*(Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or Dragon Ball GT. All characters and places associated with the Dragon Ball series belong to their own respected creators and I have not used them to make any profit in any shape or form.)
Jason9000: Good day ladies and gentlemen. We're getting very close to the start of the invasion. Will the Z gang be able to handle the combined might of Hell? What is the secret to King Piccolo's strength? Those questions will be answered for very soon the war will begin.*
Goku and Goten hit each other after being hit by both Trunks and Vegeta. They both crashed into one another and promptly fell down into the forest below.
Gohan was looking around, tuning his senses to the surroundings since Vegeta and Trunks were moving at high speeds. It was difficult but he was sure he could track them after a moment of concentration. Finally he aimed a punch from his stomach and felt it connect with the side of Vegeta's head. Vegeta who had ducked down and was aiming a side kick to Gohan's stomach was caught off guard by the sudden attack.
Trunks rushed to his father's aid by catching his arm and began spinning his father around before releasing him towards Gohan where Vegeta aimed another kick that was blocked by Goten who had flew up to save his brother from the combined assault of the Brief men. Goku then appeared behind Trunks via instant transmission and fired multiple energy volleys at the young prince's back.
Trunks cried out more in frustration than pain since he couldn't believe he left himself wide open.
Nobody noticed that Gohan had risen above them all and raised his hands to his head and charged a familiar yellow energy beam. Vegeta had just caught the glare of the beam from behind and immediately jumped back. He raised his right arm out and an energy sphere formed in his outstretched hand toward the sky.
"Masenko!" He cried sending the beam toward Vegeta.
"Big Bang Attack!" Vegeta responded pushing the sphere of energy toward the oncoming beam.
When the beams hit, it became a contest of wills and both Saiyans tried to push it back and forth fighting for control. Eventually Vegeta poured more energy into the attack and then dashed out of the way.
Despite Vegeta immediately gaining ground, Gohan felt no resistance and pushed the resulted beam struggle further down. He realized that Vegeta was gone and couldn't angle the combined might of their attacks away from the Earth, so he stopped adding energy and then went off to find Vegeta.
Unbeknownst to anyone of the family members a figure had appeared and caught the attacks before pushing them up into space and then vanished.
Out of the corner of his eye Trunks saw what happened and thought it was one either Goku or Goten, but then he remembered he was currently in a blow exchange with the both of them. He refocused his defense to properly not take damage from their combined assault. No matter what Trunks did neither Goku nor Goten were letting up. Finally he powered himself up to his fullest in his base form and was able to catch Goku's arm before it landed on his cheek, then jump above the both of them allowing Goten to kick his father, and finally fired a quick energy blast at them both.
Suddenly Vegeta appeared next to him a bit to his left and Gohan facing them in the form of a triangle. Two seconds later Goku appeared in front of Vegeta and Goten was in front of Trunks.
For several minutes no one said anything. It was all quiet, not one person was making a sound and only their steady breathing was heard.
"Well that was a good warm up. You guys ready to take it to the next level?" Goku asked prompting them on.
Vegeta only scoffed. "I was born ready Kakarot. I was only waiting for you and your family to finally realize that you three can't beat us in your base state. As we all know my family was always the stronger side when it came to base form fighting,"
What Vegeta said held some truth. Despite the Brief men at some point having a higher power level; they still were able to tank powerful attacks in their base forms than the others. When Goku first met Vegeta not only did Vegeta beat him, but Vegeta could take more of a beating in his base form then in any other form. Their first fight was proof of that. Despite Vegeta's beating from the combined force of the Z-Gang he was still able to walk somewhat back to his space pod. Another example was Kid Buu. When everyone, even Goku thought he was down, the Prince got back to his feet to buy the younger Saiyan time to gather power in his Super Saiyan 3 state. Trunks was of the same caliber. The World Martial Arts Tournament when they were kids proved it when Goten transformed into a Super Saiyan first to try and beat his best friend.
"Very well. Let's see what you got. Don't be too upset when we beat you, Vegeta," Goku said a bit smugly.
"Don't think yourself all high and mighty, Kakarot as the old saying says 'It isn't over till it's over' you of all people should know that," Vegeta said smirking.
"All right then let's get this party started," Goten said.
"I hope this isn't a private party then," A voice called out.
Everyone turned toward Trunks, but the young man was even more confused. He was sure he just heard his voice, yet he did not open his mouth.
Suddenly a power jumped out of nowhere and they felt a familiar presence of someone from long ago appear as if by magic below them.
The person flew up and stopped in front of them. He was as tall as Goten and Trunks, the person could have been mistaken for Trunk's twin brother. They looked exactly alike. The only difference was that he wore blue spandex similar to Vegeta along with a Capsule Corporation jacket.
