Previously in Apex AZ:

While the others were mourning over Tenchi's death, Washu found the Dragon Radar and collected the final DragonBall. She gathered everyone and summoned Shenron, the dragon guardian and wish-granter. They used the three wished they were allowed to restore Tenchi back to normal. After defeating the ego of Locutus, Tenchi performed his duties of creating the Universe and everything else. Once back, Aki told him of a fighting tournament that was going to be held in a few weeks. Tenchi was interested, as was Sasami and Ryoko. There seems to be some kind of tournament in any story if it goes on long enough, and this is no exception. I'll bet the ending is predictable as well.

Apex AZ, Part VIII – Tournament Trials

The next morning, Tenchi brought Ryoko and Sasami to the MAGI building. The Masaki Academy for Gifted Individuals was located in a fairly nice place, several miles from a small seaside town in the tropical zone of the planet Kormanet. Aki had chosen this to be the planet he built his school on, not least because of Sasami's recommendations, but also because it was on the edge of a secluded area in the Jurai galaxy. That meant few people aside from tourists and holidaymakers came there. As Sasami had said, just after meeting Aki, Kormanet did indeed have many pleasant beaches, and the MAGI was located about half a mile from a private beach, where both training and relaxing would take place. It was to this beach that Tenchi and the students of MAGI, as well as Aki, Ryoko and Sasami, proceeded to, just after he had arrived on the planet.

Some of the students were messing around on the walk, the young ones mainly, throwing small energy balls at each other and flying about all over the place. No harm was done, as Aki had taught them all the vital importance of knowing how to safely use their powers. Tenchi would readily admit that Aki was a very good teacher.

"Not as good as me, though," Tenchi smiled at the professor as they walked. Some of the other students were walking near the brothers, the princess and the demigoddess, hoping against what Tenchi had told them earlier that they would hear some special tips and pointers. The rest of the students, except those flying around, of course, were making their own pace to the beach, talking amongst themselves.

"What do you mean, better than me?" Aki asked, giving Tenchi a playful shove. "I don't see you teaching."

"You'll see me doing that soon enough," Tenchi replied. "Besides, have you forgotten that you're talking to the suppository of all knowledge here? Mr Encyclopaedia Infinite?"

"So, Mr Cyclo, that doesn't mean you know more about teaching," Aki said.

"Tenchi does know a lot about teaching," Sasami said. "He taught me how to become a Super Saiyan, remember?"

"That was a fluke," Ryoko replied. "Tenchi said so. He said he wasn't trying to get you to go Super, just a normal Saiyan."

"Nothing's a fluke," Tenchi replied. "Except how the story of a man being nailed to a tree for doing something slightly different to the rest of the world two thousand years ago turned into one of the most popular religions on Earth. I tell you, more than a few people were a little shocked when I told them they were wrong. You should have seen the Pope. He looked like he was having six heart attacks at once." Tenchi laughed. "Oh, he's fine, though," he added.

"Do you mean Jesus?" Sasami asked. "I remember you told me about him, when I asked you about Earthling religions."

"Yes, Jesus," Tenchi nodded. "In fact, I popped over to see him as I was coming back from doing my work. He was a good guy, and could have become a Saiyan. He was very good at some energy techniques, notably flying and matter manipulation. Unfortunately he really believed he was the son of God. Can you believe the nerve?"

"So he was just a powerful guy, then?" Ryoko asked.

"Sure. Well, kinda, anyway. His only problems were that no-one told him about the Saiyan or trained him, and his superiority complex. He could have done a lot better if he didn't think that."

"But why did he think that in the first place?" Sasami asked. She was fascinated in everything she could find. She was a very curious girl.

"Some drunk idiots came up to him just after he was born, dressed in their best clothes, and told his parents that he was the son of God," Tenchi said. "They got twisted in the stories into the three wise men. Oh, and those shepherds were just looking for a place to sleep for the night. They totally fell for the story. Well, if you think about the state of the world at that time, it's no wonder they were all looking for a higher purpose."

"It's funny how much a story can change a world, isn't it?" Aki asked. "If it's long enough ago, people start turning stories into rumours, then fables, then legend. Hey, do you think..."

"No, I don't think the Neo Chronicles came around like that," Tenchi interrupted. "In fact, I know they didn't. But here we are."

And they were. Their conversation had taken them all the way to the beach. It stretched on for miles either side, all private property. The sand was very fine, nearly dust, and the clear sea lapped up on the fringe of the beach soothingly. In fact, it was most people's view of an ideal beach.

"Nice place you've got here," Tenchi told Aki. Aki nodded. "Shall we start?"

--------------------

Tenchi had organised everyone into groups of two or three, ensuring Aki, Sasami and Ryoko were in separate ones. Each of the groups was sparring or meditating, whichever they felt like. Tenchi was walking around, helping and offering advice to each group in turn.

"Let's see your best moves," Tenchi said to one group of two. Saifer was in the group, along with a young woman with waist-length yellow-orange hair and blue eyes with green dashes. Her name was Tarinia. "Come on. Attack me at once, with all your power. Don't be afraid."

