With editing from babykitune-9
Kakarrot didn't know how but this was a worse plane ride than the one to the Crane School. The seats were intolerable, the filth seated around him were as bad as the old farmer, and there was nowhere to move.
Needless to say, it took all he had to not just slaughtering this mass of smelly animals, but Shen was watching him like a hawk, and he knew it. Sure, he might have put the Crane symbol on his gi and given him a red sash.
It was not however lost on him that his gi was black while Tien's and Chiaotzu's were green and yellow. The old man was still very suspicious of him which Kakarrot happened to admire because he was right to be.
The time on his hand allowed Kakarrot's mind to once again wonder about the oddest topic Chi-Chi. He knew she was going to be there. Shen said she would be, and he believed him. He had plenty of rematches before against Seven and Six, but it wasn't like he was excited at their rematches, but Chi-Chi was a different story.
Chi-Chi had had him on the ropes. She hadn't overpowered him like Roshi or Shen. She was around or near him. She was going to perhaps be his gauge of how much more powerful he had become. She would be an excellent test of himself to see his powers both on and off the field or be a dangerous rival power.
After many exhausting stops, Shen was far too much of a cheapskate to book a direct flight, they arrived at South City. Kakarrot was rather impressed by it. He had seen pictures of the mega-cities before but never visited until now. It was certainly bigger in person.
The airport was packed with arriving competitors and spectators. Most didn't look like they could do much more then hold a rifle never mind harm him by all accounts Shen had been right. Roshi's pupils would be the only real competition the rest were trash that could be dealt with by a slight tap.
Out on the street was almost as bad as the plane. Crowds were everywhere. The human were treating themselves like they were sardines all squished together. It was worse than watching the soldiers at mess hall at least there was some structure it to that, this on the other hand was chaos.
Against all odds they flagged down a cab as slowly made their way to the stadium. It was slow goings as the cherry on top of this irritating trip up to this point.
Kakarrot knew they hadn't arrived first and it wasn't because he had seen the stadium, he smelled the blue haired one. She had a very distinct odor. He looked out of the window of the cab and there they were. He didn't recognize all of them, but he knew wolf boy, Chi-Chi, pig, scaredey cat and Roshi but the new ones were intriguing too.
Tall, blonde and angry seemed quite tough and the bald midget looked as though he could at least throw a punch. Wolfey, Chi-Chi, Blondey and Midget were all wearing that orange gi of the Turtle School. It managed to add to his feeling that he wasn't really a true student of Shen's because of his black gi not green gi.
Kakarrot's focus quick changed the second Shen saw Roshi. Shen had gone from keeping an eye on him to nearly forgetting that Kakarrot even existed. Shen was grinding his teeth, his fists were clenched all kept relatively in check but there was no hiding it, he was blind with rage and hate.
It was interesting reversal of situations. He could see why Shen had tried to beat patients and calmness into him. Shen was over focused leaving himself open in way that he had never seen him do before. Shen didn't know it, but he was giving a wonderful lesson right now to him about what not to do. As the group exited the cab as cruel smile came over Shen's face as they approach the booth to register.
Roshi's group looked and a ton of sour faces appeared where there had once been smiles. Bulma, Oolong and Puar were scared out of their mind. Yamcha and Chi-Chi got ready to fight. While Shen and Roshi exchanged angry glares at one another.
Kakarrot had considered just flashing them a smile or give them a menacing stare but instead opted to do nothing at least with Shen around.
Suddenly the other shoe dropped and Shen and Roshi's were unintelligibly shouting at one another once Shen was done signing up. Shen had to be held back by Tien and Kakarrot from starting a fight right then and there.
Tien and Chiaotzu managed to get Shen in the car and take off before anything was made of it. Leaving Kakarrot alone with Roshi's group. Shen had forced Kakarrot to memorize the name and address of the hotel that they were staying at, so it wasn't an issue. Their eyes had come back on him and he knew it.
Kakarrot knew what he had to do. He bowed to Roshi much to the group's surprise. Kakarrot in an even tone at first. "I'm sorry about my actions on Fire Mountain. I deeply regret what happened. You taught me a very important lesson that I shall never forget." Kakarrot finished saying with a heavy voice making it sound as though he was about to cry.
