Thanks to The Sinful and Primordial Vortex for beta. If you don't know them, then go and check out their stories. They're really great.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z or any part of the Dragon Ball franchise. If I did I'd be really awesome.
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Chapter 6 - The Tenka'ichi Budōkai Part 2
Another failure. He was sick of it. The whole first generation only produced two successes. He hadn't decided on where to send the other one, but No. 8 was sent to Muscle Tower recently.
He shrugged. That generation was a failure, and now he should focus on working on the second generation. Curiously, the second generation proved much harder than the third which frustrated him. The third was merely an experiment, something that his wife had suggested that they both worked on. And while it was interesting, very interesting, his main goal was to reach perfection through the second generation or his dreams would end.
The third wouldn't give him his desire. It'd result in another Gero, or someone who looked like him, but it'd not be him at all. It'd be a clone at best or a completely different person at worst. No, the best bet would be reaching it through the second one. Though that was years from now, he feared. The end goal he desired needed materials that didn't exist. At least not, yet. There were many other issues, but he knew he'll manage them in the end.
He was Dr Gero after all.
[I believe that you should watch this feed, dear.] On one of the screens, a beautiful woman with long auburn hair, wearing a blue and red dress was shown. This was his wife. Or more accurately, this was an AI designed after his late wife. The wife that was his only true partner, and the one he lost thanks to his daughter.
He looked at the screen showing the fight between two of his prime targets in that pointless martial arts tournament. Ever since that day he viewed a certain video feed by accident, he got interested in those he now called Subject-G, Subject-K and Subject-B. There were others, like their friend and that mentor of theirs, but they were his primary targets.
He had managed to gather DNA samples from all of them easily. However, monitoring them proved a problem. They had chosen to train on a remote and open island. His drones could have easily been seen and didn't have the battery to last for a long time. He had therefore been forced to only record parts of their training. That was a disappointment. Then again, it wasn't like he had very much to record in the first place. They did the same training, again and again for a whole year. The training methods baffled him, and he didn't understand its purpose, but somehow it seemed to produce results.
Another curiosity was Subject-B. The real identity surprised him, as did comparing their DNA with the other two subjects. Somehow, she shared the same DNA as two beings he was sure they weren't humans. He had sent drones to collect samples from her parents, but only managed to get one from her father as her mother somehow kept dodging the drones' attempts without even seeing it! It nearly drove him mad!
Gero coughed as he collected his thoughts. He had studied the DNA of all three of them extensively. While they shared similarities with the DNA of humans, enough to mate with them, there were too many differences. They were clearly extraterrestrial in origin, that was clear. Their DNA alongside the Subject-P and Subject-GRE all pointed to the existence of aliens. Theirs proved easier to handle and alter than the other two (what was the use of a pointless tail, really?) and added it to A-21.
He hummed as he watched Subject-B unleash a volley of these energy blasts of theirs. That energy they used was interesting and could be something he could use for his second generation of Androids, but he had no idea how to access it or collect it. Something he needed to work on later.
[I've run the simulations. Subject-P's DNA is too unstable. Unless we suppress it, it may overwrite everything else.]
"It's fine. Suppress it for now. We'll leave it for the future if we discover more about it, we can activate it then."
[It may cause instability or problems for A-21 then.]
Gero shrugged. "I don't care," he said coldly.
[Should we continue accelerating the physical ageing process?]
Gero looked at A-21, submerged inside a special tank. Its physical age was around seven years old now. He nodded. "Yes, continue, but wake it up, and start downloading the information in its brain."
He went back to his earlier work. Or rather, he needed to start working on his next project No. 11. Behind him, he heard the screams of the abomination. He simply scoffed and continued working uncaringly.
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There were a few minutes before the match, so Bulma decided to get this over with. Goku and Krillin were taking a nap, and Kefla was meditating, so she made her way towards Jackie Chun to get answers out of him.
She saw him standing to the side trying to flirt with Ranfan. Surprisingly, the woman seemed receptive to his advances, though given her personality, Bulma wasn't sure if she was trying to scam him or she actually was interested in grandpas.
Bulma grabbed his arm and dragged him. "You can flirt later, old man," she said to him.
Jackie Chun glared at his student as he was dragged away from the birdie that he was flirting with. It was working too! It had been a long time since he scored. Sure, she was much younger than him, but at his age, even someone's grandpa would be too young for him, so he didn't care anymore as long as she was an adult. He yanked his arm free as they stood a good distance away from Ranfan.
"Well, what do you want that you interrupted my important time?"
Bulma rolled her eyes at his attitude. "I want to understand what your game is here, Master Roshi."
She saw his eyes wide for a moment before he schooled his features. He said in a completely innocent tone that she didn't believe for a moment. "I don't understand what you are talking about, girlie. I'd be honoured to be mistaken for such a legendary martial arts master, but sadly, I'm not the great Turtle Hermit."
Bulma rolled her eyes again. "Don't act coy with me. You have the same scent even if you're trying to mask it now with a perfume. You also have the same eyes, same face, same beard, and the same perverted attitude. I can also spot a wig when I see one. Don't think that you can deceive me."
Master Roshi stared at her for a few moments before sighed. "Fine, you discovered me, happy?"
Bulma simply shrugged. "I simply want to know why? Why did you enter the tournament? And why did you enter it in a disguise."
Master Roshi sighed. "As you obviously know,I had all four of you enter the tournament," he started explaining. "All four of you far surpassed my expectations in your training. You just kept on getting better, and better… Krillin's performance just a few minutes ago against me is the best evidence."
He looked toward the other three. "Especially Goku and Kefla… With their natural instinct, their potential is limitless. You and Krillin are certainly not far behind… I had you all enter this tournament as a test of your strength."
He continued. "I see you all do even better than I dreamed. If one of you children were to win the whole thing and the title of The Strongest Under the Heavens with it, the victory would go straight to your heads.. The winner would think that they have nothing left to learn." He raised one finger up. "However, with some humility, and determination… I could turn you all into the greatest fighters ever! So, I decided to enter too, to teach you that no matter how great you are, there is always someone even better."
"I can understand that, but I don't get why the need for a disguise."
"Well, it shows them that the world is vast and that there are other people other than their own master who are strong too."
That… made some sense to her so she nodded. "I guess… yeah, you're right."
Before she could say more, the crowd cheered as the announcer went back to the stage. She knew that meant it was time for her fight against Kefla. She looked toward her and saw Kefla open her eyes, a challenging smirk on her face.
Bulma wouldn't lie and say she wasn't nervous. Kefla wouldn't hurt her for sure, but that didn't mean that she would take it easy on her. They made their way to the arena, each one standing on a different side.
"ON THE LEFT SIDE WE HAVE, BULMA! ANOTHER DISCIPLE OF THE LEGENDARY MASTER! SHE HAD GIVEN US, ALONG WITH NAM, ONE OF THE BEST MATCHES IN THE HISTORY OF THE TOURNAMENT!"
The crowd cheered for her, and Bulma raised her hand and waved for them, a smug smile on her face.
Kefla watched as Bulma ate up the praise and the cheering with a smile. She had been eagerly waiting for this match. Not out of the desire to hurt Bulma, but rather to fight with one of her closest friends, just like she loved to fight with Kakarot. The guy in question was cheering for both her and Bulma, unable to pick a side.
"ON THE OTHER SIDE, WE HAVE KEFLA! SHE HAS ALSO LEARNED FROM THE SAME TEACHER, AND IS THE THIRD WOMAN TO FIGHT IN THE FINALS TODAY. A TOURNAMENT RECORD! SHE HAS DEFEATED EVERY OPPONENT WITH EASE SO FAR, AND WE HAVE YET TO SEE HER TRUE POWER AND SKILL!"
Kefla scowled at the reminder as the crowd cheered. The cheers were certainly less than Bulma's because of the disappointing, and boring previous match of hers. She had yet to fight an opponent that could draw out her full power and skills, and it frustrated her greatly. She knew that Bulma was weaker than her, but she wasn't going to underestimate her. Bulma was too clever, and still a Saiyan at the end of the day.
