Chapter 21: The Ox Princess Vs. the Noseless Monk

The crowds clustered around outside of the tournament grounds, waiting for the matches to begin finally. They were packed tight and thick, and one could hardly move an inch without bumping into someone. Chi Chi had yet to see any sign of Master Roshi or her Father. That worried her.

'Excuse us please!' said Chi Chi.

'Coming on through!' said Krillen behind her.

Kakarot had not gone with them, instead, he broke off on some errand of his own. Launch hadn't come along at all, and now they were missing her. Almost everyone in the crowd was far taller than them. 'I don't think we're going to find Master Roshi here,' said Krillen 'not when all we can see are peoples pant legs.'

Seeing an unusually tall man, Chi Chi tugged on his pant leg, and he looked down. 'Hello sir, can you help us please, I need to see above the crowd.'

From a new vantage point on the man's shoulder, Chi Chi scanned the surroundings for any sign of her master. Then she saw something. 'Hey! I found him Krillen.'

'Roshi!' said Bulma in a chiding tone. 'Where have you been all this time?'

'Oh, uh…' Roshi looked up. 'This place is like a cattle herd, I just went to the restroom, and the line was a mile long.'

'Well while you were out there, Yamcha made it to the finals.' said Puar proudly.

'Yeah,' said Bulma 'and your students made it too.'

'Yes,' said Roshi, voice contemplative. 'From what I heard, they just breezed through their matches. But I suspect the finals will be different.' He glanced back to them. 'I got you something, Bulma.'

'Huh?' asked Bulma.

Roshi drew out an orange shirt with red lettering on it. 'I saw this shirt in the gift shop, and it just screamed your name.'

'You… bought me that?' asked Bulma in a surprised tone.

'Just consider it a token of friendship.' said Roshi.

Bulma took the shirt. 'Wow, that's so sweet.'

He then drew out a key chain. 'I also got you this golden souvenir key chain too.'

Bulma took that as well. 'Oh, wow, thank you! I didn't know you could be so nice.' Inwardly she wondered what he was playing at.

'Now could you do a nice man a favor,' said Roshi 'as a friend-'

Bulma narrowed her eyes. 'Don't push your luck, old man.'

'…Nevermind,' said Roshi.

'Hey, Bulma!' came a call.

Bulma looked up and saw Kakarot running towards them, with Chi Chi and Krillen coming up behind. 'Kakarot, we were cheering the entire time!' she said.

'Thanks,' said Kakarot 'I saw you at the window actually. It means a lot.'

'Well done boys,' said Roshi 'well done.'

'Thank you.' said Kakarot.

'It was just like a dream.' said Krillen. 'But I knew we were going to win the whole time of course.'

'No you didn't.' said Kakarot incredulously. 'I had to make an inspiring speech just to convince you not to forfeit, and you owe me for that by the way. Honestly, I should have just let you drop out and get rid of one more dangerous opponent.'

'Just let me have this, will ya?' said Krillen with narrowed eyes.

'Fine.' said Kakarot.

'Have any of you seen my papa?' asked Chi Chi 'He should have been here by now.'

'Sorry kid, no.' said Bulma 'I'm sure he'll be here though.'

'The world martial arts tournament will soon begin! If you are one of the eight finalists, please meet in the main hall at one!' said the Announcer. 'Thank you!'

'Well you guys had better run along then.' said Bulma with a smile.

'Yes, yes, I'm already on it.' said Kakarot, before leaping over the wall, followed by Krillen and Chi Chi.

'Kakarot never ceases to amaze me.' said Bulma.

'Hey, where is Master Roshi?' asked Puar.

'I swear there is something wrong with his head.' reflected Bulma as she scanned the crowds for Roshi in vain.

No sooner had Yamcha entered the main hall when he saw a familiar face and ran for him. 'Nam! Over here!'

Nam was standing with his eyes closed in concentration. The turbaned man opened his eyes and stood up. 'Yamcha, it has been eight months since last we spoke. I see you too have made it to the finals.' He offered his hand.

'It's been a long time since we last fought you are right.' said Yamcha, shaking it. 'I'm looking forward to our rematch. Unless… did that whole thing with the drought work out?' He trailed off and knew the answer by Nam's expression.

'Alas no,' said Nam 'almost all our water has now evaporated. We are on the brink of starvation. My village gave me the last of our funds so that I could reach this tournament. I must win it so that I may get the prize money and purchase enough water for us to live on.'

