Last time on Dragon Ball HPA. Akane and Videl quickly learned the fusion dance and became Adel. However, when confronting Majin Buu, the pair quickly learned that their fusion brought with it a fatal flaw. Akane's Battle Instinct, her ace in the hole technique was completely inaccessible. Fleeing from battle, the two retreated and entered into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber in order to conquer this weakness together.
Meanwhile, Goku arrived on the Supreme Kai's world and bore witness to Gohan's training with the Z Sword. With Buu on the rampage, time is of the essence for our heroes. The story continues now!
EPISODE 11: Tale of the Unknown Soldier
Peko continued to coach Gohan into proper form, using her Ki Blade to keep up with him. Using a special technique, the two put a barrier around each of their weapons to avoid them colliding into each other. Given the Z Sword's magnificent edge and weight, Peko was worried it would break her Ki Blade and she only had the one to fight with.
"Wow, watching them fight before me, you can clearly see Peko's experience with a sword," Goku said. "Man, if only she could lift the Z Sword, right Supreme Kai?" Goku asked, laughing.
Kibito growled and then snapped. "How dare you talk about such a holy relic as if it could be wielded so easily by any mere mortal! The mere fact that you and your son can so much as hold it upright is ludicrous by itself."
"Now, now, Kibito, let's not fret over it," Shin said, gazing up at Gohan and Peko training. "We must keep our faith in Gohan to master the weapon. He's our only hope now after all."
After a few more hours, Peko urged Gohan to stop. "Your form is improving. I say we focus on slicing moving projectiles. Goku, if you wouldn't mind."
"Huh? Mind what?" Goku asked.
Peko's head gestures indicated the boulder he was sitting on.
"Huh? Oh, I get it." Goku stood up and began to lift the entire rock from out under the grass with a mighty yank.
Gohan floated to the ground and stood before the "small" boulder Goku had prepared. The older Saiyan prepared to chuck the rock at his son, but Peko had an outburst before Goku could throw.
"Gohan! It's not a baseball bat!" Peko shouted, causing the younger Saiyan to lose his balance in surprise of her shout.
"Er, right," Gohan said. He lowered his blade's altitude and had the tip pointed down and away from him, the weight of his body leaned against his forward knee.
"Much better," Peko said. "If you're insisting on using two hands, this is a much better stance. Your body is more relaxed and you can sidestep an attack more easily while still providing ample mobility for a counterattack. The only time a weapon held with two hands should be above your head as you held it before is if it's in front of you about to strike!"
"Wow, guess they don't call you the Ultimate Swordsman for nothing, huh, Peko?" Goku asked, chuckling nervously.
Peko merely adjusted her glasses. "I aim only to teach so that Majin Buu is slain. Now, Goku, the boulder."
"Right," Goku said and threw the large mass at Gohan.
With a rotating motion, Gohan brought the blade up over his head and swung down, cutting the boulder clean in half with one swing. The cut was so clean, Gohan took a moment to take a few more swings.
"Whoa, I barely felt the weight of the blade that time," he said, taking a few more swipes in this fashion compared to starting with the blade held above and to the side of him.
"It's to be expected," Peko said. "In order to gain the momentum required when the blade is already above your shoulder, you pull back and actually lose your balance a little due to the excess weight, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of your swing. However, by keeping the blade below your waist as you did just now, you lose momentum from a backwards force, the rotating motion of your arms carrying all of your momentum into a clean, decisive blow."
"Yeah, I'll say," Gohan said, nodding.
"No kidding. It really is a shame that sword is so heavy. In Peko's hands, that thing would be an extremely deadly weapon I imagine," Goku added.
"A fine display nonetheless," Shin said, elated. "Well done, Gohan."
"Oh, uh, thank you," Gohan said, feeling a bit awkwardly giddy from the praise.
"Amazing, truly," Kibito praised.
Goku laughed. "I think you're ready for a big one, son."
"Just a minute," Shin said. "How about more density and less mass?"
"It would be a worthy test," Peko concluded.
Shin then constructed a black cube of some kind of material high above his head and then tossed it to Goku telekinetically. "Here, Goku, catch."
Goku barely was able to keep the block lifted.
"Whoa," he said, admiring the weight. "What's this?"
"That is the hardest known metal in the universe. It's called Kachin."
"Hardest metal in the universe? Hmm, yes, this would prove quite useful," Peko said and nodded to Goku. "Whenever you're ready."
However, though Goku, Gohan and the Supreme Kai were all ready. It seemed the Z Sword wasn't. During its attempt to cut the mighty block in half, the sword snapped clean in half.
Gohan stood shaking. "I guess now it's the Z…dagger." He laughed nervously.
Kibito and Shin were besides themselves with open jawed despair. "Please no," Shin pleaded, unable to believe his eyes. "Tell me it's not true, Kibito."
"It's true. It snapped in two," Kibito exclaimed, mortified.
"Oh, wow. I guess it's probably called the hardest metal in the universe for a reason, isn't it?" Goku said in an interrogative tone.
Peko sweated. Oh. This boded poorly. Even Shin and Kibito's attempts to rekindle and recount the Z Sword's legend did little to alleviate the issue.
Gohan tried to see the bright side to all of this, noting his strength and speed increase from lugging around that hefty sword for hours and hours.
"Gohan," Peko said, still covered in sweat, "Legendary swords breaking is not an occurrence to brush off. Think of what Shin and Kibito must be going through right now. A bright side only serves to further twist the knife they currently find in their hearts."
Gohan's cheer deflated instantaneously as he lowered his fists and looked at Peko. "…Oh," he said dejectedly.
"No, Gohan might have a point," Shin said. "His strength increase even to this extent would make him much stronger as a Super Saiyan when you consider the increase in power."
"…That is true," Peko said. "It does take all roads on the path to mastery." She approached the snapped end of the Z Sword containing the handle and stared at the broken blade. "Even so, a proper memorial to a snapped blade is in order I feel."
"Uh, sure," Gohan said and bent over to pick it up.
However, before he could, a rift of energy gave off from the broken weapon that attracted the attention of Gundham, Sonia and Kotomi. And then, near the sight of the snapped tip, emerged a man that could only be described as an elderly, wrinkly version of Shin.
"Pray tell, who is this elderly imposter of the Kai?" Gundham demanded to know.
"Watch your mouth, sonny," the old man said and then coughed into his fist. "Imposter? Honestly, what do they teach young people these days? Can you not see what I am from my hair and my ear loops? I'm just an older version of that one," he said, indicating Shin. "Fifteen generations to be precise."
"What?" Shin gasped. "Fifteen generations ago?"
"Long ago, there was a villain, not quite as powerful as Majin Buu, but still very terrible. He was afraid I would use my power to seal him away, so he tricked me and sealed me inside the sword."
"Quite a tale for an elderly god," Gundham said.
"Indeed," Sonia said, putting a finger to her cheek. "If it were not for his visage of him right in front of us, I would call it hard to believe. But, then again, ever since the tournament, we've been exposed to a lot of hard to believe things," Sonia said, tapping her fingers together nervously.
The group was floored when Goku attempted to try and test the elderly kai's might by firing a tiny ki blast at him. It…promptly hit the elder in the face.
"Wow. And people tell me I've got a penchant for recklessness," Kotomi stated observantly.
After a bit more discussion and clearing the way for introductions, Goku determined the Elder Kai was just like Master Roshi. Getting him to open up was simple: feminine charms.
"Oh dear," Sonia said, tapping her fingertips together. "I suppose a kiss is not much if no one knows about it. Still…"
Kotomi folded her arms, staring at Goku in annoyance. "I'm saving my first kiss, thank you very much."
Peko sighed. "If it might unlock ancient secrets, I don't suppose I have any problem with it."
"We could always ask the Kai to fetch one of our classmates. Although, that might bring with it its own fair share of problems," Gundham pointed out.
"Time is of the essence," Peko said and began unfurling her braids and taking off her glasses. In a moment it appeared as if she had transformed into a completely different person. "Is this to your liking, Master," she said in a sultry voice.
The Elder Kai promptly fell over, steam shooting out his nostrils, face flushed like a tomato.