Saifer grinned and powered up to a Saiyan. Tarinia was a bit more hesitant, but she still powered up. She too became a Saiyan, her hair reaching out a fair distance. Saifer made the first move. He darted forwards and swung a leg round at Tenchi. Tenchi just stood there as the leg passed straight through his chest. Saifer, caught off guard, spun towards Tenchi and barged into him. Tenchi staggered back, and pushed him away.

"Come on," Tenchi said. "I know you're stronger than that. Unless you really can't raise your power any more."

Saifer grinned again, and looked over as Tarinia. She nodded, and the two charged at the same time, their fists becoming blurs in the hot air. Tenchi stood perfectly still, moving his arms to clash with the fists. He didn't look like he was using much effort. He wasn't even a Saiyan.

Tarinia hopped back, gasping for breath slightly, watching Saifer's continuing bombardment. Saifer's arms were little more than a blur, as his fists hit Tenchi's defending hands ten times a second. Tarinia looked at Tenchi. Tenchi was perfectly calm, looking as if he wasn't paying much attention to the fight. In fact, he looked a little bored.

"Saifer, try kicking," Tenchi suggested. "Maybe move around a bit more. It's not the number of punches you give, it's where you give them."

Saifer moved, spinning round Tenchi quickly. The gust of wind produced by the movement was blowing sand around a bit. The odd punch or kick came from the blur surrounding Tenchi, all of which Tenchi promptly blocked. He looked over at Tarinia and winked. He then darted forward and thrust a single punch into the gust. Saifer immediately flew back, his stomach the target of the fist, and rolled to a stop about twenty metres away. Tenchi and Tarinia flew over to him.

"I've noticed you haven't been hiding your energy that much," Tenchi said, helping Saifer up. "Is that because you can't do so properly, or can you just not be bothered?"

"Well..." Saifer began.

"Right then," Tenchi said. "Think about this for a second. When you come up against an enemy you're going to fight, odds are that they can read your energy level. Instead of being intimidated by it, they're going to match it, not expecting you to be able to mask it, at least not much. That's going to be a problem when they power up higher than you, and you suddenly find you can't go higher than them. It's always better to keep your power level low, at most 150, so that you'll have more room to expand. It just might give you the edge you need in a fight."

"Thanks," Saifer replied. "I'll take that on board."

"Tarinia's not too bad," Tenchi continued, turning to the woman. "You backed out shortly after you started, even though I could tell you could go on for longer. You realised what was going on, didn't you?"

Tarinia just looked embarrassed and at the ground.

"Don't be modest," Tenchi said. "It shows you're thinking. You just let Saifer here get beaten up, so you could scope my technique and power. You also hid your energy better. If I didn't know better, I wouldn't have picked you out of a crowd for strength. You'd do well to learn from her, Saifer. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

Tenchi walked over to Aki's group. The two students, Karmen and Auria, were sparring with each other, while Aki looked on and offered pointers.

"My, you're busy, ne?" Tenchi asked.

"Hi, Tenchi," Aki replied. "I'm just helping these two. I don't think I need the training as much as they do."

Auria and Karmen broke off fighting to listen to the brothers. Auria had light blue hair and eyes, and had no apparent muscles on him. Karmen, however, had dark green hair and red eyes. He had some muscles, but none too big.

"What makes you think you don't need the exercise?" Tenchi asked. "What if I turn evil and start attacking you? What will you do?"

"I'd lose," Aki replied. "I'm no match for you, and we both know it."

"But what about something else? Something just as strong as you, and for some reason I'm away, so I can't fight. If you're out of training, you'd be dead, even though you could beat it."

"So why don't you and I train?" Aki suggested. "Apparently I need the exercise."

"No," Tenchi replied. "We'll save that for the tournament, if we get paired up. But I am interested in what you've taught these people, Aki. Anything about foresight at all?"

"Foresight?" Aki was puzzled. "Why should I have taught them that? Even I don't know how to do it."

"Okay, then. Sensing a short distance into the future, to compensate for slow reflexes."

"Oh. I didn't know that."

"Figures," Tenchi sighed. "I suppose I'll teach them that, then."

--------------------

It was now two weeks later. Tenchi had taught the students basic foresight. It wasn't so much a technique for them, but a reflex, something that happened automatically. Sasami already knew that, though, and trained with Tenchi or meditated. Aki learned the technique as well, as he was always looking for other ways to improve himself. He was looking forward to the tournament, and despite Tenchi's claims, he knew they would face each other in the final. He couldn't use his foresight though, as Tenchi had taught them another version of the technique, which only let the person see at most a second into the future. It was sufficient, though.

The rest of the students were progressing well, and due to Tenchi's training, were increasing their power levels fairly rapidly. They were all advancing at different rates, as the synchronisation between each mind, body and soul was different. Tenchi's, as he claimed, was perfect, which it probably was, actually.