In a millisecond the stares soften. Chi-Chi was suddenly smiling; the naïve girl took it hook line and sinker. Bulma wasn't scared anymore. Yamcha's guard went down. The pig was confused along with the cat and the newcomers. Roshi however, seemed to have his guard up now more than ever and was expressionless.
He continued to say, "I know that we are about to fight once again but I hope it will not be as enemies. I understand you have reasons to hate me, but I can assure you I'm not the same kid you meet a year ago. I ask for your forgiveness and hope that at the very least, you would stop harboring hatred towards me."
He looked at them bowed again then walked away quickly. He knew he hadn't convinced all of them but at least there would be a cornel of doubt in their head to screw with them. Maybe he would have some new disposable allies at his side, time would tell. More important than all of that, however, was that he had no Shen looking over his shoulder at that moment. The last year of his life had been regimented to an extreme that RRA couldn't even compete so it was high time for some fun.
His nose could smell all food that was on display cooking. He had far too much plain rice and meals fit for a peasant. It was high time for some indulgence. Like a master theft and with well-trained eyes he submerged himself into the crowd.
Tao in addition to giving him some lessons on lying had given him some lessons on how to have fast hands. Tao had taught him this for the battlefield but the lesson work even better on the sheep that was the general populace. But it was during this binge of thievery and gluttony that he stumbled on something that quickly caught his interest.
Kakarrot had spent his life at RRA headquarters or in survival training in some of the surrounding countryside. He had seen every type of soldier imaginable. He had seen plenty of Royal army POWs and he had eaten plenty of them too.
Intelligence liked to use him as a fear tactic. They would feed him a few non-value soldiers to get the officers or UNIT agents to talk. He went along with it because it was always fun, so he was pretty confident in his ability to spot a soldier even if he wasn't in uniform.
It was a pretty young man dressed in civilian clothes. He had what looked like a revolver in his holster underneath his shirt. Had done a pretty good job in hiding it but it moved around when he moved and Kakarrot nose could smell the gunpowder. An entire life on Army base had taught him the various smells of weapons.
Whoever this was he was green. Fresh out of some training.
He was nervous and trying to hide it. His blue eyes were trying to be everywhere at one and failing. His partner was far more relax harder to spot. His brown eyes were steady and so were his hands. They were sitting in a good spot in the back of some restaurant named.
Kakarrot thought to himself in disbelief. The child aware of emptiness' 'Son Goku' what a god-awful name for a restaurant, hell even for a kid, for that matter.
Kakarrot found himself a seat and managed to go under their radar. They were far more concerned about the adults then some odd tailed kid. They were quiet that was for sure the loud noises of the crowds outside and it the building didn't help. But he did zero in and get quite a bit.
Agent number one said, "The King of Clubs will be touching down soon."
Agent number two chimed in, "We're already basically in position. I just needed a coffee and something to eat it is going to be one long night."
"Why can't we get the locals in on this again?"
"Big cities like this are off limits they are supposed to be neutral ground. Technically were breaking the rules right now but they do to so who cares. Now calm down, a twelve-year-old could tell your nervous and acting suspicious. Don't worry I won't let disappoint your father." He had said with a slight laugh.
Agent number one said, "Please don't bring him up."
Agent number two bowed as he said, "Sorry Bill. I know you hate the comparisons but hell man you're the one who went into his career and joined the exact same war. Sorry but it invites the comparison."
"I would like my acts to stand for itself Frank."
"Sure, thing now would you like to continue this conversation where the fate of the Free world is not at stake or are you going to let me eat my steak?"
This earned a sigh from Bill and quite nearly from Kakarrot for that matter.
"I still think your taking this way too lightly."
"The Ribbons are everywhere I get that they told you that but so are we. This cold war won't just suddenly end some day because a kid on a magic cloud with a stick is going to make it go away. No, it… We've got to go!"
His hand had gone to his ear and they were out the door in a hurry. Kakarrot had wondered if it was him but it was clear why as soon as he put the pieces together. They had on earpieces giving them information. The two hopped in their windowless white van and were off.
Curiosity had overtaken him. He had already eaten his fill at this point it was time to see what this was all about. He easily followed the van to not far outside the Hotel Paradise the exact same Hotel where Shen's was having them staying.
It was then that Kakarrot saw the limo. The RRA flags above the headlights. Some men in and around the area in black suits and out of the limo came his Grandpa Gero. He was in a black suit that Kakarrot had never seen him in. He preferred lab coats after all.
