Vegeta had handled the introductions between Nova and the others in the V.I.P. Box. Bulma had been a little scared at first, Vegeta had seen it in her eyes, but as soon as the Changeling had spoken that had faded away. His mate was a good judge of people and she wasn't concerned anymore so neither was he. That done he left and made his way back to the competitors area.
Meanwhile, in the V.I.P. Box Roshi had diverted his attention to the new arrival. The fact she appeared to be stripping was what had drawn his attention. She'd removed the cloak and was pulling off a few other layers of clothes. As the layers peeled away his interest grew, she definitely had a figure that interested him. Though, he was a bit disappointed that she stopped before removing everything. She still had on a powder blue dress that showed the tops of her breasts and her lower legs. It was still a sight Roshi liked but he'd have preferred more.
Knowing the matches would be starting soon he moved from his crowd viewing seat to sit with the others. He'd taken the seat beside the Changeling who had sat down beside Hercule. "So, what's going on?" Bulma asked leaning forward a little to look across at Nova. "I mean, I know my guards were late... and then first Rapin and then Kele were posted as new guards. Then you're brought here..."
Nova sighed. "It's a bit of a long story. Three aliens working with one of us who's out to take down the new Changeling Empire we've only just formed... killed your guards and a few others."
"Oh no..."
"They've been captured. All except the Changeling they were working for." Nova said. "I'm here because I've been chasing him for two years now." She stopped as a voice sounded through the speakers outside in the arena and the ones in the room. The numerous video screens, the large ones in the room and the massive ones scattered through out the Arena, came to life to display an orange furred alien. Apparently it was time to begin as he was welcoming everyone and calling for the first two competitors.
"When I realized he was coming here." she continued. "I figured he was intent on disrupting the tournament and stopping the Sennari's formation. We're not sure how powerful he is at the moment, but he's doing what he can to keep everyone off balance for when he feels ready to make his move and reclaim his family's empire."
"Reclaim... his family's..." Bulma said softly. "Wait... does that mean he's related to...?"
Nova nodded. "He is the son of Frieza." she said as the first match got underway. She saw the look on Bulma's face and shook her head. "I don't think he's a major threat though, not like the rest of his family was. He's not as strong as them." /At least, I don't think so./ she thought, but thought it'd be better to keep that idea to herself.
Bulma nodded, and then... "Um, if you don't mind my asking..." she began, looking toward the small Changeling. "What happened to your horns?"
Nova sighed. "It's a reminder of what we've finally escaped from." she said, one hand reaching up and gently brushing the nubs that were all that remained of her horns.
"What do you mean?" Hercule asked.
"Just about a hundred years ago I was working in Cold's palace back on our homeworld, Henka." she explained. "One of about two hundred slaves that worked there. In a way, I was one of the lucky ones, born into that life. I didn't know there was anything else for the longest time. But I learned. And as I did I grew to hate Cold and his sons.
"Eventually... I made the mistake of letting them know this, an accidental outburst in Cold's throne room. To 'put me in my place' I was beaten. I can't remember it beyond the first blow anymore, but at some point my horns were broken off."
Bulma's eyes had slowly widened during Nova's story. "Oh, that's horrible..."
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Galactic Games Arena, Control Box
Mellona took her seat at the command post again. On the return trip to the control box she'd sent orders out for five interrogators to report to detainment. As she sat she looked over all the data on her screens. The Transal energy was now up to 50.11, Mazda was still in the same location, and Nova was still the only Changeling in the Arena. She quickly added the alien Queen's waveform pattern to the database and named it. It'd be less unnerving to see 'Nova' on the screen than 'Changeling'.
Just as she looked up from her monitors at the battle that had already been going by the time she'd gotten back to the Control Box a blinding explosion filled the window and the TV screens in the room. She had to bring her arm up to shield her eyes from the glare. When it faded away she glanced at the screen and saw the large Dubibub floating high in the sky panting, a large crater in the ground below him with Eskarga standing dead center in it. His arms were pointed toward the other alien, smoke drifting off his palms.