"I call that a critical hit," Kotomi said, laughing.
"So, a deal is a deal then. Tell us your hidden portents, Elder Kai," Gundham cackled.
It turned out the old man could unlock the sleeping power of those he used his power on.
"A person's latent power," Peko stated. "Gohan is perfect for this then."
"Huh? Me?"
"To the victor go the spoils. As you were the one who were gifted the fabled blade, tis only right that the lady of the lake be your blessing," Gundham stated with a smirk.
The Elder Kai looked at Gundham. "Is his brain wired correctly?"
"Gundham has his own…unique way of speaking," Kotomi said, rubbing the back of her head. "You get used to it after a while."
The Elder Kai sighed. "Young folk these days. Really? The Kais being rescued by mortals." He looked at Shin. "The mortals are heroes while the actual Kais are more like shoeshine boys at best."
Shin looked mortified at the insult.
"Yeah, in all fairness, you have kind of sucked at your job for most of this adventure," Kotomi pointed out.
"Agreed. Were you not screaming doom about Majin Buu the entire day we might've been able to thwart him instead of having a brush with the Reaper's Kiss," Gundham added.
"All right, that's enough. There will be no more insults flung at my master!" Kibito said, standing in front of Shin, arms spread wide.
The Elder Kai then began to work on unlocking Gohan's hidden power…in a manner that confused the ever living consciousness of all present but the old man himself.
"Power granted through ritual dance. …I suppose it is not unheard of."
"…Oh my," Sonia said, quite perplexed.
"I mean…as long as it works, right?" Kotomi asked.
Peko began putting her glasses back on and relooped her braids. "I suppose he intends for payment upon success. I…suppose I should be thankful."
After barely two minutes of the Kai waddling around and dancing funny, Gundham spoke. "Perhaps we should return to our own training and leave Gohan be."
"Agreed," Peko said. "It does not make sense for us to stand around and do nothing."
"Hey, uh, how long does this take?" Kotomi asked.
"Five more hours," The Kai answered. "Twenty more for power release after that."
"An entire day then," Sonia said. "That is quite a shame. I was hoping all of us would have a chance to unlock our hidden potential."
"He would probably ask for more than just a kiss if it came to that and I am only so generous," Peko stated. "Let us be off."
As the quarter walked away, Peko noticed the broken blade of the Z Sword still lying on the ground. Curiously, she picked up the broken weapon. Surprisingly, the weapon was much lighter in her hands now having been broken. She swung it around as the broken blade swished through the air. "Hmm…"
In the next instant, the broken section returned…in the shape of a continuous, controlled burst of energy.
"Wow, Peko. That's impressive," Goku said. "You can lift that thing now?"
"Indeed. It seems I can, though I am not sure why. Still, I will not waste this opportunity. I am much more comfortable with the weight and balance of a katana, but a broadsword such as this might come in handy."
"Well, good luck," Goku said. "I'm uh, going to go nap, I guess."
As Gohan's friends trained, Gohan did his best totem pole impersonation as the Elder Kai danced around him. Meanwhile, Goten and Trunks perfected the fusion technique themselves, turning into Gotenks. And, like Adel, Gotenks brashly attempted an attack on Majin Buu's life.
It was met with tremendous failure.
At the same time, Videl and Akane were still busy talking to each other, to gain a better understanding of the other.
"So yeah, after Erasa asked me to find her a boyfriend, I had to break the news to her about how difficult it would be for us to hang out," Videl stated, talking about how things went down in her personal life when she got her acceptance letter to Hope's Peak.
"Mmmhmm. Mmmmhmm." Akane nodded vigorously, giving Videl her full and complete attention.
With three factions of fighters looking to take down Majin Buu, and the royal army having failed at the same time as Gotenks, the government decided it was time for a change of tactic with Majin Buu.
Things started to look pretty bleak. The world's population had been brought down to a fifth its normal size under Buu's rampage. However, those that remained still held out to hope that someone would be powerful enough to stop the pudgy pink menace that was Majin Buu.
In the hall of the world's king, one of the maids dusted off a portrait of a lush looking mountain, painted some 30 years ago. She was quite tall for a woman and looked incredibly young.
"Hmm," she uttered, cupping her chin, the black cloth of her gloves caressing her skin. She gazed at the painting with her olive green eyes. "Ah." She reached out and adjusted the painting ever so slightly. "There. Now it is no longer crooked."
A few guardsmen walked down the halls towards the maid and stopped. "Miss Tojo, his majesty has requested your presence."
The girl turned towards the guards and nodded. "Understood. I will follow you," she said and followed the guards to the king's chambers. By now, Miss Tojo, as she'd been addressed had gotten used to the anthropomorphic dog man that called himself the Earth's king.
The guards stopped at the doorway as she approached the mustached canine. "You called, your majesty."
"Ah, Kirumi, my most trusted advisor," the King said, beaming. He gazed over at her impeccable dress code and well kept head of sage tinted hair.
The girl smiled and curtsied. "You praise me too highly, your majesty. I am merely a maid."
King Furry shook his head. "Be that as it may, you've been a most wonderful asset to these halls since you began work here. Now more than ever with the looming threat of Majin Buu."
Kirumi looked to the side. She crossed an arm over her chest and reached for her neck, eyes fixated on the wall. "Quite," she said, "This disaster is most unprecedented indeed. Any word from the scouts you sent out."
The king looked grim. "No. No such sighted reports of Son Goku or his son Son Gohan."
"I can't say I'm surprised, but that is quite devastating news. What of Fenrir?"
The King sighed with relief. "I can only hope they will buy us some time. Are you sure it was wise to suggest them again? They failed miserably against Cell."
"I've read the reports," Kirumi said. "While it is hard to fathom resurrection of the deceased, the fact remains that right now what we need is to buy ourselves time. Fenrir can do precisely that. However…"
"Hmm?"
"Permit me to speak freely, but until we can ascertain the exact threat level Majin Buu possesses, and while our forces take heavy losses, what the people need right now is hope. Has their been any successful contact with Mr. Satan?"
"We're working on it. But…are you sure he will be able to help?"
"I clean his mansion regularly," Kirumi said and curtsied to the king. "I guarantee he will gladly offer his assistance if the request is granted in my name."
Thump! Thump! Thump!
A fist connected to a hairy arm beat down on a door connected to a luxurious mansion. The maroon doors opened up revealing one Chisa Yukizome. She took one look at her guest and was understandably confused.
"Mr. Satan?"
Immediately the former champion dropped to his knees, holding up his hands in prayer. "Please Mrs. Femme Fury, ma'am! I'm a beggin' ya! They're sending me after Majin Buu and I don't stand a ghost of a chance. That Goku and Vegeta feller ain't anywhere and my baby girl Videl's gone missin to who knows where. Our of the tournament finalists, that leaves you, ma'am. Please help me!"
"First of all, don't call me ma'am, I just turned twenty," Yukizome stated. "Second, let me see if I'm understanding this. You want me, me to help you fight Majin Buu?"
Hercule shook in his laced up boots, trying to keep snot from dribbling down his nose. "You promised to be my sidekick and team up to fight Majin Buu, didn't ya? He's destroyin everything and most of the Earth's population is gone."
Yukizome sighed. He's right. I did agree to that, but that was before I sensed Goku's battle, plus whatever other two fighters took a swing at Majin Buu and didn't manage to put him down. She looked at the desperate, sweaty, shivering Hercule. Still, I suppose a promise is a promise.
She sighed again, eyes closed, memories of Vegeta's assault on her and the state it left her body in floating through her mind. It was an attack she'd never felt before, one that left her nearly deceased. She swallowed. I have so much to live for, Kyosuke for starters.
"Please Miss Femme Fury. I'll do anything." Hercule was almost sobbing now.
"Anything, huh?" Yukizome thought, poking her finger with her cheek. "All right, you've got yourself a deal. But," she said, putting her index finger in Hercule's face, "I have conditions."
"Mmmhmmm. Mmmhmm." Hercule said, nodding vigorously.
"Condition one, you don't breathe a word to anyone that I was involved. I don't want the publicity, I barely deserve the money. Heck, I really think Goku and Vegeta deserve to finish their fight. I'm still mad at you for tricking me."
