Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z
Gohan: Protector of Earth
Chapter 12:
"It is a pleasure to meet you Gohan. My name is Shin and my friend here is Kibito."
Kibito nodded politely to the group but refrained from speaking. Kibito was a giant of a man compared to Shin and easily taller than all of the z-fighters. His red skin and white slicked back hair was unusual to say the least. His outfit did not fit his stature characterized by the pant legs that ended just above his knees. Although he was a finalist in the World Martial Arts tournament, his outfit did not reflect this. He wore a blue shirt and pants with a red body vest over it and an orange fabric tied around his waist. It seemed almost too fancy of a garment to be worn for a fight. Shin was dressed similarly although the color of his outfit was light blue underneath and dark blue on top. As far as physical appearances, he was short in stature, similar to Krillen. Unlike Krillen though, he did not possess a muscular physique and seemed completely out of place at the tournament. The two of them seemed more in place in a temple of worship than they did in a martial arts tournament. The appearance of these two men reminded Gohan of an event that happened much earlier in his life though; the arrival of Vegeta and Nappa to the planet Earth. Like Kibito, Nappa was much larger and appeared stronger than his companion but turned out to be significantly weaker than Vegeta. Gohan could tell that Kibito took orders from Shin and by that logic he could only deduce that Shin must be the superior fighter. There were other signs that gave Gohan this impression but at the moment all of this was just speculation.
After a few more seconds of sizing up Shin and Kibito, Gohan decided to respond casually, despite still being incredibly nervous.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well," Gohan was finally able to mutter.
"Well, we must go now. But we wish you all the best of luck in the tournament to come."
After a curt nod, Kibito and Shin left the z-fighters and returned to the corner of the room. Once there, they just stood in serene silence.
"Well those two guys sure gave me the creeps," said Krillen.
"There power levels were insignificant, even by your standards baldy," said Vegeta.
"I have to agree with Krillen on this one," exclaimed Piccolo. "Although their power levels are not that high, there is something strange about them. By the looks of them they are obviously not human, which begs the question as to why they would enter this tournament. We would be wise to pay attention to those two."
"Definitely," responded Gohan.
"I think he looks cool," chimed in Goten. "I have never seen anyone with red skin before."
"Nobody has red skin Goten," said Trunks. "He must have some disease or something. I bet he eats too many tomatoes and now he is diseased. It can happen you know."
"So then does Mr. Piccolo eat too much broccoli? Is that why Mr. Piccolo has that weird looking green skin?"
"This is my normal skin color!" yelled a frustrated Piccolo. "And his skin color is definitely red and it is not that way from eating tomatoes."
"Red, pink, purple, who really cares. With a power level that low I do not care what color he is, he is not important," said Vegeta.
"I do not think that they are the only ones who should be watched," said 18. "Look at those two over there."
18 was referring to the two fighters standing in the opposite corner of the room. Both fighters were around six feet tall and had a similar muscular build. They both wore identical green fighting gi's and had short black hair that stood upright. If it were not for slight distinctions in their facial features, the two could have passed for identical twin brothers.
"Their power levels are high for humans I guess but they do not seem too unusual," said Krillen.
"I agree with 18, there is something strange about those two as well. I have the feeling they are concealing their power levels," said Piccolo.
"You all sound like scared little children. What is the matter with you?" yelled Vegeta. "Everyone in this competition is nothing, not even worth my effort to fight. The competition is comprised of weakling humans and a couple of ugly aliens. You are all trying to make it more interesting than it actually is."
Kibito and Shin could overhear the z-fighters conversation, thanks to their sensitive hearing.
"Ugly, I have never been so disrespected," said Kibito. "Who does that saiyan think he is?"
"Calm down Kibito. He was the prince of the entire saiyan race and we currently need his help. So for now I suggest being nice to them."
"You are right, I am sorry master. I should have held my temper better."
"It is quite all right Kibito."
"When do you plan on employing their help master?"
"Not quite yet. I want to see how the tournament unravels first before taking any action. For now Kibito, we shall just wait and see how things unfold."
