Drunken Hamster: Yeah Shepard could've boiled him alive with a look, but then we wouldn't get such awesome catch phrases like, "Androids, just what I wanted for breakfast!" No Shepard would prefer to keep Piccolo alive, so a good thrashing is necessary to get the point across. Thanks for the compliment, I really appreciate it, and thanks for reviewing!
Hello all! And welcome to another chapter of Dragon Ball: BtG. Today we see that Shepard is going to be making some big moves/changes to this timeline. How/why is he doing this? Find out now!
There were no baseball players harmed in the making of this chapter.
Location: Earth
Age: September 760
"Piccolo!" Goku looked sharply over in the clearing amongst the trees, only a couple hundred feet away from his house, where he could only now feel the malevolent ki. Seeing the tall green demon walking toward him, he took a quick look at Shepard, who had crossed his arms, also looking at Piccolo. Looking back as the demon got within 10 feet of him, sneering down on him. The air was incredibly tense. No one spoke for well more then a minute.
Goku was kind of mad, but curious as well. He trusted this supposed stranger who let the biggest threat he has ever faced within 50 feet of his house. But he also hadn't been training nearly as hard the past 4 years, electing to be more of a father then a fighter. 'With Piccolo here, I was not prepared for this. I'm gettin excited.'
"So, Piccolo. What brings you here? Did you come to finally spar? This could be fun." Beginning to stretch his legs out, Goku was lucky he didn't have on his weighted gi. Just a normal everyday one.
Piccolo started growling, looking at Shepard. The Rogue in turn, looked at Piccolo with as straight a face as anyone who clearly just didn't care.
"He's the one that wanted to spar you, Piccolo. Don't look at me like I took your favorite meditation spot." One side of Shepard's mouth started curling upwards, clearly amused. Knowing he couldn't do anything to Shepard, Piccolo looked at his most hated enemy.
"The only reason why you are still even breathing, is because I allow it. If I could've came here at anytime and killed you, I could. But I held out, only to find that you're barely any stronger then you were 4 years ago. If your...friend wasn't here right now, I'd tear ya to pieces. AND LAUGH AS I DO IT. HA HA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... I have been preparing to take over the world, and with ONE technique, I, the Great Demon, PICCOLO, will do it. The beginning of my rule, begins with the end of your life, Saiyan."
Eyes widening in shock, Goku wondered how Piccolo could already know. Letting his mind process what had happened throughout the day, he looked at the Rogue.
"So, you told a demon what we are. Well, I gotta say, I'm not surprised about that. You talk quite a lot for an old man."
Face vaulting, cracking the ground as he did it, Shepard was aghast. 'Goku, calling... ME. OLD!'
"The world must be ending if I actually agree with you." Piccolo said. Looking up, Shepard saw both of them grinning, one cheery, the other malicious. 'Well I guess it is better then nothing.'
Getting up and walking in between the pair, he stood in between them, turning his head one way then the other. "Yes Goku, I've told Piccolo what we are. And I will extend the same courtesy."
"DON'T YOU-" cut off from the hand pointed at him. Shepard looked like he was scolding a child with the look he had. "Now now Piccolo. I told you what we are. And I will tell him WHAT you are." Goku only relaxed a fraction.
"See, Goku, Piccolo here is someone called a Namekian, from a star system several thousand light years away. There was a great storm on his planet, a cataclysm, and Kami's original Father sent him away, hoping he would survive. Piccolo is a product of a fission. King Piccolo and Kami were once one and the same. When the Guardian before Kami had seen that there was a taint to his ki, rather then try to balance himself, and work it out over time, Kami, or should I say, the son of Katas CHOSE to split himself into 2, essentially cutting out the 'evil' that was within him. This left 2 where before, there was 1. 1 that ascended to God Hood, the other, descended into Demon Hood. For all intents and purposes, King Piccolo had truly demonized over the years before his death. His reincarnation, the Namekian standing before you now, has all of King Piccolo's ambitions and dreams, but NONE of his own. That changes. TODAY."
Looking both of them up and down, Shepard walked towards Piccolo, not the least bit intimidated by the stare the Namekian had bore into him. Standing within 2 feet of Piccolo, Shepard looked up.
"It is high time you live. For YOURSELF, Namekian. If your only goal is to kill Goku and rule over the world, then it will be a very, very short rule. Within a years time, 14 months roughly, a warrior will arrive on this planet. Believe me when I say. He is MUCH stronger, then the both of you. With the technology present, there is no real way to train effectively for him. That will come later." Turning and walking to the saiyan. He walked up until he stood within a few feet.