Hercule prostrated himself in front of Yukizome. "I'm really sorry, Miss Femme Fury."
Yukizome poked Hercule's forehead with her foot. "Condition two, my name is Chisa Yukizome. Since you're older tha me, you can call me by my first name."
"Yes," Hercule said, bowing his head, "Of course Miss Chisa. Whatever you say."
"Condition three, show some dignity," Yukizome said, looking a bit depressed as she gazed at this so-called champion. "You're a grown man and a world martial arts champion. What if your fans saw you like this?"
Hercule sprang to his feet, standing straight up like a soldier, snot now exiting his right nostril, but he was trying to recall it back in.
"And finally, if we someone end Majin Buu's reign of terror, you will make a speech at Hope's Peak Academy. You're going to hold a press conference and you're going to acknowledge the young boy that really vanquished Cell. The world deserves to know its true hero and see the glory that is the next generation."
"Sure, but just…" Hercule stared at the ground.
"Hmm?"
"It's just…people count on me, you know? I didn't want to take all the credit for Cell, but that Goku feller just up and died. And that little boy. He wouldn't know how to handle the press if it came knocking at his door."
Yukizome looked surprised.
"Look, Chisa, I'm gonna be straight with ya, being famous is hard. Every day people are askin ya to do dangerous stunts just because you're the world champion." Hercule tapped his fingers together. "I was kind of hoping Goku would show up when I became champion. None of the other fighters really helped me see where I was at, you know. When he was a no show, I just assumed it was all a bunch of tricks. I mean, really, beams of light, people flyin' everywhere. It all seemed like a bunch of smoke and mirrors."
"It was really weird the first time I flew, yeah," Yukizome admitted. "Was half worried someone was going to look up my dress."
"But…being famous has done wonders for my baby girl, Videl. It's pushed her to be the best, you know? And the people that look up to me, how do you think they'll take the news? A world champion outdone by some punk kid."
"I mean, he's not just some punk kid. He's a Hope's Peak Academy student, and Son Goku's son. Besides," Yukizome put a reassuring hand on Hercule's shoulder. "No one has to know the actual gap between you and the Son family. You can still be a champion of the people and not the current World Martial Arts Champion."
Hercule didn't seem convinced, but his expression showed that he was a bit moved by Yukizome's words.
"Why don't you come in for some tea? It will calm your nerves."
Hercule nodded and followed Yukizome inside her house, taking in the sights of a mansion very similar to his own. One thing stood out though, the place was decidedly empty. "Uh, where's all your maids and butlers?"
"I don't need them. I maintain this whole place by myself," Yukizome said. "I am the Ultimate Housekeeper after all."
"By yourself? This place is spotless!" Hercule took note of the expensive vases and shining picture frames.
"Well now, don't dawdle. Time is of the essence," Yukizome said as Hercule gazed through a strangely shaped glass vase.
"Er, right."
In the Yukizome family kitchen, Hercule took a seat as Yukizome set the table with a fine tea set, first pouring for her guest and then herself. She sat down and waited for Hercule to take a sip before taking a sip of her own.
"Wow, this tea's amazing!"
"It's my own special blend," Yukizome said, blowing a bit of steam off the top of her cup. She took a lengthy sip and then put her cup down. "I'm not sure if you're aware of this, Mr. Satan, but I don't actually like fighting or violence. I abhor it, especially for sport."
"What? Really? But you're so good at it," Hercule stated.
Yukizome smirked. "My sensei said the same thing. Truth be told, I only wanted to get stronger because of someone I feel I must protect at all costs. Someone I love. But…he's very strong. If I'm not stronger than him, how can I protect him? My strength isn't for myself and it's not for the world. I'm not god. I can only protect the people dearest to me. But…I would rather be able to solve their problems without violence. Something a homecooked meal and a warm hug can hopefully do instead." She smiled as a dark shadow cast itself on her forehead. "I might intimidate them a little though."
Hercule shuddered. S-scary…
Yukizome sighed. "Really, I never should've participated in that tournament." She pouted and looked sad. "It ended up being a big mess."
"I don't think it was a mistake," Hercule told her.
Yukizome lifted her head, looking at Hercule quizzically.
"You might hate fighting, but the fact of the matter is that sometimes you get some real punks that won't get out of your way. And sometimes, you gotta force 'em to move. Besides, there's more to Martial Arts then just throwing punches and kicks."
"Oh yes," Yukizome said sardonically, taking another sip of her tea. "I'm sure all of the sponsorships and free bonus checks do wonders for the soul."
"H-hey! Th-that's not fair!" Hercule interjected. "And that wasn't what I was going to say."
Yukizome was quiet then, eyes closed, sipping her tea loudly.
"The path of martial arts is about mental clarity, a will to believe in yourself. Like you said so yourself, if you're not stronger than your boyfriend, you can't protect him!" Hercule was now standing up and making dramatic gestures.
Yukizome did not correct Hercule in referring to Munakata as her boyfriend. To her, he already was.
"So, you gotta have faith in yourself, and a drive to succeed. You can't go through life with your head cast down at your feat. You gotta stick out your chest and let the world know what it is you're really made of! Your character speaks before your fist does!"
Yukizome opened one eye, having reached the last few drops of her tea. She put the cup down and dabbed her lips with a napkin. "You might be right about that. You're more insightful than I gave you credit for. Having strength is also having the responsibility and hope that you never have to use it. So then, tell me, what drives you to competition?"
"To inspire other people. You wanna feed 'em good meals and make 'em feel welcome. Well, I want people to know that it doesn't matter where they came from. I mean, I came from poverty and now I'm rich and a champion!"
"A champion of the underdogs of the world," Yukizome said. "I can see how your daughter became an Ultimate. Right then, finish your tea," she said and smiled, eyes full of strength. "And let's go take down Majin Buu."
20 miles north of Buu's humble abode, Fenrir's chopper finally landed after a long flight in from the Middle East. One by one the small mercenary band exited the vehicle and descended to the ground, pitching tents and setting up camp.
Ikusaba was in the middle of her equipment check when a man with a ponytail and a mustache approached her. He wore very little armor compared to Ikusaba's otherwise hefty military-grade gear.
"Mukuro," he said to her. "Do you have a moment?"
Mukuro Ikusaba leapt to her feet, saluting this man. "Master Pai Pai! I am in the middle of my equipment check."
"Those toys will be of no use to you for this operation," the man told her. "I am to understand it that Commander Garmr has decided to leave this operation entirely in your hands."
"That is the first I'm hearing of this, Instructor," Mukuro replied.
Pai Pai sighed. "Mukuro, you are the strongest member of Fenrir. You've long since surpassed me. At your tender age, you could crush the Red Ribbon army in its glory days more than a thousand times over. Commander Garmr believes that the rest of us for this operation will only hold you back."
"I will use everything you have taught me then, Master Pai Pai," Mukuro stated.
The man Mukuro referred to as Master Pai Pai, otherwise known as Tao Pai Pai, famously known as Mercenary Tao, recounted his experiences with Fenrir.
How long has it been? Mercenary Tao thought, gazing up at the sky. It was shortly after the death of King Picolo. The heads of Fenrir, Commander Garmr and Chief Skoll, had visited Tao at his home, offering him a deal.
Commander Garmr sat in front of Mercenary Tao, smoking a cigar. His thick beard and brown hair, along with his fully decked out camouflage gear added to his image of toughness. Near him stood a woman in whitish camouflage. She had short blonde hair and stood with her hands behind her back, one hand gently held by the other.
"Let me see if I'm understanding this," Mercenary Tao said to the two Fenrir leaders. "You want me to teach you about ki?"
Garmr nodded. "If King Piccolo has taught us anything, it's just how worthless our weapons can be against special opponents. We do our research, Mr. Pai Pai."
"Mr. Pai Pai was my father. Please, call me Tao."
"Tao," Garmr corrected himself. "We wish to be the most lethal mercenary force in the world and in history. We are offering you not only a cut of our profits, but a spot on the squadron."
