Chapter 21: Back on Patrol, Kenshiro is Gone, The Tenkaichi Budokai, and a Shocking Revelation
Author's Note: To kick off Season 2, I decided to follow yoshi3000's lead and give this fic a theme song, and an ending theme. It'll only be for this chapter though, so we can get into the action.
(Unbreakable by Fireflight)
Where are the People that accuse me?
The ones who beat me down and bruise me?
They hide just out of sight,
Can't face me in the light,
They'll return but I'll be stronger!
God, I want to dream again!
Take me where I've never been!
I want to go there,
This time I'm not scared!
Now I am Unbreakable!
It's Unmistakable!
No one can touch me,
Nothing can stop me!
Sometimes it's hard to just keep going,
But faith is moving without knowing.
Can I trust what I can't see,
To reach my destiny?
I want to take control but I know better!
God, I want to dream again!
Take me where I've never been!
I want to go there,
This time I'm not scared!
Now I am Unbreakable!
It's Unmistakable!
No one can touch me,
Nothing can stop me!
Forget the Fear, it's just a crutch,
That tries to hold you back,
And turn your Dreams to Dust,
All you need to do is just,
Trust!
God, I want to dream again!
Take me where I've never been!
I want to go there,
This time I'm not scared!
God, I want to dream again!
Take me where I've never been!
I want to go there,
This time I'm not scared!
Now I am Unbreakable!
It's Unmistakable!
No one can touch me!
Nothing can stop me!
(End of Music)
Pearl was woken up by the sound of a text message on her phone. She put her glasses on and looked at it. It was a group text from Shurayuki, it said: 'I can't be there to sheer Buudikka on, I'm taking a trip to Ryoshiro's Universe to get some supplies. Don't know when I'll be back. Beate and Rachel, keep up your training, and I'll make sure you both get a good reward 😉. 3 Shurayuki.' "Huh, your Mom's…" that was when Pearl realized that Kenshiro wasn't in the room, and that their room was completely wrecked! "Oh no…" she said, their clothes were littered everywhere, their dressers were in splinters, their bed was barely intact, and the second Pearl shifted her weight it fell to the ground. Barit went in and looked around. "HO-LY-SHIT! What the Hell kind of kinky stuff did you two do last night!?" "Nothing! I guess we…got so in the moment…we…let our ki out…at the same…time…" Pearl explained, then remembered she was stark naked and not wearing a blanket!
"GET OUT GET OUT!" Pearl squealed as she covered herself with what was left of her blanket, and Barit quickly shut the door. Pearl went through her clothes, luckily her underwear was fine, along with her socks, but about half her clothes were destroyed, same with Kenshiro's. Pearl sighed as she got to refolding their clothes. Soon she got dressed in her Dyno Woo-gi, with purple top, grey scarf, and purple pants with black gloves and boots, and gathered up as much wreckage as she could find. She found her Scouter as well and put it in her pocket and walked out. "Where's Kenny?" Pearl asked Barit, he had made some pancakes for them. He handed her a note and Pearl saw it was Kenshiro's handwriting.
Dear Barit and Pearl,
I got a call from Cashew Village, my Grandma and Grandpa have caught a nasty virus. I'm heading home to take care of them. Tsubaki-sensei said that no one whose not a relative should visit for at least 24 hours. I'll try to call you when I can.
Kenshiro
P.S. Pearl, we wrecked the room. I'm sorry you gotta clean up without me, I'll try to make it up to you when I get back.
"Oh no," Pearl said after reading it. "Well, we can't see him until tomorrow. Isn't the Tenkaichi Budokai today?" Barit asked. "Yeah, it starts in," Pearl checked her phone, it was just past 6, "Three hours." Pearl's Scouter went off then and she switched her glasses for it. "Pearl here," she said. "Recruit, we need you at the Time Nest now." Elder Kai said. "I'm on the way," Pearl said. "Thanks for the pancakes Barit. If I'm not back in time, record it for me, please," she said as she headed out the door. Pearl got out of the apartment and flew to the Time Nest, thankful that she hadn't put on her weighted clothes.
She spotted Elder Kai who was muttering, "No matter how many corrections we make, these changes to history persist…" He then noticed Pearl and asked, "Say, have you seen Trunks around? I can't seem to find him anywhere. "No, Elder Kai-sama, I haven't," Pearl answered, "But I'll go look for him." Pearl and the Elder Kai headed into the Time Vault, and started searching through it. After fifteen minutes, Pearl found Trunks, he was looking at a Scroll. Pearl peeked over his shoulder, Trunks was too absorbed in the Scroll to notice her. She watched a scene from Trunks's Timeline, Age: 780.
Gohan stood in the middle of a ruined city, Android 17 standing in front of him. "Gohan! You're still alive?" the Android asked. Android 17 smirked at the Future Gohan as Android 18 appeared behind the Son of Goku. "We'll fix that soon enough," Android 18 said, "Kill him. Full power." Future Gohan glared at the Androids, and the three of them took flight. Pearl and Trunks watched as Gohan made his last stand, fighting with all his skill and power against the diabolical Androids of the Future. But it wasn't enough, and in the end, he was killed. Hours later it was raining, as a younger Trunks flew through the remains of the city looking for his mentor. He spotted Gohan's body, face down in a puddle. "Gohan!" young Future Trunks said.
