The Kakarrotto Saga

Chapter 3: A New Advantage! The search for the Dragon Balls begins again!

By claudius

Edited by Di-Gi-Em

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        I do not own any of these properties. "Tenchi Muyo" (created by Masaki Kajishima and Yosuke Kuroda) is owned by AIC. "The New Mutants" (created by Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod), Magneto (by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby), Psylocke (by Alan Moore and Alan Davis), and Luna (by John Byrne), are owned by Marvel Comics. "Dragon Ball" (by Akira Toriyama) is owned by Bird Studios.

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Dani Moonstar (Mirage)                       Amara Aquilla (Magma)

Sam Guthrie (Cannonball)                     Illyana Rasputin (Magik)

Roberto DaCosta (Sunspot)                 Doug Ramsey (Cypher)

Rahne Sinclair (Wolfsbane)                   Tenchi Masaki (Light-Ken)

Shan Coy Manh (Karma)                    

Betsy Braddock (Psylocke)

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    Sorry readers if this one came beyond my usual schedule of publication (one chapter a month). I hope your patience runs even longer. 

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    "I wish we'd never left the mountains. We were safe there."

    "Magda, have you forgotten my promise? With me, you'll always be safe."

    Magneto thought about those words today. Those words of concern and security, made long ago, were all too conspicuous in his present mind. Those encouraging words were offered to give strength against the fears of uncertainty brought on by moving from a place of familiarity to a strange new land. His actions of today, migrating the Son House from its mountain home to an unfamiliar island, paralleled to that fateful move.

    Also reminiscent was the hope that this changing of place was for the best. However, that hope, and the promise made to the beloved wife and child eventually turned futile. Would that outcome be repeated? Magneto wondered this with a cold stoicism; it helped killed the pain of remembering.

    Still, there was much to deny a repetition of history; there were reasons to believe the past would not be repeated. Unlike the daughter who faithfully accepted his departure, Magneto's new children looked at him with resentment at being left behind. Even those children he had chosen to join him, Sam and Amara, were not pleased by their advantage. His ally of necessity, Piccolo, just stood at the background, his arms folded together, with one fist covering the Dragon Ball radar in his grasp, his green face stern as ever.

    Even the one who possessed the closest familial link to Magneto gave little signs of affection to his departure. Luna showed signs of befuddlement and wariness to her grandfather. To Magneto, the babe's resemblance to her aunt of memory further struck a painful cord of alienation. Only the matron of the house gave any positive feelings to him. Chichi smiled with advice about being careful in this journey. She further promised that Luna would be safe under her protection. The fact that the little child was within the woman's arms was a secure proof of that safety. As comforting as that image was to the grandfather, he was aware that his student Shan didn't look too happy about having her guardianship duties relinquished.

   The cold aside of Piccolo aggressed the Headmaster. "Time is on our side," he voiced without a glance. "You shouldn't waste it." His sudden flight into the air exhibited his impatience.

   Despite some temptations to deal with the insolent alien, Magneto remained still with a straight face; he walked to his students instead. "I know about your discord to my wishes. Please understand that they're for the best. My predecessor Xavier would be no less firm in that belief. I pray that the trust you gave to him will be no different in my case." He then turned away, his cape lifted by the winds as he walked. He too floated into the air, following an impatient Piccolo in the distance.

    It was now the turn of Amara and Sam to make their goodbyes to the team. Sam passed by Gohan. "Ya take care o' y'rself, squirt!" he smiled, rubbing his gloved hand on the boy's black hair, causing Gohan to delightfully squirm. Joining Amara, he allowed the girl to climb onto his back. His legs ignited, and the two exploded into the air, surrounded by an aura.

===   

     The departure allowed the team to speak their cases. Illyana was the first to voice her protest about being left behind. "Guess our teach forgot how I saved him with my Soulsword," she sharply reminded.

    "I haven't forgotten," slurred Gohan. Kuririn quietly hushed him.

    Mirage stepped upon the cliff, followed by her equally observing crew. Magneto had seen to it that the Son residence was placed on an island- best for isolation and discretion. Nostalgia featured into the New Mutants' memories (or in Warlock's case, memory files). From the rushing waves that splattered below the sharp rock cliffs, the long peaks covered in grass, to the irregular land region that grew more hills, this looked like the island of Kirinos. Unfortunately, there was no reason for a vacation. This place was used purely for necessity.  

     Dani gazed to the disappearance of Magneto. Her face expressed no emotion; her voice did. "Warlock?"

   The Techno-organic alien had made his/its left ear into a sensor dish. His/its right eye was a telescope. "DISTANCE- of MAGNETOTEACHER- beyond- DANGER- range- in- DETECTION."

   Dani's eyes promised action. She did respect Magneto's wishes, and he did have a point about them acknowledging his orders the same way they did Professor Xavier. However, the New Mutants didn't always obey their old teach either. She turned around, viewing some smiles of action. Psylocke stood among them for her inclusion.

  Then Chichi faced them. Her entrance was like some movie swashbuckler, jumping before them. She did this while administering great care to Luna in her arms (much to Shan's displeasure). Her body was tense. Her face no different. "Aren't ya forgettin' somethin'?

 ===

    Somewhat divided from the group, Kuririn and Gohan stood together. Their close association gave the monk a study on both their heights. It was evident that the boy had definitely grown a few inches since their last meeting two years ago. Soon the kid might be as tall as his old man, Kuririn admirably thought, though he felt a little resentful.

    At least, at this point, he could still look at the kid face-to-face. And what a serious expression Gohan had! It was clear that he definitely had some of his old man's strength. It had to be an advantage to the problems he was now having.

    "Kuririn?" asked Gohan, getting a swift reaction from the namesake.

   "What's up?"

   "Do you believe that guy is my father?" Gohan looked hard for a good answer.

   Kuririn's eyes twinged quickly, but he overwhelmed that hesitance with a hearty façade. "'Course not! No way that guy could be Goku! Sure, that might be your dad's double or maybe his actual body, but that's where the similarities end." The monk proceeded to connect his thumb and the finger closest to it; "The two of us are like this!" he demonstrated. "I'd know if it was really Goku."

   That was Kuririn's words. It did not match his real belief. It presented none of the fears he had about fighting his best friend. But he knew Gohan didn't want to hear anything about that. Fortunately, the boy was convinced enough by his lies to look away at what was happening before them. Kuririn too followed his viewpoint at what was a standoff between those school kids and Chichi (Kuririn didn't have much problem predicting the outcome).

     From what was heard, Chichi was taking responsibility for the mutants' welfare while the teacher was away. 

    The leading mutant Dani asked, "Who died and made you god?!"

    "Somebody's gonna have t' clean this house," the mother smartly replied. "An' it ain't just gonna be me doin' it."

    Kuririn looked beyond the confrontation and saw Chichi's truth in the ruined house before them all. Much wasn't done about cleaning up because of their little space trip. During so, they just stood on top of the broken stone and wood. Looking at the house now, he realized how much damage had been done. The center room had no ceiling left. The amount of debris and damaged furniture presented to Kuririn a responsibility that was definitely overwhelming. He noted some of the mutants attempt to stealthily separate themselves from the mother's attention, to no avail. It looked like Chichi had an eye everywhere.

   Then the boy named Doug spoke out a surprising revelation. "That's no way to treat royalty!"

     Kuririn looked around the group for this mentioned person. Doug himself gave the identity, smugly pointing with his thumb. "Tenchi here is a Prince!"

   Kuririn felt dumbfounded by this knowledge. No matter how much he can get used to strange things, there's always something new to happen.

   Tenchi himself appeared to be rather awkward about this distinction. Kuririn then noted Doug forcing the boy to look at their direction. At that, the pony-tailed boy instantly lost his weakness. "Yes, that's right!" Tenchi declared proudly. "My Great-Grandfather is the Emperor of the Planet Jurai. I'm their Crown Prince!"

   "Jurai is a planet from a galaxy far, far away." Doug ad-libbed.

   Kuririn took in the new information; so we have another alien who looks like an earthling? 

   Tenchi continued words were even more intriguing. "I'm one-eighth Juriaian, since my grandfather is half-Juraian and half-Earthling. I'm proud of being both."

   It was then that Kuririn realized that the target of these words was not Chichi. With a happy respect, the monk gazed at the real target, who watched hypnotically in a sign of astonishment that carried a sign of intimacy.

===

   "Well, how about that!" Chichi's eyes expanded, then deflated into a suspicious and unimpressed stare. "I'm also a Princess, so don't try to think your title 'll give y'all any excuse t' avoid work. Y'all are gonna clean that hall now!"

   Illyana confronted the rule maker. "Make us…" she snarled her words, "Bitch." She exposed to this mother her dark eyes, whose demonic glare could break the most hardened of hearts.