"We can negotiate the contract as you like," Skoll spoke up. "I hope you understand we do not offer this invitation to just anyone. As a fellow mercenary, we thought you'd be interested in being part of the big leagues of money and glory."
Garmr puffed on his cigar, chewing on it before putting it out in the ash tray. "Truth be told, if someone had hired us to fight the Red Ribbon Army, we were ready to do it. Just one of our members has the power of a single battalion of normal soldiers. So, imagine what we could do if we could shoot lasers out of our hands."
Tao stroked his chin. "I must say, the thought is tempting. Students of my very own. All right, why not? Sounds like fun."
And then…nearly six years ago now…
Tao was wandering the campsite Fenrir was basing himself out of when he saw Garmr at the shooting range. A normal sight to be sure, but it was what was next to Garmr that caught Tao's attention. It was a little girl not even 10-years-old, in a school uniform…and firing Garmr's pistol downwind. More shockingly, not only was the girl's aim dead on accurate, she wasn't even flinching at the noise. She didn't even fumble to reload the clip.
"Commander, who is this girl?" Tao asked. He smirked. "Or is today bring your daughter to work day and I wasn't given the memo?"
Garmr turned to face Tao and tapped the girl on the shoulder. She handed Garmr back the pistol as he holstered it. Garmr put a hand on the girl's shoulder as she turned to face Tao. "This little one here is Mukuro Ikusaba. Found her manhandling my knife and my pistol while I was in market. Didn't even notice her until the shopkeeper pointed her out.
Tao studied the girl's face. Nary a hint of joy or any emotion at all to be found.
"She said she was really interested in our exploits. A fan girl if you will. I mean, come on," he said, lighting up a cigar. "Not every day our organization finds one of those."
"True, but guns are not toys," Tao said.
"That's what I told her," Garmr said. "Then I did this." He aimed his gun at Mukuro's temple and pulled the trigger. The noise of the gun going off surprised Tao. Ruthless killer or no, shooting a child unprecedented was something only a true blackheart would be unsurprised by.
However, Tao had been so shocked by the gun firing, he didn't notice Mukuro was ten paces backwards, the bullet Garmr fired embedded in the sand a good twenty feet away. Mukuro wasn't even bleeding. The gun hadn't even grazed her.
"The…girl can dodge bullets?" Tao blinked. Granted, bullet speed was nothing to him at this point. But for a child so small, it did remind him of an annoying little monkey boy.
Garmr nodded. "I think she has potential. Right? You can tell?"
Tao could tell indeed. Despite her tiny body, just from staring at her, Tao could sense that Mukuro could kill a grown man with her bare hands if she felt like it. And, judging from the dead look in her eyes, had done so already.
Tao grinned. "I think what I see before me is the makings of a perfect warrior."
It had barely been two months since Mercenary Tao had taken Mukuro under his wing. The girl's growth rate…was astounding.
"Dodon Ray!" Mukuro shouted, firing the beam at Mercenary Tao from her finger. He deflected the beam with ease. He charged Mukuro down, but she dodged out of the way of his incoming fist.
"Yes, you learn fast, kiddo," Tao said and proceeded to unleash whirling, swift kicks to cover the majority of Mukuro's smaller body. "But how long can you keep this up? Come on! I told you before! I won't settle for slackers!"
But Mukuro was no slacker. She met every challenge Tao threw at her. She mastered ki techniques like the Solar Flare, Dodon Ray and other, more basic techniques like it was breathing air.
And she never got hit once.
In order to keep up with Mukuro's absurd progression speed, Fenrir spent hundreds of thousands of zeni upgrading Tao Pai Pai's cybernetics. The man became stronger, as a result, than Vegeta when he first landed on Earth.
And yet still Mukuro kept up with him. Yet still she grew, matched and exceeded his expectations. It was then that Fenrir knew, they had a true killing machine on their hands. At that point, the next step became obvious.
Using some connections, footage of Goku's exploits against the Red Ribbon Army and from the World Martial Arts tournament were…acquired by Fenrir. Most of it was enhanced cybernetic data feed from Tao's own brain when it had been merged with his cybernetic enhancements. Once acquired and made into a video format, Mukuro was shown the tapes and asked to practice alongside them.
It wasn't long before she was matching Son Goku's movements.
"Kaaaaameeeee"
"Kaaaameeee"
Mercenary Tao, Commander Garmr and Chief Skoll were elated the day they saw Mukuro performing the Turtle School's signature technique in time with the video. Mukuro wasn't just a soldier beyond compare, she was a warrior who could memorize anything from repeated observation.
"Haaaaaameeeeeee"
"Haaaaaameeeeee"
Mukuro's subdued voice contrasted the young Goku's loud voice, but the motions matched Goku's exactly. …And the energy she was producing far and exceeded anything recorded of Goku utilizing prior to his showdown with Ma Junior. Moreover, it had not even been a full year since Mukuro first joined Fenrir.
"HAAAAAAAAA!"
"HAAAAAAAAA!"
The attack went rocketing across the training bunker and slammed into the wall, penetrating the hole and sailing across the Middle Eastern sands, ruffling the dunes.
Garmr's cigar fell out of his mouth. Skoll smirked. Tao grinned.
Mukuro turned towards her instructors, saluting. "Was that up to standards?"
"Yes, Mukuro," Tao stated. "Excellent work."
Fenrir became a force to be reckoned with. The company was more ferocious and feared than ever before. Not just because of Mukuro, but the entire squadron. It was safe to say that the only way to beat Fenrir was simply to pay them more money than the people paying them to kill you.
After yet another mission, Mukuro lay down on the ground upon her sleeping bag near Mercenary Tao's, gazing up at the stars.
"You make us all proud, Mukuro," Mercenary Tao told her.
Mukuro hummed in acknowledgement, but sounded preoccupied.
"What's the matter, kiddo?"
"Master Pai Pai, much of the footage you have shown me has involved the monkey boy being able to fly. Is that something that can be learned?" Mukuro asked.
Tao laughed. "You want to fly do you?"
Mukuro nodded. "I think it would benefit me greatly."
Tao chuckled. Mukuro had mastered something or another of 16 different martial arts including Sistema, Jujitsu, Crane School, and Muay Thai. Now she wanted to learn more?
"Apologies, kid, but that's not something I'm going to be able to teach you. I don't know how. If you want to fly, you're going to have to figure it out on your own."
Mukuro once more hummed in acknowledgement.
Tao got up. "There is one technique I can tell you about though. However, only on the condition that you know that it's a technique never to be used?"
Mukuro got up as well. "Not to be used?"
Tao nodded. "It could kill you just by using it."
Mukuro nodded. "I'd like to hear about it anyway."
And that was how Mukuro Ikusaba learned about the Kikoho.
"Listen up, we've got a new contract from His furry majesty himself," Garmr said, pulling the cigar out of his mouth. "We're going after Cell."
It had been four days since the announcement of the Cell games.
"CELL?!" Tao shrieked. "The king sends us to our deaths?! I had a bad run in with Goku's brat mere days ago and he far and exceeds what we're capable of combined! Now you want us to go fight the guy he and his father are trying to kill themselves? It's suicide! I didn't sign up for this Garmr!"
"The money is good," Skoll stated. "Payment is upfront. We've no reason not to try."
"Then let's take the money and ditch it. I've no intention of dying for no reason!" Tao shouted. "Cell will kill us all!"
"So does that mean you quit?" Garmr asked. "How sad to see Mercenary Tao run with his tail between his legs. Never thought I'd live to see the day." He laughed and so did some of the mercs.
"We're going to die," Tao stated incredulously. "This is no laughing matter!"
"Look, we're not going to be idiots about this," Skoll stated. "The plan is to go under cover of darkness and suppress our power levels until we get close to Cell. Then we ambush him before he has the chance to put his guard up."
Tao sighed, covering his bionic eyes with his hand. "How much are we getting paid?"
Garmr showed him a figure on the back of a napkin. "This is how much I quoted over the phone."
Tao's eyes nearly bugged out of his head. "Well, all right then. Death or no death, what point is there in not trying, am I right?"