Meanwhile, Vegeta's rant spurred bickering among the group that was only calmed with the entrance of the tournament announcer. Upon walking into the room, the announcer made his way over to Krillen and Piccolo, recognizing them from the tournaments of many years ago.
"Krillen, Piccolo, how is it going? I have not seen you guys in years."
"Hey, it is good to see you too. You are still announcing for these tournaments," said Krillen.
"Yea, I love this job too much to ever quit. And plus the pay is amazing. You should see the size of my new summer home. Well I have got to set up the draws but it was good seeing you guys and good luck today in the tournament. Oh by the way, how come Goku is not entering with you guys?"
The mood of the group changed when Goku's name was brought up.
"He died a while ago," said Piccolo.
"Oh wow, that is horrible. I am so sorry. You know, the tournament has never been quite the same since Goku won." The announcer then noticed Goten standing behind Krillen in the corner. "Wow, is that Goku's son."
"Yes, this is Goten," said Gohan.
"The resemblance is amazing. I feel like I am announcing the tournament from all those years ago. Well at least Goku's spirit will always live on in this tournament."
The announcer then walked to the center of the room and tried to get the attention of all the finalists.
"Okay if I can have everyone's attention. Congratulations to all of you for making it to the finals. You have made it to the final 16 out of a field of 156 competitors. Now it is time to determine the draw for the tournament. I have in front of me here a container full of ping pong balls labeled one thru sixteen. When I call your name please come up here and take a ball out of the container. When you have drawn your ball, tell me your number and I will place your name on the brackets behind me. It is simple enough really. Now are there any questions?"
Goten raised his hand immediately.
"Goten, do you have a question?"
"Once we draw the ball can we keep it," asked Goten.
"Uh sure if you want you can keep the ball."
"Cool. Is there a ping pong table around here? I have always wanted to play."
"Goten," whispered Gohan. "This is not the time, be serious."
"Sorry Gohan."
"Okay, as I was saying," continued the announcer, "if there are no more questions then I will start calling names. Could Vegeta please come up and draw a number."
"And now the plan begins," said Shin to Kibito.
"Yes Master."
Vegeta walked casually to the table and pulled a ping pong ball out of the container, showing it to the announcer.
"And Vegeta has drawn the number six placing him in the fifth match."
The announcer then proceeded to call up each fighter individually, collecting the numbers they drew and placing their names on the bracket behind him.
"Okay, now that everyone has finished drawing from the container, the bracket is completely filled. The matches will go as follows. In match number one we will have defending champion Mr. Satan square off against Killa. Match number two will feature Majunior versus Shin. In match three we will have 18 versus Pintar. Match four will feature Goten and Trunks. In match number five, Vegeta will face off against Krillen. Following that in match six we will have Jewel versus Liev. Match seven will feature Videl and Tasids. And our last match in the first round will feature Gohan and Kibito."
"Oh god, how did I get stuck with Vegeta in the first round. There's no way I can beat him," thought Krillen. "I better buy a cook book on my way home from the tournament; that is if I am still alive after the tournament."
"Now that the draw is completed it is time to go over the rules. The rules have not changed since last time but I need to go over them to make sure everyone is on the same page and understands fully what is and is not allowed. The tournament consists of a field of sixteen fighters competing in a single elimination format. To become World Champion you only need to win four matches. Now I will discuss how you lose a match. You lose if any of the following five things happen: if you touch the outside of the ring, if you hit your opponent below the belt, if you surrender, if you, god forbid, kill your opponent, or if you are knocked unconscious and do not regain consciousness before I reach a ten count. There will also be judges observing the match and in extenuating circumstances they will alter the rules and provide observational judgments to the above rules. And of course, you are not allowed to use any foreign objects to aid you in combat. Now are they any questions?"
"Do not even think about it," whispered Gohan to Goten.
"I wasn't going to ask anything, honest."
"Okay, the first match will begin in forty five minutes," said the announcer. "You may do what you wish until then but make sure to be back here by then. If you are not here and it is your turn to fight, then you will have forfeited the match."