"NOW WHAT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEMI-FINALS!... BEGIN!"
Neither Kefla nor Bulma moved for a few moments as they took in their opponent. Then, Bulma blurred, and Kefla had to duck to avoid a kick to her head. Grinning, she grabbed Bulma's outstretched leg and spun, sending her flying toward the wall. Bulma righted herself mid-air and landed on her legs, but Kefla was already upon her with a right hook that Bulma dodged.
Bulma dodged Kefla's hook but before she had the chance to counterattack, Kefla sent another punch that she blocked with her arm. She winced from the strength of the punch, yet still knew that Kefla wasn't exactly going all out yet. She wasn't going to hold back, knowing the difference in strength, and because Kefla would rather she break her arm than coddle her in a fight. She saw an opportunity as Kefla sent a straight kick that Bulma jumped over. Mid-air, hovering over Kefla's outstretched leg, Bulma grabbed the sides of Kefla's head and made to knee her in the face. Kefla managed to block her attack at the nick of time however, as she hastily raised her arm, blocking it just before it connected with her pretty face.
Kefla felt her blood sing as she blocked Bulma's knee. This was it! This was a fight that she wanted, not the pathetic squabbles that she got since the start of the tournament. Bulma, still hovering in the air, made to attack with her other leg, but Kefla blocked it too. They disengaged, putting a distance between them. The cheers of the crowds meant little to hear as she started enjoying a good fight.
She was the first to attack, sending a storm of punches and precise strikes at Kefla, hoping to overpower her with sheer speed and the number of attacks. Kefla, however, dodged her attacks as if she were doing a dance. Frustrated, Bulma tried to swipe her legs, but Kefla jumped over and sent a kick that Bulma blocked with a palm and a wince. Bulma put a distance between them before she bounced again. Their forearms clashed for a moment before each of them sent a punch that the other blocked with their palm before they again put a distance between them.
We might appear as if we're on the same level, but she's not taking any damage. Meanwhile, any attack I block is dealing me some damage from how strong she is.
"WHAT AN AMAZING FIGHT SO FAR! THE DISCIPLES OF THE LEGENDARY MASTER HAVE TAKEN THIS TOURNAMENT TO ANOTHER LEVEL FROM THE START!"
They both dashed forward. Another arm-lock, a dodge and a block. They still haven't scored a solid hit yet, but Kefla was enjoying herself so far. Standing on one leg, Kefla raised the other as she sent several consecutive kicks at Bulma's head. Bulma managed to block all of her attacks, but it didn't matter since as soon as Kefla's raised leg touched the ground, she spun and sent a kick too fast for Bulma to block right to her side.
"Agh!"
Bulma shouted in pain as she was sent skittering from Kefla's kick. She winced as she put her hand on her side. This was going to bruise badly, she knew it. She glared at Kefla who simply smirked at her. Bulma sent a Ki blast that Kefla simply deflected. Deciding a change was needed, Bulma launched herself in the air flying upwards and leaving the arena behind. It took a few moments, but Kefla flew after her.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! ARE YOU SEEING WHAT AM I SEEING? THEY CAN FLY! AMAZING! THE STRONGEST UNDER THE HEAVENS HAVE BECOME THE STRONGEST IN THE HEAVENS!"
Bulma didn't wait for Kefla to reach her as she turned around, and flew down at top speed taking Kefla by surprise. She used her momentum to deliver an axe kick that Kefla had to cross her arms above her head to block. Bulma turned herself upside down and fired a Ki blast at Kefla's exposed stomach. Kefla's eyes bulged as the attack hit her, spittle flying from her mouth as her uniform was torn a little, exposing her slightly injured stomach. Bulma used the chance to kick her, to send her down to the arena. However, Kefla managed to catch her tail at the last moment. Electricity shot through her body as she suddenly lost her strength.
"WILL YOU PEOPLE STOP GRIPPING MY DAMN TAIL!?"
Kefla half smirked, half winced at Bulma's scream. Still clutching Bulma's tail, Kefla used all her strength to hurl Bulma to the ground. The height wasn't enough to cause more than bruises or something like that since they were Saiyans, but it'd be an apt payback for Bulma's earlier hit.
CRACK
Bulma hit the ground hard as spider webs of cracks spread over the arena from the point of impact. Spittle flew from her mouth as she groaned in pain. Her whole body hurt, and she would have broken it if she wasn't a Saiyan. She stood up slowly, groaning just as Kefla landed.
"That hurt like a bitch," said Bulma.
"Sorry about that."
Bulma shook her head and smirked. "Don't be, this is a fight," she said. Gods, she was really going mad. She blamed it on her Saiyan blood.
They started their attacks once again. They clashed once again, a kick by Bulma blocked by Kefla. The counter punch parried. They went on and on for a few minutes like that, their blood pumping, and their audience cheering them on more.
Kefla jumped over Bulma and hit the back of her head with her leg. Bulma spun and caught her floating form with a kick. Kefla's smile became wilder as she retaliated with a flurry of punches that Bulma barely blocked, though some of them did land on the target.
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Roshi watched the fight between Kefla and Bulma with visible excitement. He had seen them fight others before, but this was his first time seeing them fighting each other. First time seeing two Saiyans fight.
It didn't really make any sense. He observed carefully how they fought. Rather than getting tired as the battle raged, something else seemed to happen. Their strokes became more precise, their attacks grew stronger and their senses sharper. It was unlike anything he had ever seen. Sure, he had seen fighters who grew stronger in battles, but it wasn't anything like this. At all.
He had told Bulma that they had limitless potential. That was true, but he questioned how far they could actually go. How strong would they become in the future?
The thought frightened him and excited him in equal measure. He was really proud to have such a crop of students this time. Each one of them were amazing. He couldn't wait to see what they'd show him in the coming years.
A sardonic smirk crossed his face, "Though I might need to go all out against Goku if I want to win."
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Bulma parried Kefla's attack and nailed her in the cheek with a punch. Kefla was sent to the side, but she recovered easily and attacked her. Once in the shoulder, another in her thigh and a third in her face. Bulma was hit three times so fast that she could barely see it, and was sent to the ground, groaning. Bulma stood up slowly, shakenly. Kefla hadn't attacked her, probably to prolong the match and have more fun. She used the time to come up with anything.
I need to do something or I will lose easily
A thought came to her. She jumped back, putting a distance between them before she cupped her hands to the side in a familiar pose. Kefla saw her and copied her.
"WHAT IS THIS? ARE WE GOING TO SEE ANOTHER KAMEHAMEHA WAVE CLASH LADIES AND GENTLEMEN? WHAT AN AMAZING TOURNAMENT!"
"Kaaaaa-"
"Meeeee-"
"Haaaaa-"
"Meeeee-"
"Haaaaa!" This time, one voice sounded only as Kefla thrust her arms forward launching the beam of red Ki at Bulma.
Bulma held her attack in between her hands. She waited for the last moment before she dove aside, avoiding the attack which continued on its way (Thankfully it'd go toward the waiting area, and not the audience), and rocketed toward Kefla at her top flight speed. In a moment, she was upon a surprised Kefla, a mere two meters in between them.
Bulma smirked. "Haaaa!" and launched her own Kamehameha wave attack at Kefla.
Kefla's eyes widened as she saw Bulma fly to her side. She realised what was happening. She was too late to dodge, dispersing her attack, she crossed her arms and channelled Ki through her body to protect herself just as Bulma's Kamehameha hit her.
A bright explosion followed that made Bulma close her eyes. When she opened it, she saw a gorge formed into the arena leading to the very edge of it. Right on the edge, stood Kefla. Her arms still crossed in front of her. Parts of her gi were torn, her arms bloodied and she had a few scratches and burns, but she was otherwise fine. When she uncrossed her arms, Bulma was taken aback by the crazed happy grin. Bulma swore that she saw Kefla's eyes flash yellow for a moment.
Kefla darted toward her again, faster than ever. Suddenly, Bulma found herself flying into the wall behind her. She groaned, blood falling from her busted lip and cut cheek.
What the fuck happened?
