Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty

Written by: Feraligreater328 and StevenBodner

Edited by: StevenBodner and SparkerLightning

A/N: It's worth noting that the three henchmen that Gokua had with him are actually named Shigya (the muscular girl), Hanzai (the dude), and Nikuji (the shorter woman) in their source material, Dragon Ball Multiverse. It doesn't really matter because Bardock killed them all rather quickly, but I like sticking as close to the source material for things as possible, so I'm going to go back and re-edit the chapters they showed up in to reflect the proper names.

Also, hey, I was considering posting some extra things onto my account. Things like character sheets and what have you that I typed out. Let me know if you'd be into that. :)

Chapter 111: Prelude to the Final Showdown

Back with Bardock and 18...

Holding his hand out, Gokua willed his sword into his grasp and then charged at Bardock. The older Saiyan gritted his teeth and ducked a slash, watching as the sharpened force of the blade went flying into the background and cleaved a massive statue of an angel in twain. Gokua reared his fist back with a roar and plunged it into the ground, smashing a massive hole into the rock with no effort.

Bardock rolled out of his way and got to his feet, but Gokua was already right there. The sword-wielding goon drove his fist right into Bardock's face and sent him crashing back into a nearby building, smashing it to pieces. As the dust settled, Bardock shakily got back to his feet. He spat a mouthful of blood and a broken tooth to the ground. "Shit..."

Gokua cackled, holding his sword over his shoulder. "Aw come on, man! Where's the bravado from before?! Come on! Call me a brat!"

Bardock glared at Gokua. "Don't kid yourself. You're dumber than a bucket of pig-shit..."

Gokua let loose a tired sigh. But then, with a hateful sneer, he launched forward and kneed Bardock in the chest. He snarled into the Saiyans ear. "You ain't gotta be smart if you're strong, asshole! I'm going to pay you back for what your look-a-like did, with blood!"

Gokua continued to force his knee, knocking Bardock high into the air. And then, to follow up, he smashed the pommel of his blade into the scar on Bardock's face and made it split open. Bardock's eyes went wide and his mind instantly began to waver.

Sometime, long ago...

Various images flashed through Bardock's mind. Two infants in a pod, the face of Vegeta's mother, the sight of a woman's head plunged onto a pike, a version of him with only one arm walking away, and the flames.

The pain surged through Bardock's face as his scar bled and all of these memories rushed in like a typhoon, all at once.

Back in the present...

Bardock crashed into the ground hard. The side of his face scraped against the ground and he immediately felt blood pooling beneath his face. But that didn't matter. Bardock pressed his hand to the scar on his cheek. He felt a small trickle of blood trailing down his chin. He shakily pushed himself up and groaned. "God damn it..."

Gokua lunged at the warrior, but Bardock's Super Saiyan power flared. He dodged out of the way of a deadly slash, barely avoiding a massive cut to his neck, and fired a blast. Gokua faced the ki blast and took it directly to the chest. The warrior powered through it and heaved his sword into the air again, this time raining it down and plunging it deep into Bardock's leg. Bardock roared in pain, feeling Gokua's Ressho carve part of the way through his femur. He crashed to the ground and gripped his heavily bleeding leg, snarling in pain as he summoned a ki blast into his palm and seared the wound shut.

Gokua sighed. "That's right. Keep fixing yourself up. It makes breaking you more and more fun~"

Bardock winced as he got back to his feet, feeling his slashed leg waver and buckle up his weight. Bardock could feel the injured bone splintering within him, but he couldn't afford to rest. Using his good leg, Bardock leapt out of the way of another slash. He spun in the air and punched Gokua right in the mouth, but the enemy didn't even flinch. Gokua thrust his blade forward again and this time dealt a shallow gash to Bardock's shoulder. Bardock went flying back and was immediately set upon again. Gokua laid into the older Saiyan with a punch to the throat, sending him crashing back even further before leaping into the air and landing onto Bardock's chest with a stomp.

Gokua raised his sword into the air and prepared to thrust it down into Bardock's throat. "Die, Saiyan scum!"

Bardock pointed his finger into the air. "Destructo-Dart!"

The beam shot upward and sliced a gash through Gokua's cheek. The swordsman flinched and that gave Bardock the opening he needed. The Saiyan threw his fist upward and busted Gokua right in the crotch, bringing the swordsman to his knees and leaving him open for a second punch to the throat. Gokua gagged and Bardock fired a blast right into his face, sending him flying back.

With Gokua briefly indisposed, Bardock stood and growled under his breath. He summoned another ki blast and pressed it to the gash on his shoulder. He took a deep breath and sighed. "Okay. Let's go for a Round 3, brat!"

On the other side of the battlefield...

Zangya smirked at 18 as her octopus-like hair surged forward. With this new power granted by the Kaio-Water running through her system, Zangya was more than assured of her imminent victory. And this was made even more certain by the look in 18's eyes. 18 was always cool under pressure, rarely losing her cool in tense situations. However, this surge in power from Zangya was enough to unnerve her. 18 rapidly retreated from the hair, but it proved to be much faster than even 18's top speed. The waving tendrils sped forward and crashed into 18's chest, smashing her through several trees and into a stone table.

18 shakily got back her onto feet and went to fire a blast, but the surging pain in her pierced side blasted up her back like a lightning bolt. 18 shuddered and fell to her knees, but still managed to fire her attack. Zangya, in response, yawned and flicked her fingers upward. The water from the plants surrounding the woman immediately burst out and formed a shield in front of the cruel woman, leaving a massive circle of brown, dead vegetation surrounding her. 18 shuddered and heaved, vomiting blood onto the ground in front of her. She gripped her pierced side and groaned, wincing in possibly the most physical pain she had felt in her entire life.

Zangya scoffed. "Aw~ Are you hurt? You look hurt~"

And then, in a flash, Zangya's hair shot up and wrapped around 18's throat, lifting her into the air and smashing her around like a ragdoll. 18 was put through trees, stone structures, and even the side of a building, utterly helpless to do anything but be battered by her cruel opponent.

As Zangya heaved 18 up into the air, ready to drive her head directly into the ground, 18 finally got her wits about her. She wreathed her hand in the energy that would make up a Destructo-Disc and raked it through Zangya's hair, slicing the strands to pieces and allowing the injured 18 to flop to the ground. The Android took a second to breath, gasping for air as she writhed on the ground, only for something to suddenly start dragging her across the dirt.

18 cried out in pain, looking down and seeing the ice spike impaling through her torso pulling her towards Zangya like a magnet. 18 growled under her breath and raised her fist up, punching her own hip and shattering that massive ice spike to pieces. Those pieces continued to fly towards Zangya while 18 came to a stop, lying still as blood began to pour from her wound like a faucet.

Zangya was flippant as she twirled the newly released ice through the air. She observed 18's blood on the surface of it with a loving gaze, and then she shifted the ice back into water, allowing the blood to harmlessly fall to the ground. She shrugged. "That's fine. Remove my ice from your side. Now I can just watch you bleed to death~ That wound is way too big to sear shut, unlike those love taps that Gokua is dealing to your friend. So, you've just put yourself onto a timer, bitch~"

18, in spite of her pain, chuckled. Zangya gave a cat-like smirk. "What's up? Lost your mind?"