"Goku, it is time for the both of you to put aside your differences. You both are a lot more alike in the fundamental ways of living then you would both believe."
Walking back to the center, Shepard closed his eyes, sighed and said, "Both of you are going to spar. You EACH will work through your differences. Piccolo, your hatred for Goku is nothing but aftertaste from your pathetic father. Be greater then him. Be BETTER, then him. And Goku, Piccolo will need time. Time that was granted because of his father's slaying by your hand. You must be patient with him. If Piccolo comes around every now and again for a spar, will you be against that?"
Goku smiled, remember his fight with Piccolo at the World Tournament. "No. Not a problem, he's pretty darn strong. I can't wait to test myself." Goku of course didn't want Piccolo to come here if he was planning to kill him. But to spar, he didn't mind in the slightest.
They both didn't realize it, nor did the woman inside, or the little 3 year old still napping, but Shepard had set everything up specifically for Gohan. He wanted Gohan's first fighting experience to be healthy. Fighting for your life when you are not even 5 years old would be incredibly hard, almost impossible, but Gohan wasn't most boys. And in Shepard's timeline, seeing both Goku and Shepard be killed that day by Raditz had turned Gohan more away from martial arts, rather then towards it. After Majin Buu, Gohan rarely put on his gi anymore. When Frieza had been resurrected, Shepard, Goku and Vegeta were able to get to Gohan before Frieza could start to use his death beams, Shepard going up and punching Frieza in the mouth, very hard.
Before he got too lost in his past, Shepard sent a small mental nudge to the little boy still sleeping. He wanted the boy to see the fight between his father and future friend. If only because the experience of seeing a spar could greatly alter the boy's thoughts towards fighting more. When he sensed the boy awaken, he looked back to the 2 combatants.
"Alright Goku. Piccolo. Everything goes with the exception of ONE simple rule. NO. KILLING. I have things I need to take care of around the planet. I WILL be keeping a mind's eye on both of you nonetheless. Should you decide it's ok to ignore my demands." Summoning a baseball size amount of pure destruction, he looked at Piccolo. "Your cape, if you will Piccolo." Hesitating before doing it, Piccolo took his cape off, the weight in the pads making it easier for him to move. Throwing it towards Shepard, he was not expecting what he saw next.
"HAKAI!" as Shepard fired the purple ball of godly destructive ki, Goku couldn't sense the energy behind it, but when it came in contact with Piccolo's cape, he expected to see an explosion, or the cape to turn to ash. However, the cape had started to fade. And the particles that came away indicated there was nothing left of it.
'Not even ash left, what the hell kind of power does this guy have?!'
Piccolo had never seen something so. So.. he couldn't describe the words for it, but he knew that whatever that was, was incredibly destructive, and he didn't want any part of that. "Fi-f-f-fine. I'll play nice this one ti-" Piccolo could slowly feel his body being squeezed, he looked at Shepard in alarm, noticing the hand that was being held out and slowly closing.
"I am going to pretend that I didn't hear you say 'this one time', oh. That's right, because I can do whatever I want with you, to you again to get your attention. Consider this a lesson from an elder, boy. Killing off people who can make you STRONGER, or SMARTER, is STUPID. Goku is NOT your enemy. Consider him, saaaaaay. A rival? It is in your best interest to follow through this path. As much as you believe your destiny is yours to live, I know your fucking destiny, and it PALES in comparison of what it could be. In time you could grow incredibly powerful, but again. I rest my case, boy. I am gonna release you now. You will stretch and get ready. You two BETTER play nice, because you have an audience now. Good luck."
Both of the fighters looked at the house, noticing at the window, the little boy who was trying not to be seen but failing terribly.
"Wooooow! Just how strong are ya Shep? Can I spar with you instead of Piccolo? Please please please I'm sure it'll be fun." Putting his hand over his mouth, Goku whispered, "plus, he's so grumpy."
"I HEARD THAT DUMBASS!"
Shepard was clearly amused. But he had to go now. "Sorry, Goku, to put in terms of power of just how strong I am, you would need a very, very big scale. A scale that both of you quite frankly, wouldn't register on. You both are equal in power to each other, give or take. Piccolo may hold a slight edge with tactics, Goku, in adaptation. Remember what I said Gents." Taking a cursory eye towards Goku's house, he could just make out a little head peeking out of a window. Deciding to be straight forward, he entered the young boy's mind, sending a small message.
