I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. Nor do I own any legal imprinting of whatever theme I'm using, such as a crossover with another anime, movie or TV series. Did I think it up? Yes. Was I the first to think it up? Probably not, but I digress. I also don't own the rights to any of the music pieces you see selected, just the merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.

Chapter 11: COT Revealed

Shortly after Verto left Kame House with the androids, Sonny started to pace on the beach. This led to both the kicking of rocks and the occasional throwing of them. Krillin frowned slightly at this while he attempted to avoid the sounds of Master Roshi enjoying a women's exercise program.

"Be patient Detective, Maize will be here soon and then we'll get to work," Krillin said.

Sonny glared at him before looking away, "It's not that. Well, not completely."

"Your cousin?"

Sonny nodded grimly, "I want a crack at those responsible. I may not have the strength or powers you and your friends do, but I'm very resourceful."

Krillin smirked slightly, "We didn't always have them either. I once defeated Goku, the strongest of all of us, in a contest by being resourceful. Well, Goku called it cheating, and it was. Ha, he really won that time. He didn't eat the reward and the rest of us did. Damn pufferfish still gives me stomach cramps."

"Why would you eat pufferfish?"

Krillin shook his head, "Wasn't intentional, bad chef. Which reminds me, if you ever come across a woman whose hair changes color when she sneezes, run!"

Sonny looked a bit confused, "Is there anything you haven't been through?"

"Well we've crossed off inter-galactic tyrant enough times. I'm sure there's something."

The sound of a vehicle approaching paused the discussion and prompted them to both glance over towards the beach. A hovercraft sailed in and parked near them as a tan skinned teenager with black hair sighed with relief.

Krillin grinned, "You're late Maize."

"Apologies Master, there's been trouble at our village," Maize said as he adjusted the feather blowing past his ear. He gingerly climbed out of the vehicle, revealing torn clothing amongst various scrapes and bruises.

Krillin's demeanor changed immediately, "What happened?"

Maize looked down, "It started a few days ago when Grandfather and I were hunting. We came across a group of strange people clearing out part of the forest. Well, you know Grandfather."

Krillin nodded, "There's no way Bora would allow that."

Maize sighed heavily, "He attempted to chase them away, but they have some sort of really strong gut that acts as security. I don't know who he is, but he took Grandfather down in one hit. I tried to step in, but I couldn't do anything either. He was going to either kill us or make us do something but a priest in a red cloak stopped him and allowed us to escape."

Krillin looked perplexed, "Hmm, can you describe the security guy?"

Maize copied his master, adding a finger to his chin, "He's a really big muscled up guy with short brown hair and a few scars on his face. He wore a uniform that said MAX on the side."

Sonny's eyes widened, "MAX? You're sure?"

Maize stared at him, "Ummm…"

"Relax, Maize. This is Detective Sonny Satsu, we're helping each other. You can tell him," Krillin added.

Maize nodded, "There were several wearing that MAX outfit, but not the priest or his helpers."

Krillin glanced at Sonny, "People you know?"

Sonny looked grim, "Maybe, what else happened?"

Maize looked nervous at the question but continued anyway, "I think they were sacrificing people to whoever they are worshipping. I saw an alter and a lot of swords and daggers on display. There was a lot of people praying and blood stains in the grass."

"It's a religious gathering? Ughhhh," Sonny grumbled as he picked up a rock and threw it across the water.

Krillin closed his eyes and lowered his head, "It doesn't matter. If they're killing innocent people, we should at least check it out. At the very least we'll be helping to figure out this Dr. Wheelo mess, if it is even connected."

Sonny's grimace became a deep scowl, "It most likely is connected. MAX is an organization against aliens living on the planet and from what I've seen and heard, there are in league with the mad scientists."

Krillin held his head as if in pain, "Mad scientists AND A CULT?! Well that's new, kind of. What is this world coming to?"

"I'm not sure, but it should definitely be investigated. Are you able to deal with this strong person he mentioned?" Sonny asked.

Krillin shrugged, "I won't know until we try. Lead the way Maize. I doubt he's so strong that we can't handle it."

Maize looked more hopeful and even excited, "Alright, Master Krillin in action! Finally, I get to see it!"

Krillin grinned with pride, "You know it!"

From the side of the room, the aging Master Roshi stepped in with his cane in hand, "If you're that desperate, you're in for disappointment."

Krillin bit his lip, "You just had to ruin it, didn't you?"

It was Roshi's turn to grin, "If you need help, I'll go along!"