18 shook her head. "No. I'm just...relieved..."

She shakily got to her feet and pressed her hand to the surging wound on her hip. She coughed. "Gero's modifications to my body will allow me to survive this wound for a bit longer than a normal human could. And you were nice enough to show me that I can beat you..."

Zangya cocked her head. "Oh really?"

18 nodded. "I was afraid, when I saw you controlling water, that you might be able to control my blood if you had a clear enough access to it. But the fact that the blood on that icicle fell to the ground tells me that you can't..."

The Android gritted her teeth. "I hate having to fight. It's a pain in the ass. But now I know for sure that I can put you down! And you'd better believe that I plan to, you husband-maiming psycho bitch!"

Zangya snorted and laughed out loud. "Wait a minute...that ugly little troll is your husband?! Sweetie...you do realize you can set the bar higher than the floor, right?"

18 took a deep breath. "He's going to be my husband very soon..."

She glared at Zangya with utter fury, balling up her fists and forming a barrier around each. "And I'm going to make you pay for daring to insult him!"

18 lunged at Zangya with an almighty, focused rage. Zangya rolled her eyes and dipped her hair into a nearby puddle, whipping her hair around and launching a flurry of liquid needles directly at 18. 18 swiped her fists through the air, smashing some of the needles away and taking the others head on before getting right in Zangya's face and cracking her in the jaw. And sending her flying to the side. Zangya rubbed her jaw and sneered, rushing right back at 18 and returning the punch for a punch. 18 wiped her bloodied nose on her sleeve returned with yet another punch. And then the brawl was on.

Zangya grew frustrated rather quickly. She was a mid-to-long range fighter and she knew her strengths. And yet, despite her best efforts to get away, 18 gave her no space. 18 punched Zangya again and again, taking each blow that Zangya returned in stride and giving one back.

Trying a new strategy, the green-skinned woman thrust both of her hands into the air and caused a massive geyser of water to erupt from the ground and engulf 18. And then, before the Android could respond, Zangya froze the entire thing solid. She retreated back, gaining some much-desired distance, and then used her Kosatsu to whip her massive plume of hair forward. The strands shot through the ice like supersonic needles and pierced into 18's frozen form. Zangya smirked. "And now you know how your man felt~"

But then, to Zangya's shock, the frozen 18's lips curled into a smile. 18's energy crackled around her, melting the surrounding ice into water. And then, with a thick layer of ice acting as a shield against any immediate attacks, 18 rapidly reeled Zangya in towards her. Zangya sneered in annoyance at the feeling of 18 pulling her hair and immediately melted the ice to launch an attack of her own. "BEAU-"

In a flash, 18 rocketed out of the ice and kneed Zangya square in the face, following that up with a midair backflip. Using this built-up momentum, 18 heaved Zangya around and smashed her harshly into the ground. Zangya crashed with a massive thud and 18 landed with a boot on the deadly woman's throat. Zangya gagged, but then shot her own leg up and harshly kicked 18 in the side of the head. Zangya rolled onto her feet and shot her Kosatsu at 18 again, but 18 was prepared with an Energy Barrier. The hair harmlessly collided away and, once it was gone, the two women glared at one another. They were both beaten and bloodied, and 18 was grievously wounded, but it was clear that neither was going to surrender to the other.

18 screamed with fury and so did Zangya and they both summoned attacks. 18 charged forward with two Destructo-Discs and Zangya rushed in with two boiling tendrils of water. They clashed in the middle, Zangya's boiling water tendrils managing to holding 18's deadly discs at bay. Properly infuriated, Zangya snarled. "I refuse to let you beat me, you little nobody! You hear me?! I was the Water Maiden of the Kaio-Springs! A person of class and status and taste! I won't let a frumpy, little bimbo like you bring me down!"

Zangya surged against 18, but 18 refused to budge even an inch. Zangya growled. "The only people that can out-muscle me at high-class paladins like Bojack and Bido! Who do you think you are puffing your chest out to me?!"

18 rolled her eyes. "Would you shut up?!"

The Android, with all of her strength, pushed forward and made Zangya stumble back. And then, before Zangya could respond, 18 used all of her power to rush forward and uppercut the green-skinned woman right under the jaw. Zangya went flying back and crashed hard against the ground and stood just in time to block another punch from 18 with her forearm. 18's gaze was icy and Zangya sneered. "QUIT LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT!"

Zangya shoved 18 back and, wordlessly, 18 balled up her fists. She formed an energy barrier around each and took on a defensive stance. Zangya snarled and balled up her fists as well, encasing one in ice and surrounding the other with a bubble of super-heated water. 18 glanced at both of Zangya's hands and was taken aback. Zangya's frozen hand was showing signs of severe frostbite. Her boiling hand was starting to peel. 18 tightened her focus. "You're pretty desperate for this win, huh?"

Zangya gritted her teeth. For a moment, the furious temperament disappeared and she just looked...sad. But then, her face hardened right back. "This is all I have left after what that Turles bastard did! I won't let you make a fool of me!"

Back with Bardock and Gokua...

Gokua charged in with his blade once more and swung it with expert precision at Bardock. The slashing attack was immediately blocked by a rigid forearm from Bardock. The Saiyan had used his Super Saiyan power to strengthen and toughen his skin, making it more resilient to Gokua's attempts at inflicting injury. A trickle of blood oozed out of the spot where the sword had struck, but Bardock simply shrugged off the pain and deflected the sword to the side, throwing a punch dead center into Gokua's face and smashing his nose in.

Gokua stumbled back and Bardock rushed in again, kicking him hard in the neck and unleashing a tight punch into the warrior's gut. Gokua groaned, but then raised his own fist and clubbed it hard onto Bardock's back. The older Saiyan threatened to buckle, but he held firm. Locking his knees tight, Bardock used all of his strength to buck back against Gokua and send him stumbling back, going in and clubbing him hard across the face once more.

Bardock took on a defensive stance. Gokua snarled and gripped Ressho's handle so tight that energy surged from the blade. The swordsman rushed in for a second time and swung his blade at Bardock. Bardock shouted out loud and flared his power, using his aura as a buffer against the blade. The sword slashed across Bardock's chest and shattered away the armor on his upper left side, leaving a shallow gash that sent blood pouring out.

Gokua went in for another slash, but Bardock managed to catch him by the wrist and hold him in place. The two warriors sneered at one another. Gokua shouted. "I'll give you this much, fool! At least you choose to face us head-on! That scumbag, Turles, only dared to face Master Bojack! And even then he needed the help of a filthy Namekian to manage the tainted win he achieved!"

Gokua shoved Bardock back. "I know not your relationship to Turles, but at least you aren't the worthless coward he was!"

A vein bulged out of Bardock's head, his eyes shadowing over. Gokua cackled and rushed in. "You're open, fool!"