   However, it did nothing to this lady's heart. In Chichi's view, once you see one demonic stare, you've seen them all. The mother subsequently planted Luna softly upon her left foot. Then, without her legs moving, she grabbed Illyana, lifted her from the ground, and flung her over the stunned group. Everyone was awestruck at the ease this was done, though Tenchi managed to save the girl from a hard crash. With a reserved profile that gave no reaction to her actions, Chichi just rubbed her hands and lifted Luna back into her arms. "I'll get the brooms."

    She casually walked away, ignoring a Soulsword-swinging, vengeful-eyed Illyana shouting, "Die, Demon Bitch!"

    Fortunately, Tenchi restrained her. "Calm down, Illyana!" he spoke, feeling discomfort in this scene. Restoring control of herself, Illyana went for assistance. "Warlock!" she shoved the creature. "Give her a virus!"

   Warlock rolled a few spaces, than remembered the expression Chichi gave him/it.

    "SELF- coward!" the alien shirked backwards on wheels.

    Getting one failure, Illyana turned to another figure. "Shan?"

    "I will not possess her, Illyana!" refused the Vietnamese woman.     

    Others weren't so submissive. Roberto waved his hand in rejection. "No way am I cleaning up this mess."

    "For once, Bobby," Doug gave his opinion, "I agree."

   "No way I'm doing it!" Dani loudly declared.   

   Chichi turned around. Kuririn now knew that the battle was already over…

==

   "Legion couldn't make us do this…" Doug shouted his English while riding a noisy Warlockian vacuum cleaner that was sucking all the debris.

   "Just drop it, Doug," shouted Tenchi, brushing the floor with a broom.

   Doug continued. "Kagato couldn't make us do this. The Enchantress couldn't make us do this. Loki couldn't make us do this. Empath couldn't make us do this-"

   "Actually, he could," corrected a gaunt-faced Illyana with her feather duster.

   Doug was about to mention Farouk, than dropped it. "It was Brightwind, Magneto, and Piccolo who helped total this place," he continued. "Don't see them taking the responsibility."

   "Hey, lay off my horse," advised Dani.

   "Warlock also broke a hole through Gohan's room," Roberto smugly corrected Doug's omission.

   Dani bemoaned the start of yet another argument between these two dopes. She really didn't need this.

   Luckily, Tenchi took the role of peacemaker. After ordering some restraint, the boy tried to take things optimism. "Besides, I've seen worse messes at home. If we work together we can get this done quickly."

    "I guess so," Illyana replied boringly. She only said this because no one else was going to agree with Tenchi.

   "Anyway," Dani added, "Let's just do our job."

    Doug jumped off the Warlockian vacuum, which stopped and transformed. "So you're gonna let Mommie Dearest get her way?"

    "Yes," Dani pulled a piece out of an entangled mess.

    "We're just gonna clean this mess?"

   "Yes."

   "While Carrot Guy is off on a rampage, taking with him our one ticket home?"

    "Yes."

     Doug leaned closer. "You have a plan, right?"

     Dani looked with a calm but nonchalant demeanor. "It matters on how long Warlock can stretch himself."

     "DATA- checked." Warlock spoke up in some squeaks. "ESTIMATED- length- UNLIMITED."

     "Then head for Gohan's room," Dani made an order while tearing up some piles to carry out. The Techno-organic alien obeyed in a hose-shaped trail that snuck upon the other room.

    Most of the mutants silently cheered about the plan still being good (Doug especially so). Tenchi, however, lacked their fervor. But he accepted nevertheless.

===  

    Gohan sat at his desk, staring with analysis. To be certain, this gaze wasn't on any of the books or papers of study that his mother had commanded him to devote his attention to. It was a small photograph instead. It showed him and his parents, the latter watching amused as the former blew the candles of his birthday cake. His father looked especially delighted at the son's achievement, his eyes so bright and proud. Photographed last year, Gohan remembered that this as the last birthday party Dad ever was present in. No appearances were made in the birthday that occurred a few weeks ago. Thoughts like this strengthened Gohan's resolve; more than ever did he believe that his father was in big trouble. It was up him and his friends to save him.

    Sighing at the loss, Gohan's eyes lifted to seeing Warlock enter the door, remaining in the room. This attracted the boy into thinking interestingly about the guests. He got off his chair and checked the other room and its residents.

   Although the lack of time didn't enable him to be accustomed to each of the mutants, the boy was getting close to; From what he saw of Dani, Gohan knew her to be a strong person with leadership qualities (he also noted some arrogant behavior from her, by those wary looks she kept giving him). Like Magneto, Gohan pictured Dani as a counterpart of Piccolo. Rahne, lurking near the kitchen door in her transformed wolf persona, was found to be very caring, but also very sad. About Warlock, who was standing near him, Gohan found this alien to be very unusual, but okay.

   However, he felt most connected to Tenchi. The fact about this older, gentle boy being just like him formed that bond. The demi-Saiya-jin could look to him for support.

    However, there was one problem in Gohan's view: Illyana was always at Tenchi's side, and he seemed to like her company. What did Tenchi see in her? That was a question in Gohan's mind, for he couldn't really stand that girl himself. He stomached that feeling in order to speak with him.

   "Eh, Tenchi?" he called to the source with a nervous tone.

   Tenchi reacted with the pause of his broom. "Yes Gohan?" He warmly responded in the boy's language.

   Feeling more determined, Gohan walked closer, continuing his question further. "Is it true what you said before? About being half-alien?"

    Tenchi kneeled to the shorter kid, his smile remaining. "No lie about it. I'm both human and alien. Just like you."

    Gohan felt embarrassed. This was expressed by his nodded head and twiddling fingers. "N-Now don't get me wrong," he stammered his sentence. "I don't believe what…that fake said about me…but…don't you have any problems about being…what you…we are? Not that I really think about it…but it's just…well…"

   With a hand on the shoulder, Tenchi's quieted Gohan's voice. It was his turn to speak. "I have no problem whatsoever, and neither should you. Don't think so low of yourself! I've met a lot of friends, some are right here with me now, and they've helped me understand that whether my blood is mixed or pure, I'm happy with who I am. And anyone who thinks otherwise…well, they're not me, so why should they be right?"

     "That's right, Gohan!" an all-too aware Wolfsbane growled from afar. "There's na' shame 'n who ye are."

    Gohan's awkward face grew bright, beaming a smile he hadn't shown since earlier. "Right!" he outburst with enjoyment. He then enthusiastically grabbed some piles of debris and carried them out of the house. Kuririn joined in too.

===   

   In the other room, Betsy's decided to be with Chichi. It had been apparent to the Englishwoman that her appearance was benefiting no one, least of all herself. Magneto's 'psychic static' device had seemingly neutralized her telepathic powers. She couldn't sense anyone before her. Nor could she feel the New Mutants, distancing their adolescent selves from her as usual. She figured that sharing conversations with an adult like Chichi would be more to the point.

    In the kitchen, this companion was with the equally adult Shan, though she appeared more in the background while Chichi was busy washing and dressing Luna. As busy as Chichi was, she was still nice enough to offer both girls some new clothes to wear. Although Shan nicely declined, Betsy felt such a move was well-suited. However, she wasn't too happy with the Asian dress the woman had in her wardrobe. Oh, well, thought Betsy, when in Rome…

    By the time she returned to the kitchen, Shan was gone and Chichi had already dressed Luna. Her actions made her face take on a warm and good expression, quite a contrast from the supermom that threw Illyana. Chichi cooed words to the child, who responded in kind. The mother then wrapped the child with a shawl and placed her in a small cradle.

    "You're a very efficient parent," Betsy critiqued.

   "I've kept everythin' Gohan had as a baby," Chichi said her words while devoting her attention to Luna, tucking the babe in. "Always thought they'd be put in use, someday."  She then paused with a meditative state. "I miss those days," she swooned at the happy reminiscence. "As long as Gohan was in my arms…" she fell silent, her smile speaking volumes.

    Betsy got closer, ignoring Shan's departure from the room. "I wish I had a mother like you. My parents ignored me, leaving me with a nanny."

   "Never had a mother," Chichi spoke seriously. "Poor woman died when I was a baby. Never had that luck, so I make it up by bein' the best mother t' my kid."

     Chichi clearly felt her words, tucking the adorable child with the blankets lying around the cradle. Parallels of this present act of motherhood had an effect. It brought out the memories of past acts, when her motherhood was as new and young as the infant who made her into a parent. When her marriage to Goku was also new. This memory too was deep in connection. She had to remember the other person she shared that union and her job with. Her husband's present actions brought some emotional affects into the mother; the ache of today's presence made those memories ever so painful.

    "Damn that man! How could he do this to my life!" she screamed, her mood swing surprising (not to mention shocking) to Betsy and the babe. Luna's crying forced the mother to reassert herself. She picked up the child and gave her soothing. "Now, now, Luna. Aunt Chichi's here."