Ryoko was struggling. Even though she did have one of Washu's gems in her wrist, and could use its powers, she couldn't become a Saiyan, and her energy was much lower than the others were. She countered this deficiency by drawing on the powers in the gem, which were seemingly limitless, but even so she was still about average with the students.

It was now the day before the tournament. Early crowds had journeyed to the host planet, and then to the nearest hotels. It was a popular event, and the big stadium that had housed the tournament since its start was filled every year. The arena below, a raised flagged square area, was about a hundred metres on either side. This was more than enough space for any normal fighter.

"Is this it?" Aki exclaimed. "It's tiny!"

Aki was not a normal fighter.

"Cheer up," Tenchi said. "At least we can fly, so we can use the airspace."

"But half of the people trying out here are Saiyans," Aki said. "They all know how to fly. It's just not big enough."

"Come on, Aki," Tenchi replied. "Even though it is a bit small, it's still big enough for some good action."

"I guess," Aki sighed. "Let's go put our names down for entry."

They flew off casually to the registration desks. Three desks, with three people manning them, stood outside the arena, taking entrants' details. Most of the people hoping to enter had already signed up, including nearly all of Aki's students.

"Hey, you guys!" someone called as they landed. "Hurry up and enter! The closing time is in a few minutes."

"We prefer the reputation of being late," Tenchi replied, walking up to the man who had shouted at them. "Hey, Akito. Just signed up?"

"Sure," Akito replied. "I wouldn't miss this chance. My teachers all said I wouldn't amount to anything, so they were really shocked at my final grades. I can just imagine the looks on their faces when they find out I'm fighting alongside the Great Tenchi Masaki!"

"I know," Tenchi replied. "It's always a claim to fame, isn't it? Still, I should sign up. I know Aki already has."

"And you didn't even turn around to see," Akito said.

"I know," Tenchi replied. "I'm a bit of a show-off, aren't I, Aki?"

"Course you are," Aki replied, walking up behind Tenchi. "Hey, Akito."

"I'll just go sign up now," Tenchi said. He walked over to the nearest registration desk, leaving master and student to talk.

"Would you like to enter for the tournament, sir?" the man behind asked.

"Sure."

"Name?"

"Tenchi Masaki."

The man looked up. He stopped breathing for a second and rocked back on his chair. "Tenchi Masaki?" he asked.

"That's right. Do you need help with the spelling?"

"No, no, of course not. Everyone knows your name."

"Right, of course. Age is nineteen. Occupation is God. Planet of origin is Earth."

"Very well." He noted it down. "Okay, sir. Your entry has been added."

A beeping sound came from a device underneath the middle desk, and stopped.

"I guess you're lucky, sir," the man said. "That means no more tournament entries can be taken. You got here just in time."

"Well, thanks," Tenchi said, before turning back to Aki and Akito. "Well, nothing left to do before tomorrow. I'll be off home for tonight. I'll see you tomorrow, then?"

"Sure thing, Tenchi," Akito said. "Excuse me. I should get back." He flew off.

"Now you want to come home with me, don't you?" Tenchi asked.

"Let's go then," Aki replied. "I'm sure you'll let me, will you?"

"Baka. Come on, then."

--------------------

They went back home, along with Ryoko and Sasami. Sasami cooked a great dinner, and afterwards they all talked. Everyone was going to come along to watch, even Nobuyuki and Yosho.

"Hey, have you heard?" Aki asked. "The previous champion is scared about all of us entering. There're rumours that he might not be in it tomorrow."

"But doesn't he have to enter?" Ayeka asked.

"Of course he does," Washu replied. "He may get wiped by one of the other entrants, but he does have to try and defend his title."

"Who knows?" Tenchi said. "Maybe he'll win."

"Tenchi, you know who he is," Aki said. "He's not a Saiyan. He only won last time because he didn't fight anyone really strong, like us. Strong Saiyans have only come around recently because of us, you know."

"Maybe someone will let him win. You know, a sympathy victory," Nobuyuki said. "He must be really brave if he's going up against Tenchi here. Even Ryoko could bite his head off, by the sound of things."

"What was that?" Ryoko asked.

"Oh, nothing," Nobuyuki laughed. "So are you all looking forward to tomorrow, then? I know I am."

"Sure we are," Sasami said. "It's a great opportunity to show everyone what we've learned."

"Not to mention getting a shot at the prize money," Ryoko said.

"What is the prize?" Ayeka asked.

"I know," Aki said. "Karmen found out and told me. It's just for first place, though. It's twenty million Jurai-coin."

Ayeka, Sasami, Mihoshi and Ryoko gasped at this. The others were a bit slow on the uptake.

"How much would that be in yen, then?" Tenchi asked.

"About two thousand billion yen," Washu said. "Quite a bit, isn't it?"

"Maybe," Tenchi said. "Well, yeah, it is, but I'm not in it for the money. I'm in it to have fun."