"Damn, I missed it..." Mellona muttered, realizing the exchange that had just occurred must have been quite impressive. The crowds were cheering and so were a few of those with her in the Box.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Galactic Games Arena, Competitors Area
Vegeta had taken his time on the walk from the Runner to the competitors area. His mind was busy mulling over thoughts he couldn't believe he was thinking. He was actually considering an alliance with the Changelings. Not currently, no. That would be the death of the Sennari. But, in time, he believed it could be possible. Nova had as much as said that they were rebuilding. Not just from the damage he, his son and son's wife from the future, and Kakkarotto had done, but from the rules of the Cold and Blizard families themselves.
If anything was indicative of change, that was. The Changelings themselves had been just as oppressed as the rest of the galaxy that they'd controlled. More so, possibly, since they would have been seen as the greatest threat. Vegeta got the impression that Nova was proof of that. He doubted her horns had simply fallen off, after all. He'd have to inquire about that sometime...
As he stepped into the room he noticed the screens where all bright white. The glare was fading now, though, and by the time he'd gone three steps it was gone. He watched as Dubibub wavered in the air and then suddenly the Namek shot up and slammed a fist into the large alien's stomach. Dubibub's mouth gaped open... and then his eyes closed and he fell to the ground.
"That was..." Videl said, blinking. "Hey, Piccolo, how did he do that?"
The other Namek shook his head. "I haven't got a clue..."
Vegeta wasn't sure what they were talking about but he didn't really care. He could just watch it tonight after the tournament was over for the day. As Eskarga came back in and the unconscious Dubibub was hauled off the announcer called for the next match. Cheri Vs. Kazuki. This would be a fast match.
Everyone watched the screens as the two faced off. The announcer called a start to the fight and Cheri shot off without a second thought. The seven year old was faster than Kazuki could see and a second later he was laying face first on the ground and unconscious. And Cheri was walking back to the competitors area. Vegeta smirked at the smile on her face. He'd seen that smile before, Vadora wore it every time she won a fight.
While the audience absorbed the suddenness of the second fight's conclusion the third match was called. Tatamo Vs. Mijima. This was the main reason Vegeta had wanted to be finished chasing Kuriiza's moronic goons before the fights started. He knew this fight would come up quick and he wanted to see it. He seriously doubted the Sai-jin would last long but it would give him an idea of just how good the fighter was.
A few moments later the two were squaring off out in the middle of the Battle Pit. "Mijima, isn't it?" Tatamo asked, slipping into a fighting stance. "You're a Cyborg, if I remember correctly..." Mijima merely cocked an eyebrow, a gesture he took as a yes, so he continued. "Hmm, this lack of Ki is annoying. No clue how strong you are..."
"Well, I could go easy on you." she said smirking. "It wouldn't be much fun for the audience for you to go down in two seconds."
"No, I suppose not." he said, returning her smile.
"And besides, I wouldn't want to accidentally kill you."
Tatamo smirked. "Hey, that's my line."
She narrowed her eyes a little and pursed her lips but kept on smiling. It had been a while since she'd had this much fun in a fight and the match hadn't even started yet. And then the announcer called the start to the battle and she was on the move. Only at a fraction of her speed but still incredibly fast. Reaching her target in seconds she lashed out with a punch...
And it was caught! The woman's smile grew and she threw another punch with more speed and power. This one was dodged. Then she found a foot sailing toward the side of her head and moved to jump back but the Sai-jin had a solid grip on her hand. Her eyes widened in shock and then her arm shot up at the last second stopping his leg with a loud crack.
The two of them stood there looking at each other for a moment letting what just happened sink in. As it did, a look of shock crossed the Cyborg's face. Tatamo merely smiled. "Well, seems she wasn't exaggerating about your power. Guess I really should get out more... So, shall we continue?" and with that he vanished.
