Disclaimer: I don't own DragonBallZ.
Thank you so much to everyone who has read the past chapters! And an even bigger thanks to you people who have been keeping me motivated with your great reviews! You're all just magnificent! So thank you to animeprincess1452, Western Master 3, Trugeta, Spring Rain of Harusame, and Katana Midori-Fading Shadow!
To animeprincess1452: Thank you so much for that great compliment! And yes, they're each going to fight, so it will be an interesting time!
To Western Master 3: Um, well, I'm not sure I know what it is you're confused about myself...Uh, if you let me know specifically, I'll be more than happy to explain it! Anyway, thank you for reviewing, I really do appreciate it!
To Trugeta: #chanting along# K-I-S-S-I-N-G! Oh, sorry...Anyway, thank you! You make me feel as if all of my hard work is rewarded, and it is, at that! And well, with just about everything that Chain's gone through, you can only imagine how mad she is at me...
To Spring Rain of Harusame: Thank you! And oh, yeah, the conflict is sure to ensue. Depend on that.
To Katana Midori-Fading Shadow: Thank you! And well, I wasn't planning on having them face each other in the preliminaries...because I wanted them all to make it to the finals. Sugar is a good thing! It gives you energy! Now it's only a question as to how much!
Now then...
Bulma, Chi-Chi, and Videl were more than awed by the architecture of the stadium. It was different than the usual martial arts arenas they'd seen, which gave it a somewhat more original impression, for instead of the usual rectangular planning this arena was actually of an oval shape. It reminded Bulma of the ancient Roman Colosseum.
At both ends of the stadium were two outstanding silver computer screens, which, at the moment, were off. However, the knowledgeable scientist, who knew all about equipment, was sure that they would be put to good use in showing the fights.
As for the ring and the walls surrounding it, they were built of a peculiar but durable-looking metal. Maybe the sponsor of this tournament had unknowingly managed to make something that would stand more of a change against the Saiyans' strength, even if only a bit.
The seats that provided space for the onlookers were quite nice, too. They weren't as cramped as the usual seats at other amphitheaters.
But their seats! They were quite comfortable, providing plenty of room and a perfect overlooking view of the ring, as well as a good view of the computer screen ahead. Not to mention that there was a female attendant ready to bring them anything they asked for...
"I can't believe how great this is," Videl said.
"Yeah, you don't have treatment like this too often," Chi-Chi agreed. "This is remarkable."
"For once I'm glad I came to watch," Bulma told them, and lay back in her seat contentedly.
. . . . . .
Inside one of the rooms within the amphitheater, a small girl and her computer companion gazed excitedly out of the window at the large crowd that had gathered for the occasion.
"We've got a lot of people here, don't we, Morgan?"
"According to the data updated into my hard drive only twenty minutes ago, we have...approximately five thousand onlookers in the stadium. I would have to say that five thousand is a lot."
"I'm just anxious to see the finals," the girl grinned. "I can already tell that they're going to be spectacular."
"Undoubtedly. Both you and I went to great length to see these 'spectacular fights,' as you put it. And I'm prepared to get the battles on camera as soon as need be in order to keep clearer track of them."
"Good," she nodded, and stared down toward the doors at the side of the stadium. She smiled to herself while she waited both patiently and excitedly. 'I finally get to see what I've always dreamt of seeing...'
. . . . . .
"What is taking so long?" Chain scowled, glaring at any bystanders who dared to stare at the large bandage on her cheek. She shot them dark glances, which clearly said, 'Go bug off!'
"Don't be impatient," Vegeta told her calmly. "It can't be too long."
"I just can't believe that...well..." Trunks hesitated as Demi looked up at him.
"What?" she narrowed her dark brown eyes. "Say it."
"...that your sisters are here," he finished uncertainly, and braced himself for a harsh reply.
"What are you talking about?" she snapped. "They're your sisters, too, you know."
"Yes, dear..."
"Well, they were allowed to keep their bodies, weren't they?" Pan spoke up to her two friends. "I mean, that's got to mean something, right?"
They all (well, perhaps not Vegeta) gave the two women fleeting looks. Goku especially seemed mystified about their behavior, for they were actually...calm and quiet. They both were simply minding their own business as if they didn't care whether or not the group noticed them.
"So, they're your sisters?" Chain inquired of Demi.
She simply nodded.
'That would explain a lot, then,' Chain thought.
At last, one of the attendants of the tournament appeared in the doorway to the arena outside, and called out to the gathering of fighters. "Contestants," he said simply.
Everyone stared over in his direction, giving him his or her full and undivided attention. "Thank you," he nodded. "We would like to thank you men and women for competing this year in the tournament. Our sponsor is most exceedingly grateful to all of you, and would like to cordially bid you all good luck at the start of the preliminary rounds. I expect you all know the rules: No weapons or defensive armor permitted, and no aiming for the eyes, or hitting below the belt, and so forth. Now, be good sportsmen, and most importantly, be strong." After having finished his speech, the man bowed respectfully to them and opened the double doors, allowing them to head out to the multitude awaiting them.
"Finally," Gohan gave a small smile, and was the first to head out the wide doorway.
They stepped out with confidence, postures tall and ready.
Resounding ovation absolutely overflowed from the coliseum, and confetti, strings, and all other items were thrown out across the seats to shower the participators. Goku couldn't remember hearing applause like this before! Thousands of people had gathered at the event, and they all sounded as if they wanted to spend their entire day shouting and cheering for the great fights that were about to follow.
Goku grinned to himself as he and the others halted right at the barrier poles separating the side of the platform from the actual ring. 'I'm so excited!' he thought. 'This is going to be a great tournament. But with so many contestants, it's kind of hard to tell which of us will win.' His smile widened. 'I like the suspense.'
Where the three women were, Videl and Chi-Chi noticed Bulma suddenly smiling. "There they are," she pointed, and they saw their families lined up to the side of the platform. "Good luck, guys!" the Briefs woman called, cupping her mouth with one hand and waving with the other.
"Do well, Pan! You too, Gohan!" Videl shouted, half-standing from her seat to wave to them, as well.
"We're cheering for you!" Chi-Chi joined, clenching her fists.
Sena and Dea, remaining silent, as always, glared at several of their fellow participators, mainly humans, while King Kai stood near the building to watch the beginning rounds.
"Not bad," Chain proclaimed, hands on her waist as she surveyed the arena.
Vegeta acknowledged her statement with a nod, and gazed at the humans. They all looked the same. This would be easy, if not an absolute waste of the Royal Saiyan's time...
Got it done! Hope you enjoyed it! Let me know, and please review!