"No," young Future Trunks said as he came closer, "it can't be…" Tears flowed down the young half-Saiyan's face as he yelled, "Gohan… Gohan! GOOOOHHHHAAAAAAANNNNNN!" The Trunks shown on the Scroll's screams devolved into wordless howls of grief and primal fury, as the golden aura surrounded him, and his hair spiked up, Trunks had finally attained the legendary Super Saiyan Form, but the cost was too high. Pearl sniffled a little and wiped her eyes, making the present Trunks finally notice her, "Oh, it's you, huh?" "Sorry, Elder Kai was looking for you. What's with the Scroll?" Pearl asked. Trunks answered, "This Scroll? Right here… it holds the History where I came from. In it, everyone was wiped out by 17 and 18… Even Gohan, who was the last to go… If Mom hadn't built that time machine, then I… and everyone else in the world would be…"
"I can't say that I approve of building a machine that can fiddle around with History," Elder Kai said as he walked up to them. "Yeah…" Trunks reluctantly agreed. "Oh well," Elder Kai said, "No sense in crying over spilt milk I always say." A dark aura then surrounded the Scroll and Trunks yelled out in surprise, "No! Not this History too! We need to act fast!" "Trunks!" the Supreme Kai of Time said as she walked up. "Yeah!?" Trunks said. "You…understand, right?" the Goddess of Time said. Trunks was silent for ten seconds before reluctantly saying, "…I do." "I'll go, this is why I'm here," Pearl said. Trunks gave Pearl the Scroll saying, "…Then good luck." "I'll protect your History, Trunks," Pearl said, and in a flash of light she was gone.
AGE: 780
Future Gohan was flying into a city under attack, and looked down to see a figure he didn't expect. It wasn't one of the Androids, this was a large, muscular man with a red mohawk and green and black armor on a rampage. Pearl quickly appeared behind Gohan. "An Android!? There are more than just 17 and 18!?" Future Gohan said. Android 16 had a dark aura around him as his eyes glowed red, "I will destroy the son of Goku!" Android 16 blasted a ki ball at Gohan, who quickly deflected it and went Super Saiyan. Gohan blasted a ki wave at Android 16, but the corrupted Android wasn't even slowed down as he charged at Gohan, who quickly dodged his head on charge. "Damn it! He's even stronger than the others!" Gohan said, then noticed Pearl. "I'll do what I can! You have to get out of here! Hurry!" Gohan yelled at Pearl as Android 16 blasted ki balls at them. Pearl dodged the attacks and quickly blasted 16 with Masenko.
"I can help you, Gohan-san," Pearl said as she charged up her power. "I will destroy whoever interferes with my plan!" 16 said as he tucked his arms under his pits, and removed his hands! "SCATTER!" Pearl yelled and Android 16 flew up into the air and yelled, "Hell Blast!" The blast didn't hit them, but then columns of ki erupted everywhere. Future Gohan was grazed, but Pearl took a hit full on. The Majin girl yelled in pain and reached for a Capsule, then realized, I forgot to grab Capsules! Trunks said over her Scouter, "16!? He doesn't belong in this Timeline!" "Well, he's here," Pearl said as she flew at 16 and landed a kick to his face right as he sent Future Gohan flying through a building. "I-it doesn't matter! You need to protect Gohan! Do it for History…and for me as well!" Trunks told Pearl.
Pearl and 16 clashed, she was barely able to keep up with the demonically empowered Android, more often than not taking more hits than she could land. "Kaameehaameeee," Pearl heard Future Gohan powering up ki in his right hand and quickly jumped away from 16. "HHHHAAAAAAAA!" Future Gohan's blast hit Android 16 dead on, knocking him down. Gohan turned to Pearl and said, "You're really strong! Thanks… I had no idea there were any decent fighters left…No… But there couldn't be…If there were, I would have noticed by now. No offense, but someone who looks like you would draw attention. Where did you even come from?" "I can't explain now, it's not over yet!" Pearl yelled as Android 16 jumped up and slammed into Pearl harder than a freight train, sending her crashing into a car that exploded around her. Pearl flew out of the flames and saw as Gohan kicked 16 in his face, only for 16 to grab his leg and slam him into the ground. Pearl focused ki into her hands and yelled out, "Majin Kamehameha!"
Pearl's blast distracted 16 enough for Gohan to punch him in his stomach with his good arm and then kick him back. Pearl told Gohan, "Gohan-san, try to keep him in one place for as long as you can. I got an idea. When I yell Supernova, get away from the Android!" "Got it!" Gohan said as he and Android 16 clashed. Pearl focused ki over her right pointer finger and lifted it over her head. "Here we go," she said as the ki grew into a massive orange ball, blazing like a sun. "Supernova!" Pearl screamed at the top of her lungs as she launched the attack. Gohan managed to fly away from Android 16 just in time as the Supernova hit the Android dead on and exploded. Android 16 was heavily damaged, and unable to fight anymore. But then someone Pearl didn't expect appeared, Mira!
