Disclaimer: I do not own any part of DBZ, that right belongs to Akira Toriyama. I only own my original character and the imagination that came up with this fic.

Last time, on How I Became the First Female Z Fighter!

Yamcha explained to Artemis what Ki is. After bidding farewell to Chi-Chi and Master Roshi, Yamcha flew Artemis to West City where she delivered the news of Griff and Jed, along with the news of Ginger Town to her friend Rei. After that, she went to Capsule Corp and met Bulma.

Chapter 3

Two days after I arrived at Capsule Corp, Bulma asked if I would like to go with her to see Goku and the others at a place Kami's Lookout. I shook my head, explaining that I had reached out to some other friends in West City and had plans to meet them for lunch. A few hours later I sat in a cafe sipping my chai tea latte and watching the door. After waiting for several minutes, two women walked in. One had dark blonde hair styled in a pixie cut, that was Erin, the other, Michelle, had long teal hair. They looked around and after a few seconds, they saw me and walked over.

"Artemis," Michelle said coming up and hugging me. "We are so sorry to hear what happened to Griff."

"Thanks, Michelle," I said stepping out of the hug.

"How are you holding up?" Erin asked.

I shrugged. "As well as can be expected." I sighed. "I've really missed you guys."

After that we ordered lunch and sat down at a table, Michelle and Erin sitting across from me. Halfway through lunch, I received a text from Bulma telling me to get back to the house, it was urgent. I apologized to Erin and Michelle and returned to Capsule Corp.

As I arrived at the house, Vegeta and Trunks landed on the lawn beside me and we walked into the house together to find Roshi, Oolong, Krillin, Chi-Chi, Chiaotzu, and Yamcha waiting in the living room.

"Good, most everyone is here," said Trunks as Mrs. Briefs poured us all tea. "I've learned something from Cell that I want to tell you all."

"For real? He wants a tournament?" Yamcha asked Trunks after he explained what he had learned from Cell.

Trunks nodded and replied. "That's what Cell said. He told me to watch the television for details."

After we all took a brief moment to absorb this new information Chiaotzu spoke up. "Can anyone who wants enter the competition?"

Trunks nodded again. "He'll take on anyone who challenges him and he expects to have a battle with each of us. One-by-one."

"Of course," Master Roshi said not surprised and we all turned to look at him, "you know what he's trying to do?" He paused. "I do. His plan is to eliminate the competition once and for all."

"Well, I kinda like the idea of another Martial Art Tournament," Yamcha said getting pumped up. "I mean, hey... I think I'll dominate!"

"Just make sure you don't get another hand through your stomach!" Oolong said seriously.

At that Yamcha groaned.

"A hand through your stomach?" I asked looking up at him. "What's he talking about, Yamcha?"

"Don't ask," he mumbled miserably as he hung his head.

As I wondered what Oolang meant, the others started to talk about the old tournaments. As I listened to them I remembered watching the tournaments on TV when I was little. And as I looked around, it dawned on me that several of the people around me were previous fighters in past tournaments. As I looked around at my new friends, Roshi started explaining the past tournaments. One-by-one the rest of us, all except Dr. Briefs, stood up and walked outside to stand on the balcony and watch the sunset. For a long time no one spoke, each of us lost in our own thoughts.

"But why would Cell host a tournament?" Chiaotzu asked from his seat on the balcony railing.

Yamcha nodded. "Yeah, why? I mean, if he wants to rule the world why's he wasting time with this competition?"

"Cell doesn't want to rule the world, he wants to destroy it." Trunks replied receiving a gasp from all of us except Vegeta. "The androids have never been interested in power. It's just they find pleasure in causing fear and chaos. And Cell's no different, he's using this stupid tournament as a way to spread fear!"

"Boy, he's got some nerve!" Krillin said shaking his head.

"Don't worry, Krillin. This time we'll knock the wind out that windbag for good!" Yamcha said encouragingly.

At that Vegeta laughed. "Oh, stop deluding yourselves! Cell will make short work out of every one of you."

Chi-Chi stood up. "Well, I for one am very relieved." Seeing everyone's puzzled expressions she continued. "Don't you understand? If it's a tournament, it will have to have rules that even Cell must follow, right? And everyone knows that in a Martial Arts Tournament killing is not allowed!"

"Heh! Well, I have to admit, she's gotta point!" Krillin smiled.

"In that case, I'm in!" Master Roshi said excitedly

At that Oolong choked on his tea. "Would ya stop tryin' to relive your glorious past?! It's pathetic."

His goofy smile not faltering in the slightest, Roshi cuffed Oolang on the head causing the pig to exclaim in pain.

Again we lapsed into silence for a time. I glanced up at the sky as it shifted from the bright blue of day to the oranges and pinks of sunset.

The silence was broken this time by Trunks. "Cell wants to test the limits of his complete body. He's uncertain about the Super Saiyans, and we must use that to our advantage. My father, Goku, Gohan, and I must all try hard to surprise him."

Krillin pumped his fist in the air. "Yeah! Throw 'im a curve!"

"Hold it right there!" Chi-Chi exclaimed with her hand on her hips.

All of the guys in the vicinity cringed at her outrage and I had to admit that I was impressed. If Chi-Chi could make all these tough fights cringe in fear by just yelling, I wondered what more she was capable of.

"I have accepted the fact that Goku will be fighting in the tournament... But I refuse to let Gohan take part in it!"

"But Chi-chi, you said yourself that killing wouldn't be allowed! So what's the big deal?" Krillin tried to reason with Chi-Chi.

"I do not want Gohan to enter that tournament! He is not going to be a fighter like his father!" Chi-Chi shot back.

"We need him..." Trunks tried to plead with her.

"Goku and I have already talked about this." Chi-Chi interrupted him. "We made a deal. Gohan can go and train, but when he gets back he's going to have to buckle down and hit the books."

"Ah, but Chi-chi we could really use his help!" Krillin said now pleading with her too.

"I've made up my mind about this and I'm not going to change it!" Chi-Chi yelled as if it was the final word on the subject. "When Gohan was born, Goku and I both agreed on his future."

I seriously doubted that. I barely knew Goku but I had a feeling he'd rather have his son be a strong fighter than whatever Chi-Chi had in mind. Tired of listening to all the arguing, I went and joined Vegeta on the other side of the balcony. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye but he wasn't looking at me nor did he seem bothered that I had invaded his solitude. From what little I've been able to observe of Vegeta, I've noticed he was a quiet but a very proud individual. Deciding to remain quiet myself and not talk to the stern-looking man next to me, I leaned on the balcony, rested my chin in my hands, and turned my gaze to the sunset painted sky.

End of Chapter 3

a/n: Well, chapter 3 is finally done. I have no excuse for why it's been so long since I last updated other than real life got in the way. Anyway hope you are liking the story so far, I think I only have a few more chapters of actual cannon material before we get to my original ideas. Please R+R.