Next out was General Green the Head of Special Operations and Diplomatic Security. Green had always been an enigma to Kakarrot the few times he had meet him. His nickname was 'Joker' and it wasn't hard to see why. Kakarrot on the other hand called him just called grand uncle. He had almost green hair his skin was quite pale, and he seemed to find comedy out of horror.
Kakarrot found himself admiring they man at points in the level of cruelty he could show, but then Green would make some mad statements that would just confuse him. Green was one of the few people in his life that he had met who didn't seem scared of him.
Some fat small cream color suited guy who must have been the mayor of this city was there to shake Dr. Gero's hand. Kakarrot never did like how rudely Red treated Gero sometimes so it was nice to see someone kiss his ass who wasn't an intern or a lower officer.
It all made sense of course to Kakarrot had seen the films from the Ministry of Truth. The UN and Royals were always spying on the Ribbon. He was delight that they consider him a King even if it was just a codename.
Kakarrot didn't want the UNIT agents to take his picture or know anything about him so he decided to sneak in the back. He was quite disappointed by this place's security. He had snuck by more intense security in Headquarters.
After the fence the barriers in this place were non-existent. It made Kakarrot angry that his Grandpa was being guarded by such weak security. He got into the Hotel and found Grandpa Gero in the lobby. As soon as that dumpling was gone Kakarrot rushed to Gero and hugged him.
Kakarrot had completely surprise Gero and his guards but it was a welcomed one. The two embraced at least Kakarrot didn't have to fake anything around Grandpa. He pulled away to look at him in the eyes and teared up.
"I've missed you Grandpa."
"I did too."
They headed to his room as Kakarrot and Gero talked.
"So, was it all you wanted?"
Kakarrot said happily. "Yes. He made me do chores until my hands bleed. It was pretty tough. I've definitely been pushed me to my limits."
Gero taken aback by the bleeding comment, "Well I'm glad that you approved. Don't know how I feel about what sounds like some torture but if you're happy."
"Well I wouldn't say I'm happy, but it was what I wanted. By the way outside there is some UNIT agents spying on you."
Gero shrugged. "Yeah I would imagen so, but I think I would be a little offended and surprised if there wasn't people spying on me."
"Wow Grandpa your good at this."
"Well it's just something you get used to."
"I guess so."
"Well I just can't wait until you show off all you have learned."
"I plan to Grandpa."
"Glad to hear it. No matter what I'm sure you're going to do me proud out there."
They reached Gero's room the Presidential suite on the top floor. It was a luxurious room was made for a king. It seemed strange to Kakarrot that Red had given Gero such a splendid room. Red was quite the scrooge by most standards.
"Red actuality got you this room?"
"I know strange right. True is it's just because I am an RRA representative and because of that reason I require a certain amount of pomp and circumstance. Good for the both of us in my opinion."
"Us?"
"Yeah this room is massive it has plenty of space."
Kakarrot sighed "I'm going to stay with my school."
Gero brow went up as he asked, "Really?"
"I trained for a year for this. I worked quite hard to earn their trust. I'm sorry Grandpa."
"Don't be. You're become a far more mature little soldier."
"You think so."
"I know so. So, have you made any friend?"
"Well I think I am winning Tien over Tien and with him Chiaotzu then there is Yurin."
"Oh, you got yourself a little girlfriend."
Kakarrot blushed. "Well I don't see here like that, but I guess I have been training her."
"Man, when you kids start to grow up you grow up fast."
The rest of the afternoon Gero and Kakarrot spent together. With his time Gero paying for Kakarrot to clean places out of their food.
The night approach they returned to the hotel. With Gero insisting that Kakarrot get a good night sleep but Kakarrot had other ideas. He pretended to sleep with the others including Shen feel asleep and Kakarrot snuck out of the Hotel. It hadn't even been that hard.
Into the streets he went searching for Roshi's group and in particular Chi-Chi. He managed to stumble upon the Buma on what appeared to be a date with Yamcha. It was some high-class place and for some reason the Launch was here except she wasn't blonde but had blue hair. She smelled the same, but her demeanor had changed. It confused Kakarrot to no end.