'Oh,' said Yamcha, feeling suddenly ashamed of his own reason to enter the tournament. 'We, l then you don't have to worry about me as a rival. If it comes down to a fight between us, we'll give the crowds a show and then I'll throw the fight.'

Nam blinked in shock. 'You would do that for me?'

'Hey, I'm just entering the tournament to get a place in the history books.' said Yamcha. 'And because I've always wanted to compete in one of these. The way I see it you've got the more worthy cause. Just remember that it might not even come down to us fighting.'

'Yes,' said Nam, 'there are six other competitors. It is possible that one of us may be knocked out before we can fight.'

'Well let's just try and make sure that doesn't happen.' said Yamcha. 'One sec, I've got a friend I need to greet.' He turned and rushed to meet Kakarot as he entered the room alongside Chi Chi and Krillen. Chi Chi at once began glaring daggers at Yamcha, who had become used to it by now. 'So did you see Bulma and Puar?'

'Yes,' said Kakarot 'they say hello.'

Krillen in the meantime made his way over to where Nam was apparently praying to whatever deity he worshiped. The bald boy looked perplexed at the sight, holding the man in awe.

Yamcha glanced to where Launch was leaning against the wall, her arms crossed as she stood where she was, face in a perpetual scowl. A martial artist with poofy gray hair, and a long white beard approached her, clad in black. 'Hmm, so you are one of the fighters hmm? Well, that means we have something in common, heh heh heh.'

'Back off you old creep,' said Launch 'unless you want to enter the ring full of holes.' And she drew out a heavy machine gun and put it to his forehead.

'…You know,' said Kakarot 'one of these days she is going to have to tell me where she hides all of those.' He paused. 'Hey is there a particular reason that Master Roshi is wearing a wig?'

Everyone looked around, perplexed. 'Where?' asked Krillin 'I don't see him.'

'Now that you mention it,' said Yamcha 'that old guy does bear a certain resemblance to Master Roshi.'

'What are you talking about Kakarot?' asked Krillin. 'I don't see this guy anywhere.'

'Nevermind,' said Kakarot 'I don't really care anyway.'

Chi Chi said nothing. She was too busy glaring at Yamcha, and the former bandit felt a chill creep down his spine at the hatred in her gaze.

A blonde man with slicked-back hair and sunglasses, clad in a suit with a red tie and pink shirt came into the room. Under one arm was a set of files. 'Now can I have your attention please,' he said 'I need you all here at the front.'

The group quickly assembled before him, ready for anything. He made his way over to a chart that showed the way the tournament would progress. 'You'll be drawing lots to determine the order of who will fight. So come up when you're called.'

'Huh,' said Kakarot, 'so I guess Yamcha might not fight Launch after all.'

'No, it's happening.' said Launch 'I can feel it.'

'Let's keep this orderly and civilized, people,' said the man.

Master Roshi approached the announcer. 'Hey, sonny.'

'Yes?' asked the announcer.

'Why don't you be a pal, and put me in the ring with her?' asked the man, pointing to Launch.

'I don't take requests!' snapped the man.

'Young people are so unreasonable.' reflected Master Roshi.

The first fighter came forward, and the man looked at his list. 'So your name is… Nam?'

'Nam.' repeated Nam. He moved forward and fished around in the box. Removing the number he looked at it. 'A 5.'

The announcer approached the chart. 'Let's see; I guess that puts you in fight number 3.' He turned back to them. 'Now, monster beast Giran?' Giran stepped forward and drew his number, before giving it to the announcer, who turned and scratched in his place with a marker. 'You drew number eight, so that means the fourth fight. Chi Chi?'

'I'm here,' said Chi Chi, running forward. She had to stand on her tip toes to reach into the box, and as she removed her number, she read it aloud. 'I'm number one, hooray!'

'Right,' said the announcer with a smile. 'I guess that means you are in the first fight. Yamcha?'

Yamcha stepped forward. 'Yeah?' He drew his number and handed it in without a word.

'Number three,' said the announcer 'that's fight two.'

'Where is Krillen?' asked the announcer.

'Here.' said Krillen, stepping forward. Fishing around in the box, he pulled out a number. 'I got one!' He raised it aloft.

'Number two,' said the announcer 'I guess that puts you in fight one against Chi Chi.' He looked back to his clipboard. 'Now… uh… Kakarotto is it?'