She couldn't see anything! One moment Kefla was coming to her, and the next she was sent flying with her face full of pain. Just as she stood, she saw a tail wrap around her ankle.
"Shit."
She felt pain in her stomach before she was launched in the air. Just as she was about to right herself to land, she felt a presence behind her. She turned, arms already crossed, and barely blocked Kefla's punch, her bones creaking at the impact.
"Fuck!" Bulma cursed as she tried to put a distance between them.
"Come on, Bulma! Where is your strength from earlier? Fight me!" Kefla yelled as she chased her.
Kefla sent a kick at her, and Bulma dropped to the ground to avoid it. She had to roll to the side to avoid Kefla stomping at her. She jumped backwards.
Okay, time to do something different.
Kefla watched in confusion as she felt some kind of energy gather around Bulma's arms. She didn't know what it was, but it wasn't Ki for sure. She saw her bring her arm down and shout.
"Smokescreen!"
Suddenly, an explosion of smoke filled the area, engulfing Bulma and hiding her from view completely. Kefla squinted her eyes trying to find her before they widened. From the smoke, more than a dozen purple Ki blasts emerged rushing towards her.
"Not good enough," she snarled as she sent an equal number of red Ki blast that neutralised the threat.
Suddenly, her hackles were raised as she felt someone behind her, she turned to see Bulma blur ready to attack. Kefla was faster as she sent a straight kick, only for it to go through Bulma's body.
"An afterimage?'' She said, shocked. She whirled around to attack Bulma who she was sure was there. And there she was, but once again, Kefla's attack went through Bulma
She isn't that fast!
She didn't have time to dwell on it as she was hit from the side, and was sent slamming into the wall thankfully, and not outside the arena. She just picked herself up as Bulma was upon her; she was prepared to block any of her attacks, but was shocked as Bulma used a Ki shaped like a staff to thrust into her gut, knocking the winds out of her, and burning her slightly.
Bulma continued to attack her with a storm of precision strikes and jabs with the Ki staff. Kefla was hit by the first few attacks before she grew angry.
"HAAAA!" She released a mighty shout, pushing her palms sideways. A powerful gust of wind and Ki blasted from around her, and sent Bulma flying, her Ki staff lost.
Both of them stood staring at each other, panting and injured.
"What was that?" Asked Kefla. "That wasn't an afterimage."
Bulma smirked. "Magic! Illusion to be precise."
"Excuse me, Miss Bulma," said the announcer nervously as he approached them.
"Hmm?"
"That smokescreen you used? It wasn't with the help of any item, yes? Since they're banned during the tournament."
Bulma shook her head. "No, that was a magic spell."
The announcer blinked for a moment. "Magic? It's real?"
Bulma simply nodded.
He took a deep breath. "AMAZING! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! NOT ONLY WE GOT TO SEE THE LEGENDARY KI BEING USED, BUT MAGIC TOO! CAN THIS TOURNAMENT GET ANY BETTER?" He screamed with all his might, making Bulma and Kefla wince as the audience cheered.
"It's time we ended this, right, Bulma?"
"Yeah, this has gone long enough."
Each one of them took their own stance as they gazed the other down. Suddenly, Kefla felt a wave of something wash over her as she locked eyes with Bulma. It was very subtle, barely noticeable. Shaking her head, she focused on Bulma as she dashed towards her. Kefla dodged a strike and tried to kick her, but her own leg passed through Bulma's body.
Illusion again? She thought just as she saw two more Bulma's attack her, one from each side. More illusions! She'll attack from behind! Kefla thought as she turned to block the attack, only to be hit by the Bulma on her left with a left hook to the face.
Kefla spit a little blood as she glared at the smirking form of Bulma. She attacked twice after that for the same result. Anger flared inside of Kefla, and unknown to her, her eyes changed to yellow for a few moments before going back to normal. She was having trouble telling the illusion from the real Bulma. They looked identical, and all gave sounds when moving. She tried to use her nose, but after a long fight, Bulma's scent was all over the place.
There is only one option left She thought as she was punched again. While they seemed identical, Kefla noticed that Bulma didn't use any Ki attack since she started using the illusions. She figured that it might not be possible, or that Ki would reveal the real thing. More than a year ago, Kefla relied on her scouter to tell her the power levels of people and their position, however, she learnt that people on earth could hide their true powers. Master Roshi had since taught her how to sense Ki and tell the power and position of people around her, so she figured it might be her best shot.
Bulma watched in confusion as Kefla closed her eyes and stood still. Shrugging, she rushed forward to deliver another punch, only for Kefla to turn around to face her and catch the punch with her hand easily.
"What?"
Kefla opened her eyes with an evil smile. "Caught you~" she sing-songed before she headbutted Bulma in the face. A cracking sound was heard as Bulma's nose was broken. Kefla felt her anger flare before she continued, driving her knee into Bulma's guts making her cough harshly. She ended her assault by throwing Bulma into another part of the wall that separated the arena from the backstage.
Bulma barely was able to rise before she had to block another assault from Kefla. Precision strikes, kicks, punches and palm strikes. Bulma couldn't even block half of the strikes as Kefla kept on getting faster and stronger. Her body was like a giant bruise at this point. It hurt everywhere, pain flashing every time Kefla's hits connected with her body. She vaguely noticed that Kefla's eyes kept changing to yellow for some reason, but before she could really think about it, Kefla blurred behind her and delivered a chop to her neck.
Kefla watched as Bulma's eyes rolled back, her mouth foaming as she fell to the ground. She knew that match was over right then and there.
"AMAZING! WHAT A FIGHT! CONTESTANT KELFA MANAGED TO BYPASS BULMA'S ILLUSIONS AND COMPLETELY DOMINATE THE MATCH!"
"How about you start counting?"
The announcer was startled, catching himself. "Y-YES! 1-2-3!" he started the count, and yet Bulma didn't move.
Kefla knew that it was over, but she frowned a little. She felt that she might have gone slightly overboard in the fight. She didn't know why, but she felt like she was losing her sense of self in moments of anger.
"5-6!"
Her anger was born out of frustration from Bulma's tricks, and getting hit more than she should have. Bulma proved more resourceful and smarter than she thought in a fight. If Bulma was on her level, Kefla would've lost for sure, but the difference in strength made it far easier for Kefla to shrug off Bulma's attacks, while her own delivered more damage.
"9-10! AND THE WINNER IIIIIIS KEFLA!" The announcer shouted as the stadium erupted in cheers.
Kefla herself smirked happily and raised her hand in victory. After that, she bent down and carried Bulma in her arms before making her way backstage. Kakarot and Krillin made their way to the, congratulating Kefla and checking up on Bulma. Thinking back on the anger, she didn't really understand what happened. Shrugging, Kefla decided to figure it out later. For now, she'd enjoy watching the next fight. She would wait for Bulma to wake up before she apologised to her for going slightly harder than she should've. She also had to tell her that this was one of the best fights she ever had.
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Darkness… Everything around… [Her]. Everything around her was dark.
All around her was a weird sensation. A wet substance surrounded her… body.
She could hear a sound. No, sounds. Soft beeping, muffled talking. She couldn't understand any of it.
She couldn't see… No… she could… she only had to open… her [eyes!]
Weakly, slowly, she opened her eyes and winced. A stinging feeling in her eyes as the liquid stuff slightly burned them. It took a few moments, but she could open her eyes fully without a problem now.
The liquid had a colour… [Green] her mind? Provided helpfully.
The liquid… it wasn't [water].
What is water anyway? Her mind asked.
[An inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odourless, and nearly colourless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth's hydrosphere and the fluids of all known living organisms. It is vital for all known forms of life, even though it provides no calories or organic nutrients.]
The… [Information] suddenly was available.
Where did that come from? She thought. It was like the thoughts had come from another place before it entered her mind.
She concentrated… There! Something long and thin was connected to her head. The information was coming from it. There was more!
She tried to move. Her arms were moving very slowly. The liquid was preventing it.
She looked around, trying to understand where she was. Beyond the liquid, she saw several shapes.
Machines! They're called machines!