    "Oh, dear god!" Betsy hand-wiped her face.  

==        

   The door that divided the rooms of these women and the rest of the gang was given total attention by the wolfen form of Rahne. She kept watch to warn the team about any approach by the hostess of the house. Her long pointy ears heard the stamps of soft footsteps while her snout scent carried on the position of the women beyond this door. Unfortunately, as keen as her other powers were, the rapport she shared with Dani was hazy and static. This was probably due to the machine the Headmaster created to protect them. Evidently all psychic power within this vicinity was neutralized within the boundary.

   Still, it didn't do much for her abundant thoughts. She had a lot on her mind anyway. In all respects, her attempts to better herself, to become a stronger, more stoic person, had ended in failure. Thinking back to those times, the wolf-girl found nothing to admire. She had acted like a total fool, perhaps making her friends think badly about her. In forcing her feelings back, she had contained them to the point of explosion, the consequences of which were all too known to her. And despite it all, despite all the hard work, she never gained that iron will. The fruits of her labors ended up with her crying before Gohan. It was the child's shoulder she cried upon, not the reverse.

   And how did this failure affect her? To her confused surprise, in no way.

   Incredibly, the wolf-girl actually felt better in releasing her emotions to the kid. It actually felt relieving. Even more interesting in this feeling was how it was achieved. Acting like a stranger to her true self was more like a burden than a release. No matter how much she tried, no matter how hard forced herself to believe its success, her method did nothing to make her feel better. It seemed that by letting go, by acting true to herself, she had achieved it. The wolf-girl thought hard on why this was so; she certainly knew that a repeat performance was hardly possible. Perhaps it was best that she had mourned normally; that method was probably better to the alternative she had taken.  

   Suddenly, the wolf-girl's ears and nose detected Shan entering through the door. The friend seemed a little withdrawn and sad.

   "Shan!" Wolfsbane cried as her fur switched to human flesh. "Wha's the matter? Tis concerning Luna?" her voice jumped higher.

   "Non," Shan forced a smile as she nodded. "Le petite jeune fille is well, under Madamoiselle Chichi's more capable hands." Her neck gulped, showing friction breaking from her brave mask. "You know, Rahne, I didn't ask to be Luna's guardian in this escapade…but I didn't consider it some burden…"

    She could speak no more. Shan touched her face, attempting to reassert control of her breaking emotions.

    Rahne instantly reacted, grasping the friend's free hand with her own. She proceeded to pat it with comfort. No words were said; only the actions mattered here.   

===         

     Outside, Roberto leaned against the wall, watching Kuririn and Gohan help in the work. The Brazilian grew unhappy watching their feats of strength, realizing they were clearly besting him in this field. However, he swallowed his wounded pride. He really had no good reason to dislike Gohan. To add more to the boy's grief would make himself no better than that creep of a father. He was happy that Tenchi lifted Gohan's spirits. Roberto knew he could have done it just as effectively himself, since he too was of a mixed blood. But he realized that Tenchi's extraterrestrial ancestry served as a better role model to Gohan.

   Possessing the one Dragon Ball in his hand, Roberto took a closer glance at this most wanted of treasures in this world. As his gloved fingers rolled the orb, he came upon a startling thing: no matter how many times he rotated the ball, the red stars remained steady at the forefront. "So this ball really possesses great magic?" he spoke in Japanese.

   "I sense some magical aura within it," confirmed Illyana, speaking in the same lingo.

   "And we need seven of these to make a wish?" Roberto asked aloud.

   "That's right," Kuririn mentioned the answer while positioning the heap of rubble outside. "Without one of em, the Dragon can't arrive to make it."

    "Well, that's some relief," added Roberto. This meant that the accursed Kakarrotto would be unable to make his wish without this one orb in their possession. That was indeed beneficial for him and his friends, since they needed the ball's magic to bring them back home. Then he thought of something serious: Juliana.

    He needed to learn more from Kuririn "Didn't you just say that these Dragon Balls resurrected you?" he asked seriously.

   "These balls brought me back once," advised Kuririn. "There's some limits in making that sorta wish; one, it has to be your first death. You can't be brought back twice. Luckily, you all never went through that."

   Most of the Mutants paused at that message. Tenchi noted well the words that tensed them. If it can be only be read one way, he seriously thought, there would be no doubt as to the correct reading.     

   "Second," Kuririn pointed out with greater urgency. "You can't be dead for more than a year."

   Roberto clasped the ball hard. This would be no good for Juliana. Leaning back forward with sad failure, he maneuvered his steps. His soled heels slightly kicked something. Looking down, Roberto saw a piece of metal stuck to the ground. He examined it more closely, where his intrigued analysis changed into shock. "Amigos, come here!"

    His cry dissuaded Kuririn from telling about the other batch of Dragon Balls, and their ability to repeat resurrection many times. He, Gohan, and the Mutants gathered around the vocalist, only to be surprised to see what was in his hands.

    "What the-?" said Doug.

    It was Dani who gave the name. "It's the radar!"

   "But didn't Piccolo take it with him?" asked Tenchi.

   "You don't know Piccolo like I do," Gohan jubilantly gave his description. "He doesn't always mean what he says."

    Already their minds gathered the possible evidence. Piccolo was the first to leave the house when it landed. His arms could have moved quickly enough to lodge the device into the ground, than feign possession of it before he left. "At least someone doesn't have a cow about us doin' something!" Doug thought with admiration.

    "Are you sure?" Dani demonstrated by clicking the top of the radar. "Where's Chichi?"

    Gohan, knowing the meaning of that question, spoke silently. "She's in the kitchen with Betsy and Luna."

   Dani then looked at the team, her eyes instructed everyone on what her next move was going to be.

   Not everyone, however, was pleased at this. "Now wait a minute!" Kuririn whispered his own words of demanded warning, getting shushed nevertheless. "Didn't your headmaster tell you to stay here?"

     "Magneto's not one of us!" Roberto quietly snapped.

     "Besides, if there's anyone who'll get in deep trouble, it's me," Dani defended her actions.

     Kuririn pressured the argument. "Do you have any idea what you're up against?"

    "Let me see…" Dani checked the evidence with no surprise. "Carrot Guy has super-human strength," her fingers counted the points. "He c'n fly, shoot energy blasts from his hands, is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant, c'n teleport-"

    Illyana cut in. "Don't forget he's drop dead gorgeous!"

    "Yes," Dani defined that ability as Super stud muffin. Looking back at Kuririn, she asked if there was anything else.

    Kuririn, astounded at this acknowledgement and the straight emotions given to it, tried to consider some more. "Eh…he can read minds."

    "No problem," Dani shook that threat off. "We can shield ourselves from that. Besides, since you don't know everything on telepaths, it's a safe bet that Carrot Guy wouldn't know how to use his psi-powers aggressively."

    Tenchi realized that he was an exception. So did Dani. "Don't worry, Tenchi," she noted his lack of psychic defense. "I think you should be with 'Locke in this mission."

   "Are you all nuts?" Kuririn protested.

   "Relax, baldy," Doug smiled with a cavalier attitude. "We New Mutants pull capers like this all the time."

    "Not capers like this, kid," Kuririn gave his own arrogant reply (though he did admire their adolescent courage). "There's one very important thing you don't know about Goku," he continued with greater warning. "He can become a Super Saiya-jin!"

    The term fell under confused ears. "Is that anything like a super sale?" joked Illyana. "Ooh, scary!"

    Kuririn's eyes gave a darker hue. "Don't laugh. From what I've seen, it's a higher form of power that Goku can achieve. His hair turns gold, his eyes green."

    "The royal colors of Japan," Tenchi softly slurred the meaning. Then he himself offered his own definition. "Sounds as if this Super-Saiya-jin is similar to my having the power of the Light Hawk Wings."

     "An' what's that?" asked Gohan.

    "It's some form Tenchi told us about," said Doug, remembering the boy's tales on their first meeting a year ago, and the night of their reunion a few days ago. "He becomes very powerful, if you think overcoming a Black Hole is powerful."

    Tenchi bit his lip. "Only problem is I don't know how to wield it except under very dire moments."

   "Don't beat yourself up," Illyana slapped her beloved's back. "The New Mutants don't really need that."

   "Yeah," added Doug. "Who needs phenomenal cosmic power when you can read languages?"

   "Maybe you're right," Kuririn calmed down with his own excuses. "Goku would have to have a pure heart in order to achieve that level. Now he's a bad guy, I don't think that's possible."

    "Don't say that Kuririn!" Gohan spoke out. The boy had had enough of these accusations directed to his father. "That guy's not my dad! He's a fake!"

    "It's alright Gohan," Kuririn composed an explanation. "I meant that this guy could have the same powers as your father."

