Dragon Ball Alpha

by Jokermask18

What were things like before the time of Goku and his friends? Witness the origin of the Dragon Ball universe and all the events that occured before the adventure began. From the birth of Majin Buu to the first Super Saiyan and Roshi's youth. It's all here.

7. Son of Katas Saga

Son of Katas Saga

Soon after the Saiyans joined Frieza, Seach turned his attention away from them. The Kaio feared the tyrant as much as anyone and wished to avoid him as long as possible, turning his attention to other planets in his territory like Earth. The planet was evolving slowly but humans had shown that despite not being very powerful, they could control chi in ways no one else could, showing the ability to surpress it to almost nothing, focus it all in one place to increase their power temporarily, and other skills even Shin-jin hadn't mastered. This and the fact that it was rumored to house the prison of the legendary monster Majin Buu convinced him the planet was special.

He decided to appoint a guardian for Earth to oversee and protect it,known as a Kami. This Kami would be in essence a Kaio on a smaller scale, training warriors to defend the planet and stepping in if the threat was dire enough. After some debate,it was decided that the Kami would be native to the planet as well, given a portion of Seach's divine power to perform their duties. A Djinn known s as Mister Popo volunteered to aid in the Kami's mission and serve them as long as he was needed.

The chosen Kami was Primus, a member of an ancient tribe of humans who had obtained enlightenment and gained the mystical third eye. He used his new power to construct a lair at the end of the world called the Lookout, from which he could view all. The Lookout housed wonders such as the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, a portable dimension where time was distorted and a year could pass in a day's time as well the Pendulum Room, which could astral project one's soul to any point in the past,present,or future. Both were to be used to train Earth's warriors in ways no ordinary man could dream of.

Primus served faithfully as Kami for the next few centuries. He prevented the extinction of the dinosaurs {a unique event that didn't occur in any other universe} and kept evil from destroying the world on several occasions. He was also responsible for training Olibu, one of humanity's earliest heroes, and the Amazon warrior called Annin,the first Earth woman to learn martial arts. For spending their aiding Primus in defending the planet, both were allowed to retain their bodies after death, Olibu becoming Seach's and eventually Faux's student while Annin guarded the border between life and the after-life.

When Primus began to age and his mystically extended life was ready to end, he chose an apprentice to become the next Kami and assume his duties. Each new Kami that came afterwards proudly continued continued after the next, protecting Earth from various evils with his or her life. One Kami also created the Ultra Divine Water,which could grant incredible strength to those who were worthy enough to drink it. The water was entrusted to Master Korrin, a member of the otherworldly Neko-jin race who came to Earth at Kami's request and established a great tower at the Lookout's base. He brought with him the magical healing senzu beans and the flying nimbus cloud which only carried the pure of heart.

Seach was pleased with the success of his idea and chose to select a Kami for other worlds within his territory. The other Kaio {even Kyheb} eventually followed suit and soon, at least ten worlds in all four galaxies had their own Kami. One day however, a very unique Kami rose to power on Earth that would eventually set the world on the path to an adventurous new era.

It all began one day on Namek as Katas of the Dragon Clan was summoned to an audience with Grand Elder Shellox. Katas was a rather lanky, middle aged namekian whose only real skills came from being a healer, and a rather average one at that. Knowing this and the fact that the gruff Shellox only summoned someone before him to express his dissapontment made him weary as he stood before his master's chamber.

Katas was ushered in by Guru, Shellox's apprentice and next in line to become Grand Elder. He was deemed a prodigy from birth with incredible magic at his command and the Dragon Balls he was creating were said to be the strongest set to have existed in years. Despite all this, he seemed to regard the visitor before him with awe and humility. "Healer Katas has arrived as you asked Grand Elder."

Shellox gave a rare smile as he as he stood up from his throne to greet his guest. Despite his age, he was not as large or as frail as his predecessors and was powerfully built like a warrior. It was rumored that he was as strong as he looked and and had never needed a bodyguard around. This was also the reason that Katas and so many others feared his summons.

"Ah good,you've arrived promptly." Shellox said in a deep voice "I trust this means you are aware of why I called?" "Um…actually sir, I'm not." Katas replied timidly "I've actually always thought I was the last person you would want to see."

The Grand Elder seemed neither angry nor pleased with this answer. "Very well then, I shall explain. What do you know of Lord Slug?" "More than I care to sir" Katas answered truthfully.

Lord Slug was a feared name in Namekian history, dating all the way back to Shellox's predecessor, Grand Elder Sanail. He was once a decorated member of the Warrior Clan who went mad once he discovered the Grand Elder's technique for unlocking potential. Slug used this technique to turn himself and several followers into what he called "Super Namekians" and lead them on a rampage to conquer the planet. The rest of the Warrior Clan was pushed to the limit to contain this threat, even those that had undergone the Fusion technique. A wish on the Dragon Balls was eventually used to send the Super Namekians to the edge of the universe.

"I was merely a boy when Slug was running amok" Shellox said thoughtfully "it was rumored that he was fusing with any Namekians he could find simply for even more power. Before Sanail passed on, he revealed that this was not only true but also that Slug had fathered children that were adopted by every clan following his banishment. He prophecised that a descendent of these children would give birth to a true Super Namekian, one that would usher in a golden age for us all. You, Katas of the Dragon Clan, are that descendent."

Silence reigned for several long minutes as Katas seemed dumbstruck. His father had always assured him that he was special, even as he struggled to heal as a child, but to be descended from the terrible Lord Slug, let alone the father of some kind of messiah, was just too much. "With all due respect Great Elder, I cannot be who you say I am. I am a mere healer and well past the age to bear any children."

Shellox merely chuckled, a dry raspy sound. "That's what I used to say before Guru was born." A look of fresh surprise formed on Katas' face as the newly revealed son of the Grand Elder stepped forward. "My father has asked me to instruct your offspring in the art of creating Dragon Balls" Guru explained humbly "the set he creates will be more powerful than mine or any that has ever existed, even the very first. A wish granted on them will have the potential to change the universe itself."

Katas felt himself growing more and more nervous. "I…I don't- "You do not need to believe us at the moment" Shellox spoke in an uncharacteristic gentle tone "in a year's time, you will see."

Four months passed after that, a year in namekian time, and Katas gave birth. He was so awed by the fulfillment of the prophecy that he named his son Tenshi, which meant "blessed one" in Namekian. Tenshi was indeed a rarity, possessing all the magic of the Dragon Clan and the strength of the Warrior Clan. By the time he was eight, he could perform any feat of Namekian sorcery and regularly sparred with the head of the Warrior Clan himself. Katas was proud beyond measure but couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as he watched his son grow. He felt as if despite the prophecy, fate had other plans for the young child who had been dubbed "the mightiest of all Namekians."

Even the healer's dreams seemed to prophecies doom. For months, he had dreamed of two different futures for Tenshi, both leaving him with a sense of sadness and loss. In one, Tenshi grew up to become wise and noble, doing all he could to guard the world but eventually feeling like a relic as he grew older and new warriors appeared, needing him only for the Dragon Balls to exist. In the other, he was as evil as Lord Slug and delighted in destruction and chaos. It was during the later that Katas realized these dreams didn't take place on Namek.

The healer told no one of how he felt. He had already started to convince himself that the dreams were merely anxiety over his son's destiny and his questionable ancestry. It was these thoughts he forced to dominate his mind as he watched Tenshi learn how to make Dragon Balls in the temple courtyard.

"That's it" Guru gently instructed Tenshi as he molded the clay before him with closed eyes "shape the dragon as you see it in your mind. The mind's eye can see fully into your heart and soul and that is what the Dragon Balls truly represent to their creator, the ultimate embodiment of their innermost self." Tenshi finished sculpting and opened his eyes to an ugly looking dragon with a head twice the size of it's short, chubby body. "What does this say about me then?"

Guru chuckled good naturedly at his student's frown. "It simply means you need more practice my young friend. Do not forgot that this is only a prototype set you're learning to make at the moment and it will still be a few years before I teach you how to make the real thing." Tenshi's frown deepened. "But I want to make the best dragon I can, almost as cool as yours Grand Elder."

Guru smiled sadly, still not used to his title. It had been a year since Shellox died and his son had yet to activate the new Dragon Balls for fear of having to finally acknowledge his passing. Such was the pain of being your master's child as well as his student.

"Yes, I will agree that Porunga is 'cool' as you put it but it didn't start out that way. I went through many prototype models first, many far worse than your own, Do you know what helped me get better?" "Practice?" Tenshi guessed, hoping he was somehow wrong.

"Correct" Guru nodded "and I still practice today so that I can keep getting better. Even your father still practices healing from time to time."

Tenshi turned to his father for verification, who smiled in response. "That's right son, and you have played a big part in my improvement." "I have?" "Yes" Katas replied with a chuckle "thanks to your antics, I'm now a master of self healing."

