Review Responses:
To Ushindi: In canon proper, Android 18 cannot absorb energy. However, she can use this technique in Xenverse and Xenoverse 2. I decided to add that mechanic in this alternate universe as a cool way to demonstrate how far she has come since the Cell Games. As for your questions.
Jiren has a character of a brick wall in the Super anime. That's just my opinion. I don't really care for him as an antagonist. I rather see Syn'Omega Shenron than Jiren. Though, I love the El Hermano meme.
Goku will be dead for the majority of the story. If anything, this is basically Dragon Ball Gohan Time. He's the main character, this his story.
I like Gohan x Videl, Goku x Chichi, Krillin x 18, Vegeta x Bulma. Am I a normie? Maybe so. That doesn't matter to me. I can say that I also like Gohan x Lime, Gohan x Zangya, Goku x Suno and Vegeta x 18.
To AlphaShenron: You're on the right track. It is related to the Rage mutation Broly has, but Gohan has his tail. Let's just say that his golden-yellow eyes when Gohan gets mad are a sign of his true potential. This form of rage gives him an x2 boost in power by having a tail while turning into an Oozaru gives him an x10 power boost. The eye color will make sense later down the line, but it's not a mutation.
To yubiyubi: I agree. Transformations should be used creatively as an extension of one's power, not as a crutch. Gohan isn't the type of guy who'd like to rely on a transformation unless he has no other option.
To Iwik: Firstly, thanks for the review. Secondly, the reason why Gohan isn't going Super Saiyan is that he trained himself to use the energy or the power of the form in his attacks without the need to physically change. Besides, his intention isn't to kill Cooler but defeat him while holding up his end of their deal. And he also wishes not to lose control as he did seven years ago. Cooler isn't killing Gohan because he carries the same fighting spirit as Saiyans since he follows their philosophy. He's also in control of the fight but wishes to face Gohan in his full power.
That's all for now, on with the show.
Last time on Dragon Ball Z: PRIMAL, the Dragon Team managed to lower the numbers of the robotic foot soldiers sent by the antagonistic Cooler. During this time, Nezu and Doore of the Armored Squadron were taken out. Meanwhile, upon recognizing Cooler's technique that he shared with the late Son Goku, Gohan learned the Instant Transmission, allowing him to go head to head with Cooler's warping speed. With the battle now on equal footing, Gohan and Cooler continue their bout that will decide the fate of the Earth. But will our heroes succeed in their efforts? Well, find out now!
With Videl and Piccolo
"HA!"
Three yellow ki-blasts were shot at the weak spots of three Robot Soldiers which resulted in the machines' destruction, courtesy of one grounded Videl Satan.
The girl kept her ki focused around her body, keeping her strength and defense heightened.
One Robot Soldier charged with its arm reeled back to claw at the daughter of Hercule. Videl, being quick on her feet, performed a large somersault, elegantly dodging her adversary before firing another ki-blast at the robot's head, destroying it.
Two more killer machines appeared to get the jump of the pig-tailed girl. Cornered, Videl was forced to play on the defensive, narrowly dodging and blocking metallic claws and fists that left a few scratches on her person.
'These freaks are tough! If it wasn't for my ki training I'd already be a bloody stain on the pavement.' Videl thought as she read one of the robots' next attack.
One Robot brought down its arm to strike Videl overhead, only for Videl to catch the arm. She proceeded to concentrate her ki into her leg and kick the robot through the head, and then decapitate the head of the Robot behind her with a roundhouse kick.
She panted, taking deep breaths from the amount of energy used with each course of action she took within the last hour and a half.
"Whew! Looks like all of that training from the regimen paid off after all. I got to remember to thank Gohan when this is all over." Videl said to herself.
Gohan.
Videl paused when that name was brought up. The half-Saiyan was truly something else. She didn't exactly know how to feel about him.
On one hand, Gohan frustrated her to no end. No, it wasn't Gohan himself that irritated her, more so than Videl couldn't stand his secretive ways and needed to lie. While she could comprehend why there would be a need to do so to a certain extent, Videl's curious nature and lifestyle of having next to no privacy invoke her need for honesty when it comes to having and keeping a friendship.
On the other hand, Videl enjoyed having him around her group of friends. To Videl, adding Gohan's character to the mix in their trio somehow completed the trio. He was a breath of fresh; kind, considerate, and carefree if he was nudged in the right direction. And yet, there was an air of mystery to Gohan that the crime fighter couldn't simply drop.
And that allure caused Videl to dive deep into the rabbit hole that was the life of Son Gohan.
And now she stood today, on the verge of learning the truth behind who Son Gohan was, and she couldn't be any more fazed.
'...This all feels so surreal! My classmate, the new kid, is a vigilante. Not just any vigilante, but my crime-fighting partner that taught me how to fly and use the same kind of skills previous champions of the Tenkaichi Būdokai know. And he's not only the son of the youngest champion but he was trained under the son of the Demon King! Now, that same kid is out there, risking his neck for the planet to stop an alien invasion! Is this supposed to be Gohan? The same nerdy bookworm that would hang out after school and eat ice cream with us? Just who are you, Son Gohan?'
Videl came back to reality upon remembering Bulma's instructions and began taking the rest of the robots out while preparing her empty capsules.
Meanwhile, our favorite Namekian was doing battle with Salza of the Armored Squadron.
Salza was in the middle of being chased by blasts that were homing in his direction. Salza stopped and slapped both of them, only to be punched back several feet by the relentless Piccolo.
"Argh!"