"To have fun?" Mihoshi asked. "But it's dangerous, especially with all these strong people in this year. Do you even know the rules?"

"Let's see," Tenchi said, trying to think of them. He was just making a show of it, as, being God, he could have recited them instantly. "You win if you knock out your opponent, if they land outside the arena or if they surrender. That's it, isn't it?"

"Precisely," Yosho said. "That means anything else goes. None of your opponents will be holding back, against any of you. Are you sure you can handle it?"

"Why not?" Tenchi replied. "We three Saiyans are the three strongest beings in this galaxy, let alone the competition. And Ryoko can use her gems, so she has goddess powers."

"Too right," Ryoko said. "It'll be a laugh."

--------------------

A laugh might not be the best way to put it, especially if you weren't a Masaki family member. Even so, every entrant was eager for the fighting the next day. Most of the competitors had restless nights that night.

It was only most because of what was going on at the Masaki house. Nothing. Absolute silence. Well, a bit of snoring could be heard from Nobuyuki's room, but apart from that, the fighters were busy dreaming their dreams, one in particular of a fluffy white cloud.

--------------------

Morning, going against the saying, not to mention the song, did not break. It was only a concept, after all, and nothing can break a concept. It's much like infinity, ideas or good British health service. They're all concepts, but cannot tangibly exist.

The occupants of various houses, hotels and guestrooms all over the galaxy were waking up. Of course, somewhere on all planets it was late afternoon, but by an amazing coincidence, the tournament stadium was in the same time zone as Japan, Earth, despite being on separate planets. Many people had already woken up early to get good ringside seats for the day, and some had even been reserving them since last night.

In the Masaki household, everyone was awake. They all ate their breakfast and were jumped to the stadium by Tenchi, even Asaka and Kamidake, who hadn't been doing anything for at least a year now, and were in danger of rooting themselves next to the front gate. They were very bored. At least the tournament should liven them up a bit, make them a little less stiff and a bit more animated.

That said, they all appeared in an empty room that overlooked the arena. Tenchi had reserved the room for his friends, the nice person that he was. Besides, the first princess of Jurai shouldn't be expected to watch from the sidelines, now, was she?

After they had said goodbye to the others, the entrants walked down to the testing area. This was where the punching machine was, that would decide which sixteen competitors would enter the actual tournament. The rest would then just join the crowd, I guess.

There were a lot of people there. There were the regulars, old favourites with the crowd, and had a reputation for putting on a good show. Then there were the new entrants, the ones that maybe had been pressured into it by a friend, or maybe one of the regulars, or they may have just decided to enter that year. Finally, there were the Saiyans. The large group of students, about twenty in all, all from the MAGI, stood separate from the rest, and were talking amongst themselves. For many of them, it was their first big event, but some had the advantage of having been in tournaments before. The Super Saiyans and Ryoko walked up to them.

"Hey, guys," Aki greeted them. "Ready for it?"

"Course they are," Ryoko said. "You've been training them for the past fortnight."

"That may be so, but there are still only sixteen places," Tenchi said. "And I'm sure Aki and Sasami won't hold back to get in. That leaves fourteen."

"What about you, Tenchi?" Saifer asked. "You're the strongest guy here. Are you saying you might not get in?"

"I'm saying we should just wait to see how we do against that thing," Tenchi said, pointing over to the punching machine. It was a heavily modified version of a normal punching machine, upgraded to withstand the blows. "Apparently it's good up to a punch of ninety million, but I wouldn't trust Aki not to break it." He turned to his brother. "Just go easy, okay? The rest of us want a hit, and you know you're in anyway."

"People, can I have your attention, please?" an official called over the entrants. "Can you all form an orderly line in front of the punching machine, please? This shouldn't take too long if you all cooperate."

--------------------

"This is boring," Mihoshi yawned. "When are they going to start?"

"The announcer said just a few seconds ago that the tournament would start in half an hour," Ayeka replied. "Can you last half an hour doing nothing?"

"Well, I'll try," Mihoshi said. "I shouldn't think it'd be too hard."

"But you've done pretty much nothing ever," Washu muttered.

A few moments passed.

"I'm going to look for some snacks," Mihoshi said. "I'll be back soon." She stood up from the bench and went out of the room.

"Now, I wonder where they keep the snacks," she wondered. "Maybe they're in here." Mihoshi opened one of the many doors along the corridor and looked inside. She spotted a drinks machine in the far corner of the room. "It's a start, I guess," Mihoshi said. She walked in.

As she crossed the room to the drinks machine, she spotted a cloth covering a bulge on a nearby table. Ever curious, Mihoshi lifted the corner of it and peeked under. "Food!" She pulled the cloth off, to reveal a large pile of nice-looking confectionary. She began to load up on biscuits, cookies, buns, chocolates and the like. She then wandered over to the drinks machine and pressed a button. A hatch opened and a drink appeared. She picked it up and started to go out.

"Hey!" came a call from behind her. "What do you think you're doing, huh? That's my food!"