Several machines were there in that strange room beyond the liquid. There were other things too. She didn't know what they were called. There were several flat panels… [Screens] with weird shapes on them.
Someone was there… A [man]. He was tall, but she could see clearly from behind the curtain of green liquid… She could see a large moustache and long shaggy white hair.
He…
He was her… [Father?]
What did a father mean?
Her thoughts were becoming clearer. Information was coming steadily, and increasingly. With it came other things. It was as if her brain… matured. Information was still coming, and it gave her definitions of things that she was… feeling. Thoughts, feelings, and a sense of self as she became aware. As if she suddenly was truly alive. She was a… person?
Suddenly, she started panicking.
Where was she?
What was she?
Who was she?
She couldn't understand any of that. She thrashed, almost lethargically. She was weak, and the liquid made it harder. Something grasped her heart, squeezing it, but she saw nothing touching her. Bellyache, a sense of wrongness. It was… fear. Fear. She was feeling it. She wanted to cry, but she couldn't.
The information didn't stop. She hated it.
It didn't tell her what she wanted.
Still, it didn't stop. On and on it went. Her head hurt. She wanted to cry out, but couldn't.
She wanted to know who she was. What was her name? Why was she there? Why was she alive?
Still, the information didn't stop; genetics, bio-engineering, circuits, and many other concepts forced their way into her head. Still, she didn't understand what she wanted. The information didn't care.
Her fear grew as the man stood in front of her. He was smiling, but it only made her panic more. She didn't like it. She wanted to be away.
He said a word. She heard it.
Was that my name?
He pressed something, and the information increased, and with it came a blinding pain as something was happening in her body.
Through her pained scream, she managed to say two words.
Twenty… one.
-]||[-
Bulma had woken up shortly after during the five minutes break between fights. Kefla had apologised for going slightly overboard against her, but Bulma waved her off, telling her it wasn't a problem. Goku was happy that both of them were okay, and the fight made him fired up, wanting to fight Kefla later in the finals. But first, he had to face Jackie Chun.
"CONTESTANTS! PLEASE, COME DOWN!"
He heard the announcement and got ready. Jackie Chun wasn't just an old geezer, but a very powerful one if the match against Krillin proved anything. Goku had a feeling that Jackie Chun wasn't even going all out in that match. The mere idea sent a shudder of excitement through his body, his blood boiling in anticipation of the coming fight. A huge smile was on his face as he stepped into the arena. This was why he came here. To fight against his friends and others that would push him to the limit.
Jackie Chun looked at his young student as he entered the arena with a smile as big as a child entering JumpLand.
"Son Goku, why so happy?" asked the announcer.
"I'm just excited to be fighting somebody good!" chirped Goku.
This wild, innocent spirit… I can't afford to lose to him… I'll have to fight with all my concentration and power to win this fight. Thought Chun. He had thought that he only needed to use a fraction of his powers against those kids, but his fight with Krillin proved that he had to take things seriously. Goku, he suspected, would prove even better than Krillin. He was really proud of these kids. He had thought Gohan before was the best that he'd ever teach, but these four had proved him wrong. Perhaps he was hasty in his retirement, and with refusing new students after Gohan. That the future might still bring more surprises after all.
I guess even an old man like me can still learn a lesson or two.
"The semi-finalists will now take their combat stances."
Both of them did just that.
"No holds barred, lad," said Chun.
Goku smirked. "You said it."
There was a moment of silence as the atmosphere grew tense. Everyone from the two fighters, their friends, the other contestants, and the audience waited in bated breath.
"BEGIN!"
Chun rushed at Goku, intending to deliver a left hook but Goku dodged by simply jumping high in the air. He didn't waste any time using his leg to launch himself towards Goku, delivering a flying kick that sent Goku flying far from the arena. Chun landed back, his arms behind his back.
Chun shook his head in disappointment. "The naïve young fool… Getting a sense of false security because he dodged the first attack… He let his guard down, and paid the price."
"You should take your own advice!" a shout jolted him out of his thoughts, but not fast enough to avoid Goku body slamming into him, knocking the wind out of him, and sending him rolling for a few meters.
Curses! I forgot that he can fly!
Goku smirked as pounced, attempting to kick Chun while he was down. However, Chun avoided it by rolling to the side before using his arm as a support, launching his body upward with a kick targeting Goku's head. Goku, on the other hand, jumped backwards, avoiding the kick and putting a distance between them.
They waited for a moment before they rushed each other again, their forearms clashing together. Goku made to punch with his other arm, but he was met with a palm that blocked it. His opponent tried to knee him in the stomach, but Goku blocked it with his own knee. They disengaged before they ran at each other again. Goku ducked under a side-kick from Chun. He tried to hit the knee of Chun's extended leg, but the latter managed to retract it in time, so Goku launched a storm of punches and kicks at Chun who managed to parry, block, and dodge all of them.
His attacks stopped when Chun brought his leg on the ground hard, cracking the arena and sending a gust of wind that sent Goku backwards. He didn't have time to readjust himself properly before he was attacked by Chun in a volley of precision attacks and kicks that Goku barely blocked or dodged.
He is doing great. Thought Chun. His movements are exemplary, and his actions are a perfect performance of the moves that I taught him as if he's been doing them for decades… He still has much, much more to master, but he's fighting as if he was a martial art student that honed his mastery of the basics for years, not someone who trained properly in martial arts for less than a year.
He sent a straight punch that Goku blocked, but Goku's counter attack didn't even reach him.
My biggest advantage is the difference in our stature. Goku is much shorter than me, and his arms and legs are shorter, so my strikes not only will have more power behind them, but it will give me enough space to either avoid his attacks completely or negate as much damage from them as I can.
Goku was still agile and nimble enough to dodge or block his attacks though. So far, it didn't appear that either of them would gain anything from the current strategy, but both of them were enjoying it enough to keep it going for a while. The audience sure enjoyed the fight as the show they put on must've looked impressive to regular people or even master martial artists. While Ki was an important asset and something enjoyable in itself, this was the true core of martial arts: Hand to hand combat.
Goku seemed to grow annoyed by the exchange after a few more minutes as he suddenly yelled, thrusting his arms wide, and released a gust of Ki and winds that sent Chun several feet backwards and created a small crater in the arena beneath Goku's feet.
"MAGNIFICENT! WITH EACH FIGHT, THE TOURNAMENT IS ELEVATED TO EVEN A HIGHER LEVEL!"
"Give it up, young man. You won't be beating me today," said Chun.
Goku glared at him. "In your dreams!" he shouted before he rushed him.
-]||[-
She saw them engage each other again and again in an impressive show of martial arts. The fight made her blood sing, her smile stretching her face at the prospect of fighting the winner after this fight. That she'll finally get to fight Kakarot again for she was sure that he'll win.
"Do you think that Goku will win?" asked Krillin as he too watched the fight. "I know that I'm weaker, but damn that Chun guy is really impressive."
"Goku will win." It was Bulma that answered with confidence that made Kefla smile again.
"Well, watching each match only proved how naïve I was," said Nam, who decided to stay and watch the tournament until the end. "I thought that with determination and my skills I could win against anyone, but here I find at least five people who could've defeated me. One of them is as old as my grandfather, and the other is less than half my age."
"Naturally," said Bulma. "Until one leaves their well, they don't realise how vast the world truly is… Until a little over a year ago, I didn't know that people who could move mountains existed, but here we are."
"Well, I'm glad to have left my village even for a while. I got to see many sights that I would've never dreamed of."
-]||[-
Goku ducked under a roundhouse kick and moved to punch Chun who made to do the same, their knuckles clashing together before they jumped backwards, giving themselves some space.
"Come on! Is that the best you've got?" asked Goku eagerly.
"You make me mad, boy… Just for that, I'm going to give you a taste of… this!" he suddenly shouted the last word as he blurred. Another Jackie Chun appeared on Goku's left, and Goku wasn't impressed as he attacked him.
"Again with this? You're so predictable!"
However, Goku's fist passed through Chun's body, taking him by surprise. He didn't have time to do anything as he registered a sudden pain in the back of his head as he was sent flying and crashing into the remaining part of the arena wall.