Stopping himself from being sent to the ground, Salza touched a button on his Scouter as he requested for backup.
"Doore, Nezu, I need bahckup! Ziss Namekian ees mahre trouble zan I realized!" The alien said while nothing but static were in the other lines. "Doore? Nezu! Do you cahpy! Hello!"
"That will do you no good."
Piccolo floated right in front of the Armored Squadron leader, lacking his turban and weighted cloak.
"Whaht!?"
"Do I have to spill it out for you? Your allies were slain. Simple as that." Piccolo said, staring down his opponent who unconsciously backed away.
Salza stammered, "N-no! Zat cahn't be!"
"It doesn't matter what you think, it's the truth. Your Scouters are useless to our ability to sense a person's life energy. And while we were fighting, I detected two signatures vanishing and it wasn't any of my comrades." Piccolo stated coldly. "Right now, at this very moment, you're as good as dead."
Salza growled, feeling his blood rise to its boiling point.
"You'll pay fahr ziss, you eensahlent slug!" Salza growled.
Violet-colored ki surrounded his right hand, forming a solid blade. Seeing red, the alien began to swing wildly at Piccolo, which Piccolo simply bent his body back and weaved around.
The Namekian was cut lightly on his chest that stung a bit.
Salza tried to go for another swipe, screaming, "Die!"
Salza's attack, however, was interrupted by Piccolo holding his wrist. Stretching Salza's arm out Piccolo positioned his elbow and knee to the weak points of the Armored Squadron leader's right arm.
"Please, hahve mercy?" Salza whimpered.
"Pitié? Je n'ai rien à donner." Piccolo spoke in fluent French as he proceeded to break Salza's arm with an elbow and knee at the same time.
Salza screamed in pain, clutching his arm he shouted a slew of curses at the Namekian.
Salza ranted, "You won't get ahway weeth ziss! wance he finds out, my lahrd will rid himself of you pests ahnd ze rest of ziss pahtheteec world!"
"...Is that so," Piccolo asked rhetorically. "Well, it's too bad you won't get to be living long enough to see it."
Suddenly, a drilling yellow beam with a violet accent pierced through the armor of Salza, with the beam destroying the leader's heart in the process, ending Salza's life. As it turned out, the Piccolo that broken arm was but a clone that was absorbed back into the real Piccolo, who was hovering close by with his right hand extended outwards pointed using his index and middle fingers.
"...See you in the next dimension, trash."
Piccolo, seeing that his handiwork was complete, flew over to Videl's direction.
While in the air, Piccolo's face shifted into that of mild shock. In front of him was a wave of at least three dozen Robot Soldiers, scrapped, burned, and reduced to parts.
And standing in front of the wreckage was a huffing and weary Videl Satan.
Videl sat on the ground, trying to catch her breath, and smiled at her hard work that paid off.
"...Huff…huff…Take that…you bucket of bolts! Huff…huff… You're…no match for a Satan!" Videl said in a weary and prideful tone.
A silhouette covered Videl prompting her to look around left and right to see where the shade came from.
"...Hmph. Not bad for an amateur ki user."
Videl finally looked up to see Piccolo standing over her. Videl freaked, shooting a weak ki blast that Piccolo easily slapped away.
"...Emphasis on amateur." Piccolo pointed out.
Standing up, Videl blushed red as she complained, "What's the big idea scaring me like that!? It's not like I can tell whether or not you're coming!"
Piccolo crossed his arms, and shook his head as he expressed, "You have much to learn. Did you put one of those things inside a capsule?"
Videl simply showed a capsule from her hand, prompting Piccolo to nod while offering a hand.
Reluctant at first, Videl looked at Piccolo's hand. Upon remembering that this man was Gohan's teacher, Videl took his hand, allowing herself to be brought to her feet.
"You've done well, kid. I can take it from here. For now, head back to Bulma. She needs those parts as soon as possible. She'll give more instructions from there." Said, Piccolo.
Videl nodded, saying, "Right. I'll be seeing you!"
And like that, Videl took to the skies in the direction of the Capsule Corporation.
Just as Videl left, Krillen, C-18, and Tenshinhan arrived in her place.
"Was there any trouble with the other two?" The demonic Nanekian questioned.
"Not exactly," C-18 responded, speaking for herself and Krillin. "Our guy was gross and annoying. Fortunately, we made quick work of him."
Piccolo nodded as he turned to Tien, who was next in reporting.
"I made swift work of my opponent. May he never find peace in hell." The Triclops said with venom. "How was their leader?"
"He was living, and then I fixed that problem while breaking his arm in the process," Piccolo stated dryly.
"Neat." Said Tien.
Piccolo shifted his focus to Krillin.
"How did the kid do, Krillin?" He asked.
"Heh, Goten's a chip off the old block." Krillin smiled. "Went through a lot of those killer robots before Lazuli and I had him on his way."
Tien pointed out, "Trunks takes after his father too. We cleared out at least three waves of machines until I told him to go back home."
"Speaking of kids, how did the buffoon's daughter handle her first real crisis?" Asked Lazuli with her hands on her hips.
Turning back to see the broken robots on the floor, Piccolo said, "...I'm beginning to understand what the runt sees in that girl."
Before anybody could ask what he meant, Krillin pointed to the sky.
"Guys, we got company!"
Another way of Robot Soldiers descended from the skies, ready for combat.
"Beep!"
The Dragon Team got in their offensive position before charging into battle.
Things weren't over quite yet for the warriors, far from over.