Two nights later, Fenrir snuck out under cover of darkness to sneak up and surround Cell. They moved in a wide spread circle. The intention was to surround Cell and then, very cautiously, and quickly, all charge up a Dodon Ray and tag the bug man from all directions.
It went well at first. With every step the squadron made, Cell came closer into view. 50 meters. 25 meters. 15 meters. An impatient man could dive at the edge of the Cell Games Arena.
Unfortunately, that would be as far as some members of the group would get.
"Excuse me, can I help you?"
The members of Fenrir hadn't seen Cell move, much less see him disappear from the arena and end up right in the middle of their formation.
"He knows we're here!" One of the mercs shouted and fired an uncharged Dodon Ray at the monster's body. Cell deflected it with one hand.
"Oh my, energy blasts," Cell said, flexing his muscles, floating a little. "Perhaps you'll fare better than the tanks and the men with guns."
"Men! Give him no quarter! Attack with everything you've got!" Garmr shouted.
The attempted assassination on Cell was about as one-sided as the beatdown he'd given Vegeta days prior. Fenrir stood zero chance against the perfect life form as its members were torn to pieces by Cell, who was more or less playing with his food.
"Credit where credit is due," Cell said as he rubbed some blood off his knuckles. "I'm actually enjoying this little slaughter. It's fun when the prey actually makes an effort to be the predator."
Still standing now where only Chief Skoll, Mercenary Tao, Commander Garmr and Mukuro. That…didn't last.
Garmr and Skoll emblazoned their fists with ki and tried to cross up Cell from behind. He dodged them easily, disappearing before their very eyes, backhanding his fists into their cheeks and then punched them both in the stomach. Then with a mere "love tap" he broke the vast majority of their ribs and sent them hurtling back, collapsed in a heap, but still breathing.
Cell laughed. "Honestly," he said, closing his eyes, "You really should've run the minute I realized you were here. I mean, after all, I—" Cell quickly had to stop speaking. A powerful energy attack was headed his way. Not one that could've done significant damage, but Cell had a superiority complex to uphold. The Dodon Ray that was fired exploded at his feet, tear up the ground.
Cell looked around for the source, finding only a child the size of Goku's son.
"Oh, this is precious," Cell chuckled. "You brought a child to fight me."
Mukuro took a fighting stance, her energy tempering. Her hands were shaped like claws, one down by her waist, the other raised above her forehead. The dead cold look in her eyes sent shivers down the spine of any foe. Any foe except Cell it seemed.
"Oh and she's a toughie," Cell stated, comparing her to the others he'd already slaughtered. "What are you feeding this kid?"
Don't let his words distract you. Look for openings and strike when his arrogance gets the better of him, Mukuro told herself.
Cell disappeared instantaneously however and reappeared behind Mukuro. The young mercenary turned only to get launched backwards by a low-level energy blast. It was the first time in Mukuro's life she'd ever been hit by such a strong impact in battle. The fact that she'd been hit at all shocked Tao, Skoll and Garmr to their cores. The untouchable Mukuro Ikusaba bounced off one of the Cell Games Arena pillars and landed on her face on the cold tile.
"Honestly, you should all be ashamed of yourselves," Cell said. "Making a child fight for you. Now then, which of you should I slaughter first?"
Mercenary Tao thought now was the best time to get out of here and fast. However, as he tried to slip away, Cell appeared in front of him.
"Going somewhere?" The bug monster asked. With a simple yank, he tore off Tao's right arm and clubbed him in the side of the head with it, causing a skull fracture. Tao's ears were ringing as he lay upon the ground.
"Honestly," Cell said, disappointed. "At least the little tyke stood her ground. You sir, are a coward, to your last whimper." He began to charge an energy blast to completely obliterate Tao…only to find his feet swept up from underneath him. The energy blast sailed harmlessly into the air, exploding in the night sky like a gigantic grenade.
While floating, Cell felt a hard kick hit the side of his ribs with enough force to launch him back. Cell was able to right himself and dig his heel into the ground in mere moments, wondering where that wrecking ball sized mosquito had come from. His eyes darted around the darkened landscape as the back of his head was grabbed and his face slammed into the dirt. A punctuated pounding into his wings then did ensue.
It was when Cell noticed that only one arm was being used to pound him that he bothered to get up. Powering up, he flung whatever little hellspawn menace got the drop on him off him and floated a good six feet in the air and looked down. He was surprised to see the child from earlier up and about, but there was something different about her.
This energy…what happened? The gap…is wider than that of a Saiyan and a Super Saiyan.
Mukuro disappeared from Cell's view and then he felt her grab his leg and hurl him at the ground. Cell did not hit the ground though, instead raising his leg and flinging Mukuro off him with tremendous force. In slow motion from Cell's point of view, despite the vast speed with which he'd flung the tiny tyke, she flipped about in the air and landed perfectly on her feet and one hand, perched like an animal prepared to pounce, skidding backwards as her boots dug up the ground beneath her feet.
Cell chuckled. "You know what? I changed my mind about you, kid. You're a bit of fun to knock around." He gripped his fists at his sides. "Certainly a nice little evening exercise. Come on, hit me with everything you—"
Cell was so busy talking, he almost didn't see Mukuro vanish from sight. Sure, he saw her body bend down, but he hadn't expected her to move so quickly. He turned of course, barely avoiding a punch to his face. He could've taken it, but he was enjoying this. He wanted to see the tiny mercenary work for her achievement, only for it to amount to nothing.
Ignore all distractions, Mukuro thought to herself. Her focus was entirely on Cell. Reduce your vision to only the necessities. The world…doesn't matter.
To Mukuro, time seemed frozen. Only she and Cell could move in this fraction of time. The two exchanged elbows and shins, Mukuro's tenacity matched only by Cell's smugness. Mukuro could feel the vibrations in her legs and arms as they screamed in pain. Cell was like a barricade she'd never come across. It would take all her training just to scratch him let alone kill him.
I have to maintain focus, Mukuro told herself. She watched Cell's lips move, but she ignored the sounds they made.
"Hello? Is anyone alive in there?" Cell asked. He swung his arm down towards Mukuro's shoulder with a karate chop. Mukuro evaded to her left and then propelled herself over Cell's shoulder when he tried to kick her in the stomach. She then grabbed Cell by the wing and hurled him away, quickly charging a Dodon Ray and firing before her feet had a chance to touch the ground.
Cell, once again, deflected the attack, but Mukuro was already making her next move. Cell recognized the blue energy emanating from her hands.
"But…that's impossible."
Mukuro did not call out the technique's name, but simply let out a roaring "HOOOOYAAAAH!" as she unleashed a Kamehameha. Cell evaded the technique and let the attack tear through the landscape, causing rocks to fall. He then set himself upon her, but, like an annoying house fly, he was having trouble grabbing her. Well, he could, but he was enjoying the challenge she was providing using only so much of his power. It kept things interesting.
Tao, bruised and bleeding, looked at Mukuro. We've got to get out of here. He's only toying with her. Once he gets bored of her, he will kill her.
Skoll and Garmr found it in themselves to pick themselves up off the floor and fired fully powered twin Dodon Rays at Cell.
Cell shoved Mukuro promptly to the ground by the throat so that the rays wouldn't hurt her as he moved erratically to avoid them. "Excuse me a moment," Cell said. "This won't take long."
He appeared instantaneously in front of Skoll and Garmr and proceeded to crush their hands. "Sorry, but, this is between me and the little plaything. Outsiders aren't welcome here." He then smashed their heads together before blowing them away with an energy blast each.
Mukuro gasped. She might've eliminated all distractions but she felt that one. She felt Garmr and Skoll vanish from this world into the next.
"Really, you've gone and spoiled my fun," Cell said, sourly.
He raised an arm and blocked the easily predictable, angry kick from Mukuro. "You've even upset the child." He rolled his eyes and grabbed Mukuro by the leg, slamming her against the ground, snapping her knee and shattering her shoulder. "Sorry about this kid," he said as he charged a powerful energy blast. "Nothing personal. But when you see your mother and father in hell, tell them I don't like unwelcome interruptions."
Tao gasped. He was going to kill Mukuro. The invincible warrior he'd been slowly cultivating was going to die and not a single piece of her would be left to bury.