The swordsman howled with joy as he thrust his blade right into Bardock's face. The attack went unblocked and the sword sunk in, shoving Bardock back and making dirt pile up around his heels. Watching as the Saiyans blood began to streak down the broad-side of his blade, Gokua cackled. "Yeah! Take that! But don't worry, we'll send Turles down to Hell with you soon enough! You can chastise him...for..."

As he tried to yank Ressho free of Bardock's face, the sword stalled. Gokua sneered. "What's going on...?"

Bardock snarled, his teeth tightly gritted. "You just made your final mistake, boy..."

The older Saiyan lifted his head back up, revealing the tip of Ressho gripped tightly between his teeth. Bardock's Super Saiyan power flared and he roared. "You signed your own death warrant!"

And then, before Gokua could react, Bardock bit down hard on Ressho's tip and it shattered apart. Gokua flinched back in shock and Bardock took immediate advantage, forming a Rebellion's Edge on each hand and slicing Gokua's hands off. Gokua's eyes went wide and he screamed at the top of his lungs as blood spurted from his wrists. "DAMN YOU! GOD DAMN YOU!"

Using his telekinetic link with Ressho, Gokua tried to send the sword flying into Bardock's throat, but the Saiyan simply smacked it aside with his left Rebellion's Edge. Gokua gasped in shock, his eyes going wide, and Bardock took advantage again. The Saiyan took a deep breath and spat the shattered remains of Ressho's tip right into Gokua's eyes, sending the swordsman stumbling back in howling pain. Bardock sneered, holding his right-handed Rebellion's Edge out and summoning the Virtue of Searing Flames onto it. Bardock reared his right hand back and charged forward. "There's a lot I'll let slide, but this is one mistake you can't apologize for! I WON'T ALLOW ANYONE TO THREATEN MY FAMILY! AND I WON'T ALLOW A SCUMBAG LIKE YOU TO MOCK OR THREATEN MY LITTLE BROTHER! NOW DIE, KOGU!"

Gokua screamed out in frustration. "MY NAME IS GOKU-"

Bardock brought the Flaming Rebellion's Edge up in the form of a severe uppercut, hooking his fist beneath Gokua's crotch and slicing him straight upwards like a hot knife through butter. Gokua screamed in utter agony. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Bardock's righteous fist reached Gokua's throat and then the Flaming Rebellion's Edge flared out, exploding Gokua's head like a massive, bloody balloon. The two halves of Gokua's body flopped to the ground and immediately caught flame. Bardock fell to his knee, gasping and exhausted. "Pathetic. Nearly 10,000 years old and not even half the swordsman a teenager was."

He trained his glare towards the battle between 18 and Zangya. "I need to interrogate one of these bastards..."

Back with 18 and Zangya...

The two women smashed their fists into each other's faces and both went flying back. One of 18's eyes was burnt and swelled over and both of her nostrils were bleeding. Zangya had a massive welt on her forehead, she spat out a tooth and wiped her forearm across her face. "I'll kill you. I swear I'll kill you..."

18 grunted back. "Nothing but talk. I have infinite ki and I can take a punch. You'll die of exhaustion before you put me down!"

Zangya held up both hands. "Then let's skip the punching from here on out!"

All of the water surrounding the area rose into the sky and turned into burning vapor. And then, Zangya compressed the aerosol liquid into one massive form: a dragon. Zangya smirked. "Let's see you fight with all of your skin burnt off! DRACONIC VAPOR DEMON!"

The dragon rose into the air with a steaming roar and then shot back down right towards 18. The Android groaned in frustration and dissipated the two barriers around her fists, instead forming one around her entire body. The streaming dragon opened its jaw and bit down onto 18's protective sphere, engulfing it and raining down constant, steaming pressure on top of it.

Sweat poured down 18's brow as she gave it her all to hold the barrier in place. But, even with all of her training, she still wasn't as good as 17 at maintaining one. She could feel the Infinite Energy Engine within her chest heating up more and more. And, as the dragon's assault continued, 18 was helpless to watch as cracks began to form in her barrier. Burning steam began to seep in with a whistling howl and 18 snarled. "Damn it..."

Soon, the bubble was totally filled and 18 was engulfed with burning, hot steam. Zangya cackled as she watched 18's shadow writhe in agony within the cloud. "Yes! Take that! Burn you-"

The energy barrier popped and suddenly, to Zangya's shock, 18 rocketed upward. The Android came shooting out of the cloud of steam like a missile, her skin bright pink from being burnt. Zangya was shocked and left unable to mount a solid defense. 18 roared at the top of her lungs and sunk her fist into Zangya's chest, shattering her breastbone and making blood erupt from Zangya's throat. Zangya gasped. "H-H-How..."

18 drew her leg back. "Differences in pressure. When your steam breached my barrier, I rolled with it and used the pressure differential it created to send myself flying when it burst out. Now, my skin is on fire, so I think I'm going to end this!"

With all her strength, 18 kicked Zangya in the face, sending her crashing and impacting into the ground. As Zangya laid there, barely conscious and unable to move, 18 hovered over her. "Die."

A massive, golden orb shined out from 18's palm. She aimed it directly at Zangya and began to shout. "Blazing Star Mag-"

"EVIL CONTAINMENT WAVE!"

A massive, green beam shredded across the ground and engulfed Zangya. The Galaxy Soldier was lifted high into the air and 18 watched as she was funneled into a flowerpot at Bardock's feet. Bardock clamped a lid down on top of the flowerpot, tying it on with a rather thick vine, and then he drew a series of kanji on with the blood from his chest wound. Bardock collapsed onto the ground with a groan, placing his hand onto Zangya's new prison. "Gotcha..."

A pair of black, leather boots landed on the ground in front of Bardock. He looked up and saw 18 glowering down at him. "Dick move?"

18 nodded. "Dick move."

Bardock sighed, his voice sounding unexpectedly genuine. "Sorry about that. I just...I needed someone to interrogate. These bastards have..."

18 spoke up. "This about that Turles person they kept bitching about?"

Bardock remained silent, his eyes glancing as far away from 18 as possible. 18 rolled her eyes. "Fine. I forgive you. But you have to carry me back, okay?"

The older Saiyan looked up. "What do you-"

18 hit the ground with a thud, her face looking rather pale in spite of the burns. Bardock looked at the massive wound on his side and nodded. "Right. Ugh..."

Bardock stood. He grabbed the flowerpot imprisoning Zangya under one of his arms and then gently heaved Android 18 onto his shoulder. Walking with some difficulty from his own injuries, Bardock made his way over to the grievously wounded Krillin and picked him up as well. "Okay...sorry 'bout the bumpy ride, guys. I feel like I'm about to keel over too..."

And then, finally victorious, Bardock, Krillin, and Android 18 took off to regroup with their friends back on the main island. And not one of the three of them noticed as Gokua's abandoned Ressho suddenly vanished into thin air.

Back with Gohan and Piccolo...