'It's pronounced Kakarot.' said Kakarot in annoyance.

'Right, sorry.' said the announcer. 'Kakarot.' Kakarot moved forward and reached into the box, drawing out his number, and showing it to the announcer. 'Well, you've drawn number six. That's the third fight against Nam.'

'Aw darn it,' said Master Roshi 'that means there is no way I'm getting to fight the lady.'

'Why do you keep pretending as though you don't know us?' inquired Kakarot.

'I don't know you.' said Master Roshi.

'…Have it your way.' said Kakarot, not caring enough to press the issue.

'Launch, you are number four. You're going up against Yamcha in the second round.'

'Alright!' said Launch 'Now maybe I'll get a decent fight!'

'Jackie Chun,' said the announcer, 'you'll be going up against Monster Beast Giran.'

'…So who is this Jackie Chun person, exactly?' asked Kakarot.

'That's me,' said Master Roshi.

'Okay, so you entered the tournament under an alias.' said Kakarot 'Why?'

'What makes you think he's using an alias?' asked Krillen. 'Do you know this guy.'

'He does seem kind of familiar.' said Chi Chi.

'That's because he's Master Roshi wearing a stupid wig!' said Kakarot in frustration. 'Launch, will you please back me up here?'

'I don't know what you're talking about Kakarot.' said Launch 'He looks completely different.'

'Well it looks like you are outvoted.' said Jackie Chun in irritation. 'So I am Jackie Chun!'

'Ahem,' said the announcer 'this will be single elimination in a full regulation-sized arena. You lose if you fall outside of the ring, stay down for ten counts, or give up. But poking in the eyes, or hitting in the private parts is not allowed. Everyone understand?'

'Yeah, pretty much.' said Kakarot.

'Okay everyone,' said the announcer 'then just stay here and I'll come back when it's time.'

'One more thing,' said Kakarot 'is there anywhere we can get lunch around here?'

'Don't you think its a bad idea to eat a meal right before your fight?' asked the announcer. 'You might get cramps that way.'

'Is there a kitchen or not?' asked Kakarot, not to be denied.

'Uh…' the announcer paused, before glancing to a monk with a smile. 'well I'm sure we can round up something, don't you think?'

'But of course.' said the monk. 'Follow me.'

'Are any of you guys coming?' asked Kakarot of the others.

'I'm a bit nervous, so no.' said Krillen.

Kakarot feasted alone and took full advantage of the buffet by devouring massive amounts of food. When he had finished, he walked back to catch the fight as it happened. The announcer had made his way into the ring, and the crowds had flocked to surround the ring. 'Now ladies and gentlemen, are you ready?!' Cheers broke out. 'That's right people; it's time for the twenty-fourth world martial arts tournament!' The cheers came ever louder. 'Okay, and here are the first match ups for the tournaments first round!

First match: Chi Chi the Ox Princess, Vs. Krillen!

Second match: Yamcha Vs. Launch!

Third match: Nam Vs. Kakarot!

And match four: Jackie Chun Vs. Giran!'

'I still don't understand why he is he calling himself Jackie Chun?' said Kakarot.

'Are you still on about that?' asked Krillen.

'The first match between Chi Chi and Krillen will begin momentarily, so don't go to the lemonade stand! Before we get things fired up, let me remind you that this year's winner will receive a prize of 500,000 zeni!' The announcer paused. 'With that done, let's welcome the esteemed director of this tournament who has a few words of wisdom to start this baby off.' He yielded to the approach of a black dog, in an orange robe. He was genuinely ancient so that his face was drooping and his eyes were filled with wisdom. The announcer offered him the mike. 'Please, go ahead, sir.'

The dog cleared his throat, and the crowds stared. What pearls of wisdom would he dispense? What terrible and wonderful secrets would this master reveal to them? Their attention was suddenly upon him, indeed, everywhere in the universe went still as all ears listened carefully. All the lights seemed to go out everywhere across the cosmos, leaving only the dog as a source of order. The old master looked around with weary and all knowing eyes. Even Kakarot peered forward, his pride and wrath were forgotten as he awaited with bated breath the coming words.

And they were spoken:

'Woof!'

Silence. Utter silence. Had they but known it, that singular word set in motion a chain of events which led to the salvation of entire galaxies. However, that is a tale for another day. For now, everyone had no idea what to think.

'Isn't that profound!' said the announcer.

