A/N: Yes, there is a time jump involved here. Don't wanna have the story too cramped, which was starting to feel a little that way in regards to pacing.
The archipelago echoed with sonic booms, the sea disrupted by the force of the blows. Trunks snapped into view, heart pounding and his body thrumming with exertion, but a smile came to his face, his Saiyan blood urging for more. Across from him, Ocarin appeared, showing the same signs of their sparring session taking its toll on him.
"I have to say, I'm impressed," the half-Saiyan spoke. "Chronoa has been training you hard."
"You haven't slacked off either," the Namekian complimented. "I'm surprised you can find the time."
"I manage. Let's go."
The pair vanished and the sky was rife with the shockwaves of their blows. The time apart and the differing training regimens showed a distinction between the two: Ocarin was the stronger of the pair, but Trunks had greater combat experience, providing them with an even contest. An axe kick from Ocarin smashed Trunks towards the ocean, but he stopped himself in time and darted backwards to avoid the follow-up attack; waves exploded around them when he blocked the Namekian's punch. The fight continued to rage mere inches above the ocean's surface and when an opening appeared, Trunks transformed into a Super Saiyan and the outburst of power blasted Ocarin into the sea. He surfaced, bobbing like a cork, his expression annoyed.
"That's cheating," the Namekian commented.
Trunks chuckled and relaxed his power. "Seize any advantage."
Ocarin merely grunted as he rose up from the ocean and he perked up when he detected an incoming energy signature. Trunks took notice as well and he crossed his arms as he waited patiently with a small, proud smile. A tiny speckle appeared on the horizon, zooming closer with each passing second until it finally approached the pair and the white aura dispersed in an instant, leaving a young girl before them.
Her eyes were ice blue, inherited from her mother, while her long lilac hair was tied back in a ponytail. She wore a dark green gi outfit with a long-sleeved pink undershirt and a pink belt, her feet covered with the same yellow boots as her father. She smiled, wide and carefree, her energetic face shining with excitement and a touch of pride.
"Papa, did you see how fast I was flying?" five-year-old Azure cried elatedly. "I was going really, really fast. I think I broke my record."
Trunks grinned as he ruffled his daughter's hair. "I saw, sweetheart. Soon, you'll be as fast as me, but for now, I think you're faster than Ocarin."
"Hmph," the Namekian grumbled.
"Hey, Ocarin, can we race?" Azure asked, her eyes shining brightly at the thought of a challenge. "I need to know if I really am faster than you."
"We shall," Ocarin replied, unable to find it in his hear to say 'no' to the little girl.
"So, what brings you out here?" Trunks asked his daughter once she finished cheering.
"She wanted to see you train," said a voice from behind and he turned around to see Lazuli. "After all, the tournament is today and she wanted to be prepared for it."
"Ah, right. Are you entering?"
"Like I'm going to pass up the chance to win ten million zeni?" the Android smirked fondly. "No transformations allowed, so that prize money is as good as mine."
"Laz…heir to the biggest company in the world; it's not like we need the money."
"Yes, but I would've earned this; you know I'm not fond of things being handed to me."
"True," Trunks acquiesced and he turned to his daughter. "Shall we go to the tournament?"
"Yay!" Azure cried. "Come on, Ocarin, I'll race you."
The Namekian sighed, but he gave the child a good head-start before chasing after her; her parents could hear her shrieks of laughter as she zoomed across the sky and soon disappeared on the horizon. Lazuli watched fondly and moved closer to her husband; he encircled an arm around her shoulders.
"She's such a happy child," the Android stated, internally proud of her accomplishments with her daughter. She had been expecting an uphill battle in raising Azure, but soon found it to be quite easy. Of course, she had Trunks and Bulma and anyone else willing to help, but it still assuaged her fear of screwing up and as a result, she found herself rewarded and blessed for her efforts. Azure was indeed a happy and cheery child, willing to make anyone a friend and help out if she could.
"Hey, we did fine; sure it got difficult at times, since she's so stubborn, just like her-"
"She got that from you, so don't even try."
Trunks waved his hand, like he was unsure if he agreed with her or not. "The point is, despite the potential for us to screw up, we've done well in raising Azure. She's also quite strong for her age."
Like Lazuli, Trunks had his doubts about parenthood when Azure first arrived, but he adapted to the situation easier than he thought he would. Raising a child had been quite the trial, but he loved every moment of it and he quickly discovered that he loved being a father, despite the few hiccups and uncertainty at times.
"We'll see how she goes in the tournament," Lazuli said. "Is Pan entering?"