"So, Gohan…" the demonic experiment said, "You're just full of hidden potential, aren't you? So much power… Fine fuel for my evolution!" Mira rushed at Gohan and grabbed him by his mouth before tossing him like a football. Pearl rushed at Mira, but he quickly landed a back kick into her stomach then blasted her back with Galick Beam Cannon. "This is bad, it's Mira!" Trunks said. "He's no way strong enough to beat Mira! And after that fight with Android 16, the two of you together still don't have a chance!" Elder Kai declared. Gohan blasted Mira with a One-Handed Kamehameha, but Mira took the hit and kept on coming. Gohan blocked his first three punches and dodged a kick, only to take a punch to his ribs, then an axe kick to the top of his head, sending him face down in the sidewalk. Pearl knocked Mira back a step with Masenko, then blasted a large ki ball at him that Mira blocked, but it gave Gohan time to get up and get away from Mira. "Who is this guy? How is he so strong!?" Future Gohan asked. "You fool, I'll put you out of your misery soon enough," Mira said as lasers came out of his chest, and a black sphere of ki appeared in front of him. Pearl quickly powered up a Supernova, and tossed it at Mira as he sent his Minus Energy Power Ball at her and Gohan. The two attacks clashed, and Pearl struggled to keep her Supernova going. The two massive ki constructs exploded, knocking the three combatants away from each other.
I can't beat him like this, Pearl thought, I need to go Pure Majin, even then, I might only buy time for Gohan-san to escape… "The two of them will… Gohan will…" Trunks frantically said. "Damn it!" he screamed. "H-Hey…" Elder Kai tried to control Trunks. Supreme Kai of Time yelled, "What are you doing, Trunks! Stop it!" "What's going on!?" Pearl yelled as Mira got ready to fight some more. That was when a Burning Attack hit Mira. Everyone looked up to see Trunks, in his Super Saiyan Form! "You're not going to get your way today, Mira!" Trunks yelled as he drew his sword and charged. Mira ably dodged Trunks's sword, but Trunks then kicked him in his stomach, knocking him back. "Now's our chance!" Gohan yelled as he blasted a ki wave at Mira, and Pearl hit him with Majin Kamehameha, knocking Mira away.
Mira soon flew back though and smirked, "Ahh…Trunks…" "Trunks… What are you doing here!? I thought you…" Future Gohan said as Trunks flew in front of him and Pearl. "B-But that can't be! Wait a minute… You…!" "Now's not the time!" Pearl said as Mira blasted Galick Beam Cannon at the three warriors. Trunks, Pearl, and Gohan scattered, and Mira went for Pearl first. She took a kick to her stomach and an elbow to her chin, but she managed to Instant Transmission behind him and hit Mira with Mystic Flash. Mira was injured by the attack, but sent Pearl flying through the air with Android 18's Deadly Dance technique. Pearl stopped her flight and watched as Trunks and his Mentor tag teamed Mira, keeping him on the defensive. I gotta do it now! While Mira is distracted! Steam shot out of Pearl's arms as her body transformed, and from the steam emerged Purified Pearl.
The Majin quickly formed a Teleporting Vanishing Ball, and slammed it into the distracted Mira's back. Mira responded by knocking back Purified Pearl, Future Gohan, and Trunks with ki all around him, before slamming his elbow into Purified Pearl's throat, making its eyes bulge out. Trunks hit Mira with Burning Attack to get his attention and Mira kicked Purified Pearl away. "What are you doing Trunks!?" the Supreme Kai of Time yelled, "Listen to me! You know that you can't do this!" "I'm sorry," Trunks answered, "But… I just can't abandon Gohan like this!" "Ugh!" the Supreme Kai of Time said as Mira hit Trunks with a kick to the face, "You can be so stubborn!" Purified Pearl flew at Mira wrapped up like a cannon ball and slammed into his back. Future Gohan quickly unleashed One-Handed Kamehameha once more on Mira before he could recover as Purified Pearl hit Mira with a Super Vanishing Ball at the same time. Mira was heavily injured, but still standing as Trunks quickly grabbed his leg and tossed him into the air before blasting him with Heat Dome.
Mira fell to Earth, but quickly stood up again, glaring at Pearl, Future Gohan, and Trunks. Pearl returned to her normal form as Mira said, "Why can't I beat you?! Even against three of you, I am far stronger! I must be!" "I won't let you kill Gohan!" Trunks yelled back at Mira. Mira turned his back and vanished. Pearl saw that he was gone and fell on her butt, exhausted. She asked, "Trunks-san, do you have any Capsules? I feel like I can barely breath." "Sure thing, Pearl," Trunks said as he tossed a Healing Capsule to her and she activated it, returning to full health. "Let me return to favor," Pearl said as she raised her hands and healed Future Gohan and Trunks's own injuries. Once everyone was healed, Gohan turned to Trunks. "Trunks… You came from the future, didn't you?" Trunks didn't respond. "So Bulma was able to finish her Time Machine," Gohan continued.
Gohan put his hand on Trunks's shoulder and smiled, "I'm really proud of you Trunks." "Thanks!" Trunks responded, then an explosion went off further in the city. "Right," Gohan said, "It's not the time for this. 17 and 18 are attacking the City." "You're right," Trunks said, then surprised everyone by shouting, "Gohan, I'll go with you to fight! This time… this time… I WON'T HOLD YOU BACK!" "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING!?" the Supreme Kai of Time screamed from the Time Nest, "You know you're not allowed to do that Trunks! If you help Gohan here… you'll change the course of History!" Trunks had a shocked look on his face, then bowed his head, "I…I know… But I…" "Trunks…" Gohan softly said. "Please, you have to stop Trunks!" the Supreme Kai of Time ordered Pearl. "Trunks-san…" Pearl said, reaching out to him.
"Trunks…" Gohan said, getting Trunks's attention, "Is there something you want to tell me?" "I…" Trunks couldn't finish as tears welled up in his eyes. Gohan however, smiled confidently, "If you're here, all grown up, then the future is safe, isn't it?" Pearl quietly nodded, knowing what the Son of Goku was thinking. "Then so, that means that this fight has a real purpose," Future Gohan said as he clenched his right fist to his face, "That's enough for me." "No! You can't! Gohan!" Trunks pleaded. "Trunks," Gohan calmly said turning to Pearl, "It looks like you've made a good friend. You can't abandon a good friend, can you?" Pearl shook her head, trying not to cry.