Bulma was all dressed up in a dress quite formal and Yamcha was even in a blue suit. Launch was just in a tank top and some short shorts. Quite undressed for the situation even by Kakarrot's estimation. Bulma was fuming clearly about Launch being here. She had order him outside and out into an alley.
Bulma yelled, "I can't believe you!"
"Look I didn't want to leave her alone in the hotel with Roshi when she was still in blue mode."
"Sure, like I believe that!" Kakarrot even jumped at that scream along with everyone in the Restaurant.
Yamcha in begging mode. "I'm sorry. We can still…"
Bulma red with rage "I'm going home enjoy your… date with Launch!" She finished with a growl.
Bulma stormed off much to wolfey's dismay. Kakarrot seeing the opportunity followed her back to their hotel. Bulma was so angry with him she didn't even notice. Kakarrot didn't even have to hide. The hotel was merely a block away. Bulma didn't stop raging even as she marched to her suite.
Chi-Chi wasn't their but she was in the building. Using his nose, he figured out which window was Chi-Chi's and found her. She had her own room he scratched on the window to wake her up. Chi-Chi woke up unsure at first what was going on but quickly smiled to see Kakarrot. Kakarrot put his finger to his mouth and signaled for her to come out which she did. She was surprised to see he could fly but was quite also delighted by it.
Her window opened and she asked, "What you are doing here?"
"Well I kind of wanted to see you."
Chi-Chi blushed and her hands were up to her face in an instant she giggled and said, "O my."
"Would you like to see the city with me?" Chi-Chi blushed further she looked awestruck.
Kakarrot was grinning thinking that this plan was working perfectly.
"Well I mean Master said that I shouldn't trust you but…"
"But?"
"But you have changed that's obvious enough. Sure, I will!"
Kakarrot reached his hand out and took her hand and they flew off. She clung to him like a spider monkey. His charmed had definitely worked on this little girl. Now all he had to do was to find a spot to killer her. His chances of winning the Tournament would be all the higher without her in the way.
He was finding a spot went suddenly there was an explosion. It quickly became apparent that it was fireworks based on the colors, but they drove him to ground as he decided that it wouldn't be smart to fly around during them.
He had never seen them only heard about fireworks and they were quite a sight. Chi-Chi was still close to him putting her head on his shoulder. Chi-Chi in a love dazed voice. "How romantic." Her word sparked something in him. His little plan to get rid of her fell away in an instant.
Without his input his tail rapped around her. He looked to her. Her eyes looked at him so softly. On flex he just kissed her on the lips. It was a peck, but her eyes said it all. He was her first kiss and he just became her world.
As more fireworks went off, they just stared at one another. He had found himself not wanting this moment to end. That look of hers was making him feel invincible whatever was going to happen he wanted that look to continue. But he knew that Shen would be pissed, and he did still need to win the Tournament.
Kakarrot sadly, "I need to fly you back."
Chi-Chi hugged him. "I know."
The fireworks stopped and he flew her back. She climbed back into her room, but she didn't let go of his hand. She looked into his eyes again.
"I had a great time."
"I did too."
"Kakarrot will you forget about me after this?"
"I can't see that happening."
Chi-Chi blushed again. "My you have a way with words. What about when we get older?"
"I don't think I will ever be able to forget about you Chi-Chi even if I live for a thousand years."
Chi-Chi giggled and twisted around and then blurted out. "Would you want to get married?"
"Sure."
Chi-Chi with her hands to her face in excitment. "Oh my, this is all happening so fast!" She said while starting to cry.
"Why are you crying?" He said nervously wondering if she had figured him out.
Chi-Chi said while smiling, "I'm just so happy."
Kakarrot's brow went up in confusion. "That's strange..."
"I guess so."
"See you tomorrow Chi-Chi."
"See you tomorrow Kakarrot."
Their hands parted and the window closed and Kakarrot floated away. He had no idea of what just happened, but he liked it. Kill her was no longer on the table not if she was going to keep treating him like that.
A new plan had to be worked out involving her in some way that much he knew. He snuck backing his room and was bombard by dream after dream of Chi-Chi. Doing to her what some of the soldiers described.
He wondered if they always cry like they described or tried to fight them.
Either way he was sure he wanted her maybe he would have to wait for a time, but he would have her. The more he thought of it the better that revenge seemed to taste against Roshi than just killing her would ever taste. He would have her whether nor not she wanted him still or not.