All three started laughing until a massive quake nearly knocked them off their feet. "What on Namek was that!?" Katas asked as Guru helped him up. The Grand Elder was silent and looked out at the horizon with a grim expression. "Something just landed in that nearby town and I must investigate. You should come as well in case a healer is needed."

Katas nodded and both Namekians rushed from the temple to board the tram. Tenshi followed close behind with his dragon model clutched tightly in his arms. "No Tenshi, I don't wan't you leaving the temple grounds" his father ordered sternly "there's a chance it could be invaders." "So what papa?" Tenshi scoffed "I'm strong eough to beat anyone!"

"Let him come" Guru said before Katas could argue "brash as he is,he's also right." The trio rode the tram to the nearby town of Snailon,where a huge crowd had gathered and several warriors fought to keep them under control. When Guru stepped out, the crowd bowed and parted for him to move to the front. The Grand Elder soon stood over a crater half the size of Namek itself.

"Can you tell me exactly what went on here a while ago?" Guru asked the warrior in charge, who nodded grimly.

"It's some kind of meteor sir, biggest one we've seen in years. We're lucky it landed away from the populace but something about it still feels ominous." Guru leaned forward so he could get a glimpse of the meteor in question and sensed something right away. It was huge and black but showed no signs of smoking despite it's recent entry.

"Yes ,there is definitely something strange about this meteor" Guru said after a moment "I can feel it. We should bury it on the far side of the planet, away from any populated area, immediately." The warrior nodded and was about to comply when Tenshi pushed his way through the crowd and hopped into the crater. A frantic and angry Katas soon followed.

"TENSHI,YOU GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT OR I'LL TAN YOUR LITTLE HIDE!" "I'll be okay papa, I just want to see the rock. It doesn't look so scary to me." Tenshi said as he approached the meteor with no fear. The young Namekian placed a hand on it's rough surface and was amazed at how cold it felt. He knew very little about meteors but one thing he had learned was that they were usually very hot after first landing. 'Maybe it's not a meteor' Tenshi thought naively 'maybe it's some kind of monster in disguise!'

The young prodigy was so excited by the thought of a new opponent that he didn't notice the cracks forming on the meteor. It split open as he looked closer and a crimson mist floated out into his mouth and nose, sending the child into a coughing fit. "TENSHI!" Startled by his father's voice, Tenshi flew out of the crater as fast as possible, paying no more attention to the strange meteor.

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?" Katas yelled the minute he saw his son "THAT METEOR COULD'VE BEEN DANGEROUS!" "There was no monster in the rock papa" Tenshi said dejectedly "just some nasty smelling smoke." "That smoke's smell might not be our only problem" Guru spoke up grimly "look."

Everyone watched as the crimson mist rose up from the crater and into the sky. It mixed with the clouds, turning them black and bringing them together to shroud the sun,all three of them. The Namekians were terrified for they had never known true darkness. Night didn't exist on their world and it became dark only when the Dragon Balls were used,something that only occurred in extreme emergencies. As terrified as the people of Namek were at that moment, it was about to become much worse.

A horrible strorm soon began raging out of control, gale force winds and crimson lighting raining down upon the town. Warriors hurried to get terrified civilians to safety as their homes were ripped apart. Guru, Katas, and Tenshi knew they could do nothing to help so they fled to the shelter of a nearby cave. As they huddled together, their sharp Namekian ears could hear terrified screams over the rushing wind.

"What on Namek has happened Grand Elder!?" Katas asked Guru franticly "I've never seen a storm like this!" "Whatever was in that meteor had a drastic effect on our atmosphere" Guru reported grimly "the climate has been severely altered to create this storm and it will spread over the entire planet in mere hours if something isn't done." "I-i-it's all my fault" Tenshi choked out as he began to cry "I shouldn't have touched the rock. I'm sorry papa." "None of that matters right now Tenshi" Katas said soothingly as he wrapped his arms around his son in an attempt to comfort him "all that matters is that we stay safe as long as possible. Tenshi began sobbing into his father's chest as the healer turned back to Guru. "Can something be done Grand Elder?"

"There is only one way" Guru replied after a moment "I must return to the temple and activate the new Dragon Balls. Only they can possibly undo this madness." "No!" Katas objected "people are dying out in this storm, even our strongest warriors. The Dragon Balls are our only hope and if you die, so do they! Can't you call them to you?"

Guru shook his head. "I can't do that while they're dormant and even if I could,we've no way of knowing if they would survive the storm. Only I can take the risk."

So saying, the Grand Elder stood up and walked towards the cave entrance. His robes were being ruffled before he had even fully emerged. "Guru, please reconsider!" Katas begged the man he had learned to call a friend a recent years "there must be another way!" Guru cast one last look at the healer and said "take good care of your son Katas. When all is said and done, he will be our last hope."

So saying, the Grand Elder left the cave and took to the sky, flying at top speed towards the Ryuu Temple. Katas watched him go with a heavy heart, somehow knowing it would be the last time he would see his old friend. "What if the Grand Elder doesn't come back papa?" Tenshi asked from his place in his father's arms "I'm scared."

Katas looked down at his son and remembered Guru's last words. A sad little smile crossed his face when he noticed the dragon statue still clutched in Tenshi's hands. "Do not be frightened my blessed one" the healer told his child after a moment "everything will be alright."

So saying, Katas walked outside with Tenshi in tow, flying towards the planet's space port. Namekians had little use for colonization or exploration so it was mostly used for trading purposes. No one had ever thought it would be used to save the life of their entire race.

The healer stepped onto the lift and gave the vocal activation code,taking himself and Tenshi into the hangar. He walked to the nearest ship and uttered "Piccolo", the namekian word for "another world" that activated the ship's hatch. "You have a great destiny before you my son" Katas told Tenshi as he pushed him towards the vessel "our world is dying and you must save it. Wherever this ship may take you, you must survive and use what you learned to make Dragon Balls. Though we were reprimanded for it centuries ago, you will be able to wish those who died today back from the dead."

"But papa, I don't know how to make REAL Dragon Balls" Tenshi protested "the Grand Elder hasn't taught me that much." "Have faith my son" Katas said gently "even an imperfect set made by your hand will be the most powerful Dragon Balls ever forged. You are a gifted child and will honor our race no matter what happens."

"What about you?" Tenshi asked even as he boarded the ship. "I cannot predict the workings of fate but if Guru is successful, we will return for you" Katas promised "I swear it." The healer stepped back and said "Piccolo" once again, closing the ship and sending it on it's way. He watched it soar away for a full minute before allowing a tear to fall down his cheek.

'May the Gods guide you safely towards your destiny my blessed one.' This was Katas' last thought before the storm descended upon the space port.

…

On the other side of the planet, Guru had finally arrived at the Ryuu Temple. The ancient structure was already crumbling when the Grand Elder entered and he dodged falling debris as he raced towards his chamber. Hot tears stung his eyes as he passed the dead bodies of his many comrades.

Finally, Guru arrived at his chamber and took the Porunga model from it's place behind his throne. He stared at it for several seconds,contempling his final goodbye to his father, before beginning the ritual. The clay began glowing with a warm golden light that obscured it's shape and when it faded, a new set of Dragon Balls stood in it's place.

With his creation ready, the Grand Elder summoned Porunga. He had seen the previous Eternal Dragon, Lichang, quite a few times in his life, yet he was still taken back when his own creation appeared before him and looked far larger than he imagined.

"I SHALL GRANT THREE WISHES WITHIN MY POWER" Porunga rumbled "NAME THEM." "I wish that Namek be saved!" Guru yelled just as the ceiling began to collapse. The last thing he heard before blacking out was "IT SHALL BE DONE."

The Grand Elder awoke after what felt like hours to find the temple in ruins, his culture wiped out, and Porunga asking for his last two wishes. The Eternal Dragon had stopped the storm but could not undo what damage had been done. He also regretted his ability to only resurrect a single victim of the tragedy when asked to do otherwise. Guru soon realized it would be up to him to repopulate his species alone. Namekians only had one to two children in their lifetimes because it used up some of their lifeforce and accelerated their aging. Guru used his second wish to greatly extend his life so he could produce many children and his third to be able to sire children of every kind from Dragon Clan, Warrior Clan, and simple farmer. They would help the Grand Elder replant the Ajisu trees and rebuild Namek from the ground up but this is not the story of Guru. It's the story of Tenshi, the Namekian who would forget his name.

After so long in space, the lone ship finally came to the young planet called Earth. It crashed violently into the mountain range of Yunzabit Heights and caused Tenshi to have a severe head injury. When he awoke, he had no idea who he was or how he came to be where he had landed. All he had was enough memory of his native tounge to operate his ship's facilities and the promise of two people he loved to return to him.