Capsule Corporation, West City, Age 774
Erasa and Sharpner couldn't help but marvel at it all. Sure, the whole invasion was nothing short of hell on Earth, but the fact that there were people they were watching live actively fighting against a seemingly impossible force was a privilege.
Not to mention that two of their classmates were pulling off feats that any other person would view to be a trick. Of course with Gohan, it was a bit more expected given that he was Son Goku's son, but for them to see Videl of all people flying and shooting beaks from her hands, was a spectacle.
For Erasa, everything was fascinating. Although she would never exactly challenge Mr. Satan downright, she always had a feeling that there was more to the incredible sensations that other fights had done and could do. But who was she to tell a powerful figure in the martial arts community that he was wrong? Besides, he 'defeated' Cell when nobody else could…
…And yet, after all, that was happening today, Erasa seriously started questioning Hercule's credibility.
Sharpner's crisis stemmed from his now shattered perception of reality. Originally, he somewhat had an understanding of life. You go to school and you're lumped in a category. He was a jock, the star baseball player, and a (self-proclaimed) lady's man. If you read books all the time, you are a nerd and or bookworm. He also followed Hercule's way of training in martial arts, focusing on only strength and overcoming your opponents with power. Everything else was noise, fake, and tricks.
And the Gohan came and changed everything.
He was the textbook definition of a geeky bookworm; had all perfect marks on his tests, was a wee bit socially awkward, and had extensive knowledge academically. At the same time, Gohan may not seem like it, but he was physically fit. He was strong enough to take a baseball to the temple at ninety miles an hour, jump fifteen feet in the air, and as Saiyaman, could fly, catch bullets while being fired, take bullets, and lift trucks with little to no effort.
Yet, Gohan never once boasted about his strength while Sharpner took every chance out of the day to flex his muscles in order to seek validation from random girls or his friends who were girls.
Now, Son Gohan, Brains, the same guy that he used to give such a hard time on, the guy who taught Videl of all people unbeknownst to her, is fighting aliens that could fire beams of light from his hands like Cell.
Sharpner could only look at himself in comparison to Gohan and contemplate what he has been doing with his life as a martial artist, as a person.
He felt inadequate.
Regardless of their own thoughts, one conclusion came into mind about their new friend.
'…Gohan is amazing.' The two blond(e) thought simultaneously.
Their thoughts were halted by a phone call icon appearing on the computer screen. And from what Erasa and Sharpner saw on the caller ID, the revelation of the caller's identity blew their minds.
"B-Bulma, somebody's calling you!" Erasa said from the console.
As Bulma was still looking at the partially completed, she asked, "Who is it?"
"Y-Yamcha!" Sharpner answered, still not believing how many powerful connections one mountain boy could have.
Rolling her eyes, the CEO of the Capsule Corporation ordered, "Put him on, Erasa."
Nodding, Erasa did just that, patching Yamcha through.
On a separate part of the screen, we see a man roughly around his early forties appear on the screen. He wore a tan jacket and khakis with a white shirt under it. He had dark eyes, neck-length messy black hair, and a vertical scar on his right eye while another "x" shaped scar was under his left eye.
Bulma, who was now in front of the screen half glared at the formal martial artist.
"You sure are taking your sweet time! Where were you, mister? I expected you to be there an hour and a half ago! West City is under siege in case you haven't got the memo!" Bulma interrogated.
"Cut me some slack, will you Bulma? I was in the middle of a press conference with the rest of the Taitans when things went down! I was helping civilians get to safety before Dr. Briefs filled me in on the rest."
Bulma sighed, saying, "Okay, I'll give you that one. What are you calling for?"
"Other than letting you know that I'm heading your way, I'm coming with a bag of Senzu Beans," Yamcha informed her.
"Wait what? Why?" Bulma inquired in confusion. "Wouldn't it make more sense for you to go straight to Piccolo and the others?"
Yamcha said before saying, "According to Korrin, Krillin came by the Lookout two weeks ago and grabbed a bag with a few beans. So he should have a few left on him. I'm just bringing extras for insurance."
Bulma tilted her head, further confused at Yamcha's decision.
"That's it? Aren't you going to join the fight?" The scientist questioned.
'Fight? Yamcha, the Bandit of West City Titans fame was a martial artist?' Sharpner and Erasa questioned in their minds, with Sharpner resisting the urge to unleash his inner fanboy.
Yamcha shook his head on the screen with a disheartening wolf-like grin.
"I'm afraid not, B. Those days are far behind me. I still practice so that I can keep in shape but I'm pretty sure that Krillin's stronger than me and he has a full-time job as a husband, father, and police officer. And I'm okay with that." Yamcha said, causing Bulma to take pity on the man.
"Don't say that, Yamcha! You're still plenty strong. You're one of the strongest guys I know that are human. You can still help–" Bulma tried to encourage Yamcha, only for him to cut her off.
"–And I am still helping. I'm just not going to be out on the front lines anymore. I've retired from fighting as a martial artist, not practice. I'll leave the battles to the earthling warriors, Piccolo, and the Saiyans. Besides, I know where my strength lies and where my limits are. It's better this way than to die for nothing."
A silence fell between the two, one more awkward than the time they learned that she was pregnant with Trunks.
Erasa, watching the scene with a rare analytical gaze while Sharpner was next to her. Studying the atmosphere and facial expressions, she began to come to the realization of something.
"No way!" Erasa whispered.
The blond-haired boy looked at Erasa with an inquisitive expression.
"What is it, 'Rasa?" Whispered the jock.