The half-Saiyan made a slight grimace. "Hopefully, she'll take it easy on Azure."
"Again, we'll see. Come on, let's catch up to them."
-X-
The atmosphere of the World Martial Arts Tournament Arena was electric!
Trunks watched in delight as people moved around him, excited for the day's grand event. Five years of peace had done the world absolute wonders: humanity was now thriving, almost back to the same point prior to the first assault from the Androids and it had only been a matter of time before the Tournament was announced to crown a new Champion, bringing festivity to South City where the tournament was being held.
Lazuli walked alongside Trunks, arms crossed and a bored expression on her face, watching only Azure and ignoring everybody around her. Like Trunks, she'd come to appreciate the peace and quiet for the past five years, her only focus was raising their daughter and as the crowds milled around her, brimming with excitement, it further drove the distinction between her past self and her now: people still irritated her, but she no longer felt the need to blast them into oblivion.
Beside the couple, Ocarin had the same standoffish demeanour as Lazuli, while Bulma talked animatedly with 16 about her latest project, the Android offering advice and suggestions when necessary.
Azure raced ahead of her parents, her blue eyes wide with eagerness as she took in the sights and smells of the festivities. Ever since the tournament was announced, she had been looking forward to testing her skills and trained vigorously so she could be ready for it. She was aware of her strength and knew she had to hold back in her matches, but she knew that wouldn't be a problem. The only person she knew she would have trouble against was –
"Pan!" Azure cried.
The young teenager smiled as the child ran towards her in glee. "Hi, squirt. Ready for the tournament?"
"Uh-huh. You?"
"Well, you're the only competition I'll have, so not really. It'll just be a little bit of fun."
"I'll beat you," Azure said confidently.
Pan's smile widened, her Saiyan blood humming at the thought of a challenge. "Oh, really? Now you've got me interested. Can't wait to have our match."
"Hey, so this is where everyone got to?" Trunks asked as he joined them and gave Pan a one-armed hug. "Pan, it's good to see you."
"Likewise," the quarter-Saiyan smiled and she perked up. "Ocarin!"
As she chatted with the Namekian, Lazuli reappeared with two sticks of cotton candy and she gave one to Pan as a greeting and the second to her daughter, who eagerly started devouring it.
"Slow down," Lazuli suggested. "I don't want you getting sick during a match because you ate too quickly. In other words, don't be like your father."
"Sorry, Mom," the child spoke around a mouthful of cotton candy.
The Android shook her head fondly and then she caught a familiar signature, one that never failed to put her on edge, despite the years that had passed and she turned around, arms crossed. "Zangya."
The Hera smiled. "Nice to see you too, 18."
The Android had to force the annoyed growl out of her voice. "It's Lazuli."
Zangya smirked as if it didn't matter to her and instead turned her gaze towards Azure. "So, that's your sprog, huh? She seems tough."
Lazuli couldn't help a prideful grin. "Of course. She takes after me."
"Nice to see you ladies are getting along," Tapion suddenly announced his presence and the Android spotted the squirming bundle in his arms, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"Did you two-?" she started, looking between the pair and the bundle that definitely contained life.
"Oh…uh…yeah, I guess you could say we did," Tapion said sheepishly and he opened the bundle to reveal a baby of at least six months of age. His skin colour was a paler tone of Zangya's and he had a tiny stub of orange hair; his eyes were blue like his mother's, although he appeared to have his father's facial features. "Say hello to Minotia."
"Isn't he a cutie?" Zangya fawned proudly.
"I didn't think it was possible," Lazuli admitted.
The Hera grinned wickedly. "Well, when two people who know each other-" She stopped at Lazuli's glare, but she kept the grin, obviously taking delight in annoying the Android.
"Is this where everyone got to?" Trunks greeted as he joined the group and his eyes widened at the baby in Tapion's arms, looking at the Hera and the Konatsian in shock and confusion. After all, it had been at least a year since he last saw the pair. "Oh…uh…I see you guys…have been busy…cute kid and congratulations."
"Thank you, Trunks," Tapion smiled as he looked proudly at his son. "So, shall we head in and register? I'm interested in seeing your daughter's strength."
"Oh, yeah, we will and don't you worry, she's plenty strong," the half-Saiyan said with a smile.
"Azure, time to register," Lazuli called out to her daughter.
"Yes!"
-X-
The Junior Finals finally arrived and Azure tried her best to quell the butterflies in her stomach. While she had cruised through the division with ease, defeating her opponents in one blow each (much to the surprise of the oblivious crowd), she had thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was having the time of her life. But now she had reached the finals and the prospect of winning wouldn't faze her if it wasn't for her opponent in this last round: Pan.