The amnesic Tenshi lived alone in the mountains for many years within his ship, only venturing out at night waiting for a sign that never came. When he was older and grown to an impressive eight feet tall, he decided he could wait no longer and ventured out into the world beyond. It was there that he would find his destiny.

Tenshi soon discovered he was much different from others who lived in the world. His appearance was strange to them and they feared him for it, calling him a monster and a demon. He also learned he was much stronger than them and the minute he did, he began to hear a voice in his mind, a dark voice. 'They are so weak and frail' the voice would whisper in Tenshi's ear even as he was attacked 'they have no right to treat you this way. Use your power and make them bow to you!'

Tenshi did his best to ignore the voice at first. He spent several years traveling the world and trying to earn it's acceptance, fighting in wars and helping to defend those he believed innocent but no matter what, he was always feared. He soon began experiencing fits of rage and outright killing whoever he fought against, causing great destruction in the process. The voice would soothe whatever guilt he had by saying his victims deserved death and the world would understand in time. They never did.

One day as Tenshi camped out in the woods, he glimpsed a strange figure on a flying cloud coming straight towards him. The figure had spiked brown hair and was dressed in a dark brown gi with the monkey symbol on it's front and back. A long red pole was strapped to his back.

The figure jumped off his cloud and landed before Tenshi in a fighting stance. His eyes held a look of rage in them that the amnesic Namekian had grown used to seeing in mankind. "So,you've stopped hiding at last" the figure said cooly as if expecting this exact moment "did you finally realize there was no escape?" A tense moment passed before Tenshi asked "who are you?"

The figure literally fell over before climbing to his feet to berate the amnesic Namekian. "YOU INSOLENT DEMON! DON'T YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LEGENDARY SON WUKONG, MASTER OF MONKEY STYLE MARTIAL ARTS AND EARTH'S GREATEST WARRIOR!?" A flicker of recongnition flashed in Tenshi's eyes. He HAD heard of Son Wukong during his travels, a powerful warrior who had apparently been fighting evil from childhood. After seeing as much evil as he had in the world, the amnesic Namekian had denounced him as a myth.

"I have been hunting you for months" Wukong explained "you may have escaped retribution for your crimes in the past but not today!" At that,something stirred within Tenshi and he stood up to his full height to glare at the warrior. "Crimes? I've done nothing wrong! Despite what you might think, I'm not one of these demons everyone fears so much! You're just like everyone else,judging my looks and not my actions!"

"Your actions!?" Wukong laughed bitterly "I've heard reports of your actions the word over demon! You've been sighted in distant lands conspiring with warlords and escaling conflicts for years. Your reign of terror ends now!

The Monkey Master proceeded to attack with the agility of his namesake, fighting Tenshi to a standstill with his mystically extending Power Pole. The amnesic Namekian tried to explain that he had meant to only good but Wukong refused to listen. Tenshi began growing frustrated and the voice in his head returned.

'You're holding back' it hissed disapprovingly 'use all your power and end him now!' But Tenshi ignored the voice for now,too absorbed in the fight. "You're good" he complimented sincerely as he traded blows with Wukong "better than most I've fought. What's your secret?"

Wukong grinned smugly. "I was trained by Kami himself in his heavenly palace at the end of the world. He's getting old but he still doubts I'll make a good replacement. Killing you should change his mind easy enough."

'He aims to kill!' Tenshi heard the voice hiss as Wukong leaped into the air to bring the Power Pole down upon him 'end it now!' In the next instant,Tenshi felt incredible rage and his power spiked. With a roar, he fired a wave of chi from his mouth that knocked his foe into a small mountain,causing it to crumble and create a cloud of dust.

When the dust cleared, Wukong was dead and his pole had vanished. Tenshi had grown used to having to kill and casually walked over to a lake to refresh himself. As he gazed at his reflection in the surface of the lake, his thoughts were occupied by Wukong's last words.

"So,there really is a God and he lives on Earth" Tenshi mused outloud "I guess those priests exaggerated a bit about Heaven."

The voice in Tenshi's head growled in frustration. 'Heaven!? You simple minded fool, didn't you hear what that fool said? He's old and in need of a successor. That could be you!'

"But he will not pick me" Tenshi argued outloud again "if the people of the world don't accept me,why would it's God?" 'You are the ideal God for the world,far better than the fool who runs it now. The one the priests idolize would never allow the evil that runs rampant on it! This is the same evil you've seen, fought, and had inflicted upon youu for years. Don't you see? You can make a difference!'

The more Tenshi listened,the more he thought the voice made sense. The world was cruel and dark with people dependent on God to make things right. God clearly didn't care however or else he would've stopped the wars Tenshi fought in all these years. He wouldn't have allowed people like him to suffer because of looks. "The world needs a new God" he proclaimed at last "a fair and just God who truly protects them. It needs me!" 'Go on then' the voice urged 'embrace your destiny!'

As Tenshi took flight with his goal in mind, he was unaware that he was being watched. In a remote corner of the Demon Realm, a group of demons collectively known as Makyo-jin anxiously observed Earth through a mystical pool. They had been spying on the planet for many months and the new demon on it infuriated them.

"He cannot be one of us!" Mustar, a fat yellow Makyo-jin lamented "he doesn't even resemble one of the clans!" "He's definitely not a human" a tall red Makyo-jin called Kaatchup observed "no one but that Son Wukong ever came close to that kind of power." "Maybe he can be convinced to join us" a female Makyo-jin with dark gray skin called Pepper suggested "Lord Garlic could use somewhat that strong." Her twin brother, the white-skinned Salt, scoffed at this statement.

"No one's stronger than us sis, we're the Spice Devils,Lord Garlic's elite guard. That green skinned poser can't compare with us and besides, he's trying to become Kami now and the boss won't let anyone get in the way of him getting the job next week.I still don't see why Garlic wants the job in the first place though. It's just a stupid mud ball and he should be trying to take the throne from King Shula. You know,like he's been saying even since Dabura left and that light hating wimp first took his place a few billion years back? If I were in charge, I'd already be Demon King by now."

"Is that so, Salt? Well by all means, challenge me. I could use the exercise." Salt and the other Spice Devils went pale at the gravelly voice behind them and turned to face Lord Garlic himself.

The leader of the Makyo-jin was at least seven feet tall with bluish green skin, a bald head, red eyes, pointed fangs gleaming in his mouth. A huge black cloak concealed his powerful body from view. As he glared down at his subordinate, Salt felt his stomach drop.

"Lord Garlic! Uh…master, I would never dream of challenging your leadership, I was merely…" "Silence! If you must know, the position of Kami is valuable to me for not only the increase in power I'll receive from the Kaio themselves but the location." The other Spice Devils became confused. "The location sir? You mean Earth?"

Garlic rolled his eyes. "No you dolts, I want the palace that every Kami reigns from,that so-called Lookout. The four winds of the world pass through it and I can use them to spread my Black Water Mist and transform the population into Makyo-jin, giving me an army to overthrow Shula and two realms to rule."

The cowering Spice Devils nodded vigorously. "Brillant!" "Ingenius!" "Incredible!" "Way to go Boss!"

Garlic chuckled at their cowering. "Of course it's brilliant you fools, I thought of it didn't I? However, Sugar made an excellent point just now." "I-I did?" "Yes" the Makyo-jin leader nodded "I have waited too long to make my move and this green creature presents an obstacle. Son Wukong and the other warriors would've been nothing but there's something off about this one. I must enter the mortal realm now while there is still time."

So saying, Garlic stepped onto the surface of the mystic pool and it began glowing. "Send word to my son while I am away" he instructed the Spice Devils one final time "he must continue to serve as Shula's advisor for the time being and keep him distracted from Earth until my plan is complete. If that fool succeeds in opening the door too soon, it will all be for nothing!" These were the Makyo-jin leader's finals words before he fell into the pool and emerged from a lake on Earth. He stepped onto the soft grass and then turned to inspect his reflection, deciding something would have to be done.

Garlic closed his eyes and uttered an incantation. When he opened them, an impossibly handsome man with piercing blue eyes, tanned skin, and long brown hair stared back at him from the surface of the lake. His cloak had even become shining white to further the illusion of purity. With a satisfied smile, the disguised Makyo-jin took to the air and began trailing his future rival to the Lookout.

…

Even flying at top speed, it was hours before Tenshi finally saw Kami's Lookout. He landed in the courtyard and was greeted by what he realized was a Djinn of legend. "Welcome" the Djinn said in a jovial voice "I am Mister Popo, Kami's servant. It's been a while since we've had company that I wasn't sent to fetch. You're quite an extrodinary fellow being able to fly without a magic carpet you know."