"I think...Yamcha is Bulma's ex." The girl revealed.
Sharpner couldn't help but facepalm as he complained, "Seriously? The world is going to shit outside with our friends' lives on the line and you're worried about two famous people's previous love lives?"
"Hey, I can't help it if I can read people like a book! The writings are all over the wall. Just look how they're interacting." Erasa whispered in the offense.
Sharpner rolled his eyes at his friend's antics.
"I'm busy wrapping my head around all of this. Brains have some crazy powerful connections. And who knew that the Bandit was a martial artist?"
Erasa playfully teased, "I'm surprised that you didn't know. Weren't you Yamcha's biggest fan back in junior high?"
The feeling is blush forming Sharpner crossed his arms and turned away from Erasa while trying to remain "cool".
"Tch, whatever. That was ages ago."
"Whatever you say, Sharpie." Erasa giggled before refocusing on Bulma's call with the baseball player.
Sighing, Bulma said, "Okay, Yamcha. I'll respect your decision."
"Thanks, Bulma. I appreciate that a lot. I'll see you in a few." Said the former there before ending the video call.
Bulma sighed, with a wave of sympathy hitting her for her former boyfriend.
Dark thoughts quickly fled as they came when her own communicator went off.
When answering it, Videl's voice came through the line.
"Mrs. Briefs, I mean, Bulma! This is Videl!" The crime fighter spoke.
"Hey, Videl! Good to hear from you! Are you okay?" Bulma said, prompting the other Orange Star High School students to listen up close.
"I'm fine, ma'am. A little bruised, but nothing that I couldn't handle.' Videl proudly stated.
Bulma smiled at the girl's words, nearly feeling Videl's sense of pride through the device.
"That's good. We saw everything through the satellite. You've done well for your first true outing."
"Thank you, ma'am. That means a lot coming from you." Videl said sincerely. "I managed to get what you've asked for. And…Oh! I see your son and Gohan's younger brother. It looks like we're all heading back your way! They must have also gotten the parts you need too."
"Excellent!" Exclaimed with happiness.
"I'm almost finished with the killswitch. All I need is a certain part from a few of those machines, so I need you guys back here as soon as possible."
"On it!"
With that, Videl cut off the connection, allowing Bulma to prepare for the invention.
Everything was coming together.
With Cooler and Gohan
The two adversaries were locked in their vertical dance in the skies, creating impacts high up as if they were the clouds themselves producing thunder.
Every clash was like a sonic boom, tearing through the skies with the might of their power.
One who was normal couldn't keep up with their attacks. Not because of speed, but rather the fight took place in another dimension.
Within the Teleportation Zone, Cooler and Gohan exchanged blows, with Gohan on the offensive, much to Cooler's surprise and elation.
Cooler still had control over the battle, for the most part, the fact that Gohan could fight him using the same technique that the brother of Frieza revered and damage him got his blood pumping as a warrior.
Fists were slammed into each other, kicks were blocked by forearms, and chops were either evaded or caught.
While moving into the Teleportation Zone, Gohan was grabbed, then thrown out of the space to take a high knee, sending him skyward.
Gohan recovered from the attack fast enough to dodge a tail attack from Cooler, punched him with the energy of a borderline Super Saiyan in his fist in the face, and rammed a ki blast into Cooler's abdomen, sending him to the ground, with Gohan following suit.
Of course, the conqueror emerged with minor scratches on his body. Despite seeing his opponent putting up more of a fight, Cooler still wasn't satisfied with the battle entirely.
'There he goes again! There's clearly a spike in his energy, but he's not refusing to unleash that power! I cannot articulate this for the life of me! Why won't he change?!'
Both men stood to face each other, neither back down from the other.
"Cooler, I'm only going to say this once," Gohan said in a serious nature, which granted Cooler's attention. "Give up and leave this planet. Do it while you have the chance."
"...Excuse me?" Cooler mused while smiling under his mask trying not to laugh. "Your monkey brain must be suffering from a previous head injury because it seems to me that you think you're in the position of giving me, Lord Cooler, orders."
A condescending chuckle escaped his lips, and yet, Gohan remained unmoving as he continued.
"I'm not ordering you, I'm giving you a fair warning of what's in store for you if you continue down this path," Gohan reasoned.
Cooler stopped while cocking a metaphorical eyebrow.
"Is that so? Well, to me, it seems like you're stalling for time… Unless this has to do with the reason why you're holding back on our fight. Does it, boy?" Cooler questioned.
Gohan looked up to the sky before turning to Cooler, confessing, "Truth be told, I don't wish to truly do battle with you. Nor is it my intention to try and kill you. But I'll do whatever it takes if the life on this planet is threatened."
"...Oh. Is that sad attempt of a threat supposed to scare me, monkey?" Cooler heckled.
"It's no threat, Cooler. It's a promise." Gohan reaffirmed as he closed his eyes, looking seven years back as he continued speaking. "There was a similar conversation with a being I had that you remind me of. Unlike you, he sought power for the sake of achieving his so-called perfection. It was his obsession, just like how combat and the thirst to conquer are yours. When I gave him my advice, he turned it into a little game he used to push me to the edge. For me to bring out my true power. It wasn't until I ended up snapping that he realized what force he had unleashed. My raw overwhelming power unhinged grew to be too much for him rather quickly. And before he knew it, he eventually met his fate by my hands."
Upon hearing this, a revelation came to pass for the ruler of South Galaxy.
"So, what? If I were to drive you to your breaking point, you'd kill me?" Cooler asked for clarification.