As reality continued to warp around them, Gohan and Piccolo both used their years of martial prowess to dodge the various rock formations and flying pieces of debris that Bujin's mental rampage tossed at them. Bujin laughed, the gem embedded in his head shining like a Christmas light. "You fools are in for it now! I was a Divineer back on Hera! I was responsible for assisting the Gods themselves in drawing out the maps that would show where stars would form! My mental fortitude is leaps and bounds beyond what you fools are capable of! My power is absolute!"

Piccolo and Gohan both roared out and charged a pair of blasts. Together, they fired their attacks up towards Bujin. "DOUBLE MASENKO!"

The little imp flicked his wrists towards the attacks and they immediately dispersed. Both warriors flinched back in surprise and Bujin cackled. "You fools! You absolute fools! Try these on for size!"

And then, with a flash of his eyes, Bujin created two, blank-eyed mirror clones of Gohan and Piccolo. The two clones both glared at their counterparts and Bujin sneered. "ATTACK AND KILL! ATTACK AND KILL!"

The two clones, blank in expression, rushed towards their counterparts. Piccolo and Gohan both met their opponents and a brawl immediately ensued. Piccolo met a punch from his mirror clone with a punch of his own and his arm immediately went stiff. "Damn! This thing is matching my strength!"

Gohan fired a blast, which was met by a blast much the same. "They have all of our skill too!"

The fighting continued. Mirror-Piccolo spun around and nailed Piccolo in the jaw with a backfist. Gohan kicked his clone in the chest. Piccolo managed to chop his opponent's chest, sending it crashing to the ground. Mirror-Gohan shouted and fired a Masenko right into Gohan's face. As they continued their brawl, the two warriors of Earth were beginning to rapidly tire. They were fighting enemies of the exact same strength, skill, and power level as they. And, unlike them, the Mirror Clones didn't seem to wane in the slightest. Gohan blocked a punch. "Any luck, Mr. Piccolo? You train like this all the time, don't you?!"

Piccolo blushed, blocking a knee strike from his clone and bashing it away. "Sh-Shut up! I split my own strength in half when I do that. I've never fought a...me...this strong before!"

The Namekian stretched out his arm and slapped his palm over his Mirror Clone's face, smashing it harshly into the ground. Through the dust, however, a Special Beam Cannon shot up and shredded into Piccolo's side. Piccolo flinched and snarled, but immediately managed to regenerate and charge in. Watching in brief horror as the burst of purple blood exploded out, Gohan tried to charge in and help his mentor. "Mr. Piccolo!"

But, before he could make it too far, Mirror-Gohan rushed up from behind and started to choke him out. Gohan snarled and rammed his elbow into Mirror-Gohan's gut. The clone immediately let go, but quickly recovered and rushed back in with a hefty strike across Gohan's face. Gohan flared out his Super Saiyan power, the clone did the same. Gohan sighed. "Fine then. Try this!"

Gohan went Super Saiyan 2, but then the clone did the exact same thing. Seeing the writing on the wall, Gohan sighed and released his Super Saiyan 2 form. The clone did the same. The boy nodded. "Okay...I think I see what's going on here now..."

He turned. "Mr. Piccolo!"

Rising from the dust and rubble below, Piccolo shot up and pressed his back to his student's. "Talk to me."

Gohan nodded. "These things are psychic constructs that are locked onto us. They're capable of independent movement, but they perfectly mirror our energy levels and output as that Bujin guy senses. At least, that's my theory."

Piccolo chuckled. "So, you're saying we can't kill them no matter what. Because they'll always be at a level that we are only able to perfectly match."

Gohan nodded. "That's my thought."

Piccolo nodded back. "Same."

Gohan pressed his fingers to his forehead. "Thinking what I'm thinking?"

Piccolo laughed. "I taught you how to think in battle, so of course I am."

And then, without missing a beat, the two charged the energy into their fingertips and fired it not towards their clones, but towards Bujin. "DOUBLE SPECIAL BEAM CANNON!"

The attacks shot up and Bujin gasped in shock, not nearly as capable of merely flicking these away. However, the little imp was in no danger. Very quickly, the Mirror Clones of Gohan and Piccolo rushed up to defend their master, blocking and neutralizing the attacks. Piccolo frowned, spitting off to the side and glaring up. "Even with his boost, that little bastard is still nothing in terms of power. But so long as he has those perfect copies on his side, we're stuck."

Piccolo cracked his neck. "This is annoying. If he manages to make a clone to face down a potential opponent, he's invincible. So, what do we do?"

Looking around for a solution, Gohan's eyes eventually landed on one peculiar sight. He smirked. "Well, Mr. Piccolo, I'd say we've lucked out this time."

Piccolo flinched. Gohan chuckled. "Luckily for us, he didn't make a Mirror Clone of every martial artist on the battlefield~"

Bujin wasn't even bothering to listen to what Gohan was saying. Drunk on his newly acquired power, the little imp simply snarled out a command. "MY MIRRORED SLAVES! GO AND KILL YOUR PROGENITORS! KILL THEM FOR GOOD AND REMOVE THEM FROM MY SIGHT!"

The two clones charged and Piccolo braced himself, but Gohan simply kept his focus down on the ground below. "I was wondering where I had heard that name before. It reminded me of an old story that Krillin and Yamcha told me once. They went and fought a group of super strong warriors to ask for help locating a Dragon Ball..."

Piccolo cocked his head. "What?! What are you going on about?!"

Gohan nodded. "One of those warriors is here: Spike, the Devilman. And he has a move that can kill any opponent under a certain condition~"

Piccolo glanced down alongside Gohan, seeing Spike the Devilman glaring right up at Bujin. The martial artist thrusted his fingers right at the imp and shouted. "TAKE THIS, CUR! DEVILMITE BEAM!"

The beam fired up and Bujin sneered. "What is it that you think you will do, you worthless-"

The Devilmite Beam shot right into Bujin's chest and the power of it immediately engulfed the imp. Bujin's eyes went wide and he screamed at the top of his lungs. Immediately, all of the psychic warping that had been done to the area vanished away and the Mirror Clones both shattered like glass. Bujin screamed in agony as the very energy that made up his soul burned away, wisping from his eyes and mouth like a sinister fog.

Gohan and Piccolo both watched on in awe as it seemed their opponent was doomed.

But then, to their shock, a massive pressure engulfed the entire area and a blast suddenly shot down towards Spike the Devilman. Gohan cried out. "Mr. Devilman!"

Piccolo charged in as well. Gohan tackled Spike out of the way and Piccolo deflected the blast into the distance, blowing a ferris wheel to pieces. On the ground, Spike put on a half-smile and sighed. "For the second instance, I am saved by a child..."

He looked down at Gohan. "Still, thank you my dear...boy...?"

Gohan's face was frozen in a sickened look of terror. Spike looked over at Piccolo and saw the Namekian glaring up into the sky. As Gohan stood and looked into the sky as well, Spike followed their gaze and saw what they were looking at. A mountain of a man, with a sinister scar cut across his face, hovered high above. In one hand, he was tightly gripping Bujin by the throat. The other hand was tightly gripping a sword that seemed to be missing the tip.