"Trunks is that you?" Gohan asked in disbelief.
"No, it's a figment of your imagination. Of course it's me, Gohan," Future Trunks said sarcastically.
Everyone save Vegeta went to great their old friend. Trunks thought it was weird, almost as if he was staring at a mirror. Was this the version of him that came from the future to help against the Androids and Cell?
"Wait how are you here? I thought you said you wouldn't be able to travel back in time because there weren't enough resources to make another trip?" Gohan asked.
"I was right over 12 years ago. However, I've helped rebuild enough of the Earth that mom and I found the resources to make another trip back here," The other version of Trunks said.
"How is Bulma?" Vegeta asked from the background. As always he was concerned for his wife, no matter what time period she's in.
The boy's eyes darkened for a moment. He looked off into the distance and everyone could tell that he looked gravely upset. For another minute they couldn't get a word out of him.
"She died a bit before I left…" Future Trunks mumbled.
"What? Bu…Bulma is dead?" Vegeta asked shocked.
Everyone's mood became solemn. How was it that she passed on to Otherworld at that age? Surely she couldn't be more than in her fifties. By the way the young man made it sound; she was still as lively as she was now. Despite the fact that everyone was dead she still fought on to try and create a better world without the Androids terrorizing the planet. All they could guess was that when the Earth was finally free of Dr. Gero's legacy and the Earth was on the path to recovery, she passed on knowing that the world was in a better place.
"Son, I'm sorry," Vegeta said sincerely.
The young man only shook his head. He had just buried not too long ago and still couldn't believe she was gone.
"What's done is done…I arrived here with a friend of mine at Capsule Corporation. After I saw mom and talked to her for a bit, she told me you all were here. I flew off to see you guys. I arrived a bit after you started and have been watching you all spar ever since," The man from the future said.
"Hey not to sound out of place, but what should we call you, so that we don't mix you up with our Trunks?" Goten asked.
For a moment the new arrival was silent. "Just call me Mirai," Future Trunks said.
Future Trunks or Mirai as he wanted to be called then flew over to stand in front of Gohan.
"I hope you like these odds? I'm sorry if I'm intruding, but the temptation to join is just too much," Mirai Trunks said while looking at the current timeline version of him.
"I don't mind. In fact this may be more a more interesting now that it's a three versus three spar," Trunks said.
Vegeta only looked at his two sons with pride. At long last he had both of his heirs fighting alongside with him in a fight against Goku's family. This was literally a once in a life time opportunity and he wasn't going to miss this for the world.
"Alright let's power up to our first Super Saiyan form and then continue on from there," Goku said.
For a moment everyone relaxed themselves before powering up to Super Saiyan. Suddenly a massive golden light was seen for miles and there were five Super Saiyans standing at the ready. Gohan still looked the same thanks to Elder Kai unlocking his full potential. It took him a while, but once again he didn't need to transform to reach the power he wanted.
Mirai Trunks looked confused for a moment at Gohan. How was he radiating this amount of power, yet still was in his base form? Was he really this strong? It made no sense.
Gohan saw his confusion and only smiled. "I'll explain later Mirai. Rest assured that I am the equivalent of my Super Saiyan form if I had the physical change."
The older Trunks only nodded his head and faced him. All three of Brief men smirked in the exact same way at the Sons.
"Let's get this started shall we?" Mirai said before charging at Gohan and landing a punch on his face and then proceeded to chase after him.
"Well…at least he's stronger than he was at the Cell games," Goku said while still looking at Vegeta.
"Indeed," Vegeta's response was before both he and Goku charged at each other entering a blow exchange that took them to the sky.
Goten and Trunks were still staring at each other. None of them moved a muscle. Finally they rushed forward and entered their own fight taking them opposite from their fathers' or brothers'.
For another hour they kept fighting each other. None of them were letting up with each side trying to gain dominance over the other. Occasionally they'd switch partners to keep the fight somewhat fresh and not become stale. Finally they all paused and silently agreed to have an early lunch break when Goku's stomach started growling. Knowing he wouldn't fight without eating they put their fight on hold.
"I swear Kakarot; one of these days your stomach is going to get us all killed!" Vegeta snapped at the younger Saiyan.
"I can't help it Vegeta. It's not my fault I'm hungry. If I could control when I needed food, you know I would." Goku said opening the picnic basket they brought along.
Vegeta only grunted before bringing out a small capsule that opened up with two picnic tables and a lot of food.
All of the men sat down and began to eat. At first everyone just wanted to eat before asking questions.