Tenshi quickly grew annoyed at the meaningless pleasentries. "I have come here on very important business" the amnesic Namekian said in a very formal tone "I must see your master at once." "If you wish to see Kami, you must defeat me in a spar" Popo replied in a cheerful tone "I warn you that I'm stronger than I look." Tenshi did not respond,wordlessly assuming a fighting stance as the Djinn did the same.

Before another move could be made, an aged and raspy voice spoke up. "Do not bother with tradition today Popo, I sense he was meant to be here." Both turned to see a slightly hunched figure standing in the doorway of the palace behind them. He was dressed in a white gi shirt bearing the symbol for "God" and a hooded cloak that concealed his face. The only part of his face that could be seen were two red glowing eyes. It didn't take Tenshi long to realize he stood before Kami himself and while he sensed he was much stronger than the Guardian of Earth,he couldn't believe how focused the other's power felt.

Kami stepped fully onto the courtyard and into the light, revealing the cane he leaned on. It was obvious he was past his prime but he carried himself with dignity and a quiet strength. "So, you are the monster Son Wukong was after? I didn't think you would be so tall."

Tenshi wore a look of shock at Kami's statement. "How did-?" "Your mind is easy to see into even with my waning power" the aged guardian explained "Your memories of the full event are clouded but your meeting can be glimped as clearly as your ambition to succeed me. What is your name?"

"I…do not know" Tenshi admitted honestly "growing up in Yunzabit Heights is my earliest memory." "Why do you wish to become Earth's Guardian?" At this question,the amnesic Namekian's eyes lit up with resolve. "All my life, I have bore witness to the evil that inhabits the planet, evil that you have allowed to exist" Tenshi said as accusation rang clear in his voice "as Kami, I would work to purge this evil and make Earth pure."

"What arrogance! To hear you talk,you would think you already were a God." All three turned to see a stranger standing on the Lookout's edge. He was a human but he looked almost a almost angelic as his perfect features glowed in the sunlight. As their eyes met, Tenshi felt an almost instant dislike for the newcomer. "Who are you?" Kami asked in a tone that implied he already knew.

"I am Garlic" the stranger said with a bow "I also wish to become Kami of Earth. My ancestors have shared a connection with your predecessors for centuries and I wish to honor my bloodline by undertaking the position." "I see" the current Kami replied dryly "and do you honestly believe you are well suited for the task?"

"Most assuredly sire" Garlic said with confidence as he leveled his gaze at Tenshi "far more so than this dillusioned creature."

"Dillusioned!?" Tenshi snapped,anger rising to the surface "how dare you!?" "How dare you suggest you are more pure than any on the planet?" Garlic asked cooly "humility can go a long way in this position. Earth doesn't need a wrathful God who punishes it's people for being as they were made,let alone one who can't remember his own name. You barely look like you belong on Earth to begin with. Are you some sort of mutant?"

Garlic's words stirred memories of sadness in Tenshi, of nights waiting for those he believed to be his parents to return to him and being called a freak by those around him. This sadness soon turned to overwhelming anger and he launched at his rival. "YOU POMPOUS ASS! I'LL SHOW YOU HOW WRATHFUL I CAN BE!"

Tenshi was prepared to land a punch to Garlic's face when Popo appeared in a blur, effortlessly catching the amnesic Namekian's fist. Tenshi was shocked even further when Popo brought his knee into his stomache, making him double over before kicking him across the Courtyard. He rose to his feet even angrier than before and would've attacked again had Kami not shouted "enough Nameless One! Do not dishonor this sacred place with your violent act! I shall have audience with both you and Garlic to asses your potential but should either one of you try that again, Popo will escort you both out. Understood?"

For a moment, Tenshi looked ready to strike the old Guardian down but regained his composure and nodded. Garlic nodded as well with only slight traces of a smug smile on his face. Kami then proceeded to lead the first of his candidates into his palace. The two traveled down a long corridor until they came to the old Guardian's throne.

"In order to test the truth of your ambitions, I must be allowed to enter your mind completely, allowing me to see the depths of your pyche" Kami explained as he sat down "only on this throne are my powers strong enough to do so but I cannot force it. Will you willingly submit to the process?" Tenshi hesitated for a moment but nodded. "Then let us begin."

Kami's eyes began glowing brighter and beams of light shot from them into Tenshi's skull. Instantly, their minds became one and the old Guardian could see into the depths of the amnesic Namekian's pyche. He saw glimpses of terrible anger and great confusion but Tenshi's memories remained clouded. Before he could venture any further, a dark presence suddenly arose and attacked Kami's own mind.

The merger was shattered instantly and both yelled in pain as it was. "What just happened!?" Tenshi yelled in anger at the old guardian "what did you do!?"

Kami gasped for breath and coughed a bit before answering. "A…presence arose in your mind and cast me out. I did however glimpse just enough to know that there is darkness in you and it must be driven out before you can hope to take my place." "Impossible!" "No one is without darkness in them nameless one, even I had it in me before I came her. You judge me for allowing evil to exist in the hearts of man but do you truly know what's in your own heart? "

Tenshi scowled in anger and stomped away, leaving Kami to call Garlic to him. The amnesic Namekian's anger grew when his rival emerged from the palace moments later, smirking in satisfaction. The Makyo-jin had allowed Kami full access to his mind but created fake memories to hide his true nature. It was easy thanks to the old man's fading power and obvious gullibility. "Cheer up green one" he whispered into his rival's ear as he passed "maybe in a few centuries, I'll consider you as MY replacement."

Before Tenshi could react, Kami appeared with surprising news. "Both of you show great promise in spite of flaws and since this is far from the first time multiple candidates have qualified for the position of Kami, both of you will be taught until a final decision is made. You will begin tomorrow at dawn. Mister Popo,show our guests to their rooms."

The Djinn obeyed and lead both candidates to the guest quarters. Tenshi was grateful for the second chance but Garlic was fuming inside. 'The green one cannot be victorious' he thought 'I. By the time the old fool had made his choice, both this world and the next will belong to Lord Garlic!'

As promised,the trials began the next day and lasted for a year. Tenshi proved a diligent student but Kami never seemed to notice. Despite the amnesic Namekian's talent for magic and learning new techniques, his rival rapidly became Kami's favorite pupil and the amnesic Namekian began to think the old Guardian distrusted him because of how he looked, just like everyone else.

Finally, the day came when Kami gave his disciples one final task: creating something that would both benefit the Earth and aid all future Kami within a week's time. Tenshi was at a loss on how to accomplish this until he retired to his room that night. As he slept, he dreamed of a huge dragon emerging from seven golden orbs. It seemed so real that the amnesic Namekian awoke right then, the answer suddenly clear.

Tenshi left the Lookout moments later, childhood memories guiding him back to Yunzabit Heights. He had not been there for many years but the mountains were unchanged and his ship was untouched. Ducking into his childhood home was no easy task but he eventually emerged with the old dragon statue he had kept with him all those years. He didn't know why it was there but looking at it had always filled him with a strange mix of hope and sadness.

Tenshi returned to the Lookout just before dawn and approached Mister Popo for aid. The amnesic Namekian had formed a strong friendship with the Djinn over time, often seeking him out to spar or converse. He had confided in Popo his misgivings about Garlic and took comfort in having at least one person prefer him for the role of Kami. When Tenshi explained his idea, Popo was happy to help and spent the next several days remolding the statue to resemble a proper dragon.

The day of the final trial arrived and Tenshi was eager to go first. He placed his statue in the center of the courtyard and performed a ritual he somehow knew by heart, causing the statue to be consumed by red light. When it faded, seven orbs stood in the statue's place but they were dark orange rather than gold and marked with black stars. Tenshi had no time to ponder this before Kami asked for an explanation.

"These are called Dragon Balls" the amnesic Namekian explained as information came to him from nowhere "when all seven are gathered together, the Eternal Dragon will be summoned to grant the wishes of whoever calls him. Once this is done,they will scatter across Earth until they are gathered again." "A dragon who grants wishes? Absurd!" Garlic scoffed "how can this benefit anyone?"

"They can allow humanity to reject their evil nature and earn happiness" Tenshi explained "the quest for them will prove the valor of the human race and surely reveal a potential Kami in the process." The current Kami seemed thoughtful. "An unorthodox yet intriguing concept" he mused "can you demonstrate?"

Tenshi nodded and turned back to his creations. "DRAGON,ARISE AND GRANT MY WISH!" The Dragon Balls glowed and a massive stream of light erupted from them, forming a demonic looking red dragon with yellow scales, horns, and eyes. It's head alone was as big as the Lookout and strange whiskers hung from it's mouth like a beard. Once again, Tenshi was confused as to how sinister his creation looked outside his dream.

"I AM AKUMA" the dragon rumbled in an evil sounding voice "WHO HAS DISTURBED MY SLUMBER!?" "What a pleasant fellow" Garlic hissed sarcasticly "I'm sure he would love granting wishes for others". Tenshi ignored his rival and stepped forward. Though he had no idea how, he somehow knew his creation had no limits and would grant as many wishes as requested.