"Double shadow attack," Chun said as Goku was buried under the rubble of the wall. He looked toward the announcer/referee. "You can start counting now."
"A-Ah yes,"
"One! Two!"
I kicked him with all my might. Chun thought. "If he gets up after that I'll eat my shorts."
"Thre-"
Before the announcer could count to three, Goku unexpectedly got out from under the rubble without any visible sign of injury, taking Chun by surprise.
"Oh, I hope that nobody heard me about the shorts…" he muttered to himself as Goku got ready to attack.
"My turn!" Goku said before he blurred, leaving an afterimage.
"Monkey-see, monkey-do, eh?" he scoffed. "You think you can win by copying my own moves against me?"
He barely looked behind him at Goku's other afterimage. "What an obvious double-shadow!" he turned to the side and attacked a third Goku. "The real you is obviously here!" he shouted, only for his eyes to bulge as his hand passed through the third Goku.
"I'M UP HE—RE!" A shout from above grabbed his attention as a descending Goku delivered a double axe handle punch that sent him to the ground crying out in pain.
Goku laughed as he flexed his arms. "How did you like my triple-shadow?"
Chun could only groan in pain as he got up slowly. "Little ingrate… Getting cocky, are we?" he said. "Okay, then… this time for sure… it'll be all over!" he said.
Goku watched with a puzzled expression as Chun moved his open palms in a weird pattern. Strange energy filled the place.
"WHAT FEARSOME ATTACK IS JACKIE CHUN IS ABOUT TO UNLEASH FROM THAT LUDICROUS POSE? HOW VIOLENT MUST IT BE FOR HIM TO DECLARE VICTORY SO CONFIDENTLY?"
Goku gulped as he stared at Chun, ready for anything, watching the weird gestures he did with his hands.
Suddenly, something changed as Chun's eyes went white and Goku's body felt frozen for a moment, just like when he first would see the moonlight.
"Rock~ a~ bye~~ baaaaa~by~~~~~" Chun suddenly started to sing. "In~ the~ treeee~~~ top~~~~~"
Goku felt his eyelids get droopy as he listened to Chun's song.
"When~ the~ wind~ bloooo~ ws~~~~~" he continued. "The~ craaa~~ dle~~ will~ roooo~~ ck~~~~"
Goku's world went black as he dropped, his name being shouted by someone was the last thing he heard before falling asleep.
-]||[-
"Heh," Chun smirked. "The nighty-night baby attack! I win," he announced so smugly that Bulma wanted to enter the arena and wipe that smug smirk from his face!
Chun turned to the referee who watched the event stunned. "Now start the damn count!"
"B-But what people are going to say about the tournament if you win the semi-finals with a lullaby?"
"Is it my fault that my opponent is such a doofus I could sing him to sleep?! Count!"
"O-Okay…" the announcer/referee said reluctantly. "One… Two…"
"Wake up, Goku!" Bulma yelled out frantically.
"Don't you dare lose like that, Kakarot!"
"Come one, GOKU!" shouted Krillin.
Chun simply stood there smugly. "Say or sing whatever you want… he won't open his eyes until I say the signal…"
"… FIVE… SIX…!"
Even the audience joined in calling Goku's name, hoping for him to wake up so their match won't end just like that.
"…. SEVEN!... EIGHT!"
Bulma, who was racking her head for something furiously, suddenly had an epiphany.
"Of course!" she suddenly said, grabbing the attention of those around her.
"… NINE!"
With all her might, she yelled. "GOKU! DINNER TIME!"
And just like that, Goku jumped from his sleeping position much to the shock of everyone, including Jackie Chun who muttered curses.
"HUH? Where did it go? Where's the dinner!"
"AND GOKU'S UP!" The announcer announced as Bulma sighed in relief.
"Seriously, did that really work?" Kefla said while facepalming. Krillin on the other hand just laughed nervously.
Bulma didn't bother to tell her that she'd have done the same given Kefla's love of food rivalled Goku's.
"AAAAAND THE MATCH IS STILL ON! GOOD NEWS FOR THE DIGNITY OF THE MARTIAL ARTS!"
Meanwhile, Goku was still searching for food.
"WILL SOMEBODY TELL ME WHERE THE DAMN DINNER IS!?" Goku roared to the sky.
-]||[-
Goku was disappointed to find out that dinner would only be served after the end of the tournament. So he decided to end this match quickly, so he'd get to fight Kefla in the finals before he eats.
"All right! I've got to win this quick!"
Chun gritted his teeth. "If anyone is going to win quickly then it's me, brat!"
"Oh, yeah?" Goku said as he rushed forward. "Jan-ken… Rock!" he shouted as sent a straight punch, only for Chun to catch it with his palm. He followed up with a "Scissors!" that got deflected so it'd not hit Chun's eyes. Goku's "Paper!" was blocked by Chun's knee on the other hand.
Goku took a step back, confused. "Huh? My Jan-ken isn't getting through?"
Chun chuckled. "Ho! You know how many rock, scissors, and paper I've seen?"
Goku was shocked to hear that. "Gah! You mean that you knew about that attack?" he asked. "But it's my grandpa's special move!"
Could it be that this old man fought against grandpa before?
"Fine… One more time!"
"Go ahead, it's your funeral."
Goku rushed at him again with a smirk on his face. "Jan-ken… Paper!" he shouted, however, he sent a punch instead of a palm strike, completely taking Chun by surprise, and hitting him square in the face sending him to the ground.
"AND HE'S DOWN! JACKIE CHUN IS DOWN!" The announcer said. "One… two… three…"
He barely reached four before Jackie Chun was standing on his legs. "Brilliant… Brilliant… Yelling paper and using rock instead was clever…"
He made a new stance. "Let's see how you deal with this…" he said before he suddenly hiccupped, and started swaying his body strangely.
"W-What's going on?"
"SOMETHING STRANGE HAS HAPPENED TO JACKIE CHUN! WAS SOMEONE SIPPING SAKE AT RINGSIDE BEFORE THE FIGHT?"
"I don't know what's going on, but you're finished!" said Goku as he rushed at Chun.
However, Chun simply cartwheeled over Goku just as he made to attack him before he spun and kicked Goku's back. Goku turned around and sent a series of precision strikes that Chun danced around before he swayed to a stop, his arms moving in an erratic way before he took another stance. Although he was clearly not steady on his feet.
"Gah! What the hell is that?"
"That's the Drunken Fist, lad," said Chun.
"But you're not drunk!" Was Goku's retort.
"I'm a master of the art, you think I need to be drunk to be able to do it?" said Chun before he practically spun as he launched himself at Goku.
Goku tried to avoid it, only for Chun to spin around his body, landing behind him and elbow him in the back of his neck.
"Gah!" Goku cried out in pain, but Chun wasn't done as he spun back, now facing Goku, he put his arms around Goku's neck as if he was hugging him before he shook him around, disorientating him. That was followed by a quick series of jabs to Goku's chest that sent him back a few meters, gasping in pain.
Goku attacked again, but Chun caught his fist, wrapped his other arm around Goku's before he made him hit himself with his own fist in the face. Chun then hit the back of Goku's neck, bending him forward, before he kicked the side of Goku's leg sending him flying to land face-first on the ground.
Goku got up. He was getting more and more frustrated by Chun's new style of attack. He shook his head, watching Chun wobble from right to left before he decided to attack. Goku rushed at him, however, Chun wobbled back and into another direction. Goku followed, but he suddenly found Chun veering back in a second direction. Frustrated, Goku tried a left hook that Chun avoided by merely bending the upper part of his body backwards. Goku's follow up flying kick was also dodged by Chun bending backwards.
Before Goku could think of anything else, Chun continued the natural direction of his bend, falling backwards on his arms before, while holding his body on his arms, advanced on Goku while sending consecutive kicks.
Goku crossed his arms over his head as he blocked Chun's kicks while retreating to get away from him. He changed tactics, sending a low kick to Chun's head, only for Chun to launch his body using his arms, cartwheel over Goku, and just before he landed, he sent a straight kick at Goku's head that sent him flying.