"So how are things holding up here since Cell?" Mirai Trunks asked everyone.
Goku started with what happened to him after his death by Cell and how he met the fighter called Pikkon. Eventually Gohan took hold of the story and told him of how he went to high school where he met his wife Videl. Goten then took over the Tournament and explained how the matches faired up to the point where he and Trunks left.
Finally Vegeta told him of what happened when he and the others reached the Babadi's space ship. Before he told Mirai Trunks of him becoming Babadi's slave he took a deep breath. He knew this wasn't going to be easy. It still was a sore subject for him and his family. Slowly he began his story only asking Mirai to hold any questions or outbursts till he was finished. Vegeta looked him directly in the eye while telling the story and finally finished with his death. For a moment everyone was silent and Mirai Trunks only looked at Vegeta with a hardening gaze eerily similar to Vegeta's.
For a while Mirai didn't say anything and only looked at Vegeta with the same gaze. Finally he spoke.
"One question: Do you regret it?" Mirai asked him.
Vegeta nodded "Yes that was one of my worst decisions that I wish never happened. I was too caught up in my goals to defeat Kakarot that I was blind to what truly mattered to me. I cannot change the past even with your time machine. That would only change another timeline and have no effect on this one," Vegeta said.
Mirai sighed. "I'm not going to lie dad, I am disappointed in you. But, I'm sure there is more to this story so I will reserve my judgment and feelings till this is over," The young man said.
Vegeta only nodded and let the others tell the story of their encounters with Buu. For the rest of it he was silent and only held his gaze on his son. For another hour they told the young man of the future what happened. Finally Goku finished with what was going on around here and why they were training daily.
Mirai Trunks closed his eyes and took a slow deep breath. Finally he opened his eyes and his cold look was still held toward his father.
"It will take me a bit to get over the fact that you put your own pride in front of your family and others…again if I may add," Mirai Trunks said.
Vegeta only nodded, he didn't expect anything less from him.
"But, you are still my father and you have atoned for your actions with the destruction of this Buu creature. I may be a bit angry with you for now; however, I will get over it," Mirai Trunks finished.
Vegeta only looked on to his son with thanks shown only in his eyes. Once again Bulma's side showed through him. He was willing to forgive his father against what he did and for that the Saiyan Prince was grateful.
Again for a while nobody said anything and only just took in their surroundings taking in the peace and quiet. It relaxed them all that despite all that they had each been through, there still were places in the world where they could relax for a little bit. Just when they were about to get up they all heard Dende's voice in their head.
'Everyone get to the Lookout now. The Dragon Balls are gone!'
Everybody immediately went to Goku who concentrated on finding the energies of Dende and Mr. Popo. After two seconds he felt them and instant transmitted them towards the Lookout.
*A short while ago..*
Bass was looking to where he could sense five massive powers in one area. From what he could guess it was the family of Goku against the other Saiyan's family. He felt them start over an hour ago. Their power didn't seem to stop it just kept growing. He started to get anxious when he realized what he was up against. He wasn't strong compared to his brothers. His body was built for stealth and secrecy. He was looking at the Lookout again. His older brother Piccolo was meditating again. The young guardian was almost finishing his duties while the genie watered his flowers.
Suddenly he felt a sixth power shoot up out of nowhere. It was coming toward the two families fighting each other. Bass couldn't tell who it was. It didn't feel like the young child that normally trained with Goku's family. It felt similar to the other Saiyan's son, but also different.
'Just my luck…now I have to factor in this new fighter when I'm trying to steal the Dragon Balls,' Bass thought angrily to himself.
However, luck was on his side for Piccolo got out of his mediation stance and walked toward the end of the Lookout. The genie and younger Namek joined him. His ears could just pick out what they were saying. They were debating on whom it was still finally Piccolo said.
"I'm going to check it out. It could be nothing, but I just want to be sure."
With that the Namek took off without a second thought.
At first Bass questioned why Piccolo and the younger Namek couldn't see who it was. Both of them had been a Guardian of the Earth at one point in their lives; therefore, they were blessed with extended sight far beyond the average Namekian (which was very far indeed). Surely they would be able to see who it was? Unless of course there were too many mountains blocking their direct line of sight. They couldn't see through a mountain any more than they could see through someone's organs.
The genie and the young guardian didn't move and didn't look like they were going to any time soon. Piccolo was long gone. Now was the perfect opportunity to get what he came here for.
'This is it. It's now or never!' Bass thought to himself.
Keeping his power as low as possible, but still able to fly fast enough he touched down on the Lookout behind the genie and the guardian.
Bass proceeded to enter via the main entrance and went down to where his father told him.