Maize looked like a little kid on Christmas morning, "Master Krillin AND Master Roshi in action?! Has the eternal Shenron granted my wish?"

Sonny pulled a pistol from his back and checked his ammo, "So the four of us against the cult of mad scientists? Sure, why not?"

The four set out in Maize's hovercraft, flying into the Land of Korin as the skies darkened to twilight. Despite Sonny wanting to drive straight to the gathering site, Maize demanded to see his grandfather first. He had not said how injured Bora was, but Krillin brought a few Senzu beans regardless. Upon landing at the small encampment, Maize leapt from the craft, not even bothering to shut it off.

"I'm surprised Bora even allows the use of vehicles," Roshi commented as he climbed out.

"It is only for emergencies, if you weren't always focused on the TV, you would know about that!" Krillin pointed out in annoyance.

"Heh, it's how I keep in shape!"

Krillin shook his head and said nothing as he reached over to shut off the vehicle. Maize soon came back out of the tent with two taller Indians behind him, one of them being much larger.

The smaller of the two bowed slightly to Krillin and Roshi, "Masters, thank you for coming. I wish it were on better terms."

"That seems to be our tradition Tora. How are ya big guy?" Krillin asked Bora.

"Much better thanks to your Senzu beans. It is regrettable that we could not stand up to the intruders. Please aid us," Bora requested.

Krillin waved it off, "Hey, no problem. We'll go handle these guys."

Sonny stared at Krillin, "If they're like the robots the other night, you don't have a chance."

Krillin's annoyance was apparent, "You don't have to rub it in you know."

Bora stared at Sonny, "Who is this outsider if I may ask?"

Krillin nodded, "Right, this is Detective Sonny Satsu. Sonny, this is Bora and Tora, Maize's grandfather and father respectively."

Bora and Tora both bowed, "Pleasure to meet you."

Sonny bowed back, "Likewise. Can you tell us anything more about these cultist and members of MAX?"

Bora's face darkened, "They began appearing a few weeks ago and at first they were simply praying to their god under their alter. The gatherings were peaceful and they even asked permission for using the land. We granted it and they were respectful, but then…"

Bora paused, prompting Tora to take over, "Then the MAX crew showed up and we heard all kinds of commotion day and night. Often they were loud screams you could hear from miles away. The forests started being cleared or burned. The red priest assured us that they would stop and leave soon, but that hasn't happened." Tora also paused and looked visibly disturbed.

"The men in uniforms were seen taking people from the villages. At first we thought they were just out late for hunting but we witnessed a group of them load people into their trucks to take them away against their will. We followed and tried to intervene, but the large uniformed man was very strong and I could do nothing. That happened two days ago and about half of our village has been kidnapped," Bora finished.

Krillin tapped the side of his face a bit as if to prepare himself, "Alright then, where are these gatherings?"

"About two miles west of here. The screams usually start after dark, so if we hurry we can get there first," Tora said.

"Tora and Bora stay here. The rest of us will go," Krillin said.

"Be careful, that uniformed man is stronger than anything I've seen before," Bora warned.

It was fairly easy to find the encampment as it was surrounded by vehicles within a clearing. When they arrived, Krillin suggested they hide in the brush and witness what was going on first. They hadn't been kidding about the men in MAX uniforms, as there were at least two dozen of them running around. Some were standing guard; some were moving and setting up equipment. One in particular looked to be in charge and was directing traffic. He was as Maize described, very muscled with short brown hair and a few scars on his face. Sonny took a particularly long look at him but said nothing.

"Maize, is that the guy you were talking about?" Krillin asked.

"Yeah, you can take him though right Master Krillin?" Maize asked with hope.

"Well, I don't sense anything about him that I can't handle," Krillin said with a sheepish grin, "But looks can be deceiving."

"You would know," Roshi quickly added.

"Hey!"

"If he's a cyborg too, you probably wouldn't detect any energy," Roshi reminded them.

Krillin nodded, "True, but Verto did say that they weren't like the androids and that some energy might be detectable. It's hard to say." The four continued to observe as the MAX crew appeared to be setting up a small stage.

"Look, there's people from our village over there!" Maize pointed out. Krillin glanced towards where his student point, seeing a group of villages being led into the clearing, all dressed in white cloaks. There were MAX men all around them, even keeping a few from trying to run, herding them in like cattle. The four remained mostly quiet as the villagers were directed to stand in a group before the stage as it was quickly completed.

"So, is this going to be the sacrifice ritual?" Sonny asked.