"You will be the best of everybody, young man."
"Huh" In the little room, looking out a window, trying not to be seen, was 3 year old Gohan. "Who said that?" Looking back and around his room. He couldn't figure out how the voice got inside his head. It sounded strong, like his daddy.
"Do not worry about that right now, Son Gohan. Your father is about to spar with the green man. The green man's name is Piccolo. He can be grumpy, but deep down, he is lonely. And needs somebody to be his friend. You, Son Gohan, can be that friend. He will seem scary, but give him time. No matter what he may say to you, know that deep down, he won't mean it. He has never, never had a friend. Do not be afraid of him. Watch your father and Piccolo, and learn that you, yes, YOU, Son Gohan, can be that strong too someday. And be a hero, like your father before you. Just always remember to study first, your mother truly wants the best for you, but she also wishes to protect you. There will come a time, where her protection, will not be enough. And you will have to stand. For yourself. And what you will believe in as you grow up. I'm about to signal for the spar to start. Waaaaaaatch closely. Good luck Son Gohan."
Looking out of the window at the man standing between the big green man, Piccolo the voice said his name was, and his daddy, who looked as serious as he had even seen him. Looking in between, he seen the stranger again. And the stranger was looking at him, at least it looked like it from where Gohan could see.
"Good luck to the both of you. I will be back later on. Play fair." Shepard said, before both combatants and the little boy staring out the window seen him vanish. The combatants could sense Shepard's ki hundreds of miles away now.
"So Piccolo, how should-"
"DODGE"
"OH CRAP!!"
Capsule Corp
In the bustling, energetic city that was West City, stood a monument. The dome building that was Capsule Corporation had been standing the test of time for nearly 50 years.. Inside the entrance, within the lobby, the receptionist was busy typing away on her computer. She had to talk to Dr. Brief's personal assistant about a meeting that had just came up for the President earlier that morning. Picking up the phone, the receptionist did not hear the WOOSH that came, nor did she see the man standing there.
"Lyndsay, I need you to reschedule Dr. Brief's appointment for the meeting with the officials at GearCo, the DynoCaps are working fine. They just may need to be switched out and updated. Oh, by...the...way. Let me call you back Lyndsay, there's a guy here."
Shepard had used Instantaneous Movement to come right in rather then wait for clearance. What he had for the Doctor and his daughter would be good enough identification.
Looking up at the visitor, the reception could see the spiky hair, the muscle underneath the gi he was wearing.
"How may I help you today, Sir?" Seeing the visitor smile, she felt more at ease. But in mid thought, she remembered she didn't hear the door open and close.
"Sir how did you get in here? I have to buzz you in first."
Shepard walked up to the counter, seeing the receptionists name as Kimmy, he put on his best smile. She was cute, but she wouldn't know looking at him, he was almost, well ok. Was old enough to be her grandfather.
"I came in as someone walked out. Didn't need the buzz. Anyway, I came here because I need to see Doctor Brief and his daughter, Bulma. If you can make that happen, I'm sure you'll be in my good graces for the effort, Kimmy." Looking down at the brunette and still giving off his disarming smile, the blushing receptionist picked up the phone, still looking at Shepard.
"Ye-ye-yes Dr. Brief, I'm sorry to bother you, but som-someone has come to the lobby requesting yours and Bulma's presence... Of course Doctor I'll send him up right away... Yes sir no problem. Bye." Hanging up the phone, Kimmy looked at the visitor. "Th-the Doctor will see you now...?"
"Marc. Thank you Miss. You've been most helpful." Smiling, he thought about giving her the name that he decided on in the pocket dimension when talking with Whis. But realizing that his younger self was due to arrive in barely 2 days, he didn't want to confuse the young lady when young Shepard came strolling in here. So he settled with his original name. From long before he ever came here.
Following the young lady who led him past the Atrium and towards Dr. Brief's lab, she decided to start up a conversation.
"So, ummm, are you from around here, Marc? You kind of remind me of one of Bulma's friends. I think his name was..Geku, or Guko, or-"
"Goku. Yes I am aware of Son Goku. And what would give you that impression that I remind you of him?" Inside, Shepard was curious. Was it really that obvious that he wasn't from around here?