"And now, it is time for the Junior Division Final Round!" the announcer cried to the cheering audience, as Pan and Azure silently made their way to the arena and stood opposite each other. "We have two of the most amazing fighters we've witnessed today and with the ease they've won their matches, it begs the question of who is better: Son Pan or Azure Briefs? Tell me everyone; are you excited to see the result?"
The younger quarter-Saiyan steeled her nerves as the crowd cheered for both competitors. She could see her parents watching her from the back room, but she put them out of her mind: she had said she would beat Pan and she was going to try and do just that. A part of her did recognise the futility: Pan was older and far stronger and could turn Super Saiyan (a transformation Azure was desperate to achieve after witnessing it for the first time), but that didn't have to mean it was entirely over for the little girl…she just had to outthink her opponent.
Azure slid into a stance, one hand in front of her forehead, the other out behind her, reminiscent of her grandfather. Across from her, Pan smiled and crouched into the same stance as her own grandfather.
"And begin!" the match official cried.
The younger child moved like a speeding bullet, so fast that the crowd didn't see her move – but Pan easily blocked her fist and held her at bay. Azure grunted and unleashed a blinding salvo of punches and kicks; Pan blocked or dodged each and every single strike with natural ease. She deflected the child's fist and flicked her forehead – Azure hit the ground and skidded to the edge of the arena.
"Come on, Azure," Trunks mumbled to himself, even though he knew the realistic outcome. Either way, he was proud of both girls in their competition and how well they've done in their training.
"She'll be fine," Lazuli spoke to him, never taking her eyes off her daughter. "Just because Pan outclasses her doesn't mean it'll be an easy win for her."
"Go, Azure!" Bulma cried from her grandstand position.
"Victory is yours, Pan!" Videl shouted from beside the scientist.
Azure groaned as she slowly pushed herself to her feet. Pan loosened her guard, swaying her arms casually back and forth: if she really wanted to, she could end the fight right now, but since it would be a disappointing finish to the Finals, Pan decided to drag it out simply for the crowd's enjoyment.
The lilac-haired girl watched her opponent, knew what she was trying to do; she still shot forth for the teenager, but instead of striking out, the child darted past and attempted to kick her opposition in the back – although caught by surprise by the initial manoeuvre, Pan still managed to whirl around and block the attack in time.
"Nice try," the older quarter-Saiyan smiled and she struck the child, knocking her down. "But you're going to have to do better than that."
Undeterred, Azure sprang to her feet and leapt into the air, ascending into the sky to the disbelief of the crowd. They were all gobsmacked at the sight of the five-year-old flying and Pan narrowed her eyes, trying to work out Azure's plan as the younger girl moved in front of the sun.
"Alright, here I go," Azure said, mostly to herself and she dived.
Pan readied herself, watching the child plunge with the brightness of the sun behind her; the teenager had to squint against the glare and at the last second, she dodged Azure's attempted stomp – she swung her foot and hit the Afterimage and Azure punched her from the side.
"Nice move," Lazuli commented proudly and Trunks nodded in agreement.
"Come on, Azure, you can do it!" Bulma cheered on her granddaughter.
"You've got this, Pan!" Videl cried.
The crowd were stunned as Pan staggered and she touched her lip, silently acknowledging the child's tactic. "Clever, Azure. Now, let me show you how it's done."
The child slid into a stance as Pan shot at her and she lashed out, but hit the Afterimage and Pan kicked her with such force that she left the arena and nearly struck the barricade – Azure stopped herself in time, again stunning the crowd and she flew back into the ring as Pan flew into the sky. Azure pursued her and unleashed a frenzy of blows that Pan easily deflected.
"I. Will. Beat. You," Azure huffed in between her strikes.
"I'm not saying you can't," Pan said as she effortlessly held off the assault. "But it's not gonna be today."
She parried Azure's fist and smacked her towards the ring with an elbow strike. The child landed painfully on her feet – she darted back from Pan's diving kick and on reflex, fired an energy blast. Pan took on the blast without harm, but she wore an annoyed expression.
"Did you forget that we're not supposed to use our powers?" the teenager asked.
"Sorry, it just happened," Azure replied and it was true. The pressure of the fight had gotten to the child and she'd reacted in desperation. "I didn't mean to do it."
"Yeah, well, don't do it again. I'd hate to have to – whoa!"