"I don't know. We were discovered last time. I haven't seen it yet. In fact I…" Maize paused as one of the MAX crew went by, bearing very tan skin.

"What is it?" Krillin asked.

"That's someone from my village! What is he helping them?!"

Maize's sudden shout drew attention until Sonny shushed him, "Keep your voice down!" They watched as the MAX crew member in question was aiding in corralling the other villagers. They also recognized him and some were begging him to stop or let them go, only to be met with a cold stern shove and order to get back in line.

"If he was a member of your village, he clearly isn't anymore," Roshi pointed out. The stage was soon finished and two new people made their appearance. The group noticed the man in the suit first, as Krillin and Sonny had seen him before.

"Schultz. If he's here, that means he's not near East City. They're flying into a trap," Krillin claimed. He prepared to power up and blast off before Roshi bonked him with his cane.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"Use your head," Roshi said simply.

Sonny nodded, "They must've televised that news conference as a diversion. I'm sure that kid and your wife will handle whatever is up there. We should stay so we can finally connect the dots."

"Please stay Master, we cannot do this without you!" Maize pleaded.

Krillin finally nodded grimly, "Okay." The other newcomer next to Schultz bore a deep red cloak that hid his face initially. He looked to be an old man of around retirement age, and that was the end of anything that seemed out of place about him. Krillin sensed nothing unusual aside from the red cloak.

"That the priest we've been seeing, he keeps talking about his god bringing about justice for all humans," Maize said in a low tone.

"And that's what MAX is built on, prejudice against non-humans. They even wish to remove King Furry from his position and install a more…radical administration. I get why they are connected with this cult, but why the mad scientists?" Sonny pondered.

"They have common enemies. Vegeta…kind of had something to do with that," Krillin added.

Roshi tapped his cane, "Not just him either. Verto too."

"Yes that's true, but I would think a crazy scientist would want to make robots like we saw the other night. I mean they could do more of that easily if they had them all drink some sort of…" Sonny's face suddenly went pale, "Oh god." Before Krillin could ask, he too had spotted an array of vials behind Schultz, nearly all filled with purple fluid. There were also a few that were filled with green.

"Could that be what they gave those people that turned them into cyborgs? Sounds a little far-fetched."

"But not impossible given the right tech," Roshi pointed out.

"Yeah, several of those guys are not reading like humans at all," Krillin pointed out.

"So, what do we do?" Maize asked.

"To know for sure, we have to get one of those vials to Bulma. Destroy the rest. I'm not going to sit here and let any one drink that stuff," Krillin declared.

Maize jumped up all excited, "Alright Master! What's the plan?"

"Well first we should create a diversion," Krillin began.

Roshi cleared his throat, "Looks like the detective has that covered." Krillin and Maize quickly glanced over to see that Sonny was gone. They spotted him making a stealthy approach to the larger, muscled up MAX crewmember that he had clearly recognized, standing very near Schultz and the red priest.

"Ah hell," Krillin muttered. Roshi dove into the brush as Krillin jumped into the trees with Maize following. Sonny's pace quickened as he drew his pistol and aimed right at the big guy's head from barely two feet away.

"Not a move, or I pull the trigger!" Sonny declared, drawing everyone's attention.

The big guy smirked at Sonny's voice, "Well well, it's been awhile Satsu. You've gotten yourself quite a promotion I hear."

"Ace Maxwell, what are you doing with this freak show?"

"Freak show? Ha! That's funny considering who you've been hanging around lately."

Sonny pressed the gun's barrel against Ace's head, "Answers asshole, now!"

"Trying to save mankind."

Sonny's finger nudged the trigger, "Bullshit!"

Ave snorted lightly, "You never could see the big picture Satsu. We are improving mankind so that when we're strong enough, we will drive off the aliens that threaten our planet. Me and several like-minded individuals have come together for this just cause. And anyone who gets in our way will be treated as alien sympathizers!"

"Improving mankind? Through these cyborg experiments that take away free will? You call that an improvement?!"

Ace grinned, "Well, you have to start somewhere."

"Those that choose to use their new gifts wisely can do as they wish detective. These improvements are to the benefit of all," Schultz assured.

Sonny eyed him, "Yeah, I've noticed your improvements, not impressed. Think I'd rather take my chances without any upgrades."

"Hmph, you should take this chance to listen to the rest. Mankind is going to need these enhancements soon," Ace claimed.

"For what?"

The red priest suddenly removed his hood, revealing his aged plain face and short gray hair, "The apocalypse is upon this world. Only our god can save it!"