When Goku got up, he saw Chun standing like he's about to fall forward. The "Come and get me" gesture with his two fingers irked Goku, so he rushed at him. Again. His first kick was blocked, while the second one was avoided by Chun spinning around before almost falling flat as he ducked under Goku's right hook. Chun kicked off from below, sending a side kick that hit Goku in the chest sending him a few feet away while Chun stood on one leg, the other nearly folded on his waist.
"Don't think a little kid that never drank a sip of sake could ever copy my Drunken Fist, boy!"
Goku suddenly had an idea. He didn't reply to Chun, instead tactically retreated, giving himself some distance from Chun.
"Hey, why are you running?" asked Chun.
He then noticed Goku's body shaking and frowned. "Did I hit you so hard that I made you cry?" he asked, puzzled. Goku wasn't one to cry.
Suddenly, Goku turned around. His eyes were blank, teeth with big sharp fangs bared as drool fell down from his mouth, then Goku released a loud wild roar making Chun stumble back in shock.
Goku went down on all four, growling before he launched himself at Chun who squeaked in fear. Just before he hit him, Goku cartwheeled over Chun before he kicked him in the back. Hard.
Goku didn't give him any time to recover as he landed nearly flat on the ground with one arm forward before he propelled himself, like a snake striking from the grass, nailing Chun in the chest. The attack didn't stop as Goku jumped on top of Chun's head, who tried to get Goku to get off, but Goku simply let himself fall, landing completing flat on the ground before he used his tail, to wrap it around Chun's ankle, then proceeding to lift him with it and crush him into the ground. Goku jumped on top of him, straddling his chest, and sent a series of fast jabs and scratches at Chun's face and chest before he jumped off him.
Chun weakly stood up, having sustained significant damage. "W-What the hell is that?" He asked as he has never seen something like it before.
Goku grinned proudly taking a new stance; his legs apart, the right one in front of his body and bent inward, while the left one was behind him and bent upward with his arms to his side close to each other. He looked like a tiger ready to attack "That was my Animal Fist Style!" He shouted as he rushed at Chun.
He sent a quick two punches that Chun didn't have the time to block before a flying kick saw Chun flying back while Goku landed on all four with his hips raised like a cat ready to pounce. Pounced he did as he flew at Chun with all limbs bent, ready to attack. He proceeded to send a double front kick into Chun's chest, making him cough violently as spittle flew from his mouth while his body was sent rolling on the ground for a few moments.
Chun stood up. "Enough!" he declared before he shook his head, adopting one of his weird stances.
Both of them rushed each other. Goku jumped, kicking the side of Chun's head which only moved to the side before it went back to its natural position as if nothing happened. Goku followed by a straight kick to Chun's chest that sent him back several meters and face down on the ground. Chun didn't appear affected as he got up, and advanced at Goku with his arm raised before he sent a series of jabs that Goku blocked.
Chun tried to punch the side of Goku's head several times, but he was blocked by Goku's arm before Goku dropped down on all fours. Goku spun, kicking the side of Chun's lower leg making him fall sideways. Chun fell, but he supported all his weight with one of his arms, literally laying horizontally just above the ground. Chun used his arm to jump, twirling in mid-air and attempting an overhead kick that Goku avoided by rolling away before he took another stance. This stance had Goku with his left leg stretched forward with his right one back and the same with his arms with his hands shaped like claws. He looked like a dragon ready to attack.
Goku pounced just as Chun went to attack him with his drunken fist. Mid-attack, Goku avoided Chun's own attack by rotating with his arms open, using Chun's own outstretched arms to gain momentum, like a crane around Chun landing behind him. He followed with a kick that Chun avoided by bending his body forward. Chun then jumped back, literally headbutting Goku with… his butt, and sending him backwards.
Chun attacked Goku who blocked his left hook, however, Goku was surprised when Chun threw himself at Goku while rotating mid-air, hitting Goku in the chest.
Annoyed, Goku jumped with his arms in the air at Chun, like a tiger jumping another, before he hovered mid-air, and used his tail to slap Chun a dozen times before he disengaged.
Chun held up his hand, fingers pointed as if to poke Goku in the eye. Goku blocked his eyes to protect them, but he was hit by a straight kick that sent him back. An uppercut saw Goku's body raised from the ground just as Chun bent, then sending his arm through Goku's upper clothes, Chun grabbed Goku's throat before he choke slammed him into the ground.
Goku growled as he dashed behind Chun, jumped on him, and bit him in the head.
"AAAG!" Chun yelled in pain before he chose to fall back to the ground, slamming Goku and himself into the arena, making Goku release him.
They separated for a moment before they attacked each other again.
On and on, went the fight. Japs, punches, kicks… etc, all of it was either dodged, blocked, or hit its mark. They moved unpredictably and weirdly. Falling to the ground, spinning like a wind wheel while punching the other, swaying or wobbling to dodge, and changing attacks mid-air… etc. Neither contestant could predict what the other would do next.
After a few minutes of the weirdest and most exciting fight the crowd has ever seen, both of them disengaged, heavily panting as they stared at each other.
They were about equal. They've reached a stalemate, and nothing would be gained from the current strategy.
I have no choice… though Chun. It's risky, but I'll have to do it if I want to win at this rate… I have to. Goku is young, so he'll survive it.
"I'm sorry, son… But you're about to lose," said Chun as he barely dodged another attack.
Goku stopped in his tracks. "Lose? That's stupid. I won't lose."
Chun shrugged, calmly rolling his sleeves up. "You're the second opponent who has ever forced me to use this move… the first one was your own grandpa, Son Gohan."
Goku took a step back at that. "Y-You fought grandpa?" he asked, shocked.
Chun didn't answer as he slammed his palms together in front of him. Energy started to gather around him as the atmosphere changed, gaining a sinister feel to it that Goku didn't like.
"Like hell I'd let you!" he said as he rushed Chun to stop him from using his technique.
I can't let him stop me! I only have one chance at this technique… that's it!
"Look! A giant bowl of food just appeared behind you!"
"W-What?" Goku stopped to look back for a moment before realising that he was tricked.
It was too late, however, as Chun suddenly shouted. "Hiyaa!" with his palms facing forward with lightning coating both of Chun's hands. "You fell for it, fool! Thunder Shock Surprise Attack!" he yelled as he shot the lightning at Goku.
The lightning hit Goku square in the chest. Immediately, Goku was lifted off the ground and was suspended mid-air as a field of lightning surrounded his body, ravaging it, connected with the lightning still around Chun's hand.
"Gyeeeaaaa!"
Goku screamed in pain making Chun wince. It was a devastating attack, and not one he liked to use, but he needed to win this!
"Say 'Mercy', boy! Say it… or you will die!"
"Eeeyaaa!"
-]||[-
Kefla clenched her hands hard on the part of the wall that she was leaning on until it cracked under the pressure.
"Goku!" Screamed Bulma from beside her, worry clear in her eyes for their best friend before she started moving forward
"Stop it!" Yelled Krillin as he made to rush the arena too.
Both of them were stopped by Kefla who managed to hold them back.
"What do you two think you're doing?"
"Helping Goku obviously!" replied Bulma with a glare.
"Don't you see how much pain is Goku enduring? We're going to stop this!" said Krillin.
Kefla glared at both of them. "Certainly not! This is his match!"
Bulma brought her face closer to her, a fierce glare adorning it. "You think a match is worth more than Goku's life? Don't you care about him at all?"
Kefla glared back. "Of course I do! That's why I won't interfere with his match! Don't you get it? He's a Saiyan! Fighting dangerous battles is part of us! You think he'll want you to stop the match? Don't you see how he's obviously fighting it? If he wanted to give up, he could've said so! I don't want to see him in pain, but I trust that Kakarot won't lose!"
Just then, Goku shouted loudly as he moved his body, shatteringthe lightning field.
Kefla turned to them with a smug smirk on her face. "See? Only I can defeat Kakarot."