"Hey, you said it. Not me."
Cooler chuckled, and that chuckled turned into full-blown laughter. A wave of deja vu washed over Gohan, understanding where things may lead to.
"Ah, finally! I was wondering when you were going to leave some sort of bread crumbs but now I have something to go off on." Cooler rejoiced.
Gohan thought, '...Here it comes.'
Cooler flexed his muscles to power himself to seventy percent of his maximum power.
"Your drivel means nothing! And whatever creature you're speaking of pales to the might of Lord Cooler! I swear to you by the end of this, you'd wish you'd gone all out beforehand!" Cooler declared while his ki surrounded him like a whirlwind.
Cooler charged at Gohan, who once again took a stance as a way for him to stay on guard. However, while Gohan expected a punch, Cooler used Instant Transmission to elbow the young half-Saiyan in the back of the head.
The force of the attack flung Gohan forward in mid-air. From there, Cooler kicked Gohan in the chin to send him thirty high, knee him in the gut, backhanded him downward, then dropped kicked him to four rock formations with his signature Death Chaser attack.
Upon entering and exiting the fourth rock, Gohan recovered once more, bloodied but still functioning, skidding while trying to keep stability on the ground using his right hand and legs to stop himself.
His tail swayed furiously while his eyes turned golden yellow, burning in rage.
Raising his own Battle Power, Gohan charged at Cooler with his own fist raised as they faced off in another clash.
Capsule Corporation, West City, Age 774
Fifteen minutes after the call with Videl ended, the pride and joy of Orange Star High walked into Bulma's lab with Goten and Trunks behind her.
Bulma was greeted by the two boys while Videl was greeted by her childhood friends.
"Hey, Mom! Guess what? Goten and I totally kicked robo-butt!" Trunks cheered.
Bulma patted her son on the head while ruffling Goten's spikey locks with the same kind of affection.
"Oh, did you two?" Bulma asked.
"Yeah, Auntie! Those mean robots didn't stand a chance! We got those…uh, sur…vey…seers?" Goten stumbled, not knowing the right word.
"Souvenirs, Goten." Trunks correction while he facepalmed.
"Oooh! Right, that's what I mean." Goten said, rubbing the back of his head like his late father.
"It's okay, Goten. You just have to learn." Bulma cooed before also looking at her own son. Here, let me see those capsules."
While boys were taking out their capsules with the Robot Soldiers' destroyed parts, Videl made small talk with her friends.
"Vi, you were killing it out there! It's like watching an action movie out there!" Erasa gushed while tending to Videl's wounds with a first aid kit.
"Hey, it's not too far off than what I normally deal with." Videl waved off while wincing at the alcohol-covered cotton balls being rubbed on the cut on her cheek.
"It's still hard to believe that Brains taught you this stuff. He said he was helping you out as Saiyaman, but he never mentioned anything about training."
Videl said, "Gohan…I almost forgot about him for a second. Gohan is Saiyaman… I always figured it was him. The signs were obvious. I just didn't get the chance to piece it all together for myself."
Erasa smiled and shook her head while bandaging Videl's head after cleaning and disinfecting the bruise on her forehead.
"That's our Videl, fighting crime off the streets while solving mysteries." Mused the blonde.
"You're damn right about that," Videl smirked while watching Gohan's epic battle out the corner of her eye.
"Anything I missed by any chance?" Videl asked, listening to her friends all the while her eyes were glued to the computer.
"Well, we learned that there is another member of Brains group of crazy strong family friends. He coming over right now," Sharpner answered.
"...Like?" Questioned Hercule's daughter.
"Yamcha." The jock answered.
Videl shifted her head to meet her friends' eyes with interest.
"Yamcha, as in the baseball player?" Asked the pig-tailed girl.
"Yeah, the same guy. He called here not too long before you did. He said he was coming with some kind of beans or something. Call it a hunch, but I think he may or may not be an ex of Bulma's." Erasa explained while whispering the last part slyly.
Videl rolled her eyes at her friend's gossiping antics.
"Right…"
Just then Bulma approached Videl asking for her capsule. Happy to oblige, Videl handed over the capsule containing the broken robot. With Dr. Briefs entering the room upon his daughter's request, the two scientists began taking apart the Robot Soldiers in order to find particular parts they needed.
Dr. Briefs while taking apart circuit boards said, "This alien war drone is unlike anything I've seen. Not even Dr. Gero and Johnathan Wheelo's designs came close to this kind of brilliance. What do you think of this, dear?"
"I'd be fascinated as well if it wasn't set to kill us all and take over our planet," Bulma responded. "Lucky for us, all we need is small…"
"Ah-ha!" Bulma exclaimed as she identified a chip that she extracted from the scrap pile.
She then brought it to her scanner on the computer and rejoiced in her discovery.
"Yes! This is responsible for Machine-to-Machine Communication! Oh, and AI and CPU systems are on here too! Everything in this little chip."
Dr. Briefs took a look and were bewildered.
'I cannot even begin to imagine the schematics of such a device. Who knows what kind of mind lies beyond the stars. It's a shame that our most recent visitor has to be yet another malicious extraterrestrial.'
Taking the chip, Bulma began to reprogram the chip with the use of her main computer. As she continued, Bulma called Erasa over.
"Erasa, would you mind coming over here?"
The blonde walked away from her friends and came to Bulma's side.
"What is it, Bulma?" Erasa questioned.
"On a scale of one to ten, how great are you in computer coding?" Asked the blue-haired woman.