"Gohan…" Trunks said. "It's really good to see you Trunks," Gohan said and turned towards the explosions. "GOHAN!" Trunks yelled. Pearl got between Trunks and Gohan and said, "No Trunks! You have to let him go!" Future Gohan flew up into the sky, and with one last look at Trunks, flew off to face his destiny. "Trunks-san, you know that this is how it…has to be," Pearl said as she took out her Scroll, and in a flash of light, they returned to the Time Vault.
AGE: 852
"You did well today," Elder Kai congratulated Pearl. The Supreme Kai of Time rubbed the back of her head as she said, "That was a heavier bit of History for him than I realized… I was careless. But I didn't think he'd just take off like that. If he'd actually gone through with the whole thing… Well, it would be one more mess to clean up. And that'd be even more difficult." "I'm just glad he didn't try harder," Pearl said. "I'm glad you were there," the Supreme Kai of Time told Pearl, "Thank you." "Your welcome," Pearl said. "I think Trunks could really use a break after this one," Elder Kai said, "I'll keep an eye on the Scrolls for a little while." "I'm afraid that you'll have to do the work of two for a while," the Supreme Kai of Time told Pearl, "Sorry about that." "It's alright," Pearl answered, "I just have to train harder so I can handle whatever comes my way." "Good luck," the Supreme Kai of Time said as Pearl headed out of the Time Nest.
Pearl used Instant Transmission and immediately was inside her apartment. Her stomach felt like it had flipped over a dozen times and she fell to her knees, hands over her mouth. NO! Don't throw up! Don't throw up! I survived! I survived against Mira! Don't throw up! Pearl took a deep breath, and then another, and slowly let it out through her nose. She checked the time on her phone, thirty minutes until the Tenkaichi Budokai. Pearl looked around and saw a note from Barit, saying he was getting some drinks and snacks for the Tenkaichi Budokai. Pearl realized she was by herself. She checked the fridge and still they had some bottles of Hard Cherry Soda, and she quickly drank two of them. Pearl sighed and turned on the TV, changing it to the Sports Channel to see it had started covering the Tenkaichi Budokai.
One of the people talking was a tall skinny member of the Frieza Race with white armor and pink skin, no horns, named Polah. "Indeed, Maybell, the last Tenkaichi Budokai was one that shocked the fighting world," Polah said, then the video switched to show her Mama and Nionn fighting. Nionn was a one-armed Saiyan male with short cut hair and a beard, he and her Mama had been rivals practically their whole careers. "Throughout the fight, Buudikka showed the skill and power that let her win three Championships, but Nionn refused to be denied, reminding everyone why she always considered him to be her greatest rival. Then, after one of the fastest-paced fights in Tenkaichi Budokai history, both fighters were exhausted, barely able to stand," Pola said as the video showed Buudikka and Nionn struggling to continue, both covered in cuts and bruises.
The other person talking, an Earthling woman with pink hair and eyes wearing a matching gi then continued, "But, in a moment that would leave everyone talking, Nionn finally snapped!" It then showed Nionn going Super Saiyan, knocking Buudikka on her back from the force of the transformation. Nionn then blasted Buudikka out of the ring, and claimed the Belt. Nionn's wife and kids all ran up to congratulate him, and the Buudikka from the last Tenkaichi Budokai was helped back into the ring by Glutto and Pearl. "Buudikka lost, but maintained the good sportsmanship that won the hearts of millions," Maybell said, and it showed Buudikka giving Nionn the thumbs up and saying, "Good job, Nionn. You earned that Belt. Don't rest on your laurels though, because I'm going to train harder than ever to get it back." "I'm looking forward to it!" Nionn said, Saiyan and Majin bumped fists like old friends, and Buudikka was taken to the Medical Wing.
"And if the footage from yesterday was any indication, Buudikka kept her word, and we are in for one of the most exciting fights ever!" Maybell enthusiastically said. It then cut to Pearl and Buudikka's little demonstration on the beach. "Indeed," Polah said, "And if this video is any indication, Buudikka's oldest, Pearl, may just have a spot in the ring herself if she wants it." Barit came in then, followed closely by Jasper, wearing his green Dyno Woo-gi with blue scarf, boots, and gloves; Jade, in her blue Dyno Woo-gi with red scarf and green boots and gloves, Beate in the same armor Buudikka signed, Rachel in a blue and red gi, and someone she didn't expect, Bage, wearing a regular red shirt and jeans with grey sneakers. "Hey," Pearl said. "Has the Tournament started!?" Beate quickly asked. "We got ten more minutes," Pearl said. Barit set the snacks out and Jasper and Jade stood in front of the TV. Pearl took her place at Jasper's right while Jade was on his left.
"All right then, remember, we gotta do this before Mama starts," Pearl reminded her siblings. "What are you talking about?" Rachel and Barit asked. "OOH! CAN I JOIN!?" Beate excitedly said. "Only if you can keep up," Jade said as Beate got beside her. "What are you doing?" Rachel asked. "Shh! It's starting!" Jasper said as Buudikka entered the ring. "All right," Pearl said, "One! Two! Three!" The three siblings started acting like they were marching before going on their tip toes and spinning in place. "You gotta be shitting me!" Rachel yelled as Pearl, Jasper, and Jade sang, "Go Go Ma-ma! Go Go Ma-ma!" while dancing Vegeta's Bingo Dance! Beate was dancing right along with them, singing, "Go Go Buu-dik-ka! Go Go Buu-dik-ka!" Barit started recording on his phone the second Pearl said 'Three'. "Look," Bage pointed at the TV, to show Glutto, Amber, and Silver were all doing the same dance in the stands of the Arena.