-]||[-
Goku has never felt this kind of pain in his life. Ever. Electricity ran through his body, his muscles spasming and clenching painfully. Every atom of his body felt like it was being shaken violently. His mind blanked for moments, his body frozen unable to move. It felt like an eternity since the attack started, but in reality, it was most likely no more than a few moments.
"Give it up!"
Alongside the pain, Goku's anger and frustration bubbled inside of him.
"O-Okay, old man… I'll say…" Goku continued by sticking out his tongue in defiance.
"Don't wanna!"
"It's okay, boy… Even Son Gohan didn't last this long… Just say mercy and admit defeat!"
Something inside of Goku roared at that. Admitting defeat while he still could fight? Never! His anger reached a boiling level as he felt something stir inside in defiance. With a roar, he moved all his limbs at once, breaking the lightning field and sending whirlwinds all around him.
"W-What!?' Chun stared in disbelief at his student who was glaring at him with his yellow eyes.
Yellow eyes?
Goku felt more powerful than ever. His injuries haven't healed, his whole body was hurting and bruises littered his body, but he never felt stronger before. Then, it disappeared.
Then it was back again!
What's happening? The power is unstable…
A shout of pain grabbed his attention as he suddenly saw Chun being sent flying by… his punch?
What? When did I punch him? He thought as he went after Chun. He tried a left hook that Chun blocked, but he saw him wince in pain from the power in it. Chun retaliated by a kick to his stomach, but it only served to piss him off. A moment later, he saw Chun hunch down as his fist was buried in his stomach.
I'm losing control? Is it the anger?
Goku was confused as the power fluctuated inside his body. The angrier he was, the more powerful, but he was losing control and blanking out.
Doesn't matter. I'll end this!
A big Ki ball, as big as Goku, gathered on top of his cupped palm before he threw it. The Ki ball moved in Chun's direction before it suddenly changed and rose higher into the sky.
"I don't know what you were trying to do, boy, but you've missed!"
Goku smirked. "Did I?"
He raised his arm in the air, his palm open before he clenched his fist.
"It's meal time!" *
The Ki ball in the sky was still there, hovering a dozen meters in the air. When Goku shouted, numerous Ki blasts shot down from it. A wave of blue Ki blasts rained on Chun, each moving at different speeds before they all hit him at the same time and.
BOOOOOOOM
A massive explosion engulfed the arena. Heat, shockwaves and whirlwinds raged as everyone fought to hold down their position to avoid being thrown away.
"It's over," said Goku panting.
"INCREDIBLE! WHAT AN ATTACK! I DON'T THINK THAT JACKIE CHUN WILL BE ABLE TO FIGHT AFTER THIS!"
Soon, the smoke cleared revealing a sight that shocked everyone.
Jackie Chun was still standing. His upper clothes were completely destroyed leaving only the lower part. His body was full of injuries and blood was dripping from it with part of his hair gone as smoke rose from his body. What's more shocking was that Chun's body was a giant mass of muscle. He was taller, his muscles much bigger, unlike the weak looking old man from before.
"Maximum Power," He announced, breathing heavily.
"WHAT IS THIS? ARE YOU SEEING THIS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN? JACKIE CHUN JUST TURNED INTO THE HULK!"
"W-What? How?" asked a shocked Goku.
Chun smirked. "Heh, boy… not bad… you made me use 100% of my power," said Chun. "However, too bad, so sad, you're going to lose now!"
Chun wasn't really planning on using this form. Not only could he use it for long, but he didn't expect his student to really push him this far at all. However, since Goku broke from his Thunder Shock Surprise and that weird changing of his eyes from black to yellow, he was being pushed back. Hard. The last attack would've surely defeated him, and left him seriously injured more than now if it weren't for him using his max.
Chun rushed Goku. He didn't have a lot of time, and he was seriously injured. Goku wasn't better, he could see that clearly. His Thunder Shock Surprise did a number on him, especially from the inside, and their earlier exchange tired them both. Both of them were drained. They couldn't even use Ki attacks at this point. If Chun tried to use a Kamehameha, he'd simply deflate from how drained he was.
What followed was a fierce exchange of blows; kicks, jabs, palm strikes, and punches. Nothing was held back as both of them pummeled the other without even trying to block or dodge. A kick sent Chun grinding his teeth to the side, his counterpunch made Goku cough blood.
He saw that he wasn't the only one enjoying it from Goku's eyes, but he couldn't prolong this any longer.
"Time to end this!" He shouted as he blurred.
He suddenly appeared in front of Goku, sending him up in the air with a left-handed uppercut. He jumped after him. Chun followed it with a punch that sent Goku left, but his path was reversed by a reverse kick. Chun headbutted Goku before he elbowed the side of his neck before he finished his attack with a loud yell.
"100 PERECENT MAXIMUM NO CHILL!"** and he sent Goku plummeting into the ground with a double axe handle punch to his back.
Goku was sent back to the arena at breakneck speed that broke the sound barrier and shattered parts of the arena, spider cracks spreading everywhere as a crater formed under Goku. Chun figured that Goku would have reached the grounder under the arena.
Chun landed on the broken surface before he deflated and fell to one knee. Black spots were developing in his vision as he breathed heavily.
I just need to hold on for a few moments…
"AMAZING! WHAT A FIGHT! I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT!"
"Start the countdown, dammit!"
"R-Right… One! Two!"
To Chun's shock and amazement, he saw Goku slowly trying to stand up. His whole body was shaking, but he was half way there!
"Four… Five!"
Impossible!
However, Goku fell back right after that, making Chun sigh in relief.
"Eight! Nine!... Ten! THE WINNER IS JACKIE CHUN!"
Chun sighed before he collapsed too, his world going black just as he saw his other students rush to Goku.
-]||[-
Gero wanted to tear his hair out. ANOTHER FAILURE. Sure, the results were interesting, but the technology wouldn't really benefit his plans for the second generation at all.
[Dear… I think we could work with this.] His computer AI/Wife said.
"How?"
[Not for the second generation, but it solves some problems with the first one so that we can rebuild some of the failures into a better, newer version.]
Gero smiled. That could work… it would get that annoying Red off my back asking for more androids.
He had some androids to redesign and work on.
-]||[-
"Ah, I lost?" asked Goku as soon as he woke up.
"Yeah, it seems that you're that much weaker than me after all," answered Kefla haughtily, though Goku could see the disappointment in her eyes.
Ah, she wanted to fight me in the tournament… I wanted that too.
Goku simply chuckled. "Ah, well. I'll just have to prove you wrong the next time."
Kefla huffed and looked away.
"Are you okay, Goku?" Bulma asked as she and Krillin appeared in front of him.
Was he okay? Well, he was injured and his body hurt a lot, but he'd heal easily. Of course, he was okay, aside from…
Goku shook his head. "No."
"What's wrong?!" they asked immediately, the concern in their eyes growing.
"I'm hungry," he answered truthfully, making them face-fault.
"Well, I'm glad that you're okay lad," said Chun walking toward them. Goku noticed that he was wincing and limping. "That was a marvellous match. No one before has ever pushed me this far."
Goku smiled at him. "After I train and I get stronger, will you fight me again… Master Roshi?"
Master Roshi's eyes bulged. "You knew? I mean… I'm Jackie Chun, not Master Roshi."
Goku deadpanned. "I had my suspicions, and at some point, you lost the smell of that perfume and after the match, there is no doubt about it."
"Wait, this old guy is Master Roshi?" asked Krillin, while Kefla's eyes widened as he figured that she finally noticed his smell.
"Yeah, he is. I confronted him before the match," said Bulma.
Master Roshi chuckled awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah… well, you got me."
"Why did you enter the tournament, Master Roshi?" asked Krillin.
"Well, I wanted you to know that the world is a vast place. That there are always more powerful people out there, and to never stop improving yourselves. I didn't want you to get a big ego if you were to win it."
Goku laughed. "You could've just told us that, old man."
Kefla nodded. "Yeah, you also forget that we're Saiyans. Fighting and getting stronger is in our blood."
"Ah… I did all of that for nothing, didn't I?"
All of them laughed at him while nodding.