Mihoshi turned round, half a bun in her mouth. She tried to speak, but the sheer amount of sugar icing on the bun turned her words into a snowstorm. She quickly ate the rest of it and washed it down with some juice. "Oh, hi there. I was just hungry, so I was looking round, and I found this food, and no-one was here, so I took some."

"Some!" the man shouted at her. He held up the silver plate the food had been on. The empty plate. "You've taken it all!"

"Have I?" Mihoshi asked. "I'm sorry. Do you want a doughnut?"

--------------------

There was a knock at the door.

"It's open," Ayeka called, turning round.

Mihoshi walked in, giggling uncertainly, followed by the man she had met earlier. "Hi, guys. I found some snacks, but they were his, apparently. I don't trust him though, because look at his face. Now that's not a trustworthy..."

"Can we help you?" Washu interrupted.

"Just don't let her out of this room," the man replied rather angrily. "I didn't become galactic champion of the tournament to have my food eaten by some blonde bimbo."

"What?" Mihoshi exclaimed. "I am not a bimbo. Ask anyone you want, they'll tell you I'm not a bimbo. Hey, you guys. What's wrong?"

The others in the room had quickly started to look everywhere but at the conversation. Some were coughing, but making it look as if they were clearing their throats.

"Well, ask Tenchi, then," Mihoshi said stubbornly. "He'll tell you I'm not a bimbo, just you see. I am a Galaxy Police Detective First Class, with all the initials that go along with it. Hey, wait, did you say you were the champion?"

"That's right," the man replied. "No autographs, though. I was trying to prepare myself for the tournament, before you came in."

"So you're the champion," Mihoshi said. "The one everyone's saying is too scared to enter, because all these stronger people are also in it, right?"

"What?" the man exclaimed. "I'm not scared! The only guy I'm worried about is that Masaki guy. That fight would be a close one."

"Is that Tenchi or Aki?" Washu asked. "Does it matter? They're both far stronger than you could ever be. Hey, even my daughter is tougher than you."

"Is that right?" the man said. "Wait, do you know that Tenchi guy?"

"Of course we do," Ayeka said. "I am his girlfriend, after all."

"We all are," Washu said.

"Except us," Nobuyuki said, waving around at the gate guardians and Yosho. It probably didn't need stating, but he did, just to clarify.

--------------------

While the others became acquainted with the champion, name of Katari, Aki was about to hit the punching machine. The rules didn't allow a Saiyan to hit the thing, so Aki powered up as much as he could without becoming one. He was still very strong.

"Aki, take it easy," Tenchi called. "Don't break anything."

Aki chuckled under his breath, before swinging his fist at the target. The machine, despite being firmly anchored down, juddered back slightly. The cushion on the target was left with a deep fist mark. The reading came up on the display attached to it. The announcer read it off.

"Eighty-seven million," his quivering voice read. "Well, I guess you're in, then."

"I'm next," Tenchi said, walking up. He and Aki slapped hands as they passed. "Way to not break it," he said.

"What was wrong with that?" Aki asked, grinning.

"You could have done fifty million or something," Tenchi said. "Then you wouldn't nearly break it."

"It's your turn now," Aki said. "You break it."

Tenchi stepped up to the machine and looked at it, waiting for the cushion to fluff back out. Once it had, he swung back and hit it. The machine didn't move, nor did his fist sink in deep. The reading came up.

"Two million, six hundred thousand, three hundred and eight," the announcer read.

"Tenchi, that's abysmal!" Aki called. "You should be ashamed of yourself."

"I'm just trying not to break it," Tenchi said, walking up to him. "Unlike some person I could mention, but I won't, since I'm looking right at him."

"But why that low?" Ryoko asked. "Even I got more than that, and I don't control my energy that well."

"Why not that low?" Tenchi asked. "I just want to let everyone else think they have a chance of beating me. And who knows? There is a chance."

"Of beating you?" Sasami asked. "Not at all. No-one could beat you, Tenchi."

"Then we'll just have to see about it later."

--------------------

The finalists had been decided, and a league table had been drawn up, with the competitors' names positioned at random. Tenchi and Aki were on opposite sides of it, so the only chance of a fight between them would be in the finals. Sasami and Aki could fight in the semi-finals, and similarly with Ryoko and Tenchi. This didn't guarantee any of these fights, though. It was just the way the table was arranged, and it all depended on if the two passed the other levels to get to the fight.

The first match was due to start in a few minutes. The sixteen competitors were in the waiting area, a large bare room, performing some last minute exercises or sizing up their competition. Tenchi, forever helpful, was giving some advice to one of the fighters on their methods.

The first match was between Minako, another MAGI student, and Saifer. Saifer had achieved a machine score of 3.2 million, while Minako was one of the weaker finalists. The fight was soon over, with Saifer claiming victory.

Next was Tenchi's match with a Daimarian called Qeltor. Qeltor was one of the stronger fighters, according to the punching machine. Since he wasn't human, he couldn't be a Saiyan, but he was strong enough anyway.