    The New Mutants also gave thought on how to best address this problem. There was division on the truth. Also in thought was the wish to spare the kid some grief.

    However, others wanted to be more realistic. "How are you so sure of that?" asked Roberto with his usual look of doubt.

   "I know my father," Gohan whispered sullenly.

   "I thought I knew mine as well," Roberto boorishly declared in opposition.

  "Well, that's your dad!" Gohan snapped with his own fury, his self-control waning fast under the pressure of these accusations. "I know my dad better. He wouldn't hurt me aga…" he paused, correcting himself. "He wouldn't try to hurt me."

   Gohan's abrupt change mid-sentence did not go unnoticed. Shock registered on the faces of all the New Mutants who heard.

   "Madonna," Roberto breathed his exclamation into a growled disgust. "That monster!"

   "Sacre bleu!" exclaimed Shan.

    Only Illyana kept a straight face. "Guess Carrot guy takes after Belasco."

    Gohan ignored Illyana's comparison for Roberto's remark. "It's not like that!"

    "Wanna bet?" Roberto snapped Gohan's ideas with his own experiences.

   "ROBERTOFRIEND'S- diction- AGREES- with- SELF'S- experiences." Warlock's gave his/its support, his/its long head extending from the other room. "SELF'S- own- SIRE- magus- WISHES- life- TERMINATION- on- SELF'S- existence. LAW- of- THE-  technarchy- DEMANDS- it. SIMILAR- here."

    By now, Kuririn could understand Warlock's way of speaking. Learning about that alien's way of family life, the Monk found ill favor to the possible comparisons. "No way Goku's like that! He's the kindest, gentlest-"

     "Geez," Doug shouted despite himself, "You sound like somebody from The Manchurian Candidate!"

    Arguments were growing, with Gohan trying to offer his own. "But he's right!"

    "About your dad being a child molester?" said Doug.

    "No!" Gohan shouted to the misinformation in this conversation. 

    Chichi's voice came from the other room. "Will you kids quiet down! Luna is sleeping! Gohan! Resume your studies!"

   "Sorry!" Wolfsbane growled her apology to the other room.

   As the Mutants relaxed their flared arguments on the near miss, Gohan took advantage with a lowered voice. "You don't understand. The only time my dad actually hits me is during training. That's it. Haven't you guys ever gotten hurt training?"

    "So he hurts you emotionally," Doug cut to the quick with sarcasm. "Boy, that's different!"

    Gohan wiped his face in despair to his failure to explain. "It's not like that!" he moaned. "Dad wouldn't do that to me. Not again."

    "So in again, you mean he's hurt your feelings before!" Roberto analyzed those words. He was confused at the boy's devotion to this hurtful parent. It was very sickening, though to be truthful, it was also admirable.

    Gohan's voice grew louder again. "But this guy right now isn't my dad. It's some magic spell."

   "Forget it kid," Illyana attempted to kill that notion. "I didn't feel any magical auras around your old man," she lipped her smugness to the boy.

   Oh, how Gohan wanted to smack her! He clenched his fists, its power no one but him can withhold. The restraint was almost unbearable. The son was furious at how some of these kids were insulting his father. In his own mind, he wouldn't- couldn't- blame Goku for this situation. Can't these kids believe him that something bad was happening to his father?

   Fortunately, some of them did. "But the thought isn't so far-fetched, mon amis," Shan gave her support against the majority. "You were able to believe my innocence when you faced Farouk, no?"

   "And don't forget Ryoko." Tenchi stood by Gohan, who was very much pleased. "You all thought she might be evil enough to hurt my family, but she was actually being possessed by Kagato."   

    "Right, right," Dani heard the evidence. "If it makes you feel better, Gohan, we'll believe your story for now."

     Doug also decided to act a little kinder. "Besides, Gohan. Your father or not, that guy really insulted you. If he thinks you're an inferior being, then he probably feels the same way about us Mutants. That makes us all look bad."

     "Doug's right…for once," added Roberto, getting a glare from Doug. He then began shaking his fists. "We cannot let Kakarrotto get away with this."

    "Hold it," Dani gave her warning. "We're after the Dragon Balls, not fighting Carrot Guy. Finding those orbs is our main priority for right now."

     "I'm coming with you," Gohan declared his decision.

     "No way, kiddo," Dani flatly refused.

    "But you need my help!"

     Some of the Mutants agreed. Doug, however, decided to be silent in his protest. Dani's rejection of this super-kid could mean getting rejected from this adventure himself. Nevertheless, most were confused at Dani's resolve. "Why not?" said Roberto, his support a surprise to Gohan.

    "It wouldn't hurt," Tenchi gave his acceptance.

    Interestingly, Kuririn took Dani's side this time. "I dunno, Gohan. This might be like facing Freeza."

    "Who's Freeza?" asked Doug, noting that such a non-produce name like that certainly couldn't be a Saiya-jin.

    "Better you didn't know him, Doug," Kuririn shuddered in his explanation. "Now he was a monster!" the recollection gave him pause to reflect. "I can still remember that white and purple face, glaring at me with those evil eyes, and those feminine lips."

    Gohan related to that description with a cold thought. So did Dani. She saw that very image hovering over the child!

    It didn't help when Kuririn revealed, "That monster killed thousands, including me." Although Dani remained as still as a statue, the New Mutants could still register the fear in their leader's eyes. They now understood.

    The understanding team conversed with their leader. Not wishing to frighten their new allies, they decided to speak in English. "Are you sure this isn't some mistake?" Tenchi asked for a hopeful sign.

    "I wish," Dani presented no sign whatsoever. Tenchi dropped his support instantly.

    "QUERY: possibilities- OF- gohanfriend- IN- a- PERSONAL- maguswar- WITH- sire?" Warlock's head made that theory, eyes bulging wider at that implication. He/it wasn't the only one.

    "We canna let this happen again!" Rahne protested with tears. "The wee lad canna share Larry's fate!"  The emotional performance affected Dani, though it relieving to see her buddy acting like her old self again. "Not on my watch, carrot top!" the leader reassured with hands on Rahne's shoulders.

      "What are you talking about?" asked the language-deprived Kuririn, looking at all the sudden palefaces of the Mutants.

     "We've changed our minds," Shan talked back in the language. Those words gave Gohan hope. It broke with her finishing sentence, "Gohan cannot come."

     Gohan spread his hands in protest. "C'mon!"

     "No, Gohan," Dani gave her last pleasant words on the matter as she departed.

     "But-"

     "No!" Dani sharply presented her first strict word on the matter, turning her head with swinging braids. She gave the boy such an intense stare that it reminded Gohan of his mother.

== 

    The large hole where Gohan's window once existed proved to be the exit. A black strand erupted from the hole, stretching a few meters away. The end of this trail then bent and staked poles to the ground. The thin hose then expanded, becoming as thick as a solid road. It then took on the form of a silent conveyor belt. First to ride was Dani, stretched along the belt as she moved out. Nearby, Brightwind witnessed his master's movements. It galloped silently to the end of said trail.

    More mutants followed. Roberto, Shan, Illyana, Tenchi, Doug, and Rahne were included.

     Meanwhile, Kuririn and Gohan watched their stealthy escape.

     "It's not fair," Gohan sulked.

    "I don't think they're being unfair about it," Kuririn gave his theory. "Piccolo told you to stay put too."

    "But he didn't mean it," Gohan presented his own conviction. "That's why he left the radar here."

     Kuririn said nothing. He then closed his eyes, as if to confirm a fateful decision. A drop of sweat fell down his shorn temple. Upon opening his eyes, full of determination, he spoke. "Someone's gotta look after them." The monk then proceeded to climb onto the conveyor belt.

     Gohan took this departure as a betrayal. "But I thought you didn't want to go," he protested.

    "Shh!" Kuririn looked back with a wish for silence. "I said I didn't wanna fight Goku. Now I know." He spoke with a kind face of belief. Like before, it was a façade his true beliefs couldn't possibly support. He knew very well that it was a good chance that it was Goku. The idea of confrontation still scared him, but he couldn't stand by and let these kids take on this heavy task by themselves. They were so reckless, Kuririn's thoughts retorted with a combination of distress and admiration. Guess they were all reckless at that age.

      "Take care of yourself, squirt," Kuririn saluted before he jumped onto the belt. It started unwinding after that. Gohan remained where he stood, full of resentment that could not be soothed by staying here.

===

    In the other room, Chichi had succeeded in lulling Luna to sleep. The girl looked so peaceful, befitting the mother with her own memories of when Gohan was in such a position. Done with that, she turned to Betsy. "Miss Braddock, c'n I speak t' ya personally?"

    "Of course," the neutralized telepath responded rather calmly.

   Chichi sat down with an excited impression, like a woman expecting juicy gossip. "What type a guy is this Magneto?"