"Well its just the hair, re-really. And your outfit. He wears an orange one. And also, umm, you're in...shape."
Shepard chuckled at the understatement. "Well when you have to be as strong as someone like Goku, it is kind of a necessity."
Continuing to walk, Shepard started to feel something he had not felt in what seemed like forever. Deciding to ignore it until he spoke to the Doctor, he followed Kimmy to the door to Dr. Brief's lab.
"And here you are Sir." Knocking 3 times, then opening the door, Kimmy walked through, followed by Shepard.
'Wow Doc, you sure are busy in your younger years.' Was Shepard's first thought as he looked at the many scattered parts to various inventions that the Doctor was working on. 'He could build a gravity room out of most of this stuff already. Such a shame the material wouldn't even hold up to Raditz.'
"Dr. Brief, your visitor has arrived." Seeing the Doctor typing away on one of his many computers, cigarette hanging from his mouth, his cat Scratch on his shoulder. He looked back over, blowing out a puff of smoke.
"Ahh yes thank you Kimmy dear. Make sure to tell Lyndsay to cancel the rest of the afternoon appointments, including GearCo. I will meet with them in 3 days when the update on the latest DynoCaps are ready."
"Of course Doctor, M-Marc." Walking away, Shepard noticed her green work skirt was just a little short. He could appreciate some good eye candy. The human part of him still enjoyed looking at a beautiful woman. The insane part about it all, was that Tights, not being the jealous type, unlike her younger Sister, sometimes women watched with him. She knew where he was coming home too anyway, so all was fair in her eyes. 'Dende I really miss Tights right now.' Feeling out with his senses again, he confirmed what he had felt earlier.
'Tights is in Capsule Corp! Now? Hopefully she won't be going with Jaco for the rest of the year, her and my younger self have to meet. For Axel and Ragna's sake.'
When Kimmy closed the door, Shepard walked over to where the now standing President of Capsule Corp, his father in law, His future father in law, was awaiting him. Holding a hand out to shake as he came to the Doctor, Doctor Brief in kind held his hand out.
"Well hello there my boy! The name is Doctor Brief but I guess that is obvious." taking a drag of his cigarette, Doctor Brief got a good look at the visitor. He was tall, but not exceedingly so, he had short black spiking hair that went everywhere, and the BIG thing that he noticed was the weapon on the visitor's back. Shaking the visitor's hand, the Doctor was momentarily taken back by how strong this man's grip was.
"Quite a strong grip you have there son. What can I help you with today?" The Doctor was most curious. This man reminded him somewhat of the boy that once visited here. Bulma's friend Goku he believed the boy, now young man's name was.
Shepard observed the Doctor. He still had the cigarette in his mouth. Even when Vegeta would threaten to blast him if he didn't put them out in his presence, he obliviously went about his conversation like he didn't just anger a powerful alien warrior that could destroy him where he stood with a flick.
"It pays to be strong, Doctor. By the way, I am not here to really seek your help so to speak. I am here to help you."
Putting his cigarette out, now the Doctor's intrigue had taken a new level. Rarely did someone offer to help him. "And just what exactly could you help me with today young man?" Chuckling at the statement, Shepard thought being called young was always a good kick. He still felt at his prime most days, but there were others... a saiyan may not always look like they age, but they definitely do.
"To be fair to you Doctor, I am actually in my 70's." At the Doctor's widening eyes, Shepard held a hand up. "Are both of your daughters here Dr Brief?" Knowing that either the Doctor would lie to protect them or tell the truth cuz he trusted him, Shepard threw it on the line.
"Well, as a matter of fact, yes. Bulma is in her lab across the hall and Tights is in the Family complex. Why do you ask my boy? Or should I say, Sir." Smiling at the respect and the trust, Shepard knew that it was good to come here first.
As he was about to speak, the door opened across the lab. Seeing the infamous bluenette that would later become his sister in law, a grease stain across her cheek in a blue corduroy jumpsuit, clearly designed for high heat lab work.
"Hey Dad, do you have the extra...well, hi there, who would you be?" Looking up at the tall visitor, Bulma immediately had a blur in her memory, seeing what she thought was Goku standing there. "Wait, are you related to Goku by chance?"
Face vaulting, Shepard was taken back at how easily people could relate him to Goku of all people.
"Why...why...do they always say that..." Standing back up as quickly as he had fell, Shepard narrowed his eyes at the young woman.