The two stepped into the arena to the roars of the crowd.

"Excuse me," Qeltor said to Tenchi, his voice barely carrying. "Would it be wise for me to surrender now, instead of being destroyed by you?"

"What?" Tenchi replied. "I'm not going to destroy you. In fact, I have a sort of pact with myself. I'm not going to raise my power higher than my opponent, so there is a real possibility that you could win. Do you still want to quit?"

"Do you mean it?" Qeltor asked.

"Of course I do," Tenchi said. "I always keep my promise."

They reached their positions and stopped, turning to face each other. They awaited the signal to start. A gong sounded. The fight had started.

--------------------

Qeltor powered up, his light blue skin becoming darker. It was the Daimarian fighting mode, much like the Saiyan was for humans. The colour change stopped and Qeltor snapped to a fighting stance. Tenchi also crouched down, ready to fight.

"Come," Qeltor said.

"Hai," Tenchi replied. He ran forwards, swinging a fist around at his opponent. Qeltor spun around and blocked Tenchi's fist as it moved towards him from behind. The afterimage of Tenchi faded. They then started to throw punch after punch at each other, matching their opponent equally. Their fists started glowing with energy as they collided, sparks flying off as they flew through the air.

"Qeltor," Tenchi called as they fought. "Can you fly?"

"No," Qeltor replied. "I don't know how."

"I like honest people," Tenchi replied. "I'll teach you afterwards, if you like. You can certainly learn it."

"Will you? I thank you."

Tenchi smiled at him, before moving a foot forwards to behind Qeltor's leg. He placed it on the ground and continued punching. He suddenly jerked his foot back, causing Qeltor to lose his balance. Tenchi used the opportunity to deal some kicks, sending him soaring up into the air. He came falling down, but Tenchi's energy field prevented a hard impact. They fought again.

Aki was watching all this from the side, as were the other competitors. "I don't understand it," Aki said to himself. "Tenchi is immensely more powerful than this guy is. Why is he fighting so hard?" A stray energy shot flew at Aki around now. Aki deflected it without moving at all. "He should be wiping the sweat off someone else's face with Qeltor by now," Aki said.

A good kick caught Tenchi by surprise, sending him tumbling across the arena. His energy dropped drastically, and once he came to a stop, he didn't move.

Qeltor ran up to him. "Are you alright?" he asked. "I didn't mean..."

An energy wave caught him in the face as he was leaning over. Tenchi was faking it. Qeltor was sent keeling back across the ground towards the edge of the arena. He slid to a stop, his head dangling over the side. Tenchi walked up to him.

"Got ya," Tenchi smiled. "Want to go out now?"

"You're giving me a choice?" Qeltor asked, looking up.

"Sure I am," Tenchi replied. "Why not? Well?"

"I can't win this, can I?" Qeltor asked.

"Possibly against me, you could," Tenchi replied. "But as for my brother Aki, he won't hold anything back. He wouldn't kill you, obviously, but he would easily defeat you."

Qeltor stood up. Aside from a few scrapes, his blue skin looked fine. "I guess I'll leave this, then," he said, hopping back off the arena. He landed on the ground next to it, and lost.

"But why'd you quit?" Tenchi asked, crouching down to him, speaking over the announcer's voice. "You could have gone on for a lot longer."

"Because I know it's pointless fighting a battle I know I can't win," Qeltor replied. "Odds are you were going to win, and even if I did, Aki would surely have beaten me up. This way, I get to keep my blood on the inside."

"I think I get you," Tenchi replied. "But I'm not sure. Anyway, it was a good fight. Well done."

"And you. It was an honour to fight against you."

Tenchi hopped down and shook Qeltor's hand, before they both proceeded back to the waiting area. Tenchi spoke to Qeltor. "I'll find you some time, Qel, to teach you how to fly. Is that okay?"

"Sure it is," Qeltor replied. "Would you be willing to teach some friends of mine as well?"

"Course I will," Tenchi said. "You know me. I'm always willing to help out people."

They waved farewell as Qeltor proceeded to the stands to watch the rest of the fighting. Tenchi walked over to Aki, who he knew had some questions.

"So what was all that about, Ten?" Aki asked.

"You wouldn't understand," Tenchi replied. "I'm being nice. I don't mean it like that," he added hurriedly. "I'm just letting them have a real chance, that's all. Not to mention giving the audience a show."

"Well," Aki said. "I just hope you don't do that against me. I want a fight."

"If I get to the finals," Tenchi said.

--------------------

The third fight started. The two competitors weren't human, but they were strong, two of the stronger entrants of the tournament. Xandin was Samentosian, with a tall thin figure, nearly white skin and large black eyes. Although he was a good warrior, he also used strong magic abilities as well to help him overcome his opponent. His opponent was Taurit, a Tchimenian. She looked almost human, except for the long twin tails protruding from the back of her waist. Her long brown hair draped over her shoulders was wrapped in three plaits with red ribbons. Her two tails, one higher up than the other, were also wrapped in red ribbons.