The three Majins and Saiyan did the entire Bingo Dance, keeping in perfect synch with their family on the TV until the dance was over. "Mama's gonna win now!" Jasper happily said as he crashed down on the couch. "What. The. Fuck. Are you guys drunk!?" Rachel asked. "That was Buudikka's Good Luck Dance!" Beate explained, "Her family always does it at the start of the Tenkaichi Budokai." "Yep, except for last time," Jade said. "We overate, and couldn't do it," Jasper said. "And Mama lost," Pearl said. Rachel and Bage shared a look that said, 'these people are totally insane' but said nothing out loud.
All the fighters entered the ring, there was a tall grey male Majin with two tentacles like horns wearing a red gi, Buudikka, two Frost Demons, one a short pink one with tall horns and green Bio-Armor while the other was tall and muscular with horns like Frieza's and white skin with pink Bio-Armor, two Earthling females a head shorter than Buudikka, one was just as muscular as her with dark skin, brown hair, and grey eyes wearing a pink gi while the other was much more slim and pale with blonde hair and blue wearing a blue sports bra and shorts with hand and foot wraps, a short Saiyan male with blue eyes and short spiky hair in a black gi, and finally, Nionn, standing tall and muscular and wearing Vegito's Outfit along with the Championship Belt. Nionn took off the Belt and handed it to the announcer, a petite woman with green hair wearing a white suit and black sunglasses.
The warriors lined up to draw lots to determine who would fight who, and soon the numbers were drawn, and Buudikka was first. "AAAAALLLLLRRRRIIIIIGGGGHHHHTTTT FIGHT FANS!" the Announcer said, "For our first match, we have our Former Champion and veteran fighter, BUUDIKKAAAA!" The crowd cheered as Buudikka took her place and bowed to everyone happily. "And a newcomer who has been making a name for herself in the fight game over the last year, HOLLLYYYY DDDDAAAAYYYYYSSSS!" The paler and slimmer Earthling girl stepped up and respectfully bowed to the cheering crowd, and finally to Buudikka, who returned the bow. The two women took their stances as an energy shield activated around the ring to protect the audience. "BEGIN!"
Holly Days blasted a red ki ball at Buudikka, but she quickly deflected it and stretched out her leg for a kick. Holly blocked the kick with her elbow and jumped up as high as the energy shield allowed, raining ki balls at Buudikka, who easily deflected them. Holly then surprised Buudikka by yelling, "SOLAR FLARE!" Buudikka was blinded temporarily, but sensed Holly's attacks coming as she blocked her punches and kicks then punched her back. "Not bad," Buudikka said, "If we met ten years ago, you'd have probably won already." Holly responded by charging up a green ki blast in her hands. "Try this one! Midori no Forowa!" The green ki blast went straight at Buudikka, but she quickly dodged it, running straight for Holly. Holly however smirked and moved her hands. "It's following her!" Jade gasped as the green ki blast turned around and headed right for Buudikka. Buudikka however smirked as she continued running. Holly yelled as her Midori no Forowa blast started moving faster, and that was when Buudikka was almost on her.
Buudikka jumped over the younger fighter, and Holly had time to see her own attack as it hit her full on. Holly was sent flying back and Buudikka stopped her flight with an elbow to her back, knocking the air out of her. Holly fell to the ground and the Announcer yelled, "YOWZA! One! Two! Three!" the Announcer continued the count as Holly struggled to get back up, but her blast and the hard elbow to the back had hurt her badly. "Ten!" The crowd cheered as the Announcer declared, "The winner by Technical Knockout! BUUDIKKA!" Buudikka healed Holly and helped her up, saying, "You're a smart girl with a lot of talent. After the Tournament come see me, you can get better at my dojo." Holly was blushing as she said, "THANKYOUSOMUCH! BUUDIKKA-SENSEI!" Holly and Buudikka left the arena. The rest of the fights went by just as fast, the taller Frost Demon, Sluush, was beaten by the male Majin, Howdy, by ring out, while the shorter Frost Demon, Celsi, took down the short Saiyan, Spara, with an armlock that made Spara submit, and the tall Earthling female, Sharon, lasted five minutes against Nionn, but couldn't land a hit on him before the more experienced warrior tricked her into trying a jumping attack and kicked her out of the ring. "Man, this is just brutal," Rachel commented as the semi-final matches started, Buudikka vs. Howdy.
The two Majins took their stances, and the Announcer yelled, "BEGIN!" Howdy immediately stretched out his arms and tried to grab Buudikka, but Buudikka jumped up to avoid the grab and blasted Howdy with a Vanishing Ball. Howdy took the hit, but quickly avoided another Vanishing Ball, then blasted a black ki wave from his mouth. Buudikka blocked the attack and kept on flying at Howdy, the male Majin's eyes growing wide as she slammed an elbow into his face. But Howdy's arms wrapped around Buudikka and he held her close to him before blasting another ki wave point blank into Buudikka's face. "MAMA!" Jasper, Jade, and Pearl all yelled. Buudikka's face was bruised, but she wasn't too badly hurt as she stretched back her neck and then slammed her forehead right into Howdy's face. Howdy let her go immediately, and Buudikka charged up a Majin Kamehameha, blasting him out of the ring before he could recover. "Man, I always knew that Buudikka was strong, but this is almost sad how easily she's winning," Beate said as she made some whiskey on the rocks. On screen Buudikka helped Howdy get up and told him, "If you're still serious about martial arts, you're welcome to my dojo anytime." "Thank you, Buudikka-san," Howdy answered.