"So Piccolo, why are you going by the nickname Majunior?" asked Gohan.
"People still remember King Piccolo as the demon king who tried to conquer the world. I do not want there to be a mass panic with people thinking King Piccolo is back trying to take over the world again."
"Good point."
"Hey Gohan, how come you are not fighting as the Gold Fighter? Aren't you afraid of people finding out about your abilities," inquired Trunks.
"Well Videl already knows about my abilities so I do not have to hide it from her. And as long as I don't go super saiyan I doubt anyone will put the pieces together. That does bring up a good point though. I was thinking that none of us should go super saiyan during our matches. People might recognize us then as the people from the Cell Games."
"I don't mind," replied Vegeta. "I don't need to turn into a super saiyan to beat baldy over here."
"Hey that's not fair," said Krillen. "I have a full head of hair now."
"Hey everyone, I think you should come outside and see this," said Videl who was standing in the doorway.
"What is it?" asked Gohan.
"They are about to play a documentary chronicling the events of the Cell Games. I imagine you would want to see this."
"This can't be good," said Gohan.
The group made their way outside and walked to the top of the stands. They stood near the railway and placed their attention on the giant video screen above the arena. The announcer was standing in the middle of the ring, ready to address the bustling crowd.
"Now if I can have everyone's attention," said the announcer. "In a few moments we will be playing a reenactment of the Cell Games in honor of its seven year anniversary. The Cell Games was a historic event that saw the emergence of a hero and the demise of a villain. It is truly the most important event in all of history, and I defy anyone to argue otherwise. So if everyone would please focus their attention to the screen, the movie will start in a few moments."
"I think I am going to be sick," said Krillen.
"Oh come on, how bad could it be?" said Gohan.
In the middle of nowhere, an evil tyrant named Cell held a tournament to determine the fate of the planet Earth and all of its inhabitants. He challenged Earth's strongest fighters to battle him one on one with the promise that if he was not defeated, he would destroy the planet. Some people answered the call, unaware of what they were getting themselves into. There was a tall green dude wearing a turban, who did not do anything but stand around and watch. Most likely he had a deep love for broccoli that caused his skin discoloration and in turn made him crazy. Why else would he go to the Cell Games when he had no chance to defeat the horrid monster Cell?
"This is not good, not good at all," thought Gohan. "I hope Piccolo can keep his cool through this movie."
Gohan glanced over at Piccolo and saw him clenching his fists with his face a bright shade of red, signifying his displeasure with the film.
Also unprepared for battle was the group of magicians who came to fight. They had the ability to change their hair color to blonde and they used flashy techniques and tricks. None of these worked on the monster Cell though, most likely just infuriating the monster even more. All seemed doomed until the true champion of the World, Hercule Satan, came to challenge the monster.
"I see beyond your games and tricks Cell," said the onscreen Mr. Satan. "I will defeat you and save this planet from destruction."
"Oh yea well take this," said the fake Cell before throwing a poorly illustrated energy attack. "Oh no, how did you avoid my attack?"
"Like I said, your tricks do not work on me. Now see if you can defend yourself against my ultimate dynamite kick. Hyaa!"
And with one kick, the monster Cell was defeated and the world was safe once again.
"Thank you Mr. Satan for saving our butts. We owe you are lives," said the onscreen Vegeta.
"Think nothing of it fraudulent tricksters. It is my duty as the hero of Earth, as the champion of the weak, as theā¦"
Before the on screen Mr. Satan could finish his lines, the entire video screen exploded, sending shards of glass everywhere and creating a minor panic on the stage. The announcer tried to calm everyone down by attributing the explosion to faulty wiring, even though he knew otherwise.
"What was that about?" asked Chichi from the stands.
"I am going to guess that Vegeta saw the film and was not too happy," responded Bulma.
"Well for once I can't blame him. If I were in his shoes I probably would have done the same thing," said Yamcha.
"Vegeta, you have to control yourself," said Gohan.
"I did control myself! If I was really angry then I would have blasted this entire arena."