As the fight went on, it was clear that Taurit was stronger, although Xandin was using his magical abilities to increase his power and suppress Taurit to a degree. The finishing blow was when Taurit rushed behind Xandin and bound his arms with her tails. She then picked him up and threw him out of the arena. Xandin, unable to stop himself, landed on the ground and tumbled to a halt, just before hitting the side rail that separated the audience from the competitors.

As those two went back to the waiting area to rest or talk to some others, the next two entrants came out and proceeded to the arena. They were Auria and Ryoko. Auria was a Saiyan, going to the MAGI, but was one of the weaker competitors there. Ryoko was a demigoddess, with some of her mother's powers in her gem. Despite that, they were fairly even in strength. It all came down to strategy.

The fight commenced. Auria's blue hair became black as he became a Saiyan, and his blue eyes also darkened. His muscles grew bigger as he gained strength.

Ryoko flew at him as he powered up, hoping to catch him off guard. The plan worked, as her punch sent Auria keeling back. Auria caught himself as he fell, and flew over to another part of the arena to continue powering up. He nearly finished when Ryoko made another attack. He defended himself and threw a small energy blast at her. Ryoko, unable to deflect it, was stunned as it hit her. No real damage was caused, but Ryoko had to pause to gather her senses for a moment. As Auria finished powering up, Ryoko disappeared, masking her body and energy signal. Auria looked around for her, unable to find her.

Ryoko reappeared behind him, ready to attack, but since that's the same strategy as everyone else, Auria was ready for it. He ducked the energy blast and swung a leg around behind him. Ryoko tripped and landed on her back, only to roll to one side as a fist came down at her. She disappeared again.

Auria backed away to the side of the arena, thinking she wouldn't attack from behind with such little space to move. He readied himself for the next bit of fighting.

Ryoko appeared, crouched on the ground next to him and a leg stuck out. She swung her leg behind him and tripped him. As Auria fell back, Ryoko swung her other leg and kicked him down. He bounced off the corner of the arena and managed to hook a leg on it, to stop him hitting the ground and losing. Since the corner had caught rather sharply with his back, he was too busy dealing with the pain to think about flying.

Ryoko walked up to the leg protruding over the side and crouched down next to it. "Bye," she said, before shoving it off. Auria fell to the ground, hitting his head on the floor below. He stumbled up, clutching at his head, and walked off to the waiting area. Ryoko followed him.

Tenchi ran out to meet Auria. "Auria, are you okay?" he asked. "That looked like a nasty bang."

"I'm fine," Auria replied. "It's just a bit sore."

"Still, I'll look at it," Tenchi said. He looked over at Ryoko. "Well done, Ryoko," he said. "Next round, then. Think you'll do well?"

"I don't know," Ryoko replied. "That Taurit does seem quite good."

"She is stronger than you, you know," Aki said. They had reached the waiting area. "She's a really good fighter, with very good techniques. Do you think you can take her?"

Tenchi put his hand to Auria's head and began to heal it. "That is true, Ryoko. It's not that I don't think you stand a chance, but she is in a different level to you. You could get seriously hurt. Do you really want to compete?"

"I'll give it a shot, I guess," Ryoko said. Her attitude had changed a lot over the years. She wasn't as arrogant as before, and more able to comprehend her own weaknesses. "I can always quit if I get into real trouble."

"Done," Tenchi said. He rested his hand on Auria's shoulder. "That was a good show you put up. I suppose you just need the extra training for next year's tournament."

"Oh, I will," Auria replied. "Thanks, Tenchi. I owe you one."

"Forget about it," Tenchi replied. "Really."

"I'll see you later, if I can find you," Auria said. "I'll just be in the audience."

"See you then," Tenchi waved.

--------------------

The next fight was between Lethena and Akito, both Saiyans from the MAGI. Lethena was about twenty-two, with short dark pink hair and light brown eyes. She was attractive in many ways, and was a high scorer at the punching machine, with a score of nearly 3 million. Akito, the man Tenchi and Aki had met when they were signing up for the tournament, was a fine muscular man, with short brown hair and nearly black eyes. He wouldn't have stood out of any Earthling crowd. He had got a punching score of around 3 million as well, so the fight would be an interesting one. In other stories, as the fighters weren't main characters, little description of the fight would be given.

Having said that, Lethena won. Akito could have been weaker than he was because he felt guilty about fighting a woman, or maybe he was attracted to her. Whatever reason, Akito walked back to the waiting area, exchanged a few words with some of the people there, and walked off to join the audience. Lethena sat down on a bench and sipped a drink, smiling inwardly at her victory.

The fight after that was between Syan and Sasami. Syan was of the same species as Taurit, so he also had two long tails, and had short brown hair. Sasami was one of the three Super Saiyans in the tournament, or indeed ever, so she had a great advantage. She had achieved a score of just over 8 million. It was obvious to everyone what the outcome would be.