This behemoth glared down at Piccolo and Gohan and gave a deep, sinister chuckle. "Bujin. Be aware that you only continue to live by the grace of Gokua and Zangya's incompetence. Thank the stars above that you are somehow not the most pathetic of our number today..."

Bujin gagged and choked within the hulking man's grip. He thankfully nodded. "Thank you for your generosity...Master Bojack..."

Bojack ignored Bujin, continuing to glare down at Piccolo and Gohan. With a sinister smirk, he pointed his free hand towards the ocean. "Mere meters off the coast of the main island, my ship floats in this salinated puddle you call an ocean. Once the best of your number are in fighting shape, bring them along and we shall settle matters~"

Bojack turned towards the ocean. But, before flying away, he shot a hate-filled glare over his shoulder. "Oh, and Namekian, do make sure you bring that scar-faced Saiyan with you. The three of us have much to discuss..."

Piccolo flinched, and then Bojack took off with Bujin gripped tightly in hand. Once Bojack was totally out of sight, Gohan sighed and his Super Saiyan form was dispersed. "Mr. Piccolo. That guy...he was..."

The Namekian grunted, placing his onto his hip and using Magic Materialization to fix the hole in his clothing. "He certainly would have given Cell a run for his money if Cell were still alive..."

Spike the Devilman stepped up, stroking his chin. "His energy was quite immense. But you think he would have matched that most previous threat to the Earth?"

Piccolo seemed distracted. Gohan answered. "It's not like he would have beaten Cell with one punch, but it's hard to say that Cell could have stood up to the pressure I felt within that guy..."

The Namekian took to the sky. "We need to regroup with the others. Try and hold out until Yajirobe arrives with the Senzu Beans. Come on, Gohan."

Gohan nodded as Piccolo flew off. "R-Right!"

The boy prepared to take off as well, but then he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Gohan turned and saw Spike the Devilman looming next to him. He flinched back a bit. "Oh, do you need help getting back to the main island, sir?"

Spike shook his head. "Nothing like that. I am perfectly capable of flight. I...I just wanted to...express my gratitude. Being saved so many times by a child is shameful to my pride as a martial artist...but I am quite grateful that you considered my life one worth saving. If there is anything I can do for you, my boy...please let me know..."

Gohan was taken aback. But then, he smiled and offered a handshake. Spike smirked and accepted. "Tell me, boy. Are you at all related to Son Goku?"

The boy responded back. "He's my father."

Spike laughed. "Of course. That makes sense."

Once the handshake was finished, the two warriors separated. But rather than fly off, Gohan seemed to be deep in thought. He smiled. "Actually, Mr. Devilman, if you have a bit of free time...I can think of a way you could pay me back right now..."

Spike nodded. "Go ahead, then."

Gohan crossed his arms over his chest. "Do you think...you could teach me how to use that Devilmite Beam of yours?"

Back with Tien and Chiaotzu...

Chiaotzu hovered there in horrified silence at the sight of the beaten, broken, and bloodied Tien lying utterly decimated in the hot, desert sand. Bido loomed over Tien with a scornful look on his face, his fists tightly gripped and dripping with blood. "Either you were bullshitting me, or you're still too arrogant to show me this strength of yours..."

Bido thoughtlessly flipped Tien onto his back with a lazy kick. "Either way, you are pathetic..."

The brute held out his hand, almost looking disappointed as he prepared to blast Tien away. Chiaotzu dived down between Bido and Tien and tried to act as a shield. Bido scoffed. "Do you think that I cannot destroy both of you at once?"

Chiaotzu felt a lump in his throat form, but then gasped as, suddenly, Bido's energy blast disappeared. Bido sneered and looked scornfully into the air. "Old man Iryokago? What do you want?"

Bido sighed and scratched the back of his head, suddenly turning away from Chiaotzu and his fallen friend. "Well, if Master Bojack is saying to drop everything and come back, I guess I don't really have a choice...probably..."

As he walked off, Bido shot one last scornful look back at Tien and Chiaotzu. And then, with a scoff, he flew off towards the sea. Chiaotzu stood there, confused and scared. And behind him, on the ground, Tien's barely conscious fists shook not with despair, but with rage.

In front of Cash Tower...

"Hiyahhh!"

A Dynamite Kick crashed into the face of one of the Galaxy Soldier grunts, sending them flying and crashing into the side of a nearby car. The rest of the brigands circled around, one of them whipping out a dagger and charging forward.

The grunt slashed their knife twice at the opponent, Mr. Satan, and left a deep gash splitting across his chest. Mr. Satan fell to his knees and grunted in pain. The brigand raised the knife high into the air and screamed. "Die, you pathetic human scum!"

Mr. Satan's fist shot upward and crashed into the fool's jaw, sending them flying high into the air and crashing into a statue that resembled Miguel. As the statue crumbled, Mr. Satan groaned. He pressed his hand over the bleeding gash on his chest and watched with sadness as the sculpture of his beloved wife crumbled. "M-Miguel...I..."

The martial artist was exhausted. His muscles were screaming and he was out of breath. Mr. Satan wiped the pouring sweat from his brow and looked over the dozens of opponents he had bested so far...and yet dozens upon dozens more still poured in. The hulking fighter was about ready to throw in the towel...but then a single image flashed through his mind. The only thing that Mr. Satan...that Mark had left was up in that tower these bastards were trying to invade.

And so, Mr. Satan got back to his feet and roared at the top of his lungs. "Keep 'em comin', fools! You ain't got a chance in Hell of getting up that tower!"

On the Galaxy Soldier's ship...

A massive, red crystal waved over Bujin's grievously wounded body and Iryokago sneered. "What sort of beings reside on this planet that even one who has ingested the Sacred Kaio-Water could end up in such a state...?"

"Man, they really did a number on Bujin, eh?"

Iryokago briefly stopped his treatment and looked up, seeing Bido walking in. "Ah, young Bido. You seem to have taken your time coming back. Where is your urgency, boy?!"

Bido blew Iryokago off, instead looking around. "Where are Gokua and Zangya? Were they injured as well?"

Iryokago sighed. "No. Gokua is dead. And Zangya is missing."

Bido cocked his head. "Gokua's no surprise, all sizzle and no steak. But Zangya is a bit of a shock. With her abilities...I guess the pathetic tagalong tried to escape on her own...~"

A deep, booming voice echoed out. "Calm yourself, little brother. Gokua and Zangya are both meaningless afterthoughts. Disposable and replaceable, respectively. You should forget the weaklings and focus on yourself."

Bido turned and glared over at Bojack, crossing his arms over his chest. "Big brother...so, what is our plan now?"

Bojack chuckled. "Our plan, eh? It would seem that consuming the Kaio-Spring Water has put some air into your chest..."