Using the map that was telepathically placed into his head by his father he went to the deepest part of the Lookout. He paused checking his surroundings. No one was coming he was still in the clear. Slowly he opened the door and went inside. Sitting on a pedestal was his prize. All seven of them were sitting there. Quickly he picked them up and put them in the special designed bag he was given that could fit into his pocket. Thanks to the wizard's magic he could have fit even the Namekian Dragon Balls in there without the bag being physically affected.
After depositing all seven of them into his bag he checked the area again. He was still in the clear and was going to take the back way out. He traversed the many stairs, passing by the door to the supposed Hyperbolic Time Chamber, and finally dashing through the throne room when he stopped in his tracks.
'My Lord please come in! This is an emergency!' Bass said sending his thoughts out.
'What's wrong Bass? Were you captured? Do you have the Dragon Balls?' King Piccolo asked him from afar.
'Yes I have them with me, however the second set of Dragon Balls are right in front of me. Should I take them or leave them here?' Bass asked him.
For a moment there was no response till King Piccolo answered him.
'Take them, but hurry I don't wish for you to be caught. I don't know if we'll get a second chance to have them,' King Piccolo's voice told him.
'By your command my Lord!' Bass said severing the connection.
As quick as he could Bass grabbed the second set, stuffed them into his back then literally jumped out the back door.
He looked back and saw that the genie and guardian still didn't notice that he was there.
'Perfect. Now I just need to get to the rendezvous point for the gates and wait for further instruction!' Bass thought flying off into space.
Piccolo came flying back after finding out who was the sixth warrior. He thought it was the Trunks from the future, but his power had rose much since he last saw him. Also he hadn't seen or sensed his specific energy signature in a while, so he just wanted to be sure.
He had only flown out halfway when his far seeing eyes allowed him to see it was the Trunks of the future. He decided to question them later and let the two families have their fun.
'One extra warrior to help wouldn't hurt. I just hope we all don't get confused when we're addressing either the Trunks of this timeline or the one from the past,' Piccolo thought to himself.
Finally he landed on the Lookout in front of Dende and Mr. Popo.
"It's alright. It's just an old friend. It seems that Trunks from the future has returned," Piccolo told them.
Dende looked surprised. "I thought after you fought Bojack. he said there wasn't enough resources to guarantee another trip back?" Dende asked him.
"Perhaps he was wrong with his world rebuilding itself. At any rate we'll find that out later," Piccolo said.
Dende nodded before heading back to the throne room to relax a bit from his duties. He went inside, but came out with a questioned look on his face a minute later.
"Mr. Popo did you move the Dragon Balls when you were cleaning the throne room this morning?" Dende asked him.
"I don't think I did. I may have, and forgotten. I'll help you look for them," Mr. Popo said putting his watering can down.
Mr. Popo walked back inside with Dende to look around the throne room. Piccolo decided to check downstairs since Mr. Popo had a habit of putting stuff down in the basement.
Piccolo walked by the Hyperbolic Time Chamber making a mental note to try another test to see if the door was useable again later. He passed by the door he purposely avoided when he stopped dead in his tracks.
Piccolo slowly looked at the door and saw that it was open a little. No one went in there though. No one had been in there since after the Buu blew up the planet 11 years ago. Piccolo wanted to see if they were gone, but as always they were still there when he checked after being revived.
Piccolo walked in warily and when he looked in his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
His worst fear had come to life. Someone had found out his darkest secret and was about to use it for their own desire. If he didn't act fast the entire planet would be destroyed if they were used on it, invasion or no invasion.
Piccolo dashed up the stairs toward the throne room. He found Mr. Popo and Dende looking around frantically. They saw Piccolo looking almost scared and that was never a good sign, since it took a lot to scare the Namekian.
"They're gone! Someone has stolen the Black Star Dragon Balls!" He told them.
*Jason9000: Oh man shit is about to go down. Both sets of the Earth's Dragon Balls are missing and that is not a good sign. We are getting so close to the invasion. And a new character has appeared and it's Future Trunks. Yes I know I endanger making this very confusing with both of them in place. One reason why I called him Mirai is to differentiate the two. Don't worry I'm not going to have them glued to each other so people will be lost as to what Trunks is with Goten. And I had future Bulma die too? That was a flip of the coin really. It wouldn't have affected the story much if she was alive. I reasoned it would justify why Mirai is angry at Vegeta. Not only does he have his mother dead, but found out his father once again risked everyone's lives just for his pride. So I guess Mirai has a right to be a bit angry. The friend that came with him will be revealed next chapter so don't fret. Well that's about it for now. Till next time.