Cell melancholically fired the energy blast. He sighed. Well, there went the most fun he had in four days. However, as he bowed his head and sighed, he sensed something. Was it…yes, it was…coming from above.
Tao noticed Cell look up and then saw a silhouette with its back to the moon. Tao couldn't believe his eyes. "Unbelievable," he breathed out.
"She can fly?!" Cell was no stranger to people flying, but those were reserved for extraordinary people, and Yamcha. A small mercenary unrelated to the Z Fighters, with no record of her existence in Gero's database, couldn't possibly be capable of this kind of advanced technique.
Incredible, Tao thought. Pushed to the very limit of her finely honed instincts, Mukuro forced herself to adapt and she realized the only means she had of escape with a broken leg was the sky itself. She truly is…the perfect killing machine.
However, Tao's pride faded into fear when Mukuro clapped her hands together and then clenched her fists by her shoulders.
Mukuro…no… "MUKURO!" Tao shouted out in alarm.
Mukuro clapped her hands together once more, fingers interlocked.
Cell gazed up at her, but it was hard to see exactly what she was doing. He was built for many things, seeing in pitch darkness while blinded by moonlight wasn't one of them. Mukuro's dark colors helped mask the movements of her hands. So he didn't see when she manipulated the placements of her fingers so that her hands formed a triangle.
Well…at least until they started glowing.
"SAIGO NO!" Mukuro shouted at the top of her lungs.
Cell clenched whatever passed for a butt in his anatomy. No…this can't be.
"KIKOHO!"
To say Cell considered himself a perfect being was like saying the sky was blue. However, it seemed even perfect beings were not exempt from a little something called PTSD. Tien's usage of the Kikoho had left Cell quite shell shocked from its usage and this little brat was putting out just as much energy into the attack. And god fucking dammit it still hurt!
Buried in a deep ass crater, Mukuro continued to scream and fire energy from her life force, determined to kill Cell no matter the cost. The mission above all that was what she was taught in Fenrir.
Tao could not explain his feelings as he saw Mukuro bludgeoning Cell with her so-called Final Tri Beam. The girl was blowing through her life force all for the sake of killing Cell. What drove her? Certainly not the money. She was ten. She was too young to be thinking about boys and far to inexperienced to be caring about the world's safety.
"HA! YAH! HIYAH!" Mukuro continued to scream. Blast after blast after blast after blast rocketed from her hands and slammed into Cell with all the force of the hindquarters of a bucking bronco.
Unfortunately, as Tao feared, Mukuro's tiny body was incapable of using such intense life force energy for very long. Her body eventually shook from every muscle and she dropped to the ground like a sack of hammers.
Cell, one he realized the attack had ceased, rose up from out of the crater like a horror movie villain. He was no worse for wear, mostly thanks to his regeneration and mostly because Mukuro was far, far weaker than him. However, he was pissed. This wasn't a game to him anymore. This small child had touched his last nerve and she was going to pay dearly.
"Well I hope that was worth it, little girl!" He shouted and aimed an energy blast at him. "Because it's going to be the last mistake you ever make!"
Tao didn't survive for much longer after that, but he woke up none soon after. He was no stranger to the Dragon Balls and their mystical effects. Reviving all those slain by Cell must've been the wish made. Still, even if it was only for a few days, death had claimed the mercenary, a feeling he vowed never to repeat for a long, long time.
The news of Cell's defeat quickly reached Fenrir's ears. At first, Chief Skoll tried to brush what had happened under the rug to preserve Mukuro's innocence, but Tao was having none of it. Mortality had caught up to the girl and he did not mince words in his explanation.
"I see."
Those two words were Mukuro's only reaction to her death and resurrection.
"Mukuro…" Tao tried to pry further, but the young mercenary only looked to Garmr for direction.
"Are we bound back for the Middle East then?" she asked.
While Mukuro's responses could be forgiven if she was three times her age, her responses at the age of 10 were…troubling. It was on that day that Fenrir, to a degree, feared Mukuro just a little bit.
It had been five long years since that day and Mukuro had gotten exponentially stronger. Not enough to kill Cell still, but she had far and away surpassed anything Mercenary Tao could or would pull off. Because of the cybernetics, the man had long since hit his peak. If anyone in the coming days was going to kill Majin Buu, Mukuro was their only chance.
"Do not even think about using the Kikoho this time, Mukuro," Tao told her.
Mukuro nodded. "If Buu becomes troublesome, I shall do my best to retreat."
"That's a smart girl," Tao said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Now then, go make us proud. We're all counting on you."
Mukuro nodded and then went into her tent to meditate. She began to run combat simulations in her head against Majin Buu using the energy she'd felt from him when he fought Goku against her own energy as she knew her limitations. Fenrir was counting on her and she would not let them down.
Stranded out in the middle of nowhere together, Hercule and Yukizome stood a good 270 meters from Majin Buu's self-constructed home. Of course, Yukizome didn't exactly come dressed in her Sunday best.
She'd remodled her Femme Fury outfit into something a little more…heroic. A one-piece purple spandex suit with green gloves and boots with the letters FF on her stomach. She also sported a fashionable cape. She looked like something out of a comic book.
"You know, it's just out here, you don't have to hide your identity," Hercule told her.
"If I wanted to hide my identity, I would've brought my mask," Yukizome said. "Besides," she played with her fingers. "Kyosuke said he had someone make this for me. It'd be a shame not to wear it."
Hercule chuckled. "Come on, let's go give Majin Buu a piece of our mind and then we can celebrate you, me, your boyfriend and my daughter."
"You know what, that actually sounds nice," Yukizome said. "Now, remember, let's see if we can reason with Buu first. You have the goods, right?"
Hercule traipsed around the Humvee the two had borrowed from the army and got out a big duffle bag. "Uh, right here Miss Chisa."
"Excellent," Chisa said. She then slapped her cheeks and took a deep breath. "Right, let's do this."
In the short walk to Buu's place, Yukizome had to snap her fingers at Hercule three times to quit lagging behind her like the two-faced coward he was. And each time he'd shush her in fear of alerting Majin Buu to their presence.
In contrast to Hercule's fears, Yukizome had no issue walking right up to what seemed to be Buu's idea of a front door and knocking on the side of it. "Hello! Mr. Buu! Housekeeping!" she giggled.
Hercule grabbed the folds of her outfit. "What do you think you're doing? Are you crazy?"
"Well, if Buu doesn't know we're here before, he knows now with all that yelling," Yukizome said with a smile.
Hercule groaned and squatted, hands on his afro. "Ohhhhhhh, I feel sick. We're gonna die, I just know it." He blubbered.
Yukizome sighed, rolling her eyes and smiling. She then took a look inside and came back out about a minute later. "Nobody's home," she said.
"Huh?" Hercule blinked and then leapt to his feet. "Well I mean, a course nobody's home. Ha ha! Buu must've heard we were coming, got scared and ran off! Ha hahaha ha! I mean, I'd be scared of us too if I was Majin Buu of course!"
"Yeah, you keep thinking that," Yukizome stated sarcastically. "Still, if Buu isn't here, where could he be?" she pondered.
"Hellooooooo~!"
She and Hercule gasped and their craned their heads up to the "roof" of Buu's abode.
"Who are you?" the pink creature asked, waving.
Hercule froze and dropped the duffle bag. Buu then landed right in front of him and Yukizome.
"Oh, nice of you to ask," Yukizome said. "I'm Chisa Yukizome," she slapped Hercule on the back. "And this bumbling oaf of an older gentleman is Hercule Satan." She bowed politely. "Very nice to mee you, Mr. Majin Buu."
"Hahahaha, lady funny," Buu laughed. "So, you want to be cookie, candy, chocolate or pudding when Buu eats you!"
"Oh well that's a shame," Yukizome said, resting her cheek against her fist. "I wouldn't want to be eaten. That would just be horrible. Besides, if you eat me, you'll never get the special surprise I brought just for you. Isn't that right, Mr. Satan?"
Hercule did not want to be dragged into this. In fact, he wanted to be a thousand miles, nay a thousand light years away from this situation. But, as was always the case with the Master of the Satan Castle Dojo, words started pouring out of the man's mouth before he'd had a chance to filter them with his brain. "Uh, th-that's right! We uh…brought you some uh…some gifts!"
