only inches from hitting it and turned to face Tien again. "Impressive Human, but you still don't know what you are up against."
Tien floated up into the air and glared at him and then quickly pointed an arm and finger toward him. "Dodon Ray!" he cried. The golden stream of energy tore free of his finger and surged toward the ring and Piccolo. The green man lept into the air and the energy missed him but tore a hole in his cape. He floated above the ring now but still several feet below where Tien was.
Pulling back both arms he charged orange purple energy around his palms quickly and then began to fire off energy blasts in rapid fire succession. Tien weaved in and out and around them as they flew up toward him. After several moment Piccolo stopped his attack, his arms still outstretched, and grinned. No longer trying to dodge the attacks Tien finally noticed he was surrounded by the energy. "What!"
Piccolo brought his hands together and the energy blasts surged in at Tien who balled himself up in defense. There was a thunderous explosion and bright flash of light. When the dust cleared it revealed a panting Tien, his clothes partly torn. The tri-clops shot down at Piccolo and swung a fist for his head but the green man dodged... in both directions... Tien looked to his right and left and he was surrounded by four Piccolos.
At first he thought three of them were illusions but his head was suddenly sandwhiched in between four fists. Tien drifted down toward the ground for a moment but then righted himself and looked up at the four smirking Piccolos. "Copying me are we Piccolo?" he asked. The green man just shrugged. Tien crossed his arms across his body as he began to glow. A moment later four Tiens floated above the ring as well.
"Hmm. Interesting technique." 13 said.
"Not that good." replied 15. "Their ratings are minimal now. 16 for the green men and 15 for the tri-clopses."
There was a flash of green as the four Piccolos surged down at the four Tiens and they began to exchange blows in a massive brawl. A loud crack as a fist smashed into a jaw sent and a Piccolo reeling backwards. He brought his hands above his head and crossed his palms, orange puprle energy gathering quickly. A moment later he launched it. "Masenko Ha!" he cried firing the energy blast. The three other Piccolos dodged quickly out of the way and the attack hit the Tiens head on.
They fell and hit the ring landing on their feet before looking back up at Piccolo. The four green men floated down and landed between the Tiens. "Give up yet?" they asked together.
The Tiens smirked as they stood and placed their hands in front of their chests in triangle shapes. "Tri-beam!" they shouted in unison. There was a brilliant flash of gold and then a massive explosion in the center of the ring. Panting the four Tiens merged back into one and looked around for Piccolo. The other found him first as his foot smashed into the back of his neck and sent him sprawling to the ring floor.
"Ah..." the announcer said looking around and then at the fallen Tien. "Um, well, I missed what happened but Tien is down so... 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9... 10! Piccolo is the winner and advances!" He watched as Piccolo floated back over to his part of the roof and sat down again. "Um, okay, would 14 and Krillin please report to the ring!" he called as two monks carried Tien back into the competitors area.
"Be carefull Krillin." Goku said.
"Right." the short man said walking out and entering the ring.
By the time he was there, so was the towering grey form of 14. "You should surrender now." 14 said watching him. "My power is 65, yours is only 56, you stand no chance against me."
"We'll just have to see about that." Krillin said taking a fighting stance as the match began. With a cry he ran across part of the ring, and then lept and flew at 14 head on. The large man's eyes flashed and Krillin was flung backward into the arena wall before slumping down to the ground dazed.
"Er... well, 14 wins by ring out and advances..." the announcer said in shock.