Everyone in the entire crowd fell over with a crash, as the announcer took back his mike. 'And now the first match of the tournament!' He turned to the hall. 'Would the contestants please come down?!'

Krillen and Chi Chi came out into the ring and took positions facing each other, clad in matching red gi. Chi Chi's hair was untied, and flowing around her, and she looked quite cheerful. Krillen seemed quite confident and stretched himself out. 'Well Chi Chi, it looks like only one of us is going to be able to make it into the second round. So that you know, I'm not going to hold back.'

Chi Chi giggled. 'Don't be silly, Krillen. I'm going to throw you out of the ring.'

'The boy in the red outfit is Krillen,' said the announcer 'while the dark-haired girl in a matching garment is Chi Chi.'

'Looks like we got here just in time.' reflected Puar from the sidelines.

'This looks like it's going to be good,' said Bulma 'who do you think will win?'

'Chi Chi,' said Yamcha 'Chi Chi is going to win.'

'What makes you so confident?' asked Kakarot.

'Know something we don't?' asked Launch.

'The first time I met Chi Chi,' said Yamcha, 'she beheaded a T-rex.'

'I didn't see a body.' said Kakarot.

'That's because she vaporized it.' said Yamcha.

'…Yeah,' said Kakarot 'you're probably right.' Then he pulled himself over the wall and looked down. 'Hey Krillen, we're convinced that you don't stand a chance! Care to prove us wrong!'

Krillen looked up in annoyance. He should have known Kakarot being nice was too good to last. 'Your confidence in me remains a source of heartfelt inspiration, Kakarot.'

'Good to know.' said Kakarot. 'I'll be up here watching you lose.'

'Give me a break,' muttered Krillen. 'Chi Chi couldn't hurt a fly, let alone knock me out of the ring. They must think I'm pretty weak to think…'

'Okay guys,' said the announcer, 'let's try to keep this nice and clean. Now let's get those punches flying!'

A gong was sounded, marking the start of the match.

Chi Chi rushed him. The speed was enormous, and Krillen stepped aside, narrowly avoiding her punch. She swiftly turned around and unleashed a flurry of punches that Krillen narrowly parried. Ducking low, Chi Chi kicked Krillen's feet out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground, before leaping high into the air and coming down with a full body slam.

She stood up as the crowd stared in shock.

'Unbelievable!' cried the Announcer. 'The Ox Princess has just proven that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree with a spectacular series of blows that seem to have knocked Krillen right out.

'So uh… Mr. Announcer,' said Chi Chi 'aren't you supposed to count at this point?'

'…Oh right,' said the announcer. 'one, two, three…'

Krillen got back up slowly, teeth gritted. 'That was a pretty dirty move Chi Chi, taking me by surprise like that.'

'It's your own fault for being overconfident,' said Chi Chi, 'I took the same training you did, remember?'

'Right, right,' said Krillen, before charging her.

Chi Chi charged back, and they engaged in a back and forth series of blows across the ring. Krillen swung a high kick that Chi Chi ducked under, before dealing a jab to his gut. Krillen reeled back, doubled over, before stepping away from an onslaught of punches by Chi Chi which drove him steadily back towards the edge of the ring.

'Amazing, Krillen and Chi Chi are going at it at speeds we can scarcely follow!' said Mr. Announcer 'And so far Krillen hasn't managed to land a single hit on the young Princess! It seems our boy wonder is somewhat outmatched!'

Then, just as he reached the edge, Krillen vaulted over Chi Chi's shoulder and kicked her in the back. The Ox Princess stepped forward, inches away from tumbling over the edge, and Krillen went in for a finishing blow. Yet Chi Chi backflipped over him, high into the air to bounce off the wall of the ring and rush at Krillen.

Krillen surged forward to meet her halfway, and their fists slammed each other head-on. Both landed with a crash on the ground, and all was silent.

'Wow,' said Mr. Announcer, 'it looks as if both of them are out cold.'

Then Chi Chi began to pull herself up, followed by Krillen and they faced each other head-on, breathing heavily. 'Wow Krillen,' said Chi Chi 'you are a lot faster and stronger than the last time we competed.'

'I know,' said Krillen with a smile. 'so are you. All this training was really worth it huh?'

'Will you two just shut up and fight!' called Kakarot. 'Nobody came here to see you two acknowledge each other as worthy opponents.'

'Aw put a cork in it will ya Kakarot!' snapped Launch. 'They're having a moment.'