"What makes you say that of all things?" Shepard really wanted to know from someone who had been around Goku quite a bit over the years.
"Weeeeeeellll its just the hair is kind of similar, I mean it's different but not really. It almost looks like it naturally stays spiked like that. And also there's something...different about you. Bu-bu-But not in a bad way at all. You kind of have that air of power like Goku always seems to have." Shepard could understand Bulma's point of view. The sad part about it, was that she just didn't know how right she was.
"That is fair, and I can tell you both why. Tell me, do you believe in aliens?" Surprised at the question, the father and daughter looked at each other, before looking back at Shepard, answering at the same time.
"Yes."
"My name is Shepard, I am a Saiyan, as is Goku. I am from the far distant future. Where I look like I am only in my 20's, I am in fact old enough to be your grandfather, Bulma."
"WHAAAAAAAAT?? NO-N-NO WAY!" Dashing over and grabbing the saiyan's youthful looking face with both hands, Shepard was shocked that she was that fast.
'How in the? I didn't even see her move. Women truly are the most powerful beings in the Universe.' Looking at both sides of his face, Bulma just started beaming.
"Oh the possibilities, I must learn your secret to staying so youthful looking, PLEEEEEAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEE!" Even though the squeezing of his face didn't hurt, Shepard still didn't like being ogled from less then 3 inches away, from his sister in law no less, who was not all that much older then his own granddaughter at this present time. After another 5 seconds of having his face grabbed, he lost it.
"WILL YOU FREAKIN STOP GRABBING MY DAMN FACE?" Falling on her butt and scooting behind her Dad, looking up at the visitor who was now breathing heavy and clearly agitated, she didn't even feel the tremor of the building when he had yelled. Apparently her father didn't either, as he was chuckling at the whole thing.
"Ohhhh you'll excuse my daughter here. She is quite the vein one when it comes to her...appearance." Getting out from behind her Dad, Bulma immediately got up, pointing her finger in Shepard's face.
"YOU WATCH IT, BUD, OR I'LL HAVE YOU THROWN OUT!" Shepard peered down at the young lady, clearly not amused, just annoyed.
"You? And what army? If you don't want to talk about how to help your planet in the coming years, get. The Fuck. Out. Your father and I have important things to discuss. You can be intelligent, AND ACT YOUR DAMNED AGE, or," pointing at the door, Shepard made it clear. Nothing else needed to be said.
"Now, Dr. Brief, I have things for you. One would say goodies." Pulling out a capsule pack, Shepard opened it, taking out 4 capsules.
"I don't recognize that design Dad. Are those from the future as well?" Bulma snidely asked, seeing the smooth look of the purple and white colored capsule. Based on the color and grade of the material used to make the capsule, it could clearly hold quite a largeamount of material.
"It would seem our time traveler here has brought inventions from the future, if I hazard a guess. Now are you sure this isn't going to disrupt the timeline son?" The Doctor couldn't help but call the man 'son'. He felt like he was someone that he could trust. And maybe in the man's future, he did.
Ignoring Bulma's derogatory mumbling, Shepard answered the old man.
"Not at all Doctor. One would say I am giving this planet a 'head start' on preparing itself for future conflicts that will arise." Tossing the purple and white capsule out, it popped open revealing large quantities of what looked like blackened steel.
"This is called Kachi Katchin. It is a substance far harder then diamond. By far the hardest metal in this Universe." The Father and daughter looked shocked, Bulma running a hand over one of the many slabs. It felt different then anything she was used to. It was smooth, but she could tell it was incredibly dense. When she knocked on it, it felt like it didn't vibrate out at all. Most surfaces she had worked with always had some kind of vibration in the metal.
"How do you expect us to bend something harder then diamond, Shepard? We would need something more then a blowtorch or laser that can cut diamond."
"Very observant young lady." Shepard pulled out another capsule. This one was orange and blue. Throwing it out, what looked like a torch emerged from the smoke. In the Rogue's experience, fist and face meeting the stuff on multiple occasions, Kachi Katchin was just the absolute best. It only dented or broke under the most extreme of ki discharge, or a God literally punching it if he or she missed their target. 'They don't need to know that the torch needs to be charged with divine ki, I will leave that note with my younger self. The charge should last a near lifetime. Vegeta and I BOTH juiced it up before I had came up with the idea of going Back.'