"Akuma, I am your creator and I request that you grant me one wish." Akuma growled at this but replied "WHAT IS YOUR DESIRE?"

"I wish that the truth about Garlic be revealed!" "SO BE IT." Akuma's eerie yellow eyes began to glow and Garlic doubled over in pain, falling to his knees as he reverted to his true form. All present were shocked as the revealed Makyo-jin stood up and glared straight at Tenshi.

"Well played green one,well played" Garlic hissed to his rival "your wishing spheres have undone some of the strongest demon magic in the universe. Pity they will only be in service a short time!" The Makyo-jin fired a large chi blast intended to destroy both Tenshi and his creations,no longer caring about his deception. The amnesic Namekian would've easily swatted it aside had Kami not appeared in front of him to do the same.

"How dare you deceive me!?" Kami demanded in a voice stronger than Tenshi had ever heard "you dishonor this place with your presence demon, be gone!" The old Guardian let out a yell as he powered up, unleashing a wave of chi straight at Garlic. The Makyo-jin was still weak from his forced transformation and blown clear off the Lookout by the attack.

"Kami, that was incredible!" Tenshi exclaimed, truly in awe of his mentor. The old Guardian did not answer as his knees gave way and he collapsed face first onto the Courtyard. "Kami!" Mister Popo ran towards his master and rolled him over to check his vital signs. "He's very weak" the Djinn reported gravely "It's been years since he used that kind of power and I'm afraid it strained his heart."

"Will he live?" Tenshi asked nervously and Popo shook his head. "I'm not sure, he's very old. In fact, he's already much older than most Kami were when they retired. I can hardly remember his predecessor anymore."

Tenshi was now torn: a part of him was elated, now convinced that the position of Kami would now be his for sure but the other half grieved for his mentor and Popo, his first friend. He turned his gaze towards the still present Akuma and struggled to make a decision. 'Don't be a fool' the voice in his head growled 'we are sure to be Kami now! Let the old man die and be done with it.'

After a long moment of contemplation, Tenshi said "Akuma, I wish that Kami's health be restored." The dragon growled once more and said "I WAS SUMMONED AND TOLD TO GRANT ONLY ONE WISH. YOUR PETTY CONCERNS ARE NOT MY PROBLEM. UNTIL THE NEXT SUMMONING…" Akuma vanished back into the Dragon Balls, known in the future as the Black Star Dragon Balls, and they rose into the air to scatter across Earth. Tenshi was aghast at his creation's defiance until Popo placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It's alright, Kami has always been strong and stubborn. There's a chance he may pull through." "And if he doesn't…?" Tenshi tried not to sound hopeful.

"Then you shall be his successor." Popo answered simply "I can name the next Kami myself if I have to and I believe you're worthy enough,particularly after what we've just witnessed. We should wait at least a few days however, in case something happens." Tenshi nodded solemnly and followed Popo as he carried Kami back to his chambers, pondering what would happen to him now.

A week passed and Kami showed no signs of change. To make matters worse, evils spirits began arising all over the world to cause chaos. This greatly disturbed Popo because it usually meant that Earth's positive and negative energies had became unbalanced. He also knew Garlic could use this distraction to come out of hiding and launch an attack against Kami.

Faced with not one but two threats on the horizon, Tenshi set out to find the Black Star Dragon Balls and undo the madness. As their creator, he shared a link with the balls and could sense them anywhere. He had just sensed his first one in the ruins of an ancient temple and was busily searching when the voice in his head emerged. 'I don't see why you're doing this' it snapped 'the Djinn said he would make you Kami,didn't he? Why waste your miracles on one old relic?'

"Kami is my mentor" Tenshi replied "healing him and stopping these spirits is my duty as his disciple. And anywhere,he's sure to let me replace him afterwards out of gratitude." The voice in his head now felt like it was grinning. 'Ah,not so selfless then,are we? Maybe you're not that different from Garlic after all."

"I'm nothing like him!" Tenshi growled "I want to be Kami so I can fix the world, not rule it!" 'I fail to see how one concept is unlike the other'the voice snickered 'what better way to fix the world than rule it?'

Tenshi didn't answer and continued down the long temple hall. Statues of ancient warriors lined each side and fixed the amnesic namekian with an all too familiar look of distrust. As he neared the end, he spied a large pedestal with the four-star ball sitting on top, it's colors standing out in contrast to gray stone.

Tenshi made a beeline towards his prize and snatched it from the pedestal in one quick motion. He held the mystic orb for a long moment, wondering why it filled him with a feeling of familiarity when the voice in his head quipped 'almost too easy,isn't it?' That was when he sensed someone behind him.

Tenshi spun on his heel and fired a chi blast on instinct,reducing his would be attacker to dust. It was only a moment later when he realized he was staring at the remains of a statue. "What in the name of-?" Tenshi's exclamation was cut short as he watched a black,smoky sihoulete of a figure rise from the remains and fade into nothingness.

"The spirits have invaded the temple!" Tenshi proclaimed even as a dozen more possessed statues began to attack. The voice in his head grunted in annoyance. "Oh really? What was your first clue?"

The amnesic Namekian powered up and began destroying his stone foes. It was easy enough until a mysterious figure blindsided him from nowhere with a powerful kick that sent him into a wall. This same figure, a tall red demon, picked up the discarded Dragon Ball and examined it closely . "Four Stars? How lovely."

Two statues picked up Tenshi and brought him before his attacker,who bowed in mock courtesy. "Ah, and you must be the nameless creature bold enough to challenge my master. It's quite a thrill to meet you face to face." "Who are you!?" Tenshi growled "what do you want?

"I am Kaatchup" the red demon announced "Lord Garlic's right hand man. He has sent me here on his behalf to detain you while his forces storm that Lookout you're so fond of."

At the mention of his rival, Tenshi's eyes narrowed. "So, Garlic's the one who summoned these spirits to Earth?" "Afraid not" Kaatchup chuckled "the master doesn't have that kind of power. He was able to use what he learned from that fool Kami to control them however. They are fine soldiers and instrumental in setting this trap. Nowhere near as wonderous as these wishing spheres it seems. Very few have been able to expose our master the way they did." The red demon walked up close to Tenshi and held the Four-star ball up to his face. "Tell me dear fellow,where might we find the rest of the collection?"

"Who wants to know? Tenshi sneered "your cowardly master?" "Well, yes " Kaatchup chortled "he wants to use them to wish himself immortal but this is not about what he desires. This is about what we might do for each other."

"Go to Hell!" Tenshi spat and Kaatchup laughed again. "Oh I have and it's just a lovely vacation spot but you must hear me out. We could use your wishing spheres to destroy Garlic and rule the universe for ourselves. Surely you don't expect me to believe a fellow demon really wants to be a Kami?"

"I AM NOT A DEMON!" Tenshi screamed, shattering the stauses that restrained him in a mighty display of power. He then proceeded to punch Kaatchup so hard that he flew into a nearby column and shattered it,further weakening the temple structure. The red demon slowly rose to his feet and wiped odd green blood from his mouth, all traces of good humor gone.

"You're strong" Kaatchup growled "I can see why Garlic was worried but unlike him, I do not intend to face you alone." "It will take more than weak spirits hiding in stone shells to beat me!" Tenshi proclaimed as he took a fighting stance. "I have far more than that my green friend. Mustar! Salt! Pepper!"

At Kaatchup's command three new demons suddenly appeared to attack him from all sides. Tenshi flew into the air to avoid them and caused the trio to comically crash into each other, much to Kaatchup's displeasure. "Get him you fools!"

All four demons too the air and began fighting Tenshi all at once. He was able to hold his own for a while before they began to over power him, volleying him between them and striking hard as they could. The assault finally ended when Salt and Pepper knocked him down to the Earth below.

The amnesic namekian groaned as he pulled himself up to his feet, mocking laughter ringing in his sharp ears. "He's not so tough now, is he?" Mustar taunted "I barely broke a sweat." "Yeah, Kaatchup must have just been hit by a lucky punch" Salt laughed "kinda makes me wonder why you couldn't handle him yourself Red."

"Don't call me that!" Kaatchup sneered "and I could have handled him myself but I wanted to be prepared. Anyone who Garlic considers a threat shouldn't be taken lightly." Salt scoffed. "The old man's losing his touch if he can't even beat a lightweight like this one."

At that moment, the Spice Devils found themselves under attack as Tenshi fired dozens of chi blasts at them from below. The demons were swift however and dodged every single one. "Is that really the best you can do?" Pepper asked with a roll of her eyes "I can't believe I thought you were impressive." "Now, now sis, give the old green bean some credit" Salt laughed "those blasts actually had quite a bit of power to them. Too bad, he has such weak aim."