'No he's right,' said Chi Chi 'we probably should get back to the fight.'

'Right,' said Krillen.

The two of them took stances and faced each other down, waiting for the other to make the first move. After a moment, they began to circle one another, waiting for any sign of the other's weakness.

'Well folks,' said Mr. Announcer 'it looks like our two rivals are circling each other and waiting for the other to slip up. But will it be Krillen or Chi Chi who makes the fatal first step.'

Chi Chi glanced up. 'Fatal?' she asked in surprise.

'Heh, uh…' Mr. Announcer said, wiping some sweat from his face with a pocket cloth. 'Not literally, of course. What I meant to say-'

'You're wide open!' said Krillen in triumph, surging forward with a full-speed kick. Chi Chi looked up just in time to take a boot to the face and go tumbling head over heels to land near the edge of the ring. 'Hey announcer guy, start the count will ya.'

'Right,' said Mr. Announcer 'one, two, three, four,'

Kakarot held his breath from the sidelines. 'Come on Chi Chi…'

'five, six, seven…'

Chi Chi rose to her feet unsteadily, however before she was done, Krillen charged her again. 'Oh no, you don't!' said Krillen 'I'm ending this here!'

He punched at her, but Chi Chi ducked under it, before grabbing him by the arm and using his own momentum to be thrown out of the ring. Krillen saw what was about to happen long before it did, and tried to regain his balance. Yet it was too late, and he cried out as he landed against the reinforced wall with a crash.

There was silence from the crowds. Then they broke into universal cheering, and the sound of it echoed throughout the island. 'Chi Chi wins by ring out! Amazing!' said Mr. Announcer 'It's just the first fight in the finals, and we've already seen some breathtaking moves! It looks like we're in for one heck of a tournament this year folks!'

Krillen pulled himself up and climbed back into the ring as the cheers went on. 'Y'know Chi Chi, that throw was really something.'

'You think so?' asked Chi Chi, beaming. 'I learned it from my papa. You fought really well Krillen.'

'Thanks,' said Krillen, returning the smile. 'you too.'

They made their way out of the ring, talking about the fight as though they had just been watching it. One would never guess they had been combatants fighting for glory. They passed through the gates and found Launch, Yamcha, and Kakarot waiting. 'That was one heck of a match you guys.' said Yamcha.

'Thanks,' said Krillen.

Chi Chi opened her mouth to speak, then remembered she was still angry at Yamcha and marched off in a huff. Kakarot watched her go. 'So yeah,' he said at last. 'as far as matches go it wasn't exactly sub-par. I suppose you are at the least infinitely superior to the average person in the crowd. But that's not saying much, is it?'

'Nice to know you've always got my back, Kakarot.' said Krillen in annoyance.

'Don't listen to him, kid.' said Launch 'You did great.'

'Thanks,' said Krillen 'I'm going to go take a shower.'

As he walked away, Yamcha glanced to Kakarot. 'Why are you such a jerk to your friend, anyway?'

'Hey, I gave a rousing speech earlier just to keep him in the game.' said Kakarot. 'I have to make up the difference now, or he might start thinking he's better than me!'

'Whatever,' said Yamcha, before turning to Launch. 'I'm looking forward to our fight.'

'You'd better be ready to lose,' said Launch 'cause I'm taking home that prize!'

The stage was set for the next match, yet would it be Launch, or Yamcha who was victorious? Kakarot had done some special training with Launch, so he knew that she stood a very good chance of winning, and Yamcha hadn't had the turtle hermits training. Even so, he doubted Yamcha would be easy prey. He didn't know who would win, but he was dying to find out.

Authors Note:

This chapter was a bit shorter than the others, primarily because I'm a firm believer in fight sequences which are brief and intense. I also feel unnecessary dialogue takes away from the scene, so I kept Chi Chi and Krillin's interactions to a minimal. Part of the problem was that Krillin and Chi Chi didn't use any special techniques.

I'd just like to say that I take a great deal of satisfaction from nixing the Bacterian fight. It is probably my least favorite fight in the entire series of Dragonball, and that includes Z. It's juvenile, it's stupid, and it's disgusting.

I'm really looking forward to the Launch Vs. Yamcha fight, actually. I've been waiting to write it, ever since I decided to put Launch in as a fighter. I hope you enjoyed this fight because I think the next one will be even better.

See you next time, on Kakarot and the Quest for the Dragonballs!