   Betsy's face remained calm. This was due to her face freezing with this subject. That question had some large overtones that Betsy couldn't give a simple answer. Was Chichi thinking what Betsy thought she was thinking? It was a distressing idea. Recovering her inner self, she went along. "Well…Magneto's cultured."

   "That's good," Chichi nodded with delight.

   Betsy attempted to find some other ideas, those that had nothing to do with terrorism, tyranny, or murder (based on what she had heard of the fellow). "He had some rather ambitious ideas."

   "Thinks 'bout the future," Chichi blossomed with more interest. "Tha's 'nother thing. Best o' all, he's employed! My husband never had any o' those credits!"

    Betsy's eyes looped. Chichi was definitely aiming her heart at the headmaster! Definitely a bad choice, if not surprising; basing her own memories of that bullocks, Psylocke considered the likely idea that Chichi was gaining common sense from what appeared (in the telepath's point of view) to be one disaster of a marriage. Still, couldn't the woman at least raise the quality of her choices in men (although her own wasn't conventional either), especially since- 

    Betsy then saw quite a sight in the window to her unique position! She saw Brightwind walking along a field. The peculiarity was found in the long plank teetering on the beast's fulcrum back- and the entire group of New Mutants sitting on it. That gave Betsy cause to sulk. Once again did the kids leave the purple-haired novice behind! The fact that she wasn't aware of their entrance via telepathy made it worse. This created some wild temptation; she could very easily tell Chichi about her juvenile cleaning staff flying the coop. However, why spoil their fun?

     Betsy decided to depart from the window, diverting the hostess' attention. "Can you serve me some tea?"    

===    

    The company that Psylocke witnessed left the island in quick order. Their escape was due to the credit of Warlock and Brightwind. On land, the gang sat on a large plank, with support handles, that teetered and tottered upon the back of the Asgardian steed, whose steady walk showed complete indifference to the labor upon his shoulders. In the cross between these two creatures sat Tenchi, his head bearing a helmet that carried Warlock's features. A long tentacle connected this helmet to the plank. As advantageous as this gimmick was for the boy's mind shields, it did make him the butt for jokes. Doug was verbal, calling him 'Iron Man,' while Illyana took on the more physical humor of knocking on the helmet, saying "Knock, knock!" The poor boy took things in stride.

    While everyone looked forward, Doug gazed back at what he was leaving behind. "I still think we should've let Betsy come with us."

   "Someone has to keep Chichi's attention while we make the get away," explained Dani.

   "And she's the scapegoat," Doug remarked on this cruel tactic.

   By now they had reached the shore. As everyone got off the Warlockian plank, its two ends quickly lowered to the ground. It started turning and spreading beneath the horse's feet, forming rims at the outer edges. Warlock was now becoming a boat. A rudder then was formed, pushing the watercraft into the waters with great speed.

    "Sure you want t' go with us?" Doug reminded their non- New Mutant companion.

   Kuririn assuredly folded his arms together. "You can count on me." He then threw a wink at Illyana, who moaned in reaction.

    Within a few minutes, the island was now gone from their sight, which was good in the leader's mind. Sitting at the deck, Mirage gave her strategy. Two groups could cover more ground and get more Dragon Balls. Since Magneto went north, Warlock will fly south with Light-Ken, Magik, Cypher, and Kuririn. The rest of us will fly east aboard Brightwind.

    "But we have one Dragon Ball Radar," mentioned Kuririn.

    "My group will use it." Dani covered that ground. She then turned to Warlock and Tenchi.

   "SELF- analysis- SUCCESSFUL," the helmet on Tenchi spoke with a very happy smile. "MIMICRY- device- MACHINATIONS- within- SELF'S- abilities." At that, a tumor sprung from the helmet, forming into a circle. The circuitry veins drained away from it, creating what looked like a replica of the radar. A beep from its machine confirmed that the similarities were not just cosmetic. Kuririn rubbed his head on such resourcefulness.

    "Okay, anyone on my team get ready!" commanded the chief. In final preparation, Mirage clicked on the radar. Much to her enjoyment, small beeps of light appeared upon the center graph. With Sunspot, Karma, and Wolfsbane already seated upon the horse, Mirage saddled herself onto the front. "Remember guys an' gals. We're all mixed up in this. If Kakarrotto gets the Dragon Balls, our chances of getting home will go kaput…an' so will this planet. As always, it's up t' us t' kaput both those chances."

    Light-Ken, Warlock, Magik, Kuririn, and Cypher spoke in an instantaneous "Right!"

    Mirage slapped the horse's neck. "Let's go, boy!" she spurred. The steed jumped into the air without need of space. His wings spread quickly to grab the wind around him, gliding forth to a higher elevation.

    Seeing them off confirmed things for the other team. "Let's go!" Doug commanded, getting nods from the helmeted Tenchi and Illyana. Warlock did not need to nod; he/it started to form into a long rocket with skinny arms and legs while leaving some support for the team. Once they got on, the platform shrunk into the rocket. "SELF'S- capacity- IN- flight- RANGE- uncertain."

    "That's okay, 'Locke," Doug gave his optimism while boarding his friend. "We'll solve that problem later."

     "An' let me do that," Kuririn spoke his assistance. "I know how to get some transportation. Just follow my directions."

===

    Except for what happened a few minutes ago, the land of Mount Paozu was usually one of the most tranquil places on this earth. The grassy fields, the creek, the beautiful scenic mountain nearby, all these contributed to create a place of peace and quiet. But the present events of late made sure that the calming silence would soon be overrun, and it was. A loud noise echoed from the north. The disordered sounds were made by a great being speeding through the air.

    It was not the flier's choice to take such a tedious and power-wasting resort. Kakarrotto resented this very much. Shunkan Idou would have been quicker, if it weren't for the lack of any Ki to make the act possible. The discretion used against him was perceived as an insulting flaunt to the Saiya-jin. Hurtling himself over the giant mountains, he knew that a reckoning was in order to pay all for their insults.

    His return to the area from which he teleported revealed nothing to his eyes, ears, or senses. No residents remained here; the house was gone, leaving only a dirty platform to signify its former existence.

    Kakarrotto stood before the vacant area, taking well the awareness of his fruitless reward after such a long distance. His teeth clenched, his cheeks wiggled, his eyes threw their glares. His body shook in a performance of unrelieved pressure. They…had…mocked him, Kakarrotto's thoughts paused in mad anger. These lowlife beings…these ants…that girl…had escaped his wrath! The thought of their victory was torture. The audacity of their belief in besting the legendary Super Saiya-jin was an something he nevertheless considered. It increased his pain, a sorrow he had known for years, a grief that could only bring out rage.

    This rage took control of his clenched fists. Realizing things, Kakarrotto grabbed his arm, restraining it with quivering effort. He was not going to sulk like a child; he was going to be calm. He was the strongest being in the universe; he could certainly control himself.

   The quivering slowed, than halted. The person approved of his improved self-restraint. He failed to notice that his form of stoic manners could be likened to a steel trap ready to snap. In ignorance, the Saiya-jin sat down with legs crossed. His angry thoughts dwindled with an arrogant reassurance on how pathetic these opponent's tricks were. So these ants thought they could best him, he pondered with a smirk. They had no idea who they were dealing with. No one was greater than his pure Saiya-jin being. Any rival was non-existent.

    He had to make it nonexistent. He had to persevere; he had a heritage to preserve. The Saiya-jin race were the mightiest beings of the universe. They were a pure race, posed to mate with only their fellow beings. They were powerful, but this strength depended on their merciless demeanor. They were the superior race; all inferiors should bow to them or be destroyed. This was their tradition, now upheld by the remaining few.

    And Kakarrotto was one of the survivors. It was of utmost importance to him to advance the memory of his race with his fullest and deepest devotion. It saddened him how he had betrayed his heritage. He had allowed weakness to blunt his sharp will. Because of senile fools, he pursued a path that went against everything the Saiya-jins stood for. He practiced mercy instead of mercilessness. Justified protection to ants instead of wiping them out. This stupidity eventually led to a humiliating progeny. That disgusting, living piece of Shit. That freak of nature's mixed breeding was an offense to the sanity and purity of the Saiya-jin race.

    That was unforgivable. No one could condone that action, even for one who achieved the heights of the Saiya-jin being. Being part of that Shit's creation was the most embarrassing thing of Kakarrotto's life- a great chink in the armor. His ancestors would definitely be shamed by this action perpetrated by their descendant. As such, this betrayal must be atoned. He must honor his heritage, a project that Kakarrotto felt devoted in accomplishing. He was the legendary Super Saiya-jin; that made him more important than the surviving Saiya-jin Vejita. He was all-powerful with that evolved ability; no one could possibly stop him.