"For once I have to side with Vegeta, another minute and I might have done the same thing," said Krillen.
"God that movie was horrible," said Videl. "I can't believe my dad would stoop to something that low and produce a movie like that. Anything to make a few zeni I guess."
"It is okay Videl," said Gohan. "Your father's entire life is based on this lie. That is his punishment."
"No, he will get his punishment when he is defeated in this tournament. Then everyone will see him as the fake that he is," said Videl.
"I think it is time for us to return to the waiting area. The first match should begin shortly," said Piccolo.
As the group made their way back to the waiting area, Mr. Satan was sitting comfortably in his private waiting room, eating grapes and lying back on his couch in comfort. His relaxation was interrupted as one of the tournament officials entered the room.
"Mr. Satan, the draw has just been completed. Would you like to hear who you are fighting?"
"Yea why not, what chump was unfortunate enough to get paired up with me in the first round?"
"Your first round opponent is Killa. I believe you have fought against him before."
"Yes, he is a decent fighter. He should give the fans a good show. What match am I fighting in?"
"You will be competing in the first match of the day."
"Well I guess I better get out to the arena; although, I do not want to get to the ring too quickly. I want to make a good entrance after all."
"Would you like to hear who else is competing in the tournament sir?"
"That is not necessary. I am sure there are a lot of good fighters competing this year but it will not make a difference. The champion of this tournament will be Mr. Satan for I am the greatest martial artist in the history of the universe!"
The official looked on awkwardly as Mr. Satan assumed an odd pose after he finished his last statement.
"What about your daughter Videl, would you care to hear who she is facing and in which match of the day?"
"Again that will not be necessary. I taught my daughter everything she knows and her opponent is going to get a whooping almost as bad as if he were in the ring with me. Now I better get going to the ring so my fans do not get too anxious. Oh and make sure there is a new bowl of grapes when I come back from my victory. And you better check out the television too, my favorite station is not coming through."
"Yes sir, I will get right on that."
Killa was already standing in the ring when Mr. Satan arrived in the waiting area. As was customary with the champion, he would not stand in the ring until the announcer introduced him to the crowd. He stood in the entrance to the arena, waiting to please his fans and make quick work of the overmatched Killa.
"Okay everybody, welcome to the first match of the first round of the World Martial Arts Tournament!" said the announcer. "Our first competitor is no stranger to the World Martial Arts tournament, having made it to the finals last time. Please give it up for Killa!"
The crowd gave a lukewarm welcome to Killa. Killa stood about six feet tall and was very slender with dark skin. He looked more like a boxer than a martial artist with his green boxing trunks and high top shoes.
"And his opponent needs no introduction at all. He is the defending champion of the world and hero to all mankind. Please give a round of applause for you savior, Mr. Satan!"
Mr. Satan slowly walked out of the waiting area and into the ring. The crowd went wild as he finally made it to his corner. To incite the crowd even more, Mr. Satan made various hand gestures and fist pumps aimed at his fans. Everyone was standing on their feet and cheering wildly for Mr Satan, except for Chichi and the others who were hoping for a quick and humiliating defeat. They just sat in disgust as the crowd continued to cheer nonstop preventing the start of the match.
"I would give anything to see that phony lose his match," said Bulma.
"Not me, I want him to win this match," said Chichi. "I want Gohan to be the one to end his reign of stupidity. If anyone deserves to it is Gohan. After all, Mr. Satan is the coward that took the credit away from my son and husband."
"Don't worry Chichi, I am sure Mr. Satan will get what is coming to him," said Yamcha.
"Now that both opponents are in the ring we are ready to begin the tournament. On my mark, you may begin the fight. Go!"
And with those words from the announcer, the first match in the World Martial Arts Tournament began.
/
The tournament is about to begin. I encourage everyone to along with their reviews make a prediction as to who will win and who will come in second. If anyone can guess correctly, I will post the last two chapter of this arc together. (The next two chapters are not the last two chapters). On another note, Goku will be a part of my story but not anytime soon. I always thought it was cheesy how he came back on some one day pass to participate in the tournament. But that's just me.