Yukizome immediately unzipped the duffle bag as it folded out into a collapsible snack table. Hercule was completely dumbfounded as to how something like that fit in there to start with…as well as all of the freshly made pastries and cakes that adorned it.
"See? Cakes. Danishes. Brownies and Muffins galore. Take your pick. Satisfaction guaranteed," Yukizome said like she was some kind of saleswoman.
Buu's mouth watered. "That look delicious."
Buu began stuffing his face. "You eat too?"
"Oh no, all for you my good fellow," Yukizome said humbly. She made a heart with her fingers. "It was made as a peace offering. A way of saying, please do not hurt, maim, kill or eat us good sir."
"Yes, please don't eat us," Hercule bemoaned.
As Buu stuffed his face, Yukizome grabbed a mop and some supplies out from her duffle bag.
Where she's storing all that? Hercule exclaimed internally.
"Say, Mr. Buu, as another special gift, how about I clean your house for you?"
"Clean house?" Buu asked.
"But of course. It must be muddy and it probably still has that new house smell. I'll have it fixed up faster than a snake sheds it skin on the final day."
"Y-yeah!" Hercule exclaimed. "She'll make this little home here all nice and sparkly."
Buu gasped like an excited child. "Buu want see house all shiny and sparkly. Yes! Yes!"
Yukizome gave Buu a thumb's up, suddenly sporting her favorite apron. "Leave it to me!"
Hercule and Buu watched as Yukizome scrubbed and dusted Buu's house, humming the entire time, seeming to get faster as she continued to scrub the place from top to bottom. And, when she was finished.
"Ta-da!" The entire house sparkled and shined, just like she promised.
Buu laughed clapping. "Buu's house so nice and clean! It all shiny now!"
Hercule pat Buu on the shoulder. "Y-Yeah! Miss Chisa's a real sweetheart. It'd be a shame if you just up and ate her. I mean, it'd be a shame if you ate me too. We're nice people Mr. Majin Buu, sir." Hercule then realized he was touching and massaging Buu's shoulder and quickly removed it like he'd touched a hot iron.
Buu laughed. "You funny. Buu think you should be Buu's special play friend with funny lady."
"Awww, isn't that cute? He wants to be friends," Yukizome said, sweeping her arms across her chest and clapping them together.
"U-uh…" Hercule stuttered only for Buu to pull some candy out of his pants. "This candy made from people. Try some."
Hercule sheepishly took a piece. Buu offered a piece to Miss Yukizome.
"Oh, that's…very thoughtful, but I uh…oh, I just remembered, I already had too much sugar today. Candy's bad for you if you have too much of it." She took a piece and pocketed it in in her apron. She noticed Hercule spitting out the candy he'd put in his mouth while Buu wasn't looking.
"Hmm, okay. As long as lady try candy later," Buu stated.
"Oh but of course!" Yukizome exclaimed. Not in a million years! Gross!
"Hey uh," Hercule said, getting out a camera and tripod. "Since we're starting to become friends, how about we take some pictures?"
"That's a wonderful idea!" Yukizome exclaimed cheerfully. She fiddled with the camera, practically knocking Hercule over as she hip checked him and set up the timer. Then she grabbed the bumbling moron and grappled one arm around him and then grappled the other arm around the confused Majin Buu. She smiled as the camera flashed. She was the only one shown smiling in the picture.
"Oh dear, that didn't turn out very well. Come on, we all have to smile for the camera."
"Yes! Smile! Smile!" Buu exclaimed like a happy child.
"Here, Mr. Satan, why don't you squat down in front of Buu," she said. "Now Buu, put your hands on Mr. Satan's shoulders."
Yukizome then crawled up on top of Buu, resting her elbows atop his head. "Everybody say Candy!"
"Candy!" Buu exclaimed.
Hercule did his best to smile nervously.
Click!
Yukizome grabbed the digital camera. "Oh, wow!" She exclaimed. "Buu, look! You have such a nice smile!"
Buu laughed and snorted. "Funny man have funny smile!" He laughed and laughed at Mr. Satan's nervous smile.
Well at least one of us is laughing, Hercule thought. And what the heck is her deal anyway? When are we gonna try and kill Buu while his guard is down like we planned?
He finally posed the question to Yukizome after she managed to put Buu down for a nap.
"So, is this the part where we finally kill him in cold blood?"
Yukizome recoiled in horror. "Kill him?"
"Um, hello?! Buu's brought world devastation and killed almost eighty percent of the population! Yeah, we gotta kill him!" Hercule exclaimed.
Yukizome looked down at the sleeping Buu. "I'm not sure we need to."
"Huh?" Hercule was decisively confused.
"In case you haven't noticed, Babidi's gone. I've been observing Buu carefully since we got here. He's like a child without a parent." She smiled, holding up a finger. "I bet I could take good care of him and teach him the difference between right and wrong. I mean, if sensei can slaughter thousands of people and come out a better person for it, I think Buu deserves a chance, don't you? We can always tell the king and everyone that all the destruction and mayhem caused by Buu was Babidi's influence." She hugged the fat blob around the neck. "He seems really sweet deep down. I bet he just needs a friend or two."
Hercule took a deep breath. "You know what, Chisa? You might be right about that. Tell you what. Let's—"
Hercule was cut off by a shout from outside. "Hey! Majin Buu! Get out here! I'm back for a rematch!"
Buu immediately woke up and ran outside. "Who out there disturb Buu's nap time!"
However, by the time Buu got out there, the presence that had challenged him was long gone.
"Oh! Oh, Mr. Buu, I'm sure it was just your imagination!" Hercule exclaimed. "Who out there would be stupid enough to challenge such a brilliant and talented fighter as you!" He was hoping Buu would return to his nap time.
Yukizome stood out there with Hercule and Buu and could sense two power levels retreating across the horizon. "I can think of a few morons," she said. "Buu, be a good boy and wait here with Mr. Satan. I'm going to go see what I can do about the meanies that disturbed your nap time, okay?"
"Okay!" Buu exclaimed.
Yukizome then took off from the ground at top speed.
"Ohhhhhh! Lady super fast!"
"Y-yeah, of course she's fast! She's one of the fastest women in the entire world!" Hercule exclaimed.
"Hmmm, Buu remember seeing faster lady a while ago. She strong. Buu want fight her again." He then laughed.
Hercule recoiled. Gee, thanks, Chisa, leaving me all alone with this monster. How the heck am I supposed to do this on my own?
It took Yukizome very little time to catch up to Trunks and Goten and also speed past them. "Hold it right there you two!"
In Super Saiyan, the two of them froze stiff at the angry, spandex wearing, apron covered redhead.
She pinched both their ears. "Just wait until I tell your mothers about this. Disturbing someone else's nap. Of all the rudest things!"
The squirming children yelped and complained at the pain until Piccolo showed up.
"So, what's this about?" He asked.
Yukizome let go of Goten and Trunks' ears. The two boys sniffed and rubbed their sore ears.
"I'm actually trying to get Buu to stop being evil. I think it's going pretty well," Yukizome said.
"Yeah, sorry if I don't by that after all the destruction he's caused," Piccolo said.
Yukizome sighed deeply. "Look, I can't tell you what to do, but I do things my way and you can feel free to do things your way." She raised her voice and her index finger. "Hoooowever!" She began poking Piccolo in the chest. "If you think for one solitary second that if I do manage to get Majin Buu to turn over a new leaf I'm going to let you beat him up, you've got another thing coming you oversized green bean."
Piccolo did not back down. "If and I do mean if you can get Buu to stop being a monster, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Goten. Trunks. We're going back to the lookout."
The two nodded and followed after Piccolo.
As they faded away, Yukizome called after them. "Also, sending children into battle is a stupid idea and their parents should be ashamed of themselves!"
She sighed deeply and put her knuckles against her hip. Then she sighed while groaning and quietly returned to make sure Hercule wasn't suddenly being used to decorate Majin Buu's upholstery or digested as a light snack.