     Nevertheless, Kakarrotto knew that this had to be accomplished after he possessed the Dragon Balls. As secure in his power as the Saiya-jin was, he needed immortality to ensure there be no factor to stop him. Both Freeza and Vejita attempted their designs without that longevity, and failed. He would not repeat their mistakes; he will gain eternal life. Afterwards, redemption will be paid with the body of the Shit (an image that for some reason, Kakarrotto couldn't imagine in his thoughts).

    Central to his design, Kakarrotto pondered on how to achieve the Dragon Balls. His objective- the Radar- was absent from the surroundings. The senses of power level were also absent. To find both would be like searching for a needle in the haystack. As powerful as he was, Kakarrotto's senses were not keen enough to locate the energy signature of the Dragon Balls.

    He had to bide his time and wait for his opponents to make a mistake. These idiots' racial inferiority showed incompetence to be their natural intelligence. They will falter, and he will be sure to show them exactly how their own ignorance led to their doom.

    Unfortunately, he would have to wait. At least he could find a more suitable place to wait, decided the Saiya-jin. This place triggered bad memories. That small hut nearby was definitely a disservice. It was a reminder of humiliation. It was where his Saiya-jin powers were tamed, his true self submerged into submission; it was a wasteful experience, whose consequential crimes he had to redeem. The only exception of that revolting past was the weapon behind his back- the nyoi-bo.

    So he waited.

===   

     Chichi sensed that something was not right. Difficult to believe, considering that she was the daughter of a giant, the estranged wife of an alien, and a hostess to a bunch of weird students from another world. But Chichi barely thought of those matters. No, something was indeed fishy. It had been fourteen minutes since she last heard some shouts from the other room. She would have checked sooner if Betsy hadn't asked for another cup of tea, all the while giving questions about her life. Chichi gave it all: the daughter of the lovable and peaceful Gyuu Mao, she went on a quest to recover a magical fan to save her fire-swept home. During this scary trip, braving the beasts and bandits of the wilderness, she became betrothed to the young fighter named Son Goku. After an engagement of six years, she finally married her beloved, starting a stormy relationship where this 'beautiful and innocent young girl' (as Chichi called herself) saw her beauty and youth wasted by her idiot of a husband. She had told Betsy most of that when she decided to check up on the kids in the other room. It had gotten quiet over there; too quiet.

    As she moved again, Betsy asked anxiously for another cup of tea. Ignoring that wish, Chichi quickly jumped out of the room. The students had vanished. The brooms and dusters were all left without owners. Such an act of utter insolence enraged the mother: how could these kids disobey their caring and honorable (not to mention handsome) headmaster? It was already a convention to Chichi that kids nowadays had no respect for their elders. That accusation quickly moderated as she knew that most of these students were good ones. Maybe that troublemaker Illyana led them all to stray. Surely such nice kids like Rahne, Roberto, Shan, and Tenchi must have been forced into such a wanton act?

      Her thoughts then tensed as she came to an all too obvious conclusion. Quickly, she went to her son's door, her thoughts in prayers. Please don't let that bitch Illyana run off with her beloved only son, was among this mother's thoughts of hope. Franticly, her hand grasped the doorknob, pulling out the door with a quick and forceful opening. The last time she opened a door, she saw no one. This second time was no different.

    Psylocke witnessed the aftermath of these revelations. With a rather antsy apprehension, she saw the mother go into hysterics, crying out her son's name as she made a diligent search through the house. However, since the only places that weren't already a see-through ruin were the bedroom, kitchen, and guest room, it didn't take long to realize: no one was in the house.

     Deciding on the best tactic, Chichi stomped her steps back to Luna's cradle. She bound the child with some blankets, and picked her up. Betsy hoped she would be forgotten (especially given her involvement in this getaway and her neutralized powers). When Chichi finally spoke to her, Betsy was relieved that it was a question about her driving skills.

     "Yes, I can," Betsy brightly answered. She decided not to argue with this lady, not out of fear, but by choice. It was about time she was going to do something, and if this question and Chichi's actions were precursors, that something was going to involve Gohan, not to mention risks. No way was she going to refuse such an opportunity.

    "Could ya pick that gadget Magneto made?"

    "Cannot do that," Betsy protested. "If I am to contact your son, I must use my powers freely."

     Accepting this, Chichi just walked away with Luna. Taking her lead, Betsy followed her through a door at the back. Through this opening was the garage, still intact from the earlier damage. In the center was a large, saucer-shaped car. Betsy thought it looked like one of those flying cars from science-fiction films. However, Betsy was grounded with reality to realize that this car couldn't fly. It was preposterous! The car also didn't look like it could move either, judging by the lack of wheels.

    Chichi didn't seem to notice that defect. After opening the garage door with the strength of one hand, she proceeded to use the same appendage to open the car door, stepping carefully in with Luna. "Get into the driver's seat, Betsy."

    Apprehensive, given to the car's appearance, Betsy nevertheless decided to obey Chichi's belief in its abilities. She got into the car. There was no steering wheel, but steering handles like a wartime bomber. Betsy had seen such planes, in pictures and museums. She remembered the childhood imaginations she had on being on such an aircraft. How she thought of herself as one of those pilots of WWII, soaring through the air and bombing Nazis!

    A clicking sound of the keys thrown to her lap broke the imagery. Betsy put the keys into the ignition and turned. The motor roared. The car then levitated! Betsy realized wheels wouldn't be needed for this type of car!

    Astonishment flickered within her, followed by some fear of what madness she had gotten herself into. Such thoughts were overwhelmed of course by an excited curiosity to see what this vehicle can do. She stomped on the accelerator. The car accelerated out in an insane rush, tilting and shaking along the field.

    "I thought ya said ya c'n drive!" screamed Chichi at this performance.

   "Give me a break!" Betsy shouted back, her purple hair rattling in the wind. "It's my first flying car!"

    It looked like it would be her last, as the approaching waters became apparent. The impact with the ocean caused sprinkles to fly and waves to cut before the vehicle. Eventually, the car managed to lift away from the water. She was getting the hang of it.

    "Where to, Chichi?"

    "After my son!"

    "Allow me the service," Betsy put her mind to the test. The mental energies were now free of the magnetic prison. The advantage was put to careful use, for not only did she have to locate Chichi's son, it was also her job to protect this car's passengers from any sensors that were within her husband's power.

===

    Gohan's obedience to stay put lasted only a few minutes. He waited until the

Mutants were but a speck in the horizon before taking action. He somersaulted over the opening in his room, making a few big leaps toward the discreet seclusion presented by the trees. He didn't want his mother to see him. He then dived into the waters. Swimming below, Gohan's head emerged from the waters, in an attempt to locate his friends.

   Rising into levitation, the boy tried to figure the directions they might have taken. Unfortunately, no Ki was around for him to sense. They weren't going to lose him that easy, the boy determined with a near obsession. Since that horse was with them, the boy figured in his thoughts, they had to rely on the wind. It was worth a shot. Licking his finger, Gohan raised it into the air. The wind directed him east. Nodding with confirmation, Gohan let out a huge spark of energy and flew.

===

    On what looked like a long and bent rocket, Tenchi, Doug, Illyana, and Kuririn zoomed along the great ocean. The flight was fast and somewhat unbalanced; Warlock's rocket was so long that it bent and buckled several times. He/it also swerved around the place, giving his/its passengers a very good reason to hold on tightly with both hands to their friend's body. Kuririn had known people with shape-shifting abilities, but never had he met one so extraordinary or unpredictable in shape as this alien lifeform.

     It was a good thing this group offered to follow his directions. Kuririn felt that maybe a more practical and safer means of air travel should be used. None of these kids could fly, and he certainly couldn't use his own ability for it might bring them in contact with Goku. It was interesting that besides transforming into a ship, Warlock could mask his/its Ki while acting as a living Dragon Ball radar.

     "So this Kame-sen'nin," asked Doug. "Does he have a chrome dome and a long beard?"

     "How'd you know that?" Kuririn asked, though he didn't like the comment.

     "I know these things," Doug provided his knowledge with a smile.

      Kuririn, interested in this boy's knowledge, nodded with a fat lip. "You seem to know a lot about martial arts."

    "I watch a lot of movies," responded Doug.

    SELF- scans- A- mass- OF- land- UPON- approaching- COORDINATION," Warlock's head popped from the front point of the rocket.

    "Well, here's my home," Kuririn presented the island to all.

    As they zoomed nearer, Tenchi asked Kuririn's permission to use his bathroom. His reasons? "I've got to shave."

   "Might as well," Illyana commented with a suggested content. "I like clean-shaven men."

    The remark caused Tenchi to blush. Doug grinned as Kuririn groaned. Warlock was confused.