The Spice Devils broke into another chorus of laughter but Tenshi was unphased. "Look around you demons" he said with no emotion "it seems your kind has no mind for true strategy." The confused demons did as they were told and were shocked to find each of the foe's blasts frozen in mid-air, surrounding them on all sides. They could still feel the power behind each one and knew they were in trouble.

With the same emotionless face, Tenshi brought his hands together and cried "Hellzone Grenade!" Each chi blast came down on the Spice Devils all at once, creating a huge explosion. When it faded, the Spice Devils were gone. At the same time, their stone warriors crumbled and the spirits within them fled.

Tenshi watched them go for a moment before inspecting the damage done to himself. His gi was ripped in multiple places while several bruises and cuts covered his arms and legs. The amnesic namekian first began healing himself and used magic to replace his ripped gi with a new and identical one. These skills were some of the first he had discovered after revealing himself to the world, before he knew the true depths of his power. He hadn't used them in years but he never expected to face opponents like the Spice Devils. If he hadn't remembered the technique he developed to take down a battalion of tanks during a previous war, they very well may have beaten him.

"If what they said is true, Garlic may already be at the Lookout" Tenshi muttered as he caught a glance at the fallen Four-Star Ball "the Dragon Balls will have to wait until he's dealt with." The voice in his head gave a mock gasp of horror at this statement. 'But what about Kami? Don't you want to wish the dear old fool back to health?'

"I can sense that no one has gathered the other Dragon Balls" Tenshi argued out loud "protecting the Lookout is a first priority." The voice in head seemed to roll it's eyes if such a thing were possible. 'Right and the second chance at Garlic doesn't interest you in the slightest? I can read your thoughts you know. How else would I know that you were actually considering that treacherous minion's offer for a moment?'

"Shut up!" Tenshi snarled as he powered up and streaked back towards the Lookout. The voice obeyed but he swore he could still hear evil laughter in the back of his skull.

By the the time the amnesic namekian reached the Lookout,he could already spot demons making their way to top. He swooped down low to knock a few off before going topside to find Mister Popo holding his own against a large group of them in the courtyard. "Popo, where's Garlic!?" Tenshi asked as he he joined his friend in combat "he has to be leading this from somewhere!"

"He's already gone inside Kami's palace" Popo answered over the roar of combat"he plans to kill Kami and spread some sort of evil mist with the four winds. I tried to stop him but his minions formed a blockade." "Leave it to me" Tenshi proclaimed as he fought off more demons to clear a path for himself. He eventually fired a mouth blast that destroyed just enough to make a clear line to the palace. As he was about to run inside, Popo called "wait!" The Djinn knocked out a few more demons and paused to toss his friend a large black jewel shaped like a pentagram.

"It's called the Dark Star Amulet" Popo explained even as he continued to fight "it was created by the first Kami for the purpose of capturing evil. If you cannot kill Garlic,it will be your last resort." Tenshi remembered hearing about the amulet when studying the history of past Kami. It was said to contain foes like Yao, the demon who once ruled Mount Paozu, and the witch Mamba. With a nod of thanks to his friend, he used his magic to shrink the amulet enough to fit in his pocket and ran ito the palace to find his rival.

Tenshi reaced through the corridors until he saw Kami's throne. To his horror and outrage, Garlic sat upon it and greeted him with an evil smile. "Hello green one, it's been a while."

"What have you done to Kami!?" Tenshi growled. Incredible anger coursing through him. "Nothing yet" the Makyo-jin taunted "he's still sleeping comfortably in his chambers. I only plan to kill him after the Black Water Mist has ravaged the world and all who oppose me are dead!"

It was then that Tenshi noticed a strange jar sitting by the throne,obviously meant to contain Garlic's mist. "I won't let you harm Earth this way!" Garlic laughed. "Do you still persist in claiming to be noble? You may not be a demon but whatever you are,you're just as wicked as I am and can't admit it. There's a darkness in you and you've already given into it in small doses with your anger and willingness to kill. I know there's a voice in your head that tries to drive you further and it's all you can do to ignore it. What say we give it some help? My Black Water Miist should help you give into your urges a more easily and who knows? You and I might just become the best of friends."

Tenshi couldn't take it any more. With a roar of rage, he leaped at Garlic only for the Makyo-jin to fire a big chi blast that knocked him to the floor. He climbed to his feet just as Garlic stood up from Kami's throne. "You know, I'm actually glad those idiotic Spice Devils failed to kill you" his rival hissed "it gives me the added pleasure of doing it myself!"

Garlic launched himself at his rival to begin their long awaited clash but was dismayed to find Tenshi much stronger than himself. The amnesic Namekian dominated him easily and even displayed the power to extend his limbs to great lengths as he slammed Garlic into a wall several times. The Makyo-jin soon grew desperate and began powering up,unleashing a power he had sworn never to use.

Tenshi watched as his rival's muscles bulged to incredible size,making his cloak rip apart. His skin had also turned gray and his eyes were glowing. "This is my true power" Garlic said in a much deeper voice "it is a form I only assume when I wish to cause as much pain as I can!" The Makyo-jin attacked once more but feared his bluff would do him no good. He actually hated transforming because it strained his body and his new muscles made him too slow. His son had a similar transformation but his smaller stature had allowed him to all but master it.

The fight continued and while Garlic could now match his rival's strength, Tenshi's speed allowed him to retain the edge. The amnesic namekian finally unleashed another Hellzone Grenade that forced his rival to revert to normal. The injured Garlic fell to his knees gasping for breath before he narrowed his eyes.

"You're a worthy opponent green one" the Makyo-jin hissed as he stood up "but if I can't win today, neither will you! Did you ever wonder what I had created for Kami's final trial?" Garlic suddenly began to power up once more, raising his right hand and clenching it into a fist. Almost instantly, the palace shook and darkness began to fall upon the room. Tenshi shivered involuntarily as a childhood memory flashed before his eyes. Something like this had happened before but when? And where?

"What have you done? Tenshi asked in an effort to hide his nervousness. "See for yourself" Garlic cackled as he directed the amnesic Namekian towards a nearby window. Tenshi let out an audible gasp as he caught sight of the massive black hole that had formed over the Lookout, it's pull already sucking Garlic's minions off the courtyard and into it's gaping maw.

"Behold green one,my ultimate creation: the Dead Zone!" Garlic announced with a flourish "designed as the ultimate prison for those who threated my reign. Whoever is sucked in will remain there for eternity and within the hour, this entire Lookout will be wiped off the Earth!" "Including you?" Tenshi asked in shock.

"Regretfully so" Garlic replied casually "though I can open and close the Dead Zone at will, I can only do so from the outside. It doesn't matter anyway. Unlike Kami, I already have a heir that will carry out my plans. All that matters is defeating you!

Garlic rushed his rival without another word, engaging him in combat once more. They grappled for a moment before Tenshi suddenly fired lasers in the demon's eyes, blinding him. As the Makyo-jin ruler stumbled backwards and began cursing, the amnesic Namekian pulled out the Dark Star Amulet and hurled it at the demon. It expanded upon contact and began sucking Garlic inside.

"NO! THIS ISN'T OVER YOU NAMELESS ABOMINATION! MY SON WILL AVENGE BEFORE LONG AND EVEN BEFORE THAT, YOU WILL BECOME AS MUCH A DEMON AS ME!"

These were Garlic's last words before he was imprisoned completely,leaving the Dark Star Amulet sitting on the floor. "Good ridence" Tenshi spat even as the voice in his head snorted. 'Death would have been far more appropriate. You've become far too soft since coming here if you ask me.'

Tenshi paid the voice no mind and instead watched as the darkness began to recede. Without it's creator to maintain it. The Dead Zone was closing and taking Garlic's forces with it. Mister Popo ran in a moment later and looked frantic. "Nameless One, you must come quickly! It's-" "Calm yourself Popo, it's over" Tenshi chuckled "Garlic has been dealt with." "No , it's Kami!" Popo exclaimed "he's waking up!

Moments later, the two friends stood at their master's bedside. Kami's hood had been pulled back to reveal a demonic looking face, the result of a curse placed upon him by the witch Mamba centuries ago. Seeing this instantly dispelled Tenshi's belief that Kami had judged him by his looks. He watched intently as his master began to stir and his eyes opened for the first time in a week. "Nameless One?"

"I'm here master" Tenshi said softly as he knelt down "it is good to see that you are all right." "Only for the moment I'm fraid" Kami replied gravely "my time is nearly over." "No,you musn't talk that way. I can gather the Dragon Balls and resurrect you if I must. I know it's within their power."

Kami shook his head before coughing violently. "This would go against the natural order of things" he said weaky "I have already lived far longer than any Kami before me and is time the torch was finally passed." Popo nodded and Tenshi sighed in defeat. "Very well, I shall do my best to honor you during my reign."