"YOU LET BUU DO WHAT?!" Yukizome shouted when she found out Hercule had let him go off to kill more people.
"What did want me to do? Get myself killed tryin' to stop him! Where we you for the last couple minutes?"
"Paying a social call to keep a few people away from trying to hurt Majin Buu," Yukizome said in a huff.
"Idiot! That's what we want!"
Yukizome flicked Hercule in the forehead. "Don't call me an idiot! I'll knock you flat on your butt! I don't care if you're old enough to be my father! Just because I don't like violence doesn't mean I don't know how to feel offended!"
Hercule flinched, but quickly regained his composure. He was about to retort when a gust of wind alerted him and Yukizome to Majin Buu coming back.
"ALREADY?!" Hercule exclaimed, freaking out.
However, it didn't look like Majin Buu had quickly blown up a city and come back. Instead, he had an injured animal cupped in his palm.
"You look at puppy dog," Buu said frowning.
"Oh no, poor thing," Yukizome said. She reached for it, but didn't actually touch it, not sure what to do. She was a housekeeper, not a veterinarian.
"Where on earth did you find that little guy?" Hercule asked.
"He no scared of Buu. He no run," Buu stated. "Me try saying words to him but he just go Bee. Bee."
"Well of course he didn't run. He's hurt. Poor thing."
The dog whimpered.
"Huh?" Buu was surprised as Yukizome picked up the poor dog. "Mr. Satan. My apron. Could you get it off. My hands are kind of full."
"Oh, uh, sure," Hercule said.
"Good, could you fold it nice and gently on the ground in front of me?"
"Uh, okay," Hercule did as he was asked and Yukizome very, very cautiously and gently set the dog down.
"Poor thing," she said, stroking its fur gently. The dog whimpered in misery. She examined it all over. "Oh dear, it looks like he has a broken leg."
"Broken leg?" Buu asked and loomed over the dog. "Me make better than you run away." Using his powers, Majin Buu healed the dog.
With its vigor restored, the dog stood.
"Good! Now get scared and run!" Buu shouted. "Me make you dead!"
The dog looked around, sniffed, shook and then barked excitedly. He then ran around Majin Buu in circles.
Yukizome giggled. "Awww, I think he likes you, Buu."
Buu was very confused. "Why he no run away? He not scared of Buu, huh?"
"Naw, he's thanking you for fixing his leg," Hercule sad as the tiny puppy pawed at Buu. "You're his new best friend. Now he wants you to play with him a bit. You know, run around and stuff."
"Awww, isn't he so adorable?" Yukizome asked, rhetorically with a hint of a babyish tone.
Buu not exactly sure what was going on, decided to jot in one direction, looking behind him as the dog chased after him, panting excitedly. Buu then stopped and the dog was more excited than ever when it caught up to him.
"Puppy think Buu new friend."
"Well of course he does," Hercule said. "You see his tail wagging back and forth? That means he likes ya!"
"Ohhhhh, Buu friends with puppy now too?"
Yukizome nodded. "Yup. Congratulations Buu, you have a total of three friends now."
"Yay! Buu feel happy now!" Buu cheered.
"Now Buu, having a dog for a friend is a big responsibility, you have to take good care of him and feed him properly."
"Properly? Buu just feed dog cake and pastries lady give him."
"Oh no, no, no," Yukizome said, waving her hands back and forth. "That won't do at all. A dog needs proper dog food." She pulled some food out of her pocket along with the human candy and placed it inconspicuously in Hercule's hand. "Mr. Satan, why don't you go to the nearest store and get some proper dog food for Buu's new friend." She pulled a rubber ball the size of a watermelon out of the duffle bag. "I'll stay here and play with Buu and the puppy."
"Thank you, Miss Chisa, you're such a kind person!" Hercule then dashed for the Humvee and road off, eager to get as far away from this cursed place as possible.
Yukizome sighed, knowing Hercule's intentions, but also voicing something else she believed. "He'll be back."
Unbeknownst to the trio, Mukuro was observing their movements carefully from a distance. A ki user and the world champion would prove a minor obstacle at best, but the big problem would be managing to properly damage Majin Buu.
Oh well, casualties can't be helped sometimes, she thought. Still, as guns were probably going to be useless, she'd have to get up close anyway.
The youngest Fenrir mercenary rolled up her sleeve and let ki course through her entire forearm. She'd been working on a special technique specifically for situations like this. She just hoped it would be enough.
Hercule returned with dog food and fed Buu's new puppy as he and Yukizome watched the little guy eat, Buu watching with intrigue. Buu then took a handful of dog food and munched on it.
"Dog food no taste good."
"Well yeah, cause it's dog food," Yukizome said. "It's not meant for people like you and me." She then looked at Hercule, who gave her a serious nod. He approached her. "By the way, Buu, Mr. Satana and I have been thinking about something and we'd like to ask you a personal question, if that's okay."
"Okay," Buu replied.
"Why do you uh fly around killing people and destroy all our cities?" Hercule asked.
"Buu was told to!" Buu answered.
Yukizome gasped, but held back the noise as best she could. So that's it, he's just obeying the last of Babidi's orders. I knew it!
"Who…told you that?" Hercule asked with a dumbfounded expression.
"Bibidi told Buu to kill people. Babidi said to destroy," Buu answered.
"You know," Hercule said. "You don't have to listen to them."
"Buu not know what else Buu can do," Buu stated.
"Oh the world is beholden to many different activities. You can go to the movies, go shopping. Heck, there's a school dedicated to uncovering talents and hobbies. If you're a good boy, Buu, maybe one day you can go to that school. Wouldn't that be more fun than killing people?"
"Uh, yeah! Miss Chisa's right! Why do something as boring as killing people when you could do all kinds of stuff like play video games or bet on the stock market! HAHA! Aha…"
"The stock market, really?" Yukizome whispered to him.
"Hey, you're the one suggesting he could attend Hope's Peak Academy," Hercule whispered back.
Both then noticed just how close Buu had gotten.
Yukizome's heart stopped beating. For a moment she believed Piccolo was right that Buu couldn't change at all. He was going to kill her and then Hercule and there was nothing, not a thing she could do about it.
However, Buu just asked a simple question. "Is to kill people a bad thing?"
Yukizome let out the breath she knew she'd been holding.
"Y-yes. It is a bad thing!" Hercule exclaimed, sweat pouring down his face.
"Then, no more," Buu stated.
Yukizome was stunned. Had she heard that correctly?
"Y-you're not gonna kill people anymore?" Hercule stuttered.
Buu nodded.
"A-and you won't destroy any more cities?" Hercule asked, flabbergasted.
Buu nodded again.
Yukizome approached Buu and lifted his hands up. "I'm proud of you, Buu. I knew you were a good person deep down. Come on, it's getting late. Good people get to bed early."
"Okay," Buu said.
As Babidi's creation snored in the bed he made, Yukizome rolled out some sleeping bags for her and Hercule.
"Hey, what are you doin?" Hercule asked.
"I figured we'd stay here for a while, teach Buu a little more about being a good person," Yukizome said.
Hercule smiled. "You know, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea at all."
As night fell, Bee slept on top of Buu's stomach while Yukizome and Hercule slept in the back of Buu's place. No one was aware as Mukuro Ikusaba crept up to the building and put her back to the wall, hand charged.
I'll only have one shot at this, Mukuro thought, clenching her favorite knife in her other hand for good luck. I just have to wait for the proper moment to strike.
Just as it seems Majin Buu is turning over a new leaf, here comes trouble in the form of Mukuro Ikusaba. Will the student of Tao Pai Pai bring a swift end to the reformed Majin Buu? And, if not, what will her presence and attempt on Buu's life mean for his new resolution not to kill anyone? Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter of Dragon Ball HPA!
(NOTE: Since I know I'm going to get a lot of questions about this: Cell filled in the hole made by Mukuro's Kikoho with a giant rock and since Mukuro was brought back by the Dragon Balls, she still bears no injuries on her body, keeping canon consistent. Also, since Fenrir attacked at night, no one was made aware of it. Also, Mukuro didn't do enough damage with her Kikoho to make Cell any stronger than when Goku fought him)