And sure enough, just before the start of the fight, Syan backed down and forfeited his place. Sasami was disappointed that she didn't get to fight, and show everyone what she was capable of, but her place in the next round was assured.

The seventh fight was between Aki and a Kuan called Duroctosaminkan. Duroc, his nickname, was a large person, nearly three metres tall, with silver skin and few features on his body. It was as if someone had done a rough sketch of him, and just never filled out the details. Duroc had a score of 2.1 million, and was the weakest competitor in the tournament. Aki would, and did, defeat him easily and without any effort.

The last of the first round fights was between Tarinia and Karmen, both Saiyans from the MAGI. Tarinia was a young woman with waist-length yellow-orange hair and blue eyes with green dashes. She was the woman in Saifer's group when Tenchi was training them at the beach two weeks ago. Karmen had dark green hair and red eyes, with some muscles. He was the one in Aki's group during the training. They were both fairly strong compared to the other fighters there, but eventually Tarinia won, by wearing down her opponent and dumping him out of the arena.

There was now a free half-hour, during which the second round combatants could rest and regain their strength. The quarterfinals were going to be even tougher, as only the stronger fighters would have qualified.

--------------------

Meanwhile, in the observation room, the extended Masaki family, minus the fighters, were talking to each other about the fights they had seen.

"So who do you think is going to get into the finals?" Mihoshi asked.

"If you want my opinion, Tenchi and Aki will make it to the finals," Yosho said. "They're both much stronger than the others, but even though Tenchi appears to be holding back against his opponents, he'll still make it through."

"Which fighters are in the quarter-finals anyway?" Ayeka asked. "I can't quite remember."

Washu summoned her computer, as she often did, and brought up a screen, displaying the names of the fighters in the next round.

Saifer v. Tenchi.

Taurit v. Ryoko.

Lethena v. Sasami.

Aki v. Tarinia.

"Thank you," Ayeka replied. "Though while there is no doubt that Tenchi and Aki will go through to the semi-finals, the question is who else will go through."

"Ryoko's a tough woman," Nobuyuki said. "I know she'll win her next fight."

"Now, I don't think so," Washu replied. "Her opponent is very strong, probably more so than she is. As well as that, Taurit appears to have many strategies and techniques. With Ryoko, it's just blast and fly around. I don't think she'll make it through."

"Well, Ryoko does need to come up with some better tactics," Ayeka said. "Anyone watching her for a few minutes will know all her moves."

"What do you think, Asaka?" Kamidake asked his wooden companion. "Do you think Princess Sasami will make it through to the next round?"

"Of course she will," Asaka replied. "You've heard Lord Tenchi say that she is the third strongest person in the galaxy by far. And her opponent, Lethena, doesn't seem too remarkable."

"Even the weakest person here doesn't seem too remarkable," Kamidake said. "And yet, they are still far stronger than we are."

"What are you two talking about?" Ayeka said.

But at that moment, Tenchi, Ryoko, Sasami and Aki walked in.

"Hey, everyone," Sasami said. "What d'ya think?"

"Oh, hey, Sasami," Mihoshi replied. "You're doing very well, aren't you? You could go all the way and win."

"I don't know," Aki replied. "She'll have to face me in the semi-finals, and I'm not going to go easy on her because she's a kid."

"I'm twelve," Sasami said indignantly. "Not a kid. But I haven't been training for as long as you have, so of course you're stronger."

"I'm thirsty," Tenchi announced. "Are there any drinks around here?"

"There's a drinks machine in the next room," Mihoshi said. "But I don't think you'll be able to use it. The man in there didn't like it when I had one."

"The man didn't like it when you took all the food," Washu replied.

"He's the previous champion of this tournament, isn't he?" Ayeka asked.

"You mean Katari is next door?" Aki asked.

"You know his name, then?" said Ryoko.

"Sure I do," Aki replied. "He's a weakling, really, and he only won because he didn't face anyone good enough. Until we Saiyans came along, he actually probably was the strongest one in the tournament, but now he doesn't compare."

"So why isn't he in the tournament?" Tenchi asked. "Even if he's not strong, doesn't he get some sort of free place?"

"It's only the strongest ones that get in," Ryoko replied. "He did go for the punching machine like all of us, but he just wasn't strong enough."

"Although," Washu said, "he does have a match against the winner of the tournament. The winner of that is the new champion."

"I see," Tenchi said. "Still, he may still win, right?"

"How's that?" Mihoshi asked.

"I don't know," Tenchi said. "But he may have gotten stronger since last year."

"You mean, ninety million points stronger?" Aki said levelly. "Who else here doubts that?"

Everyone raised their hands, even Ryo-Ohki.

"We're raising our hands too," Asaka said.

"That's right," Kamidake added.

In the next episode of Apex AZ:

The rest of the fights except the final bout between the last two remaining fighters take place. As the competitors are whittled down, only the two strongest warriors remain to compete against each other. However, revealing who these two are would just be spoiling it.

All this and more in the next episode of Apex AZ: "Towards the Finals".