At that, Kami's face turned solemn. "You presume too much Nameless One, never did I say you were proven worthy." There was a tense silence then that lasted far too long for Popo. In less than a minute, Tenshi's face went from being twisted in shock to confusion and finally, rage.

"YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS! AFTER ALL I'VE STRUGGLED TO LEARN AND DO,AFTER GIVING YOU THE MEANS TO ACCOMPLISH MIRACLES, EVEN AFTER REVEALING YOUR PRECIOUS GARLIC WAS A DEMON, YOU STILL DOUBT ME!? JUST MOMENTS AGO, I SAVED YOU AND ALL OF THE EARTH FROM HIS WRATH!"

Kami wa sunphased by his student's outburst. "It is true that you saw through him before even I did and you did well in defeating him, but you have not yet expelled the evil that is inside you. This evil is very strong, too strong to be held in the heart of a Kami. You must purify yourself as I and all Kami before me have done."

"How can I do this!?" Tenshi demanded, his anger not yet diminished. Kami did not answer and instead coughed more violently than before. His glowing red eyes seemed to be fading by the minute. "Beware the demon within yourself" the old Guardian whispered before his eyes went dark and he became limp.

"Kami!" Tenshi yelled out in shock. When his mentor didn't answer, he turned to Popo to confirm his worst fears. "Kami is dead" the Djinn confirmed "I suspected he would not last long even if he did wake up. As we both said, he was very old." Popo was ancient and had served every Kami that had ever been. He had seen each one come and go and had made an effort to remain detatched over the centuries but there was no mistaking the emotion in his voice as he silently mourned his oldest master.

"I'm sorry for your loss Popo" Tenshi replied honestly "but the fact remains that he left us without naming a successor and from what I've seen, Earth won't survive long without a Kami. You have to name me his replacement, you said you could." "I'm sorry" the Djinn replied in a guilty voice "but I can't. Despite what I said before, Kami himself has the final say and he declared you unworthy."

"But he also said there was a way I could become worthy" Tenshi reminded his friend "surely you know how I can purify myself?" "Sadly, I don't." Popo said with a shrug of his shoulders "the first Kami had already attained enlightenment when he was chosen and all the rest detatched themselves from all negative emotions but you are not like them. There is something unique about you and your path to becoming Kami will be unique as well,I can feel it."

The conversation with Popo didn't give Tenshi answers but it did fuel his determination to achieve what he knew to be his destiny. Recalling what his friend had said, he entered a meditative state to attempt detatching himself from negative emotions. He remained this way for six months and in that time, a new threat to the Earth arose.

It all began with a ruthless criminal named Nashide. He and his band of thieves traveled the countryside pillaging at their whim and it was on these travels that they stumbled across temple ruins and a strange orb with four black stars upon it. Despite the superstitions surrounding the number four, Nashide decided to keep the orb and sale it if it proved valuable. Who knew what eccentric ruler would treasure such an odd trinket?

Soon after finding the orb, Nashide had a strange impuse to change his course. He lead his men to specific sites where they found similar orbs,differing only in the number of stars on them. These orbs were of course the Black Star Dragon Balls and their full extent of their power was about to be unleashed upon Earth.

Nashide and his men brought the Balls together and summoned Akuma before them. The dragon was asked to grant each bandit the same wish: power. Akuma granted this by causing one Dragon Ball each to enter into their bodies, transforming them into humanoid dragons with incredible abilities. In honor their rebirth, each one renamed themselves after Akuma.

First, there was Kaji and his older brother Aisu. They were chosen by the Four Star and Three Star Balls and given command over fire and ice respectively as Nova and Arctic Akuma. Then there was Chi,who was given command over earth by the five star ball and was renamed Terra Akuma. . His best friend Sadao was chosen by the six star ball to command thunder and lightning as Tempest Akuma. Mizu and Kaze, Chi and Sadao's girlfriends, were chosen by the two star ball and seven star ball respectively. Mizu, Oceanus Akuma, could now command the ocean waves and wind while Kaze could command darkess itself as Onyx Akuma

Then,there was Nashide. The One-Star ball had transformed him into the most terrible dragon of all, Omega Akuma. Capable of commanding pure negative energy, he could corrupt the world around him and taint the purest of souls with a mere touch. The moment he transformed, his heart and soul withered and he desired nothing but to bring about oblivion. Dubbing his followers the Shadow Dragons, he sent them across the globe to spread chaos.

The mere presence of the Shadow Dragons was enough to shock Tenshi out of meditation. He was enraged to see the havoc the creatures had wrought upon the world and horrified to know his part in their birth. The amnesic Namekian vowed to redeem himself by hunting the monsters down one by one. As each Shadow Dragon had a Dragon Ball inside them, he could track their location no matter where they hid.

Tenshi's first target was Oceanus, who used her power to terrorize a small fishing village. He defeated her with minimal difficulty and was about to finish her off when she pleaded mercy and attempted to seduce him! Tenshi had observed relationships during his time in the world but had never understood them. For reasons unknown to him, he had never been attracted to anyone of any gender. Still, the phenomenon was enough to make him hesitate until the voice in his head chastised him. 'Don't fall for such cheap tricks, you idiot' it hissed 'that's the same mistake Kami made with Garlic! He was a fool to proclaim you unworthy and doing this will only prove him right! You must be ruthless in order to defend the Earth like a proper Guardian.'

These words stirred something in Tenshi. Somehow, the voice was harder to ignore this time and made more sense than usual. What right did Kami have to judge him after what he almost did? Why,without him, Garlic would've ruled theEarth! He was a far better Kami than anyone and it was time he acted like it!

With these thoughts running through his head, Tenshi killed Oceanus in one blow, ripping the two-star ball from it's place on her forehead. He then used his magic to conjure a small pouch on the belt of his gi and placed the ball inside. For a moment, he felt guilty but his desire to prove himself overcame it and he took to the air. The hunt was on!

The Shadow Dragons fell over a period of days with each one more powerful than the last. Tenshi found himself growing more and more violent in turn, becoming as ruthless as the voice urged him to be. Mister Popo watched it all from the Lookout and prayed his friend would conquer the darkness within his heart before it conquered him.

Eventually, Tenshi had filled his pouch with six of the seven Dragon Balls. All that remained now was Omega. The final Shadrow Dragon had been moving throughout the world to spread his influence and it took several more days of searching before the amnesic namekian even got a lock on his chi. During that time, he saw that much of civilization had been reduced to ruin by Omega. Even the tribe of three eyed people from which the very first Kami was chosen had come close to exstinction,leaving only a handful of survivors in hiding.

Eventually, Tenshi tracked Omega down in Kyouda, the most powerful kingdom in the world. Negative energy coursed through the land, warping everything in sight. Crops were dying, water was poisined, and the once peaceful citizens had been transformed into violent savages. Even the spirits that had been banished alongside Garlic had returned stronger than even.

The amnesic namekian watched from above as the people of Kyoudai warred with each other. Even their queen had unleashed her armies to join the slaughter. He felt instant disgust at their inability to resist Omega's influence and flew right past the scene, thinking only of his target.

Tenshi finally glimpsed Omega standing on top of the largest mountain in the kingdom, watching his work with sadistic glee. The Shadow Dragon was at least seven feet tall with crimson red skin, a humanoid version of the original Akuma. The One-star ball could be seen protruding from his chest, it's black stars darker than ever.

"Hello father" Omega rumbled as the amnesic namekian landed in front of him "I've been waiting for you." "Don't call me that!" Tenshi sneered "you and your little band may have taken his name but none of you are my creation. You are simply thieves who are using his power to further corrupt an already evil world, a world I mean to save!"

Omega simply rolled his eyes. "Are you still on this fixation about being good? Wake up father! You're as evil as anyone . You've been told by Son Wukong, Garlic, and Kami himself for his own sake! Where do you think I came from?"

"What are you babbling about!?" "Why did you create the Dragon Balls father?" "To test humanity's valor of course! To see them rise above their natural evil impulses when given the chance for power. You have clearly failed in this regard" Tenshi sneered.

"Wrong" Omega smirked"you created them to show up your rival and prove your power to Kami. Why else would your first wish be to expose Garlic? They are the embodiment of your selfish desires, thus explaining the side effect." "What side effect!?"

"Every wish granted produces negative energy" Omega explained "the more wishes made and the more selfish they are, the better. Your wish disturbed those spirits Garlic recruited and the wish that ended my pathetic human existence simply sped up the process that you set in motion. Had I and my comrades not appeared, all this would still have occurred in a century or so." The Shadow Dragon gestured to the war below as he spoke "soon,the negative energy will destabilize the planet itself and in only a few months, Earth will explode. "

"Not going to happen! Tenshi proclaimed as he powered up to his full strength "I'll stop you right here and end this madness!" "You can try." The amnesic nemekian and the final Shadow Dragon engaged in a battle that shook the mountan itself. At first, they were dead even but Omega slowly began gaining the advantidge. Even a full power Hellzone Grenade did little but stun him.