In an instant, Bojack vanished from sight. And then, he appeared right in front of Bido. The hulking fighter grabbed his underling by the face and smashed him harshly into the wall. Bojack sadistically smirked, rearing his fist back and smashing it into Bido's chest, putting the brute through the wall with little effort. The sheer force of Bojack's blow made the entire ship shake and, as a result of the force, one of the freshly healed scars on Bojack's chest split wide open and blood began to splatter out. Iryokago sneered and began to scold the warrior. "Bojack! You must not exert yourself in such a manner! Your body is still healing from before! You might reopen all of your wounds if you act too rashly!"

Bojack's eyes were bloodshot. Veins erupted from his forehead and, with a sinister chuckle, the warrior's bright red aura began to rush out like a maelstrom. Bojack's voice was hoarse as he screamed at the top of his lungs, the sheer force of his power making the ship ache and creak and the surrounding sea broil and crest. "YOU WOULD DARE TRY TO ORDER ME TO REMAIN CALM IN THE FACE OF THESE FOOLS THAT WOULD CHALLENGE MY WILL?!"

The bandages burned away as Bojack's heinous power swelled, belts of surging ki erupting from the various wounds across his body. Bojack was covered in hideous scars, his entire torso looking like something had shredded it apart. His arms and legs were no better, littered with gashes and deep cuts all over. Even the warriors face, rugged and handsome by any measure, was marked with a hideous scar that split all the way across, from his right temple to his left cheek.

On his healing table, Bujin shuddered with fear. Bido stood, damaged but not horribly injured. With a smirk, the bearded warrior shot his fist forward and punched Bojack right in the chest. But Bojack didn't budge. Bido laughed. "That's my big brother! Rock solid and unmoving!"

A sinister smile spread across Bojack's face and he laughed quite the unhinged laugh. It was clear that the only bonds of sanity holding Bojack's mind together were as fragile as his scored skin. Iryokago continued his treatment of Bujin, glaring over at Bojack and Bido. Beneath the veil of his headdress, the old man smiled. "Yes. That's good, my spear and my shield. Keep your spirits high. We shall regroup and, once we crush this planet, we can get back to our real goal..."

Iryokago glared past his two charges at the statue behind Bojack's throne. He hatefully spat. "...the execution of Shin, the Pretender Kai."

Iryokago reached into his robes and pulled out one of his two flasks of Kaio-Spring Water. "But one can never be too careful. How about...we kill off the stragglers while we're at it...?"

The old man crushed the flask apart, allowing the water to mix with the blood from his now injured hand and pour into the eyes of the skull atop his staff. Iryokago let loose a throaty growl and then raised his staff high into the air. "Strengthen our forces, my Shikkan!"

The jewel on the staff began to glow bright red and Iryokago sneered. "Let's see those fools survive a strengthened army!"

Back with Bulma's group...

Having regrouped into one unit, surrounding Bulma's group, the Z-Fighters all turned their attention to the swelling power and the dark clouds swirling in the distance, above its source. However, that quickly became the least of their worries. Suddenly, and without warning, all of the Galaxy Soldier grunts that were still rushing in paused. They all held still for a brief moment, but then their hair red turned bright red and their muscles ballooned out. Empowered, the Galaxy Soldiers howled with delight as their skin changed from blue to a sickly green. One of them screamed at the top of his lungs. "THANK YOU, MASTER IRYOKAGO! NOW WE CAN REALLY RAMPAGE!"

As the insignificant fools up above began to buzz around even faster, Piccolo sneered. He glanced away from them and looked down at all of his injured comrades on the floor. Bardock, Krillin, Android 18, and Tien were all very much out of commission until Yajirobe managed to arrive with the Senzu Beans. Piccolo sighed. "Well, I suppose this at least gives us something to do while we wait. Might as well clean up the rest of the trash, after all..."

Yamcha nodded, crossing his arms over his chest with a smirk. "We got this! Right, Chiaotzu? Right, Miss Gine?

Chiaotzu nodded. "Definitely!"

Gine went Super Saiyan. "I suppose a little exercise now and again wouldn't hurt..."

Android 17 chuckled. "Well, count us in too. Right, 16?"

Silence. Android 17 glanced around. "16?"

Rubbing her hand over her pregnant stomach, Bulma called out. "16 isn't here right now. He asked for permission to go towards the tower at the center of the island, so I told him to go ahead. He said he had something pressing to attend to seeing as you all were here to defend against those guys."

Bulma shrugged and 17 shrugged back with a sigh. The raven-haired Android chuckled. "Must be a bird nest under attack or something..."

One of the Galaxy Soldiers raced down from the sky with a blast in hand. "Die, scum!"

Without looking, Android 17 held up his hand and fired a Power Blitz, killing the nameless goon in a flash. 17 rolled his eyes. "Not like he's missing much here. These guys got stronger. They got a bit of a boost...but that just means that we need to put in slightly more than no effort to put them down..."

Piccolo nodded. "Agreed. Only a mere human would have trouble fighting these fools. And, luckily for us, not one of our number is a mere human. So, let's put these bastards away quickly so that we may go and destroy their leader once our number have been healed!"

Yamcha, Chiaotzu, Gine, and Android 17 all nodded. "Right!"

And then, the five warriors took to the air and a hopelessly one-sided battle began!

As the Galaxy Soldiers were slaughtered en masse, high above, Gohan and Spike the Devilman continued their training on the ground below. Having been properly bandaged thanks to a first aid kit from a food court and the steady hand of Chi-Chi, Spike shouted. "Again!"

With a sense of calm within, Gohan thrust his fingers forward and fired his Devilmite Beam at a stack of chairs that had been set up. For a moment, the chair barely even budged. But then, with a creak, one of them warped and blasted apart into hunks of scrap metal. Spike sighed. "So close, Gohan. So close. But you're still not entirely calm and focused. You are not firing a ki beam, boy. You are conveying your will through the ki. Your energy is not the attack, but the road that allows the attack to travel forth! You must maintain that concept, or you will never master the intricacy of the Devilmite Beam!"

Gohan took a deep breath in and sighed out. "Right."

Spike clapped his hands. "Good. Now, meditate and try again! Clear your mind and your soul! I believe in you, boy! You can master this!"

Within Cash Tower...

Blissfully unaware of the horrors happening outside, Monty and Videl were totally enraptured in their task of redecorating the tree that Monty had so rapidly undecorated. And, for the first time since Feast Day, Videl seemed totally at ease. Picking up a shining bauble from the pile, Videl attached to a middle-hanging branch on the tree and sighed. "This is nice, Monty."

Monty smiled, digging through the pile of ornaments. He seemed to be looking for a specific one. "You really think so...?"

Videl nodded, not even looking as she reached down and grabbed an angel. "Maybe I was a bit too harsh. You...you might be a bit insensitive, but that doesn't make you a bad person. And, I'll admit I've been letting life get to me lately..."

As she hung the angel, Videl regarded it with a sad look in her eye. "I know you probably haven't dealt with anything like that, losing someone important. Your dad is so rich and all, his doctors can probably catch things that might hurt him a mile away. By...by the time my parents were rich enough to afford that kind of care, it was already too late to fix my mommy..."