Erasa simply responded, "Zero. I've never been good at that kind of stuff. Graphic design is more up my alley."
Bulma winked at the girl while speaking confidently.
"Well, you're about to learn something new today from yours truly. And don't you worry, I'll break the process down in a way that you'll understand!"
For the next few minutes, Videl and Sharpner watched in awe as the CEO of Capsule Corp taught Erasa how to code while reprogramming the Robot Soldiers chip.
Goten and Trunks were taken back to where the other students were hiding in order to protect the OSH class.
Just then, Yamcha entered the room with a bag filled with Senzu Beans.
"Sorry, I'm late guys!" The baseball player apologized while walking inside.
Trunks and Goten greeted the former martial artists, waving at the man.
"Hi, Mr. Yamcha!" Goten waved, with Trunks nodding silently.
The daughter of Hercule's eyes widened, now noticing the presence of the baseball player. Sharpner's eyes lit up but he kept himself composed.
Yamcha saluted the two boys casually before turning to see Videl and Sharpner.
Raising an eyebrow, Yamcha turned to the two boys and asked, "...Uh, who are they, and what are doing here?"
Dr. Briefs walked over to greet Yamcha and fill him in.
"Hello to you, Yamcha." The retired CEO greeted the younger man as he extended his hand to the direction of the OSH trio. "These three brave children that are assisting in our operation came from Orange Star High School on a field trip to CC. Apparently, they are in the same class as Goku's oldest child and befriended him despite his extraordinary differences."
Yamcha was taken aback by this information but was content for Gohan that he made his first real friends. Looking at Videl, he realized who she was.
"Hey. Haven't I seen you on TV?" Asked the former thief.
"Yeah, I work with HCPD when I'm not at school. My name is Videl, but you probably already knew that." Hercule's daughter replied respectfully.
Snapping his fingers, Yamcha replied, "That's right, you're Hercule's kid! I've seen some of your outings. You do great work for the community."
Videl scratched her head sheepishly saying, "Thanks,"
Sharpner then came into the conversation, saying, "Y-You're number 00, the Bandit! I used to watch all of your games growing up! You're one of my favorite athletes!"
Videl facepalmed, sighing the fanboy Sharpner had become.
'Oh, brother…' The girl groaned out of embarrassment.
Yamcha blinked before smiling, "Oh really? Well, it's good to see that I have a fan."
Erasa said nothing but blushed at the sight of Yamcha.
'Wow, he's more of a hunk in person!~ Those scars make him look so manly!~ I can see how Bulma got with him before!'
Bulma paused her work to greet her ex-boyfriend.
"Hey, Yamcha. Where'd you put the Senzu Beans?"
Yamcha pulled out a brown bag filled with the magic beans for Bulma to see.
"Right here, B." Yamcha said, placing the bag on the table next to Sharpner. "There are nine of them in it."
"Oh, thank goodness for Korrin!"
Videl, puzzled at the adults' importance of the brown bag filled with beans.
"Uh, what's so special about these beans you're talking about?" Videl questioned while pointing at the pouch.
Bulma would continue to reprogram the chip, finishing up on the commands and design of the hardware.
Yamcha explained, "It's a mystical bean with healing properties. Taking this can rejuvenate a person's stamina to near peak condition and heal all wounds outside of broken bones and internal bleeding."
"Mystical?" Erasa suddenly stated. "You mean like the Dragon Balls?"
Dr. Briefs nodded, saying, "Similarly so,"
"Are you planning on sticking around, Mr. Bandit?" Videl questioned. "We'd love to hear about you. Maybe you could share a little bit about your exploits when you were still a martial artist?"
"Yeah! That'd be the coolest thing!" Sharpner added, psyched at the thought of learning from one of his old childhood idols.
The scarred baseball star didn't know how to answer.
'Oh boy! Gohan sure has an interesting bunch of friends.'
Yamcha made small talk with the OSH trio about his involvement with the Dragon Team back when Son Goku was a child finding the Dragon Balls for the first time, excluding the part where Goku transformed into a giant monkey in front of them. He also shed a little bit of light on his first time entering the Tenkaichi Būdokai.
During this time, Bulma then took the chip, then applied it to a small device. The device was then brought to her main computer and inserted in a port similar to a flash drive.
"Alright, I'm finished, everyone! Come on over here!"
The group gathered nearby the computer. On the screen was a diagram with a radio transmitter and a picture of a Robot Soldier.
"Where's the gizmo at, Bulma?" Sharpner asked.
"I placed it on the computer. And it's for a good reason." Bulma said as she turned to her father.
"Young Gohan had given us the idea to interfere with these machines' homicidal programming and shut them all down. However, we cannot simply do that with an E-Stop created for an individual robot each." Dr. Briefs explained.
Bulma continued, "So when you guys came back with those spare parts, I whipped up a device that can transmit shutdown commands to the rest of those robots in the same frequency that they communicate in."
"Wow! Did you figure all of that out in under two hours? Bulma, that's amazing! You really are the smartest woman in the world!" Erasa gushed.
"No kidding," Sharpner commented. "Talk about big brain energy,"
Videl then asked with a frown, "Okay, so we have something for those killer-murder-bots. That's fine. But what are we going to do about helping out Gohan against that crazy alien warlord that's trying to enslave us all?"
The other two kids paused in their excitement as thoughts of their fourth classmate returned to the front of their minds.
"Shit, she's right." Sharpner thought out loud.." All of those other fighters have their hands full with those robots so they can't back Brains up."