Sonny's eyes narrowed in disgust, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot about this religious crap too. What's your story?"

"I am known as Soren, the priest of Torev. I come to aid your people in preparing for the coming of Torev, our god. When he comes, he will unleash his righteous fury upon this world, burning all that don't belong here. Aliens, imposters and non-believers alike will all meet the flame!"

Sonny backed up a step and aimed at the priest, "Okay, we can start with you. I am quite adept at reading liars and something you just said doesn't smell right. Who is this Torev, you crazy old coot."

Soren smiled and held up his hands to the sky, "The bringer of light and hope to this darkened world!"

Sonny grimaced and aimed at Schultz again, "Never mind, you religious nuts are all the same. Who do I shoot first?"

Ace chuckled along with Schultz who spoke next, "You do not understand detective. Not only is our cause just, it has been divinely blessed by the gods!"

Bang! Schultz dropped as Sonny's bullet went right through his head, a perfect kill shot.

"Oh dear, I had hoped you wouldn't do that," Soren said.

"You're next!"

"I think not," Ace proclaimed as he snatched Sonny's gun away faster than Sonny could see or react.

"What the?" Sonny asked anyone who would answer. Ace grinned and squeezed the gun until it shattered into a million pieces.

"As you can see, this arrangement has its perks." Sonny's eyes remained wide as he watched the remnant metal dust fall from Ace's hand.

"I see you went all the way, how does it feel to be a robot?" Sonny sneered.

"Wouldn't know," Ace replied simply. He suddenly phased out and appeared behind Sonny, startling him.

"Then how?"

"Trade secret, but just know that there are other ways to improve mankind."

Soren sighed, "I will tend to the director."

Sonny glanced behind him, "Good luck, that aim was perfect!"

"If the Lord Torev wills it, anything is possible," Soren declared. He then grabbed one of the green vials and held Schultz's nose while he poured the content into the open mouth. Sonny could hear random whispering and praying in a different language.

"I know how you love to observe Satsu, but this isn't a spectator sport," Ace said. He then quickly struck Sonny in the side, sending him barreling into a nearby car at frightening speed. The impact dented the hood and shattered the windshield, where Sonny lay still in a crumpled bloody heap.

"I think you went a touch overboard Mr. Maxwell," Soren commented in between prayers.

Ace pumped his arms a bit, "That turd had it coming a while ago. I feel amazing! When can I take on the actual fighters?"

Krillin suddenly phased in behind him, "How about now?" Ace was blindsided by a power-kick into his shoulder, knocking him into the ground for a brief moment before he hopped up and charged back at Krillin quickly. Krillin, surprised by the speed, narrowly ducked out of the way, nearly getting his head taken off in the process. Ace stopped short and lunged at him, landing a sharp jab and knocking him down. Ace took advantage and kicked hard into Krillin's side.

Krillin winced painfully, This guy's strength is no joke. I hope he can't use energy blasts. I don't sense any huge power within him, but he doesn't feel like one of those cyborgs. Something is definitely different about him but I can't pinpoint it. Ace stepped over Krillin and lifted his large leg with evil intent.

"Over here ugly!" Ace spun around and Krillin quickly scampered away. Ace frowned momentarily before staring down Master Roshi, who was standing in a certain stance he made famous.

"Let's see what you've got old man!"

The blue blast growing in Roshi's hands shimmered, "You'll learn to respect this old man. Kame…hame…ha!" Roshi fired the blue wave of energy with perfect accuracy as Ace's eyes went wide. He was able to block against the beam before it hit, though it still exploded nonetheless. Krillin waited on guard as the smoke cleared, uncertain of what the effect would be. Ace emerged covered in dust and with torn clothes, but was otherwise unharmed. He looked a bit relieved though Krillin wasn't surprised.

"Nice try old man, but your light show won't do anything to me!" Ace shouted.

Krillin smirked and held up his palm flat, "Destructo-disk!" Ace turned at Krillin's voice, chuckling lightly as he watched the yellow disk of energy form.

"What is that supposed to be, a frisbee?" Ace mocked.

"Something like that, bet you can't catch it!" Krillin dared.

Ace spread his arms, "Bet you're wrong." Krillin launched the disc and waited for the impact. Ace didn't move an inch, fully intent and not prepared.

Soren suddenly stood up, "That's enough." A wall of red flashed in front of Ace just before Krillin's attack arrived and cancelled it out. The red energy dissipated and Krillin looked at the priest in shock as he lowered a red glowing palm that faded to normal.