Monty nodded. "Right. That must be awful. I really am sorry..."

He dug a bit more through the pile and adopted a delighted grin. "...found it."

Videl traced her finger over the angel's wing. "Look. I'm not feeling great right now. But whenever I start feeling better..."

She put on a small smile and turned to face him. "I wouldn't mind being-"

Monty leaned forward and pressed his lips to Videl's, holding a piece of mistletoe above both of their heads. Monty blushed, this being his first kiss. Videl blushed at once, but for a much different reason. Once Monty pulled away, he adopted a goofy smile and chuckled. "My mother told me about mistletoe when we were decorating our tree. She told me that-"

Videl's fist shot forward like a missile and smashed right into Monty's mouth, taking the boy off of his feet and sending him flying across the room. Quickly sitting up, and with tears in his eyes, Monty gripped his hand over his bleeding, busted lip and whined. "Owie! What did you do that for?!"

Videl was heaving for breath, tears built in her eyes as well. The poor girl looked utterly distraught, just short of totally losing it. Her lower lip quivering, Videl gripped her fist tight. "Y-You jerk..."

Finally breaking down, Videl fell to her knees and buried her face into her hands. "YOU JERK! THAT WAS MY FIRST KISS! I HATE YOU!"

Monty sniffled, pulling his hand away and seeing a chipped piece of one of his front teeth in his palm. His hand shook and he shouted back. "That was one of my big kid teeth! You hate me?! I HATE YOU!"

The little brat stood, tears streaming down his face as he ran off into an adjacent room. "When my father gets back, I'm gonna tell on you!"

As the door slammed behind Monty, Videl fell onto her butt and her face twisted up with grief and sadness. All at once, all of her emotions flowed forth and Videl curled up into a ball, sobbing and crying her eyes out as she laid there, all alone.

The poor girl was a lot of things, but she wasn't stupid. Just like anybody with eyes, she could see that X.S. Cash was threatening her father. She knew that he was holding all of the rights to her mother's music over his head. She knew that, if he was displeased, then they would lose such a big part of Miguel's life forever. And, like an emotional fool, Videl had just punched X.S. Cash's son in the mouth. As she laid there, sobbing and defeated and knowing that she had just messed everything up after her father had worked so hard, Videl simply sought solace and escape from the world around her.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out her music player, hoping that she might be able to at least find a place of calm among the recorded sound of Miguel's voice. But, instead, Videl simply found the harsh reality of life staring right at her. She pressed the button on her music player, but nothing happened. She pressed again and again and again, but still nothing. After a few moments, Videl simply dropped the music player to the ground.

It was dead.

And so, in yet another way, Videl found herself without any sort of comfort or relief from the pain in her heart. She curled up into an even tighter ball and began to sob again, her face turning various shades of red as she emotionally fell apart, all alone.

As Videl sniffled and sobbed, however, a gleaming glint shined out in the corner of her eye. Videl shakily got to her knees and rubbed away the tears, looking over to the gleam. She knew what it was. Sitting there, on the console control board of Cash Tower, was "Golden", the final piece of music that her mother Miguel had ever recorded...

Back with Bulma's group...

Hazily, Krillin's eyes cracked open and he looked over to his side. Android 18's eyes cracked half-open as well. The two of them laid there on the ground, for just a moment, and stared at one another. And then, Krillin adopted a small smile. "You're a sight for sore eyes, ya know that?"

18 smiled back. "I... I could say the same about you..."

Krillin chuckled, cringing in pain. "I guess...we really were cut from the same cloth, huh?"

18 giggled. "Don't...ow...don't insult me like that..."

Gently, Krillin reached over and placed his hand onto 18's injured side. She shuddered, but then relaxed as the feeling of Krillin's hand grew familiar on her hip. 18 blushed. "I... have something that I wanted to ask you when I saw you...but I don't think that now would be the best time..."

Krillin nodded. "Same. Once all of this is wrapped up, I have something I've wanted to ask you since the Cell Games ended. But...laying beaten and bloodied on the ground like this probably isn't the best way to ask..."

18 smirked. "Oh Krillin, you don't have to be scared to act natural around me..."

It took a moment for that backhanded jab to set in, but then Krillin chuckled. "Now you're insulting me, huh...?"

The blonde-haired Android rolled her eyes, lazily draping her arm over Krillin and dragging him close. "Just shut up and keep me warm. I feel so cold..."

Krillin nodded and he wrapped his arms around 18. The two injured warriors held one another close, and then they both drifted back out of consciousness.

In front of Cash Tower...

A green fist smashed into the side of Mr. Satan's head and the martial artist was tossed to the ground, bouncing like a battered ragdoll before collapsing onto the entrance mat to the tower. Mr. Satan shakily tried to get up, but his power was waning. Ever since his opponents had turned green, Mr. Satan was at quite the disadvantage. Whereas before he was able to defeat his foes with some effort, now Mark's punches had no effect whatsoever.

Mr. Satan wiped a trickle of blood from his forehead and groaned. "Damn it. No..."

The droves of enemies marched forward, ready to invade and ravage any and all within the tower. Mr. Satan collapsed onto his back and moaned out in defeat. "V-Videl..."

But then, as a Galaxy Soldier raised their blade to cut Mr. Satan down for good, two rocket-powered fists shot in and crashed into two of the foes, sending them both flying back into their comrades and toppling them all over. Mr. Satan looked up and gasped as an absolute behemoth landed next to him, a friendly smile on his face. "Come, friend, this is no place to fall in battle."

Android 16's massive hands returned to his wrists and he reached down, grabbing Mr. Satan's hand and helping him to his feet. Mr. Satan wiped the blood and sweat from his face and looked over to his new ally, immediately gasping as the realization hit him like a truck. "You're that mohawk guy from the Cell Games!"

16's face remained gentle and friendly. "Indeed."

But then, his expression became furious as he glared towards the recovering Galaxy Soldiers. "But that is beside the point at this time. We share a common enemy. Let us band together and vanquish them."

Mr. Satan groaned. And rather than his normal habit of ducking fights he knew he couldn't win for the sake of self-preservation, this time the martial artist spoke genuinely. "I don't know how much help I'd be...I'm at the end of my rope and...my punches ain't hurtin' these guys..."

Android 16 nodded. "Noted."

And then, he tightly grabbed Mr. Satan's hands. Nanomachines flooded from 16's sleeves and surrounded Mr. Satan's hands, giving them an additional coating. Mr. Satan gasped in horror as he stared down at his hands. "What the hell?!"

Android 16 took on a fighting stance. "Your punching strength has increased in strength to near the same level as my own. Now, will you stand beside me and fight?"

Mr. Satan trembled. But then, once more, an image of his beloved daughter flickered through his mind. In spite of Mr. Satan's fatigue, he took on a ferocious stance and faced down the oncoming foes. "Damn it all! I won't let you enter this tower!"

Back with Bulma's group...