 ===

    They reached the island. Upon it was a small two-story house with the words Kame House imprinted upon it. That was unusual, Doug maintained. The beach chair-lying owner was no different. Instead of an old man practicing some sort of yoga while considering the philosophy of life, the gang saw a shades-spectacled, Hawaiian shirt-donning old coot looking at porn that Doug knew couldn't be the latest edition of Playboy (not that he read such filth!).

    "Yo, Muten Roshi," Kuririn called to his beloved master. "May I borrow the Hoi Poi capsules?"

    Roshi barely lifted the magazine that his eyes were centered upon. "Sure," was his answer, though it was without any clear understanding to the question.

    "C'mon," Illyana goaded her friends to head for the house. Her words, or actually her voice was the factor that caught Roshi's attention away from his magazine. He beheld a beautiful young blond girl walking in a skin-tight suit that fully defined her gracious figure, vanishing into the house. Feeling the temptation, he got out of his seat…where he met the shocking face of some black-circuitry webbed looking at him. "QUERY: kuririnfriend- REGISTERS- you- AS- kame-sen'nin?"

   Roshi stilled at this creature. "Well, I…"

   Warlock proceeded to look at the opened magazine resting upon the chair. "FORMAT-premeditated- TO- habit- DESIGNATED- as- READING." His/its eye protruded from the alien. 'SELF- inputs- MEMORY- of- DOUGFRIEND- affiliation- WITH- stories- SUCH- as- THIS." His/its face suddenly transformed into an exact profile of the woman profiled.

   Roshi was startled, than interested…

===     

     It was clear to Tenchi that Kuririn shaved his head a lot. This deduction was based on the large number of shaving cream cans within the medicine cabinet. Tenchi in contrast rarely needed to shave. His reflection in the mirror revealed now was such a time. The degree of hair on his face was small, but it still called for some shearing. Unlike his father and grandfather, Tenchi wasn't ready to adopt the hirsute visage that had become a Masaki tradition. At least he wasn't wearing Warlock anymore; Kuririn gave him advice to hide his Ki by acting very calm. Doing relatively little was the best method for that.

    Applying the cream on his face, Tenchi thought uniquely on how this was among the few controlled actions in his present experiences. He was lost in these dimensional worlds and times, took part in the team's adventures, and fought bad guys with little idea of what will happen next. There were only a few matters in which he could really control. One was Gohan. It was really kind of Doug to convince him to reveal his mixed blood to the little boy. At first, Tenchi thought his friend was trying to use him, but Doug's subtle direction to Gohan revealed the true intent. He hoped telling about his own mixed blood raised the kid's self-esteem. It was needed, considering what the boy's supposed father did to him. Tenchi had learned that his Grandfather's reasons for leaving Jurai were based on the racist hostilities his people displayed to him for being a half-breed. Seeing Gohan's predicament (as well as remembering the anti-Mutant prejudice at his own Earth), Tenchi now had a very sympathetic idea of what sadness his Grandfather went through.

   Beginning to shave, Tenchi thought about the other thing in his control, or rather what he was trying to control- his relationship with Illyana. Their agreement to slow things down was the only order in that situation. His feelings for the girl were so confusing, so wonderful, and yet rather scary. He didn't know what was going to happen. Happiness and disaster were the possible outcomes.

    And then there was what his friends would think about their relationship. Tenchi barely cared what his teammates thought, but the opposite was true for the girls back home, especially Ryoko and Ayeka. They were probably worried about him; what would be their reactions in finding out that their Tenchi was not only safe, but in love with someone else? They would certainly take it hard. Both the space pirate and the Princess had confessed their love to him, and he ended up with another. On the other hand, Tenchi had chosen on his own to be with Illyana. The girls would have to accept that. A guy couldn't pretend to love a girl with feelings that aren't there. That was the sad truth.

   Unfortunately, Tenchi found that he still possessed feelings for those girls. He couldn't pretend those feelings never existed. As much as he wished not to, someone was going to be hurt. 

    Including himself, as he had just cut his cheek with the razor.

    Tenchi realized he was thinking way too much into things. He couldn't help it. Everything was so complicated, and Illyana was in the midst of it. Tenchi had known the girls for more than a year, but he chose to be with a girl whom he barely knew. Furthermore, Illyana was part demon, rude, and wild. Was it all a mistake?

   Tenchi flinched again. He wiped the second fresh cut he had added to his face.

   No, he loved Illyana. He was certain about that. The problems focused more on his fears in dealing with it. He never had a relationship like this before; never even had that many friends. Now he had a lot of them, from Ryoko and the girls, to the New Mutants, to Doug, and Illyana. When those associations began, he felt wary but was eventually won over. Perhaps he was just scared about this whole relationship business, and was just making up excuses…

    Why can't decisions be clear, simple, and comfortable?

    He cut himself again. It made Tenchi realize that he couldn't think about these things while shaving, or else more than just hair would be missing from his face.    

===    

     Illyana and Doug took a look at the small den of this house. It was surprising to both that this ancient martial arts master was living in a modern house. Their eyes were drawn to the mantle above the fireplace, which held three large photographs. One showed the old coot standing between a large giant and an old man. She and Doug recognized little from this picture.

    However, the middle picture held more for them in terms of recognition. It had Kame-sen'nin standing over two boys. One was Kuririn, donning the same red-orange costume he was now wearing. This younger version was locking arms with a black-and-spiky haired kid with a cherubic smile.

    "That's Carrot Guy, right?" Doug asked Kuririn, who now joined them.

    "That's Goku," Kuririn responded with a correction. "He was twelve there; I was thirteen."

   "Big difference there," said Illyana, "in body and attitude. You, on the other hand, haven't changed at all."

    Kuririn made no response to that.

    Illyana proceeded to look at the other photo to the far right. There was Kame-sen'nin, Kuririn, a taller but still cherubic Carrot Guy, along with Chichi, and some weird-looking people and animals. "Who's the pig and cat?"

    "My friends, P'uar and Oolong," recognized Kuririn in a perfectly straight manner that amused both mutants. This place gets weirder and weirder, thought Doug.

    The pictures of Carrot Guy were somewhat of a revelation to the two, especially Illyana. Both featured a handsome, kind-looking guy. There was nothing of the glaring, frowning, (but still handsome) deadbeat father that they previously met. This version had determined but soft eyes, and a gentle, easy smile. The two mutants noticed how creepy Magneto looked when he made a smile. There was no such vibe from this guy. Devoid of any cruel intent, the Carrot Guy here looked like he could do no wrong.

     That representation, and its contrast to the present gave Illyana much to ponder. This man was supposed to be some hero. Guess for every redemption wannabe like Magneto, Illyana joked to herself, there had to be some fallen angel wannabe like Carrot Guy. That latter example was worth her consideration. Good people can become bad just as bad people can become good. Carrot Guy, here, started out as bad, turned good, but went back to the side of the devil. Did this mean she had a similar path awaiting her, the innocent turned devil turned heroine? She shook her head of this nonsense; it was a load of bullshit! She was with friends, and now had Tenchi's love. He will give light to her dark soul. There was nothing to worry about.

    Tenchi then came down the stairs, rubbing his shorn face with a towel. Doug noted a red mark on his cheek. "Cut yourself?"

     As Tenchi admitted, Illyana closely embraced his arm with consolation. Tenchi paused at this motion, then accepted it wholeheartedly.

    Now with the group, he shared their knowledge to what Kuririn told them about the first picture. They all learned that the big guy was Gyuu Mao- the Ox King. Tenchi's interest was piqued. It was not so much the startling fact of the giant being Chichi's father and Gohan's grandfather- nor the other old man's identity being revealed to be Gohan, Goku's adopted grandfather. It was the name of Gyuu Mao; it sounded as fascinating as the name Son Goku. Tenchi thought he had heard both these names before, if only he could find the answers in the shadows of his mind.               

     "You and Carrot Guy must have been very close," Tenchi presumed.

     Kuririn nodded with poignancy. He thought of all the trouble he got from that Saiya-jin, his first and best friend. "The name is Goku."

      Doug noticed that someone was missing. "Where's Warlock?"

     "He was outside," reminded Kuririn. With a sudden realization, he ran outside. Tenchi, Illyana, and Doug reached the door. With a chin over a head, and a chin over a head, the trio looked out.

    They saw Kame-sen'nin standing with Warlock. Ol' Locke looked pretty different, with long hair, beautifully feminine face, and those big, floppy, naked breasts.

     The old man took notice to the shocked witnesses, his scarlet cheeks, bloody nose, and drooling mouth presenting his intent. "Oh, there you are! I was just teaching your friend how to resemble real people."

   "I'm sure you were," Kuririn's eyes shadowed with a dark face of doubt. Illyana, being in the middle, angrily tried blocking all the eyes of the male watchers. If only her powers worked right, then she would have thrown the old fart into Limbo. As of late, her mutant ability was as unreliable as ever. Something that might not be accidental, as the girl was beginning to realize. Luckily, Warlock was puzzled enough by this display to reform his/its shape from the old man's preference.