"Don't you see father? I feed on negative energy as much as I produce it. What I'm producing this very moment is getting you more angry by the minute and your anger is feeding me and making me stronger. Isn't the cycle wonderfuf?"

"SHUT UP!" Tenshi screamed as he felt something stir inside him. Almost instantly, the amnesic namekian's body began to expand and grow. His rage had allowed him to tap into an ability he never knew he had even with his memories, the Great Namekian form. The transformation was first discovered by Lord Slug during his descent into darkness and had been his trump card during his campaign against Namek. Had Grand Elder Sanail not used the Dragon Balls to banish the Super Namekian at the last minute, it would have been the planet's doom.

Slug's descendent however had no experience with the transformation and no control. While his ancestor could easily become ten times his normal size, Tenshi could only become twice as large. While this surprised Omega, it was not nearly enough to defeat hime. The Shadow Dragon soon overpowered his "father" and knocked him unconscious.

Omega watched Tenshi shrink to his normal size and caught sight of something that fell from the amnesic nemekian's pouch. It was the Four-star ball. The Shadow Dragon walked over to the magical sphere and picked it up to examine. His wide evil grin was reflected in the ball's glowing surface. "So father, you had the foresight to hunt down my kin beforehand? Excellent! Once I absorb the rest of the Dragon Balls, I can truly become the ultimate dragon!"

"That will not happen I'm afraid" a new voice caught Omega's attention just as a chi blast knocked the ball from his hand. "Who dares!?" The Shadow Dragon turned to see Mister Popo floating before him on his magic carpet and loking uncharacteristically grim. The Djinn hopped off his carpet and assumed a fighting stance as he said "your time is over Dragon!"

Omega stared blankly at the new arrival for a moment then burst out laughing. "Is this a joke? Kami's loyal servent is all that remains to challenge me? If you haven't noticed Popo, I am Kami now and your allegence belongs to me! You and father will make good slaves after this world is gone and I conquer the rest of the universe."

"You are not Kami" Popo replied as he gestured to Tenshi "that destiny belongs to the nameless one. You are just a product of what he must overcome and if I must defeat you to help him,so be it." Omega snorted. "You've chosen very poorly Popo, I need father kept alive to maintain my power but you are quite expendible. Negative Karma Blast!"

The Shadow Dragon unleashed a wave of pure black chi from his hands straight at Popo,only to gasp when the Djinn opened his mouth and swallowed it. "As I once told the nameless one, I'm stronger than I look." Omega became angry at this statement and launched himself at Popo,eager to tear him apart. The two began trading blows and were even at first but the Djinn soon began to dominate.

"How can this be!?" Omega roared as he backed away from Popo after their latest exchange of blows "how can a being so foolish looking have this much power!?" The Djinn chuckled. "I may not look like much but I've served every Kami Earth ever had and have learned a thing or two about fighting from each one. I have more power than my last few masters even knew about but the Nameless One may yet be my superior. You however, are very weak. The Nameless One would havebeaten you easily if not for the anger you fed on. I also have the advantidge of being able to convert my chi into pure positive energy."

Omega's eyes widened in horror at this realization even as Popo powered up. The Djinn's aura was shimmering silver. "Purity Wave!" The attack shot from Popo's and pierced the Shadow Dragon's heart. Omega screamed as the positive energy overwhelmed him and slowly reverted him back to his mortal form of Nashide. The One-star Ball fell to the ground and revealed it's black star had turned white,only to return to normal seconds later.

"Where am I!? Nashide stammered as his memory faded "what are you!?" "Sleep" Popo replied simply as he cast a spell upon the thief. The mountain would be safest place for the thief at this point.

A short while later, all seven Black Star Dragon Balls lay gathered in the Lookout's courtyard. Popo looked them over for a brief second before turning his attention back to Tenshi. The amnesic namekian had been standing on the Lookout's edge since they returned,staring down at the warring world below. It was ckear he had been deeply effected by recent events.

"They were right about me" he muttered at last "every single one of them. Kami and Garlic were just wise enough to see just how much of a monster I am and that damned dragon fed that thief the knowledge just to taunt me! Because of my creations,negative energy will eventually destroy the world!"

"I could attempt to purify the balls" Popo suggested "it worked before even if it was only temporary." "No!" Tenshi snapped "their power is too great. The only way to undo their work is to end their existence… as well as my own."

Popo suddenly remembered what Omega said about needing Tenshi alive and the link he shared with his creations. It could only mean one thing. "No! You cannot end your own lfe! Being Kami is your destiny!"

Tenshi laughed bitterly. "No Popo,it's not MY destiny for I can no longer be who I am at this moment. The task belongs to whoever I become when this is over. Goodbye my friend."

Popo looked on in confusion as the amnesic namekian assumed a power-up stance and began gathering his chi. Massive swirls of black and white energy began pulsing around his body and formed a yin-yang symbol as they completely obscured his form. After a moment, the symbol split in two and Popo could see a black mist ooze out of Tenshi's body and as it did, he transformed, shrinking at least a foot in height and his muscle mass decreasing noticibly. His features also became softer, as though all negative emotion was being purged from them and his skin became a lighter shade of green than before.

The mist itself also began to change,shaping itself into a dark form that resembled the amnesic namekian and glaring at him with glowing eyes. "So, you have cast me out" it hissed in a voice that Tenshi had heard for much of his life "years of companionship and you now choose to abandon me? What has changed?"

"I have. I am no longer who I was before." Tenshi,or rather, part of Tenshi, proclaimed "you have driven me towards evil too many times to remain a part of me and I shudder to think of the memories you kept Kami from seeing. Be gone from here and never return!"

"You will be seeing me again one day" Tenshi's dark half snarled "I shall eventually became a full living entity and bring destruction to the world you love so much! You may now be Earth's God but I am now it's Devil and you have raised me from Hell!"

With an evil laugh, the dark half of Tenshi faded away, leaving the good half and Popo alone on the Lookout. "You have literally separated yourself from your dark half" the Djinn said in awe "how? Not even Kami had such power!"

"It's a variation of what I call the Split Form technique" the good half of Tenshi explained "I,or rather, my original self, could create a single duplicate of himself with it to spar with. I recall using it against Omega before being knocked out but it was during meditation that I discovered it could be used on a spiritual level. I never thought I'd have to use it though." Popo took a moment to process this when he noticed the Black Star Dragon Balls had turned to stone. Tenshi's good half noticed this as well and gave a sigh of relief. "As I hoped" he said "they're powerless now that their creator,my original self, no longer exists. The world will return to normal soon and I can begin to discover exactly who and what I am. My original self never even had a name."

Popo smiled gently and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "But you do" he said as they watched the world below slowly begin changing back to it's original state "you are Kami." And this was the name and title that Tenshi's good half took for himself, the only name he would ever know. Seach watched Earth's new guardian be sworn in and gave him a portion of his knowledge and power just as he had all the others but decided to keep the new Kami's namekian heritage a secret. He didn't want the new guy to spend his time searching for a people the Kaio wasn't ever sure were still around. The only thing worse would be if he and his evil half become one again and those flawed Dragon Balls were reactivated but, as the Kaio often told himself, what were the chances of that?

AN: This is the longest saga ever, kind of like DBZ's Namek arc! It didn't start out that way but oh well. Some of you may be confused about the Shadow Dragons and Black Star Dragon Balls being included but I'll try to clear it up and a few other things for some reviewers that might be confused. This story will not include GT as canon but I like the BS DBs so much that I had to include them, or at least a variation of them and since they don't destroy Earth in the same way the anime version can, Shadow Dragons seemed the best way to make them dangerous. This story acknowledges anime canon, bits of manga canon, most filler except for the Garlic Junior Saga, and the movies "Cooler's Revenge" {which took place during the three years before the Androids in my head-canon}, "Bojack Unbound", "History of Trunks" and "Bardock:Father of Goku." All other movies are considered non-canon here, including "Yo! Son Goku and his friends return", "Battle of Gods" and "Episode of Bardock." The Janemba, Hirudgard, Lord Slug, and other movie characters mentioned are my own variations. I also plan to eventually make a GT rewrite that serves as a sequel to this story and this saga specifically. I can't give much away but Garlic Junior will replace Pilaf as the gatherer of the Black Star Dragon Balls, Raichi {who wasn't mentioned, but was behind the Tuffle Super Soldiers in the Saiyan-Tuffle War Saga} will replace Beibi, another modified GT Concept here, and Towa will replace Omega Shenron. I hope that clears up things and you enjoy the upcoming "Roshi Saga."