"Doesn't mean that you'll slack off in the last match though!" said Kefla. "I want you to give me your all!"
Master Roshi winced. "Of course."
"WILL THE TWO CONTESTANTS MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE ARENA TO START THE FINALS?"
"Right, it's time to kick your ass, old man!" declared Kefla.
"Good luck, Kefla!" said Goku, getting a smile from her.
-]||[-
"START!"
Kefla and Roshi both stared at each other, unwilling to make the first move.
Roshi was heavily injured and tired. He wouldn't be surprised if he were to collapse mid-match after that fight with Goku.
Kefla on the other hand was both excited and wary of the old man. She knew that Kakarot lost because their mentor was simply stronger, not because Kakarot was weak. If she was honest with herself, she wasn't sure that she could've won that match in Kakarot's place. She waited to see if he would make the first move, but he did nothing. Wanting to get the same fight that Kakarot got, she rushed first.
She went with a right hook that Roshi ducked under, followed by a kick that he avoided by jumping back. She didn't stop her attack as she lashed with a crescent kick that was blocked by his arm.
Kefla frowned, wondering why he wasn't fighting back. She shrugged as she mounted an assault of kicks, precision strikes and punches. All were either avoided or dodged and rarely blocked. Kefla was getting frustrated as he was avoiding her without trying to fight back.
"Come on! Stop running around and fight!"
Roshi simply shrugged. "If you can't hit me then you're just too slow to fight me."
Kefla narrowed her eyes growling at him.
Oh, you're gonna get it!
Then, she blurred appearing in front of Roshi in a moment and sent a punch right into his stomach, making him spit spittle as his eyes bulged from their place, and was sent flying a few meters. Roshi collapsed on the floor, unmoving for a few moments.
"JACKIE CHUN IS ON THE GROUND, IS THAT IT? ONE! TWO!... THREE!"
On the count of four, Roshi managed to shakenly get up. That punch got him good. He was avoiding her attacks because he knew his body, as it was at the moment, couldn't take it. He didn't have enough strength to actually attack either. Though he knew he couldn't keep that up forever, that will only disappoint Kefla more. He sighed and got ready.
Roshi launched himself at her with a flying kick. She ducked and countered with a knee that he blocked with his palm while wincing. She tried a left hook that he ducked under before he sent a straight punch to her sternum. It knocked the air out of her lungs and staggered her slightly, but it was… weak?
He followed with a volley of kicks and punches that she either blocked or let it hit her, but none really did any significant damage.
What is happening? She thought in frustration. This is not the fight that I wanted!
Angry, she sent a side kick too fast for Roshi to block, which nailed him straight in the face. Blood flew as she broke his nose and busted his lips while he was sent flying until he landed at the edge of the arena.
"JACKIE CHUN IS ON THE GROUND AGAIN! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" Someone from the audience mentioned him to start counting. "R-RIGHT! ONE.. TWO! THREE!"
Kefla watched with a frown as Roshi didn't move an inch.
"SIX! SEVEN!"
Kefla got into a fighting stance, there was no way that it was over like that
"NINE! TEEEEN! COULD IT BE THAT THE LAST MATCH WAS TOO MUCH FOR CHUN AFTER ALL? AFTER THE LAST MATCH, THE FINAL WAS UNEXPECTEDLY SHORT! BUT LET'S HEAR APPLAUSE FOR THE NEW STRONGEST UNDER THE HEAVEN… KEFLA!" The announcer yelled as the audience cheered alongside her friends.
Kefla heard none of that though as she stared at the unconscious Master Roshi with a blank face. She couldn't believe that she had won like that. That the match with Kakarot took everything out of the old master. She felt hollow as Bulma hugged her. Her friends were saying something to her, but she could hear them. Kefla felt pathetic. Her path to victory, despite that Bulma proved stronger than she expected, was hilariously easy. She didn't feel that she earned this victory at all… if Roshi had faced her at his best… could she have lost? She wasn't sure. She liked to boast that she was stronger than Kakarot, but if she were to be honest with herself, she knew not if that was the truth or not.
Kefla gritted her teeth in frustration. She felt pathetic and cheated. After the last fight, it should've been either Roshi or Kakarot that won the tournament, not her! She was sure that everyone would mock her victory now, defeating already tired old men… She clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white, tuning out everyone around her.
She looked down with a scowl. This was not the fight that she wanted… This was the worst victory of her life, she was sure of it.
-]||[-
She looked around her, checking the place. It was a very vast clearing with short green grass and nothing else. Silhouettes of mountains in the far distance could be seen, but otherwise, there was not a single tree that interrupted the scenery; an almost never ending sea of grass with the occasional small rock here and there. The only inhabitants of these lands were animals and insects.
The person in question would easily stand out amongst humans, for she wasn't a human at all. The pink hair and pinkish purple skin that no human had. However, realising her for an alien would serve no one any hint for her true identity. The childish look and personality only helped to hide it further, completely concealing the aura of a superior being that she held somewhere inside of her.
"Now… where is this place?" she wondered out loud. Sure, her memory was better than others, but her unique existence didn't come with eidetic memory or hyperthymesia, and her duties included numerous planets and universes.
"Is it even the right time?"
Sure, she had checked the planet and the year, but she didn't truly remember the exact place, month, day, hour, minute and second that was recorded. Maybe it was a mistake on her part (it definitely was), but she was just too caught up with the event to properly retain the exact same date and place.
"It can't be helped!" she talked to herself as if justifying her screw up to someone other than herself. After all, to make such a simple mistake for someone of her position was scandalous.
"I'm just too excited to meet him," she said before shrugging. "Oh well, I'll simply do that the next moment."
And with that, she disappeared completely, travelling to another place entirely, in another time. She wasn't ever seen in this place again for a long, long time.
-]||[-
AN:
Yeah, so took longer than I thought to finish this, but writing fighting scenes is fucking HARD! Hopefully, they were good.
With this, the Tournament is finished with only the aftermath remaining. The aftermath and a few things will be covered in the next chapter which I think will be one of the shortest so far. The next chapter will mark the official end of the current arc.
For the Bulma vs Kefla fight. Kefla is more powerful and has more experience than Bulma. Bulma, however, managed with her creativity and quick thinking to do far better than anyone expected. Bulma will ALWAYS be weaker than the rest, but she'll rely more on magic, tricks and her smarts to fight those stronger than her.
Goku vs Roshi (Chun) fight was the hardest for me to write. Parts of it were from canon, but expanded on, and parts of it are original. Goku while older and stronger than Goku was at his part in canon, he's still not exactly at Roshi's level, but he basically forced him to go all out, holding nothing at all against him. Part of the fight was inspired by The Legend of the Drunken Master, and I tried as best as I could to depict that in my writing.
Roshi vs Kefla. I know, it was short and maybe disappointing, but that's the point. Roshi is just too tired, exhausted and injured after fighting both Krillin and Goku, while Kefla is in a near perfect state. The fact Roshi even managed to last long is only because of his experience. The victory was more bitter than sweet to Kefla since she didn't get the fight that she wanted, and her road to the final was easier than Roshi's.
There are a few things foreshadowed in this chapter too.
And for those who want to know the pairing, this chapter SORT of introduces the two final girls. I'm sure you figured them out, or at least one of them. The second one was left vague at purpose, but she'll appear again in the next arc. I'm sure some people at least figured out who she is.
* [It's meal time] or [Dinner is ready] is Goku's new attack. Both Krillin and Kefla had their own attack other than Kamehameha (Though Kefla's is from her mother), so I thought that Goku needed his. The name is a pun since in Japanese the phrase is "Gohan da you!". Gohan means both cooked rice and meal. I thought it was fitting with Gohan being Goku's grandpa and Goku's love of food.
** [100 Percent Maximum no chill] the real name is actually [Turtle School Ultimate Fist] which is Roshi's attack in the Budokai Tenkaichi series. Since Roshi was in disguise, I changed the name. With it being his 100% power, I went with Abridged! Tohsaka Rin.
Anyway, the next chapter is the aftermath and a few other things which mark the end of the second arc.
Thanks for reading, please review, follow and favourite!