   "I think it's time we got outta here!" Illyana shouted. "Where's the plane?"

   "Right here," Kuririn revealed the plane- or what looked like a medicine capsule. Just as doubts on his sanity were solidifying within the Mutants' minds, they saw him click a button on the capsule, thrusting it in the air. A huge smoke cloud exploded, revealing a giant cockpit with wings and legs. It was now time for the three Mutants to question their own sanity.

    "Weird…" said Tenchi.

    "And weirder…" Doug continued.

    "And weirder-er," concluded Illyana.

    The trio walked to the huge plane that came out of nowhere. "Weird or not," Kuririn advised. "This is our transportation."

    "Going somewhere?" asked the old man.

    "Eh…I'm just taking these kids home," Kuririn masked his intent.

    "Can I come?" Kame-sen'nin's quick replied, eyeing the blond beauty nearby.

    "No way," Illyana fiercely declared. "You perverted-".

    Her words were cut short by the displeasing look Tenchi gave her. She decided to keep quiet, but managed to fire off one very cold stare at Kame-sen'nin.

    Feeling this girl's dark Ki forced the old man to change his mind. It had appeared to him that this sexy chick was trouble. Might give Buruma, Chichi, and Raunch a run for their money. 

==

    "This is nice!" Doug exclaimed about the flying aircraft. He sat in the front seats with the piloting Kuririn, while Illyana and Tenchi sat in the back, the former seated upon the latter.

   "Thank the Capsule Corporation for making it." Kuririn replied.

   "Is there anything else those capsules can do?" asked Illyana.

   "Sure thing, gal," Kuririn spoke with his best manners to impress this girl. "They can be used for containing houses, cars, motorcycles, and boats inside your pocket."

   As the gang thought about the possibilities this planet presented, Tenchi was reminded of a forgotten response. "Thanks very much, Doug," he said, "about making me speak about myself. I think Gohan really needed that."

     "Hey, it's one outsider to another." Doug was glad for his work. "We outsiders have to look out for each other. I can't help thinking of Gohan, or any of us, in that way."

     "Though it was my secret you told," Tenchi reminded.

     Doug sighed in the memory that justified that. "I know!" he waved his hands, than threw one on his forehead. "Just when things got simpler, this happened! I want to tell my parents more than ever, but after seeing that act Carrot Guy gave Gohan, I wonder if my own parents will act the same way."

     "That guy was a monster," Tenchi compared. "Don't tell me your parents are like that?"

     "Not right now, but suppose when I tell them the truth, they change on me?" Doug argued, bringing Kuririn into it. "You said Carrot Guy was once a nice guy. Look at him now! Guess anybody can change."

     Tenchi found the argument was just as impossible as the other times he and Doug spoke about it. He surrendered with sympathy. Doug was really scared about what his family thought; Tenchi knew he couldn't pressure him. He wouldn't be his friend in doing that. Doug had to resolve this matter by himself. 

    "Do any of you think Gohan's right?" Illyana spoke upon Tenchi's chest. "Could this guy be an impostor?"

     "I don't know if he's right," Tenchi spoke to her face-to-face. "But I can safely say that I don't know if he's wrong."

   "Well, whatever's got to the stud isn't magical," a smiling Illyana made her own admission.

   Tenchi tensed at her choice of words. He felt rather uncomfortable about Illyana praising Gohan's father. He tried to calmly consider it as just flattery. The guy looked very strong and handsome; but he was also married, and wasn't Illyana supposed to be his girlfriend? "I don't think he's that handsome."

    Illyana looked up again with a wicked grin. "You're getting a little green, there."

    The radar in Doug's hands instantly exploded as Warlock came charging with scanners upon Tenchi. "OBSERVATION- of- TENCHIFRIEND'S- facial- COMPLEXION- arrays- NO- signature- OF- green- HUE."  

    Illyana laughed, touching Tenchi's cheek. "Oh don't get so worked up, love," the girl spoke candidly. "Just because the guy's good-looking doesn't mean I'm head-over-heels for him. Still, what a man."

     "He's also married." Kuririn pointed out with his own streak of envy. The monk then started to flex his muscles. "Me, on the-"

     "No way, jose!" A disgusted Illyana dispelled those ambitions, tugging Tenchi's ponytail. "I don't date bald midgets!"

     "Besides," Doug added, "She's a minor!"

     Kuririn decided to mope in silence. Tenchi too sighed at the girl's cruel remarks.

     Once Warlock resumed playing the part of radar, Doug noticed that the glowing dots that represented the Dragon Balls were moving farther away. He noted this change to Kuririn.

    "If you don't mind," the pilot reasoned. "I'm taking another course. I think we should be prepared for what's gonna happen."      

===

    Northward, the first party to leave the island was already miles away from it. The formation this party moved in was somewhat scattered. Piccolo flew the farthest, giving only the slightest interest of letting those weaklings follow him closely. Magneto wasn't especially happy at this arrogance, but he had other concerns. He had to be in closer proximity with his two students, the rocketing Sam and his passenger Amara. This was to employ upon them the magnetic field that would mask their Ki's from Kakarrotto. If not for these two (whose inclusion in this circle was his choice, but not altogether a secure one), Magneto knew he could outrace this green-skinned upstart. 

    The two students looked on, feeling frustrated in being so far behind the two in front. Sam gave these misgivings to Amara, who told him not to punish himself. "You should be fortunate that you could still follow them so closely."

    Sam blushed, but his passenger's praise had little effect. A year ago, he would be so flustered by what Amara said. That was before Lila came to his life.

    "'Scuse me, sir!" cried Sam. "Are we anywhere near these Dragon Balls yet!"

    "Not far now, Sam!" cried Magneto's voice. "The electromagnetic detection is lurking ever nearer."

    This optimistic remark wasn't enough for Amara. She wasn't one who took things for word only. Thus, he wanted more solid proof of their situation. "Pardon, me Piccolo!" she screamed. "What does the radar you possess tell about our range from the Dragon Ball?"

    She got silence. Magneto, flying between the two, decided to speak on her behalf. "My student has asked you a question, Piccolo," he strongly demanded. "Will you-"

    "I heard her!" snapped Piccolo with a yell. "My ears are sensitive to your whining. I cannot tell," he voiced his answer rather smugly. "I didn't bring the radar with me."   

===

       Far away, Kakarrotto broke his meditation. His lips curved into a smile.   

===============================================================

TO BE CONTINUED

Annotations

Chapter 3: A New Advantage! The search for the Dragon Balls begins again!

1. Opening lines of dialogue written by Chris Claremont from the back-story 'A Fire in the Night,' in CLASSIC X-MEN#11. 

2. The New Mutants stayed in Kirinos prior to their trip to Asgard in the NEW MUTANTS SPECIAL EDITION.

3. Juliana was Roberto's white girlfriend. She was killed protecting him from a Hellfire guard in the NEW MUTANTS GRAPHIC NOVEL. 

4. Tenchi in his Light Hawk Wing form overcame a Black Hole in TENCHI MUYO OVA 2 Episode 5 "Zero Ryoko."

5. Kuririn's "pure heart = SSJ" theory is incorrect. However, he will still believe this until he sees the SSJ Vejita fighting Android 19.

6. Most of the New Mutants were trained to protect their thoughts (and henceforth their psychic auras) from telepathic scans. Magik already possesses mystical defenses to her mind.

7. The Manchurian Candidate, a 1963 film, is about a captured soldier being brainwashed into becoming an assassin for the enemy. His fellow inmates were brainwashed into always praising this assassin as the kindest, bravest man they've ever known.

8. Karma/Shan was possessed by a powerful telepath named Farouk. Tenchi's friend Ryoko was possessed by Kagato in this author's previous Tenchi-New Mutants X-Over THE PRINCE & THE SORCERESS.

9. I've made Chichi and Goku (at least, the Goku from the prologue) sound like hillbillies. That's because they are hillbillies. The subtitles in the DBZ DVDs clearly show that these two don't speak clipped English accents.

10. The second picture of Goku, Kuririn, and Roshi is based on the title picture from DRAGONBALL Manga Vol. 3. 

11. I've attempted to follow some of the more original name spellings. Raunch is Lunch, Gyuu Mao is Ox-King, etc.

12. Lila is Lila Cheney, Sam Guthrie's space thief- rock star girlfriend.

===============================================================

NEXT TIME: This is Piccolo, here. As this story continues, new revelations are given: It appears Gohan's distress with his father runs even deeper than anyone could imagine. It also looks like these whiny brats will have their first violent confrontation with Kakarrotto (without my presence, much to my regret). In that case, the pupils surely reveal the quality of their teacher…