Bage was silent, but asked, "What about that Saiyan, Nionn? How did he lose his arm?" "Training accident," Jade explained, "He was sparring with a partner and practicing ki blasts. His partner got too involved, and blasted his arm to nothing." She saw Bage grip his stump and said, "Do you want anything…" "Bage," Bage introduced himself, "If they got a beer or beef jerky, that'd be great." "Over the fridge," Barit told Jade as she got some beef jerky and gave it to Bage. "Thanks," Bage said as he watched the next match, paying special attention to Nionn's moves. Celsi was proving quite nimble, with Nionn struggling to keep up with him. Celsi then kicked Nionn in his solar plexus and then his chin, sending him flying out of the ring. Nionn barely managed to stop his flight and then went Super Saiyan! "I didn't think I'd have to use this now, but kid, you're good," Nionn said as golden energy gathered in his one arm. Celsi flew at Nionn like a missile, but Nionn yelled, "FINAL FLASH!" The attack slammed into Celsi, sending him crashing back into the ring, knocked out. "WINNER BY KNOCKOUT! NNNIIIOOONNNNNN!" the Announcer declared as he flew back to the ring without deactivating Super Saiyan.
It was time for the Final Match. The crowd all chanted the name of the fighter they wanted to see win.
"NNNNIIII-OOOONNNNNNNN! NNNNIIII-OOOONNNNNNNN! NNNNIIII-OOOONNNNNNNN!"
"BUU-DIK-KA! BUU-DIK-KA! BUU-DIK-KA!"
Nionn remained in his Super Saiyan form as he assumed his fighting stance. Buudikka took her own stance with a large grin on her face. Barit got everyone a drink of their choice, except for Jade, who had to settle for a soda, as the Announcer declared. "IIIIIIIIITTTTTTT'S TTTTIIIIMMMMEEEEE! After three intense years of training, once more we will see the continuation of one of the greatest rivalries in martial arts history! Will Nionn keep the Belt, or will Buudikka reclaim her Title!? FIGHTERS READY!" Buudikka and Nionn's ki aura flared out, pink and gold clashing against each other as their bodies glowed with power, they had been saving all their best for this fight. "BEGIN!"
To the untrained eye the Saiyan and Majin disappeared, but to everyone in the apartment, Nionn went for a knee to Buudikka's face, only for Buudikka to dodge it and blast him in his back with a ki ball. Nionn turned around and answered with a one handed ki wave, knocking Buudikka back. Buudikka however wasn't finished as they rivals clashed in the middle of the ring, dodging, blocking, and throwing punches and kicks as fast as their bodies allowed. After a whole minute of near supersonic blows, Nionn landed a punch to Buudikka's chin, only for her to go with the hit and land a solid kick to his chin and flip over. Buudikka tossed a Vanishing Ball at Nionn, only for him to deflect it and summon a Spirit Ball and toss it at Buudikka. The Spirit Ball slammed into Buudikka, bouncing around and hitting her from every angle before she finally unleashed an Angry Scream to dispel it, then sucked in air as she tried to blow Nionn off the ring. Nionn stood his ground, but Buudikka saw an opening and stretched out her arm before delivering one of the most wicked haymaker punches ever thrown into Nionn's stomach, then hit him with a Vanishing Ball.
Nionn spat out blood, but smiled, as did Buudikka. "Heh heh, I wasn't sure if I needed this, Buudikka," Nionn said as his aura started to flare out, "But I am so glad you proved me wrong!" Nionn let loose with a roar that shook the stadium, as his ki aura flared out like never before and his hair spiked out even more. Lighting coursed all around him as Buudikka said, "You managed to reach Super Saiyan 2!?" "Oh yeah," Nionn said as he slammed his elbow into Buudikka's face before kicking her in the back, sending her flying into the sky. Nionn was above Buudikka quickly, but she managed to block his axe kick, only to slam into the ring hard enough to leave a crater. Nionn flew down next to the crater, and Buudikka climbed her way out. The Majin woman spat out purple blood and wiped her face before saying, "You're not the only one with a transformation. I just hope that I get it right!" Buudikka's aura blazed around her like fire as steam shot out of the holes in her arms, "FUTTEN!" Buudikka's red skin glowed bright yellow as she said, "I don't know how long I can keep this up. But I'm making the most of it!"
Saiyan and Majin clashed again, even faster than before. "I can't even see what's happening, they're moving too fast!" Rachel said. "Yeah, all I can see is the air moving around them," Beate agreed. "I can tell they're fighting, but I'm only seeing every third hit," Bage said as they watched. Pearl, Jasper, Barit, and Jade were all silent as they watched, they could just barely keep up with the more experienced warriors fighting. Nionn and Buudikka's blows were sending shockwaves through the air as steam shot out of Buudikka with every blow. The two of them were nearly dead even, Buudikka and Nionn landing punches and kicks left and right, defense all but forgotten as they focused on trying to pound the daylights out of each other before their stamina ran out. Buudikka watched as Nionn kicked Buudikka's stomach then head butted her, only for Buudikka to reach up and grab his face to slam it into her knee, flattening his nose. Nionn replied by blasting a ki wave point blank into her chest, forcing Buudikka to let go and sending her to the edge of the ring.