Azure had shot forth and attempted to attack; Pan dodged her and with a kick to the child's back, the teenager knocked her out of the ring and into the barricade; Azure bounced onto the grass, her eyes screwed shut in pain and denial. She could feel the grass beneath her hands, but she didn't want to open her eyes and actually confirm it.
"And ring out!" the announcer cried. "Congratulations to Son Pan, the winner of the Junior Divisions! Give it up for the young lady, everyone; she fought well!"
The crowd applauded the winner, as Azure finally opened her eyes and let out a sigh of defeat. She had tried her best, but she knew she was no match for the older quarter-Saiyan and this was the only outcome possible. Getting to her feet, Azure dusted her clothes off as Pan appeared before her.
"Hey, don't beat yourself up," the teenager smiled encouragingly. "You did quite well against me."
"Only because you let it happen," the five-year-old responded.
Pan gave a small shrug. "True, but that doesn't matter. Come on, let's go."
The pair walked together to the back room, where Trunks and Lazuli hugged their daughter.
"You tried your best and that's what matters," the half-Saiyan said and he broke away to ruffle Pan's hair. "And congratulations, Pan."
"Thank you," the teenager grinned and she left in search of her mother.
Lazuli kissed the top of Azure's head in sympathy and affection. "One day, you'll be the Champion."
"I know," Azure replied. "I'll keep training and I will beat her."
"That's the spirit."
-X-
With the Junior Division finished, it was time for the Adult Division to start their competition. Lazuli had a match in the second round and she ignored her buffoon of an opponent when he leered at her and made crude suggestions to her. He mocked Trunks, calling him a 'pretty boy' and suggested that Lazuli choose a 'real man'. When she continued to ignore him, he grew irate and tried to attack – she kicked him in the stomach and knocked him out cold. Similarly, Zangya got an opponent who fawned all over her to the point he was ecstatic to get ringed out by her when she had enough of the attention and casually slapped him.
However, not everyone got their first round against an ordinary human: Ocarin was matched up against 16 and when it was time for their bout, the pair silently made their way out to the arena.
"Just so you know," Ocarin said stoically. "I will not be going easy on you."
"That is fair," 16 acknowledged. "But you are not the only one who has gotten stronger with time."
"This should be interesting," Bulma noted as the match officially started. "This is the first time I'll get to see the improvements to 16's power in effect."
The Namekian made the first move, shooting forth and striking with a knife-like chop. 16 blocked with one arm and rammed his other fist into Ocarin's gut. Ocarin floated back and he dodged 16's overhead swing, the pair swiftly exchanging a series of blows to the amazement of the crowd.
"Go, 16!" Azure cried from the back room and Lazuli gave her a fond smile.
Ocarin had to admit, he was impressed at the increase of 16's strength: Bulma obviously had been working hard on increasing it as best she could; however, it still didn't match up to the Namekian's own power. Since his 'exile' at the Time Nest, he had been training vigorously, hoping to never fall victim to someone like Demigra ever again; losing control of his own body was definitely one of the worst experiences Ocarin had ever gone through and he'd be damned if he let it happen again.
16 caught hold of Ocarin's arm and easily lifted the Namekian above his head and slammed him onto the ground. He aimed his fist at Ocarin's head and struck the ground instead, splintering it – Ocarin darted in and caught 16 in the jaw with his knee. With the Android staggered, he seized his chance and started laying on the blows. 16 defended as best as he could, but he was pushed towards the edge of the arena; Ocarin went for a powerful kick as the finishing move – 16 caught his leg.
"Like I said," the Android said. "You are not the only one who has gotten stronger."
With a shout, he hurled the Namekian into the sky and gave chase, slamming him into the area with a double-fisted blow. Ocarin winced at the impact and hurriedly shot away from his spot to avoid the incoming Android. Part of him wanted to continue the fight to see 16's true strength and put on a good show, but the practical part of him wanted to end the fight as swiftly as possible. 16 analysed his opponent, searching for weakness – Ocarin flew at him and he was forced onto the defensive again, as the crowd watched with their eyeballs popping out of their sockets.
"16's holding up quite well," Trunks commented. "I'm surprised the fight isn't over already."
"Ocarin seems to be biding his time," Tapion added. "He could end the match in an instant, but he's waiting for the right moment to make it look good for them both."
"That's…considerate of him," Lazuli said.
16 dodged a punch and lashed out with one of his own; Ocarin deflected and stabbed his elbow against the Android's chest. 16 retaliated, but struck an Afterimage and the Namekian kicked him from behind, knocking him towards the ring. 16 landed on his feet and waited until the right moment to fire his Rocket Punches. Ocarin banked out of his dive to avoid the fists, only to discover they were homing projectiles. He knocked them aside and 16 kicked him in the torso, pushing him towards the edge. The fists returned to their owner and 16 aimed them again, ready to deliver the final blow – at the last moment, Ocarin broke free, flipped over 16 and with an exertion of his full strength, he landed the strike that knocked 16 out of the arena.