Mijima's eyes widened but she managed to duck a second later as her opponent's foot lashed out toward her head. The blow missed but the breeze ruffled her hair. And then she followed his lead and vanished as well. A second later a series of cracks and flashes illuminated the Battle Pit. Down in the competitors area several people were staring at the screens, mouths hanging open in shock.
Among them were Gohan, Videl, Raditz, Tien, Hotaru, and both Vegeta's. Tatamo's power had already shot up considerably and it was still climbing. A moment later the Sai-jin's power matched and surpassed Gohan's, a blue aura forming around him. Another crack came as his power stopped just short of the younger Vegeta's, Mijima's foot smashed into his face and driving him down into the ground.
As the dust settled Tatamo pulled himself back up onto his feet and brushed the dirt off of himself. He wasn't even looking up at where Mijima floated but at his hands as he cleaned himself off. Finally he looked up toward her and smiled. "Impressive. It's been a long time since I've had a good fight. A very long time indeed. Tell me, how much power did you put into that kick?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"About a quarter or so." she replied. She wasn't sure who this guy was but he was definitely stronger than she'd expected. And she had a feeling his power had only stopped increasing because of the blow she'd landed.
"My, that is impressive." he said, his eyes widening a bit. "Well then, looks like I can go all out against you after all. This should be fun." He shifted out of his relaxed stance and into one that was easily recognizable, he was going to power-up. The light blue aura that had already started to form grew brighter and thicker as he took a deep breath. And then he let it out in a loud cry, his aura exploded large and bright, the ground beneath his feet shattered, and wind rushed out across the open expanse of battle ground.
The entire arena shook violently as his power climbed, his blue aura licking up along his body like flame. The competitors watched the screens, watched him power-up, and watched the number showing his power level in the top left corner climb steadily. 6 million, 6.5 million, 8 million, 10 million, 13 million, 16 million, 20 million...
"What the hell!?" Vegeta cried, eyes going wide in disbelief. Still the numbers rose. 24 million, 27 million, 29 million, 31 million, 32 million, 33 million... 33,857,067. It stopped, the tremors stopped, his aura calmed down, the tension in his body faded, and his eyes opened and gazed up at Mijima once more.
The Cyborg was staring down at him in utter shock, her eyes and mouth as wide as those of Vegeta. Suddenly Tatamo vanished again. Mijima's eyes widened further but she recovered at the last second and turned just in time to block the kick that had been aimed at the back of her head. Tatamo didn't give her time to collect her thoughts though and instantly lashed out with a punch that connected with her stomach doubling her over. Slipping back a bit he spun and back handed her on the side of the head spinning her about.
Her mind cleared at last and she used the momentum to her advantage snapping out a kick into the Sai-jin's ribs. The blow knocked him back but he thrust an arm out firing a blast of blue energy at the woman. The Cyborg deflected it easily as she charged after him. He slipped around her first punch but the second cracked across his jaw and then her knee slammed into his gut.
"Who the hell... is he?" Vegeta said softly, still in shock, as Mijima landed a double fisted blow to Tatamo's back that drove him down into the ground. Piccolo glanced over to Vegeta and then back out at the fight. He'd figured Tatamo would be powerful, he'd had more than ten thousand years to train, but this was beyond what he'd expected. And then his mind remembered something he'd learned the day before when he'd spoken with Raditz and first heard of Tatamo. According to legend, he was also a Super Sai-jin!
The Namek's mind spun with this consideration. If Tatamo had mastered the transformation as Goku, Gohan, Videl, and Bardock had all managed to do then... he was a hundred times more powerful when transformed! Could that... could that even be possible!? Sai-jin or not, Guardian or not, he was still flesh and blood, still a living being. There were limits to what was possible. Or, at least, there should be.
"Mijima's still stronger." Gainin said after a moment. "By more than enough to outclass him if she goes to full strength."
"Still..." Sango said softly. "This is..."
"Absurd." Vegeta finished for her.