Nionn and Buudikka were both gasping hard as they kept up their transformations. "This is bad, I don't know if Mama can keep it up for much longer," Pearl said, "If this fight doesn't end in the next minute, the Futten transformation could seriously hurt her." Buudikka recovered first however, pink ki flaring around her as she flew straight at Nionn, yelling, "Pearl Flash!" Buudikka slammed fist first into Nionn's face, knocking him back. Before he could recover, Buudikka charged up one last Majin Kamehameha and blasted it into him, sending him out of the ring and into the ground below. Buudikka collapsed on the ground as Futten dissipated, steam shooting out of her arms. Buudikka managed to stand up, looking exhausted, battered and bruised, Pearl swore her Mama even looked like she had lost twenty pounds as she stood up. The Announcer came out with the Championship Belt to the roar of the crowd.
Glutto, Amber, and Silver all got into the ring, she leaned on Glutto as she took the belt and lifted it up high with Amber's help. "Buudikka, this marks your Fourth Tenkaichi Budokai victory, is there anything you'd like to say to the crowd?" the Announcer asked. "C-Can I get some…water first?" Buudikka asked. "I got it Mama!" Silver said as he used Majin Materialization to turn a loose tile of the ring into a gallon of water. "Thank you, baby," Buudikka said as she guzzled the water down. Buudikka sighed before answering. She weakly wrapped Amber, Glutto, and Silver into a hug as she said, "I couldn't have done it without the help and support of my family, and all my students at the Dojo. AND ALL MY FANS CHEERING ME ON!" The stadium erupted into cheers. "But, I really want to thank my oldest daughter Pearl, for showing me Futten, and letting me know that I can always push myself further," Buudikka said. The Announcer nodded, "This last fight was one of the most intense ones yet, do you see yourself ever retiring?" Buudikka smiled and replied, "As long as I see great talent like Holly Days, Howdy, Celsi, Sluush, and Spara, and as long as Nionn is up for another rematch, I'm never gonna retire!" The crowd cheered as Glutto lifted Buudikka onto his shoulders, and Buudikka used Majin Materialization to make a gallon of water and tossed it to Nionn.
The Saiyan took the water and guzzled half of it down, "You won this time, Buudikka. But I'm gonna keep on going until I die!" "Until next time Nionn!" Buudikka waved to her rival as Glutto carried her off the stage. "Man, that was intense," Bage commented, "Congrats…Pearl." "Told you the Good Luck Dance would work!" Jade told Rachel. Pearl had a big blushing smile on her face as Jasper said, "Looks like this place really did help you out, String Bean. I guess that means I better go, start training so I stay ahead." "Wait, Jasper, come on, at least stay for lunch," Pearl said. "Nah, I'm fine. Jade, you coming?" Jasper replied. "I think I'll stay for lunch," Jade replied. "See you guys later," Jasper said and left. Barit made everyone lunch, while they ate Jade asked, "So, Bage, why are you here?" Bage drank a little Hard Lemonade before answering, "Beate-san said that I might learn something, to help me…" Bage grabbed his right shoulder. "What happened?" Jade asked.
"I don't wanna talk about it," Bage said. Jade took the hint. After he finished eating Bage said, "Thanks for lunch. Do you think I can train with you…tomorrow?" "Are you…up for training?" Pearl asked him. "I gotta do something, if I don't, I might go crazy," Bage told her. "Alright then, Bage-san. We'll start at…Eight, at the Bamboo District," Pearl said. She had her doubts, but Bage was a Saiyan; maybe training would be the best therapy for him. "Thank you," Bage said, and left with Rachel and Beate. "Say, sis, I think I need some outfits, but I don't have a lot of money, you got any you can spare?" Jade asked. "In my room," Pearl said. She led her there, and Jade saw all the damage. "Holy shit! Nuclear Nookie!" she said, to Pearl's embarrassment. Jade continued, "Man, Kenshiro must be a monster in the sack if he can make you do all this." "W-What makes you think that?" Pearl tried to say. "Oh, please Sis," Jade said, then pointed to her face, "It's all over your face. Last night when we got back from the beach, you two screwed each other good. You're so greedy, keeping a powerhouse like that all to yourself." "Let's just get you those clothes. I got a few spare Buu-gi's you can take, and another outfit you can borrow," Pearl said, tossing Jade the Buu-gi's and Launch's Outfit.
"Keep my copy of Launch's Outfit until you got one of your own," Pearl said as Jade used Majin Materialization to make Pearl's Buu-gi's blue and black respectively. She checked the Launch's Outfit and said, "Man, I think I'll have no problem getting guys with this." "Look, Jade, don't go rushing into stuff, okay?" Pearl said, "At least get to know a guy before jumping into bed with him." "Got it, I'll wait two weeks. If I like the guy, then I'll do it," Jade said. Pearl just sighed, "If that's what you want. We'll start training tomorrow at eight. Tell Jasper if he wants to join in." "Thanks for the clothes, Sis," Jade said as she left. Pearl collapsed on what was left of her bed and muttered, "What a day."