"And Ocarin is the winner and will advance to the next round!" the announcer cried to the cheers of the audience. "Well done. Put your hands together for a fantastic match!"
"You held back," 16 noted as he joined the winner.
"A little bit," Ocarin admitted. "These people did pay to see good matches today."
"That is fair, I suppose. Congratulations on your victory."
Ocarn tipped his head in acknowledgement and the pair made their way into the barracks.
-X-
Trunks and Tapion both had separate fights (won easily, of course), but a match had Lazuli and Zangya squaring off against each other. The Hera wore a smirk as they made their way out to the ring, while Lazuli had her arms crossed and kept her face neutral. This would be the first time they had faced each other since the Hera tried to ambush her after the Sadal incident and the Android was keen to see how her rival had progressed since then…okay, she was mostly keen to kick the Hera's ass again and make it definite this time. After all, Lazuli had not slacked off in her training since giving birth and raising her daughter.
"You know, I've been really looking forward to this," Zangya said as she got into position.
"Why, do you enjoy being humiliated?" Lazuli replied, getting into her stance.
"And here I was thinking we could get along because we are both mothers. Well, okay, maybe not, but you can't deny that you haven't been interested in a rematch."
"To be honest, no, not really. But I'd be lying if I said I don't want to beat you again."
"And begin!" the match official announced.
Neither moved, waiting for the other. Finally, Zangya shot at Lazuli; she met her halfway and at the last second, launched into the sky. Surprised, the Hera followed suit and the two clashed in mid-air; exchanging lightning-fast blows that created flashes of light…for the untrained crowd, it was the only way they could follow the action, if at all. Both Trunks and Tapion were on edge, watching their respective partners battle the other in a match that was part-contest and part-rivalry-fulfilment.
"Zangya has come a long way," Trunks noted.
Tapion adjusted the fussing Minotia. "The same could be said for your wife, although it is honestly hard to tell. Let's just hope they both don't go overboard."
"Go, Mom!" Azure cheered from her new position beside her grandmother. For the child, it was a delight to see her mother in battle, having only witnessed simple sparring matches.
Lazuli flashed into appearance, blocking Zangya's fist and a split second later, they were across the sky, Zangya dodging Lazuli's kick. Their blows boomed like fireworks, stunning the crowd with their ferocity. There were those in the crowd who could remember the Androids' rampage and therefore recognise Lazuli; although she hadn't been a threat since her return, it didn't stop those from being worried about a potential encore.
"Wow, both ladies are really taking the fight to each other," the announcer reported as he struggled to keep up with the speed of the match. "It's hard to say who could be the winner here."
Zangya stopped Lazuli's knee strike with her palm, parried her punch and fired a ki blast into her stomach. It wasn't a very powerful blast, but it was enough to catch Lazuli by surprise and Zangya struck her with a backflip kick. Catching herself, the Android rubbed at her lip.
"That was…not nice," she growled. "I thought we all agreed not to use our powers."
"True, but we are flying right now, are we not?" Zangya pointed out. "Besides…I couldn't help myself."
Lazuli smirked, reminiscent of her younger, violent self. "I'll give you that about the flying, but I don't think you know what you've gotten yourself into."
"That sounds like quite the challenge," the Hera replied with a smirk of her own. "Shall we put on the spectacle for the mere humans below us?"
Lazuli slipped back into her stance. "Why not?"
-X-
He watched them milling around him. The mortals. The sins of the gods in the flesh surrounding him. It made his skin crawl to walk amongst the wickedness, the arrogance and pride of the gods dripping off each and every single one, fuelling his rage and giving reason to his cause. That was why he was here. It was his purpose; the mortals as wheat, he the sickle. He was doing only what needed to be done, for he was the only one who was willing to correct the mistakes of the gods.
Before the day was done, his mission would be complete and the dream of paradise would become one step closer to fruition.
He pulled his hands to the side and focused his energy into his palms. Several people passing by took notice of what he was doing and some of them even started running, screaming at the top of their lungs. It didn't bother him. The screaming naturally started a panic and before long, all the humans were fleeing for their lives, even though most of them didn't know why. Like lambs to the slaughter.
He unleashed the energy beam and it tore through West City like a hot knife through butter.
A/N: This is the start of the final arc of this story.