"What gives? I had that handled!" Ace claimed.

"Perhaps, but you are a fool to challenge them alone. You do not understand how they fight while you are quite easy to figure out. That attack would have been lethal," Soren explained. Krillin dared not take his eyes off the priest as he stepped closer, putting himself between Ace and Krillin.

"If you leave now peacefully, no harm will come to you. Our god is a just god and will forgive. However, if you choose to interfere again, you will face Him and all his righteous fury," Soren warned.

"And let you kill all of these people? I don't think so," Krillin countered.

"Think carefully before you make another fateful decision. Your companion is on the verge of death after he chose to act rashly. Any further actions will bring similar results."

Krillin cringed slightly, "Maize! Give Sonny this Senzu!" Krillin then tossed a bean to his student as he jumped down out of the trees. Krillin continued to stare down the priest, who wasn't budging an inch. He eyed the unmoving corpse of Schultz, half expecting it to move, but it didn't. Krillin stayed still as Roshi came up behind him, followed by Maize and a recovered Sonny. He glanced back at them briefly, earning a few nods, before staring the priest dead in the eye, "We're not leaving."

"Very well. You have made your choice," Soren said with a bowed head.

Ace cracked his knuckles, "Good, I'm barely warmed up!"

"No need to dirty yourself further my brother. Lord Torev has something else in mind in the near future for these men. We will see them again," Soren claimed as he turned on his heel.

Krillin's temper flared, "We are not letting you sacrifice those villagers!"

Soren's eyes darted back at Krillin momentarily, "Whether you let us or not makes no difference. For they have witnessed the Lord Torev's miraculous actions for themselves. All of them volunteered for this."

"No way," Krillin argued.

"They would never do that! They are family!" Maize added.

"Yes, they are the children of Lord Torev, waiting to be born into his army," Soren said with a deep smile. Krillin phased out and managed to grab Soren by his robe and held him up as he ascended into the air.

"Hey, let him go midget!" Ace shouted. Krillin at this point had taken Soren high into the air, well past the reach of Ace. There was no panic or fear in the priest's eyes.

"You crazy old man, what are you trying to do?" Krillin demanded.

Soren grinned, "Oh you'll understand soon enough."

Suddenly there was a bright flash of light, blinding Krillin completely. His first reaction was to let go of Soren. As soon as he did, he felt his feet touch ground and the light vanished enough for him to see again. Only he found himself staring at the trees next to Korin Tower and a number of teepees. Roshi, Sonny and Maize were all there next to him, each wondering what just happened. This isn't good.

"So that's what happened," Krillin finished up. Verto, Eighteen and Seventeen listened intently, though Seventeen was more concerned with his missing arm.

"I can't believe Ace let himself be turned into one of those machines. And just by drinking whatever that stuff was," Sonny exclaimed.

"I don't think he did, but you're right, they did something to him," Krillin added.

Verto rubbed his chin, "Maybe, maybe not. Doctor Wheelo has been known to test and experiment with many compounds that produce drastic changes. While it's highly likely that this is the stuff transforming people into cyborgs, it could also be something else."

Eighteen stared at him, "More of that Chemical Z stuff from last year?"

Verto scowled, "Maybe, though I would hope he wouldn't be stupid enough to use that again."

Seventeen grumbled from the corner as he held his shoulder, "We should just kick all their heads off!"

Verto smirked at his enthusiasm, "Well, one at a time. I'll go address this priest and his lackey."

"By yourself?" Sonny asked in surprise.

"Nah, you can come with." Sonny blinked sharply and fell silent.

"Krillin, how would you judge the strength of the minion?" Verto asked.

"Physically he was strong and tough, but he has very little understanding of energy. If not for the priest's interference, I could have defeated him," Krillin replied.

"Shouldn't be a problem then. Could you sense the priest energy?"

Krillin shook his head, "Nothing abnormal. It was red, but that doesn't mean anything."

Verto's eyes narrowed, "It could mean something but we'll see. Let's go Detective."

A/N: Yay, long time no update. I do apologize for that but life called and I had to answer. Fortunately this gave me time to make any changes that are 'Super' related, which for the most part will not affect this saga too much. That beings said there were several items I both added and subtracted to hopefully make this story as good as it can be. As for this chapter, it starts the uphill climb of a major story arc, one that may take awhile to get through but I am confident it will be worth it. And I promise it will not take a year to update again after this. Happy reading!

WDG: Guess who's back. Back again.

VB: I have no idea who you are referring to 😉