As Piccolo, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, Gine, and Android 17 finished up the last of their foes, they suddenly heard the sound of enemies screaming from the southern end. Piccolo turned his attention just in time to see a Galaxy Soldier get cut in half and the welcome sight of Yajirobe leaping through the bisected thug.

Yajirobe landed and sheathed his katana. "What the heck is going on around here?!"

He scratched the back of his head. "I get called to bring Senzu Beans and I come here to find a bunch of King Piccolo wannabes screwing around and finding out? What do you guys even need the beans for?"

Yamcha landed and took the Senzu Beans with a thankful nod. "These dopes aren't the strongest opponents here, they're just the mooks."

The former bandit smirked. "Still, you just killed an equivalent to King Piccolo. Nice, Yajirobe~"

Yajirobe rolled his eyes. Gine landed next, dispersing her Super Saiyan form. "Your dad was this weak, Piccolo? I could have beaten him before I even started training..."

Chiaotzu and Android 17 rushed over to wear Yamcha was knelt, wanting to check on their fallen friends. Piccolo was the last to land, his face looking fierce and annoyed. Yajirobe yelped. "Uh...n-not trying to talk shit about your papa, Piccolo. O-Old buddies...old pal...uh...amigo...?"

Piccolo stroked his chin. "Even after being powered up, these fools are still as weak as King Piccolo. So weak that they don't even meet the standard to join Frieza's Army..."

Yajirobe and Gine both looked at Piccolo. Piccolo growled. "What is this Bojack guy playing at? Why bring this many weaklings to this planet? Why send them to their deaths? What's his game...?"

Piccolo gritted his teeth, hating how little information he had regarding this sudden invasion. "And why did that guy ask for me to bring him Bardock of all people?"

"Good question. I'd like to know that myself."

Piccolo looked over to see that Bardock, Android 18, Krillin, and Tien were all back on their feet, the Snezu Beans having been successfully administered. Even Spike the Devilman was permitted a bean for his trouble. But, before anyone could say anything else, Tien immediately took off with a furious glare on his face. Chiaotzu cried out. "Tien! Hold on a minute! Where are you going?!"

Android 17 chuckled. "Well, he's pissed. Good for him. Maybe he'll really show what he's got now..."

Android 18 marched forward, poking her finger into Piccolo's chest. "Fix my clothes. Now. Please."

Piccolo held up his hands, using Magic Materialization to repair Android 18 and Bardock's outfits. The Namekian nodded. "Now then, we should be going the same way Tien did. We need to finish this."

At that moment, Gohan came running up. The boy had a determined look on his face and Spike the Devilman had a look of pride on his. The winged demon placed a hand on Piccolo's shoulder. "I just wanted to congratulate you on having such a talented young man wearing your mark~"

Piccolo looked down at Gohan's gi, bright orange like his father...but bearing the mark of the Demon School. Piccolo smirked. Gohan looked up at him. "So, we're going to go and finish this, Mr. Piccolo? Grandpa Bardock?"

Bardock stepped forward. "Damn right we are. These morons have been taking up space on our planet for too long as it is."

Piccolo turned to the others, standing in the background. "Just in case things go sideways, all non-combatants need to clear the area. Chiaotzu, Gine, Chi-Chi, and Yajirobe, you'll be in charge of ferrying the wives and the babies to a safe place away from here."

Bardock tightened his headband. "Meanwhile, me and Piccolo, 17 and 18, Yamcha and Krillin, and Gohan will be following Tien's lead and taking these guys head-on!"

Chiaotzu seemed worried. "Tien..."

Yamcha gave his friend a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, little buddy. I've got Tien's back."

Android 17 sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Sure wish 16 was here to join us. I wonder what's taking him so long..."

Android 18 rolled her eyes. "Scared?"

17 scoffed. "Not scared, just concerned that no one has chosen to mention that Cell-level ki signature that's out there..."

18 snorted. "If you're scared, then just say you're scared."

Krillin nodded. "I'm scared."

18 flinched. "N-Not you. Don't be a wuss!"

Gohan smiled, punching his fist into his open palm. "It's okay. I beat Cell before. I'll do it again if I have to~"

Bardock smiled at his grandson's confidence. "And, with that, let's get going!"

All of the warriors took off at once, flying in the same direction that Tien had just moments ago. Ever the mother, Chi-Chi called out. "Stay safe, Gohan! Don't get too roughed up before dinner!"

Gine, gripping the flower pot that Bardock had handed to her tightly, called out. "You've got this, Gohan! You and your grandfather keep each other safe!"

Gohan smiled and shot a thumbs-up. Bardock, meanwhile, frowned upon hearing Gine's voice. The sound of her voice made him think back to the other thing hanging over his head. This Bojack bastard wanted to speak to him face-to-face. And, while Bardock wasn't sure just what his thought-to-be-deceased brother had to do with all of this, he knew that the answer had the potential to turn his entire life upside-down.

On the Galaxy Soldiers ship...

Bojack, Iryokago, Bido, and the newly-healed Bujin all immediately sensed the massive group of high-level powers rocketing right towards their location. Bido smirked. "They are coming~"

Bojack stood from his throne. "Indeed, Bido."

The warrior gripped his fist tight, his wild mane of hair swirling as his power surged once more. "I must say, I respect these fools. They have such conviction~"

Bojack motioned to Bido and Bujin. "Little brother. Bujin. Why not go and give a hearty greeting?"

Bido cracked his knuckles and immediately made way to the exit. "Oh yes. My fists ache for an intense brawl!"

As Bido disappeared out of the hatch, Bujin shuddered in place. "S-So many strong powers...so many..."

"Bujin."

Bujin turned, his face going pale as he looked up to his expectant Master. Bojack's smirk didn't leave his face, but his voice dripped with hateful malice. "I believe I gave you an order, Bujin. I respect your desire to mediate on how to best succeed in my commands, but I would appreciate some haste."

Bujin shivered in horror. Bojack chuckled. "Perhaps I have not made myself clear. Move...or be entombed where you stand."

Having received the hint well, Bujin immediately rushed out of the exit hatch. Bojack smiled wide. Iryokago looked to him. "Are you sure about this, Bojack? Your body..."

Bojack cut him off. "Do not allow a soul, other than that Namekian and that scar-faced Saiyan, to make their way into this chamber. Am I understood, Iryokago?"

Shuddering at the killing intent dripping from Bojack's tongue, Iryokago nodded. "O-Of course, Bojack. I will make sure that only those you desire reach you. As your teacher, I make that my solemn vow."

Bojack sat back down in his throne. "Don't oversell yourself, old man. Just do as I say."

Iryokago chafed, but he nodded loyally. "As you command, Master Bojack."

As Iryokago left, Bojack closed his eyes. Mentally, he flashed back to the moment from such a relatively short time ago. He pictured that fool's face and heard his voice plain as day. "Sorry, Bojack~! It's been fun~"

Bojack laughed, his madness quite apparent. His energy swirled around him and he gripped the armrests of his throne tight, crushing them in his grip. "You will pay for your transgression, Turles. You will pay..."