"Poor Son-kun… I still don't get how he can have the stomach enough to face something so…monstrous!" Erasa pitied while she looked down. "He's just a kid."
"Hey, I wouldn't worry too much about Gohan," Yamcha stated calmly, causing the OHS trio to look at him in shock. "The kids' got his old man's blood running through him. He'll be fine."
Videl, more critical than the other two, glared at the older man.
"What are you mean by that, Mr. Bandit? From how the situation is turning out so far, I'd say there's much to worry about. Especially if there's a likely chance that my classmate and friend could end up getting killed!" Videl growled.
Yamcha took a step back, holding out his hands while wearily smiling.
'Woah! Okay, this girl is giving me Chichi vibes so much that it's scary! Geez, why is it that every girl I know or meet ends up being crazy!?'
Bulma came to Yamcha's rescue to calm down the situation.
"What Yamcha is trying, guys, is that you should have a little more faith in Gohan. We've known him since he was four years old. And believe us when we say that the kid is strong. Really strong." Bulma clarified.
"I know he's strong, but still!" Videl retorted. "Gohan may be Saiyaman but it's like you said, this monster is in the same category as Cell seven years ago!"
Bulma went on autopilot when simply stating, "Yes, I did. And I also stated that this isn't the first time that Gohan has dealt with beings like Cooler before."
The lack of concern for Gohan's safety had infuriated the daughter of Hercule to no end. But hearing this for who Gohan viewed as his family friends pushed the girl over the edge.
"Y-You…! What's wrong with you people!? Your godson's life is on the line and you're just waving him off like it's no big deal! Don't you care about Gohan's wellbeing? You're making it sound as if he is one of those Golden Warriors from the Cell Games!" Videl shouted in anger.
Sharpner and Erasa gasped at the fury their friend had unleashed out of frustration. And on Bulma Briefs of all people. The two hoped that they wouldn't get in trouble for not restraining Videl.
Of course, Bulma and Yamcha understood that the girl's rage came from a place of compassion. They weren't upset with her reaction being as reasonable as an ignorant human being would be. However, the fact that her curiosity about Gohan was getting her closer and closer to the truth was both impressive and intimidating, given who she is. And they knew they couldn't say a word out of respect for Gohan and their own private livelihoods.
The former couple stared at each other with mildly apprehensive glances before looking back into the eyes of a calculating Videl.
'...They must know something! Something big, and has to do with Gohan!' The pig-tailed girl concluded.
Dr. Briefs silently glanced at the Senzu Bean bag and walked over to the table to pick it up. Then, the older man walked into the middle of the group and faced Videl, Sharpner, and Erasa.
"Children, while it's very thoughtful to worry about your friend, there are bigger things at play that make young Gohan so much more special than you can possibly imagine." Dr. Briefs in a warm fatherly manner. "If it makes you three feel any better, perhaps you can at least make sure that he remains in shape going forward."
Dr. Briefs then hands Videl the Senzu Bean pouch while Yamcha and Bulma silently thank the man for his intervention.
Videl, holding the bag of Senzu Beans, said in conviction. "I'll go and bring these to him myself."
The two blonds immediately turned in Videl's direction as if she was mental.
"Girl, are you insane!? You could get killed out there by yourself!" Erasa screeched.
"Yeah, that's suicide!" Sharpner echoed. "Fighting robots is one thing, but we're talking about getting near a battle between our friend and a warmonger alien maniac!"
Videl's determination, however, refused to waver despite all of the warnings. Her fist that was free of anything was tightly clenched.
"I don't care!" The pig-tailed girl said steadfastly. "If I can't help fight that creep, the least I can do for Gohan is make sure he stays battle fit. Don't try and stop me!"
While Sharpner and Erasa looked at each other as they knew they couldn't argue with Videl when she was stuck with an idea or concept, Bulma stepped in.
"That's very noble of you, Videl, but you shouldn't be going out there alone. The least you could do is bring somebody with you."
Before Videl could interject negatively, Sharpner took a step forward.
"I'll go with her."
Erasa and Videl whipped their heads around, astonished at the boldness of the jock.
"Sharpner, are you serious?" Erasa squeaked. "You could get hurt or worse if you go out there!"
The long-haired boy nodded saying, "Hey, I'm already this deep in this crazy shit show. Besides, I can't let Videl go out alone. She's my friend. And Brains is one of us too."
Erasa nodded back with a smile, saying, "That sounds like a plan,"
Bulma, Dr. Briefs, and Yamcha smiled at the hearts of the OSH trio, content with how Gohan had chosen his friends well.
Yamcha then came in with a capsule in his hand.
"You three got serious guts. I respect that. Tell you what, how about I fly over to Gohan's location? It'll be easier for us not to be located since we're not the focus power-wise. That, and I can't let you kids go out on your own."
"We would appreciate it, sir." Both Videl and Sharpner said at the same time.
"It's no problem. Gohan's like a nephew to me, anyway. I'd give my kidney to him if he needed it." The baseball player said.
Videl nodded and readied herself with the Senzu Bean bag to head out with Yamcha. Before leaving, Erasa saw Sharpner on the way out of the nearest exit after Videl greeted the pixie-cut girl.
"Sharpie, are you sure you want to go? Even with Videl and Yamcha, I'm still afraid that you–"
The jock cut her off then and there.
"'Rasa, don't worry about that now. I'm already coming to terms with this choice, but it's worth the risk. My friends are worth the risk. You guys are worth it to me."
Erasa wrapped her arms around her best friend's neck, then whispered to Sharpner, "P-Please stay safe for me, okay?"