Elsewhere in Conton City, there was another going through tough times. Two hours after lunch with Pearl and Barit, Bage was sitting with a Therapy Group. Everyone there had suffered through terrible things, abusive relationships, broken homes, rape, and even one family that had gone through the loss of their whole world. Himura Kenshin, a slight man with short red hair and a faded cross shaped scar on his left cheek, had just finished talking about moving his family, wife Kaoru and son Kenji, as well as their friend Takani Megumi, into Conton City with the help of the Supreme Kai of Time. Their world had been destroyed around the time it was experiencing an Industrial Revolution, and their nation of Japan was rapidly changing by the time it had been ravaged, by a man with blue skin and red eyes and hair. That sounded all too familiar to Bage, and as Himura Kenshin sat down he realized that that was the man who had attacked him, ripped off his arm, and his friends had their way with him.
This first meeting was all about getting to know each other, and to talk. Bage had been the first to speak, and it had helped, a little. After Himura Kenshin sat down next to his family and Megumi a pregnant woman who was sitting next to Bage stood up. She was about 5'5" and had an amazing bust still, with long purple hair and blue eyes. She looked very tired. "H-Hello. My name is June, June Calor. I…came from another version of Conton City, well, back when it was called TokiToki city. I used to run with a pretty bad crowd. I didn't realize how bad until…my boyfriend…he raped me. I thought he loved me, but I was wrong. I saw what we were doing, and I wanted to go to the Supreme Kai of Time…but…" Bage stood up and put his hand on her shoulder, "It's alright. You don't have to say more than you want." "Thank you…Bage-san was it?" June said. "Just take it easy, June-san," Bage told her.
Suddenly, a bubble of energy appeared in front of them. "What is that!?" Kaoru yelled. The bubble popped, and a holographic screen appeared. The screen said, "You have received a message from: Taoretta. Would you like to hear it?" "Who is Taoretta?" Bage asked. June swallowed, "My boyfriend." She put her hands over her swollen belly as she said this. "You don't have to say anything," Megumi said, "Can't you just…reject it?" "I'm with her," Bage told June. "I…want to know what Tao has to say," June answered and touched the screen. Bage saw a dark skinned and muscular Saiyan with red hair, and he recognized him as being there the night he was attacked. "That bastard…" he mumbled. The Taoretta in the screen however looked like he was on the verge of tears. He said:
"June…it's been forever. I can't believe you're alive…Shadlyn told me that you were dead. If I knew, you were out there, I would have left the crew to find you. I…don't know what's going on anymore. Your profile on the Order's databanks says you're pregnant, the kid's mine, and it's the product of rape." Bage glared at the screen, wanting to reach through it and strangle Taoretta, he had been there, while the Frost Demon, and the Majin… Bage didn't care if he was regretful now. It was too late. The Taoretta in the screen continued, "I can't believe I hurt you… I don't even remember what happened that night. All I remember is drinking with Jigoku and Shadlyn, a mixture of vodka, nigrum ex, violencia, and choeeum jeji they made for me. I woke up the next morning with our place in ruins and you gone. Did I try to kill you after that…"
June was crying now, and Bage let her hold his hand as he watched the crying Taoretta continue, "I'd apologize, but you probably think I'm beyond it. After you left, I…I've walked off the deep end. At this point, the Zangyaku Ten is no more. Rebecca and Jeremy are a part of the Council of the Order of Reality. My younger twin brothers, I don't even know where they are. Shade and Minabi are dead."
Taoretta stopped to catch his breath before continuing, "I only ask that you don't hate this child for carrying my von Satsu blood. I don't want him to be like me… I walk the path that's beyond saving. I hope you find someone better than me…and maybe you can forget the pain. Yours…Taoretta. There's a capsule in the package with it…child support." The message ended and the screen vanished, as a Capsule fell to the ground. Bage picked it up for June and gave it to her. June held the Capsule in her left hand as she punched the wall with her right, hard enough to make it crack. "That Majin bitch!" she screamed, "She gave Taoretta that cocktail and she knew what would happen. All this time…I've lamed Taoretta…and myself." June fell to her knees as Bage tried to hold her. "Fucking Shadlyn!" June cried.
Author's Note: Now, for the End Theme. After this chapter I won't write out the whole beginning and end themes. I'll just put the titles.
(Whispers in the Dark by Skillet)
Despite the lies that you're making,
Your love is mine for the taking.
My love is,
Just waiting,
To turn your tears to roses.
Despite the lies that you're making,
Your love is mine for the taking.
My love is,
Just waiting,
To turn your tears to roses.
I will be the one that's gonna hold you,
I will be the one that you run to.
My love is,
A burning, consuming fire!
No!
You'll never be alone,
When Darkness comes I'll light the night with stars!
Hear the Whispers in the Dark!
No!
You'll never be alone!
When Darkness comes, you know I'm never far,
Hear the Whispers in the Dark!
You feel so lonely and ragged,
You lay there broken and naked.
My love is,
Just waiting,
To clothe you in crimson roses.
I will be the one that's gonna find you,
I will be the one that's gonna guide you.
My love is,
A burning, consuming fire!
No!
You'll never be alone!
When Darkness comes, I'll light the night with stars!
Hear the Whispers in the Dark!
No!
You'll never be alone!
When Darkness comes, you know I'm never far!
Hear the Whispers in the Dark!
No!
You'll never be alone!
When Darkness comes, I'll light the night with stars!
Hear the Whispers in the Dark!
No!
You'll never be alone!
When Darkness comes, you know I'm never far!
Hear the Whispers in the Dark!
Whispers in the Dark!
Whispers in the DAAAAAARRRRRKKKK!