Sharpner rubbed her back, then said, "I'll try my best, Erasa. I will try. But for now, I got to go."
Erasa broke off the hug, allowing the jock to leave and enter Yamcha's jetcopter outside. Erasa, now with Bulma and Dr. Briefs, watched the vehicle take off to the sky.
Outside of West City, Miles Away
Standing on a grassy cliff under a tree were two figures, one taller and one shorter. Both observed the current events that were unfolding with sight beyond mortal understanding.
A divine awareness.
The taller being was a red-skinned male who seemed to be older, given his long white hair that reached down to his back, and defined wrinkles. The man also had pointy ears and green earrings. What was peculiar about this mane was his attire that was quite similar to King Kai, albeit with colors of red, yellow, and light blue.
The other, being a younger man compared to his companion, had also shared characteristics. Despite having purplish-pink skin, a spiky mohawk with two bangs coming down on his face, and green earrings, the young man possessed pointy ears, white-colored hair, and sported the same posh Kai outfit except that its more of a dark blue light blue color scheme with red and orange accents. On his right hand, he wore a silver ring with an infinity insignia on it.
"...The moment of truth is approaching sooner than we anticipate." The shorter man stated, looking to the distance.
"Indeed." The red-skinned man nodded, watching from afar. "Lord Shin, I am still unsure about this decision. I still believe that you are capable of your mission. I do not see why you insist on resorting to the assistance of mortals in divine affairs."
The shorter man, now referred to as Shin, turned to the older being.
"Kibito, you and I both know that even with your guidance and the centuries that I've spent training through the universe, my power alone won't be enough to quell what darkness is yet to come. I wouldn't exactly resort to such extreme measures without a reason." Shin explained.
"I am well aware of that, my lord. It's just… I'd never imagined that we would ever consider the aid of Saiyans of all creatures. Take their violent history of laying waste to countless civilizations to account."
Shin said in a civil manner, "I also know of their past tendencies and vile acts within the universe. However, nothing stays the same as time moves forward. Besides, the Saiyans as we knew them before have all but perished. Two full-blooded Saiyans remain out of three, one on a distant planet on the outskirts of the Southern Quadrant, and one on earth. There are also hybrids that were born from a human and the Saiyan that lived on this planet before the second arrived. That Saiyan learned how to adapt and live in harmony with the inhabitants of Earth, even going so far as to protect it. And that same Saiyan that came to Earth first eventually had two children. I've been watching his eldest child, and his potential far exceeds anything that I felt before within a mortal outside of the Gods of Destruction and other deities."
Kibito's face grew in shock at his superior's declaration.
"T-That's absurd! I don't recall mortals possessing that level of power, let alone the Saiyans! They were planetary threats a best and that Arcosian tyrant done away with them like they were insects!" Kibito stammered.
"Yes, and it was a full-blooded Saiyan that defeated him and a half-Saiyan that killed him." Shin retorted with a cheeky smile at Kibito's face.
And with that Kibito closed his mouth, speechless at the new information Shin gave him.
Shin turned his head back to the view of West City which was under siege.
"Mortals aren't perfect, and the Saiyans are no exception. But under the right circumstance, any living being with a moral compass and a conscience has the capability of being benevolent or becoming good. And a Saiyan has proven this for nearly three decades, with his son carrying on his legacy." The shorter man stated.
"If you have faith in this mortal hybrid, why haven't we approached him yet?" Kibito questioned.
"Because, Kibito, he has only triumphed against that abomination seven years ago due to the direct assistance of his father and allies. This time, the half-Saiyan has nobody to hold his hand. This is his fight alone, his rite of passage."
"What are you trying to say, Lord Shin?" Asked Kibito.
"We are beings of a higher class, Kibito. It would be foolish to reveal ourselves to a mortal who cannot handle what will be asked of them. And if this mortal is the one I am looking for, he should be able to correct this error. Only then will we step forward. For now, we shall only wait and observe."
"Yes, Lord Shin."
The two mysterious beings remained silent while they watched the events in West City unfold in real-time, with the breeze flowing through their hair.
To Be Continued…
The next stage of Bulma's plan has been set in motion. With a goal now clearer in his mind, Cooler hastes his attack on Gohan. Will he survive the fray while restraining his power? Will Videl and Sharpner be able to get to Gohan in one piece in time? And who are Shin and Kibito? Where did they come from? Are they to be trusted among the Dragon Team? Find out next time on Dragon Ball Z: PRIMAL!
Author's Note: Hey guys, I'm back with a quick chapter!
As I said, uploads will be not scheduled but come in randomly. But the hype is real! The next chapter will be where shit goes down! But I will not spoil anything.
First off, I gave Yamcha the respect he deserves. I don't know much about the character compared to the rest, but I do know he was a part of the origin Dragon Team and after the Saiyan Saga, people have slammed Yamcha to the ground harder than that Saibaman that killed him. Regardless of what the memes say, he's a planet-level character in power and he deserves some respect for still being relevant to the point of having time in anime. So, I gave him a supporting role.
Another thing is that I've decided that Erasa will have a new aspect of her character. She will be under the watchful eyes of Bulma as her understudy of sorts. Not as brilliant but knowledgeable in technology and devices. I want to further explore that tech-savvy nature and make it beneficial to her character.
Sharpner will also have a new development, but that's later down the line.
Lastly, Shin and Kibito are indeed present early, but that will be saved at the end of this arc. I will say, though, that Shin's role is much more active and critical than it was in the Toei anime and the original manga.