"This is called a Ki Torch. The charge used to power it is sufficient enough to last a lifetime. However, in the rare event you should ever need to charge it again.." going behind the handheld torch, he pulled out a 4 inch long cylindrical object. Completely separate from the still functioning Torch, Its shine was not so bad, but the purple and green mixture of ki flowing through it, even Shepard could sense through the thick glass that was made to contain the ki that it had settled rather nicely.
"This is a charge. There is already one within the device. There is a red button, on the right side of the Torch, press and hold that button for 3 seconds and the other charge within will pop out. There is a 2nd torch in a same colored capsule in the pack I have for you. They each have 1 extra charge. You may separate them and put them back together. You did create them in the distant future, Bulma. I would even say you were around where your father's age is now." Bulma looked at the visitor in shock.
"Re-re-really? Te-tell me something then, I don't know how to use ki like Goku does, so how do these get charged? Do I just summon random warriors over to my house who can use ki?"
Shepard was stumped. He really, really, really, didn't want to tell Bulma about Vegeta. But didn't want to give her false hope about Yamcha either. From Shepard's perspective, Yamcha got a really bad rap. Observing the cocky and arrogant Desert Wolf when he could, he noticed that he did like talking to women, but as far as cheating on Bulma? That was a stretch. Even with Shepard's enhanced Saiyan senses, Yamcha smelled of passerby's and club smells. Nothing lingered. Yamcha had married in the future, but he was such an insignificant figure in Shepard's mind as years went, that he just never thought about what could have been.
'Hmmm, what to do? If I tell her to break up with Yamcha, she'll want to know why. If I tell her why, she'll want to know who, when, what, where. How. FUCK!'
"Your future husband will be a strong warrior capable of dealing with them." Growing hearts in her eyes, Bulma immediately started beaming.
"OOOOHHH tell me Yamcha and I have a nice wonderful family? I can't wait to finally settle down, if he would just stop messing with those dirty women when he goes out. Damn that Yamcha. I don't know if I want to be with him now!" Eyes widening at the series of emotions, Shepard needed to cut this off, now.
"Umm, perhaps you and Yamcha should consider just staying friends." Smiling at the confused woman, Shepard had been thinking about what to do with Yamcha and Bulma. Where as Bulma was predictably a force to be reckoned with in the universe in the future, Yamcha was barely a footnote. He knew the humans had the potential to be strong. As strong as the saiyans? A big stretch, but if there was anybody who was unpredictable, who could surprise everyone, it just might be the Desert Wolf.
"I won't say how, but yourself and Yamcha? It's not going to last Bulma. It would be best if you focus on your company, let things play out as they should. You won't be alone forever, but you should let Yamcha go. Both of you will be all the better for it in the future." Winking at the blinking bluenette, Shepard focused back on the torch. Seeing the doctor with one in his hand attempting to turn it on, a blue green flame shooting out nearly 2 feet.
"Whoa now, this thing sure got some kick to it huh Bulma?" As Bulma picked one up, she looked on the side of the device. Grabbing a screwdriver she had as part of a multi tool from her jumper, she popped open the side of the torch, looking at the complex array of wiring.
"Wow I can definitely tell I had a hand in making this, I can see some of my clamp marks that I use on the ends of some of these wires, and what's this?" Pulling out a chip, she looked at the design of it, pulling out a magnifying glass. "Definitely a Capsule Corp design, the chip is something I've never seen before. Is it suppose to regulate the temperature of the flame that comes out?"
Shepard started chuckling, putting his hands out to hold off the many questions the brilliant pair wanted to ask. "I'm not tech savvy Bulma. I just know that when I hit on, it works. There is still technology that has yet to come to Earth, things that you will do well to make use of, however I have enough to get you started." Pulling out a green and black capsule, Shepard threw it, waiting for the smoke to clear.
A tall pod, enough to fit a person inside, was sitting in the middle of lab. In it, was full of a greenish liquid. Grabbing another capsule, this one green and blue, he also tossed it. A container, easily bigger then all 3 people in the room, was sitting there, also full of the mysterious liquid that was in the pod.
"This fluid has a revitalizing agent in it. I won't tell you exactly where these pieces of tech come from. Only that when they do get here, and they will, you are to take full advantage of it. The technology, out there in space right now, is being used by horrid individuals who only use it to benefit their wallets and wealth, not caring one bit about who or what dies in the process. The Brief's family has a history, and reputation, of taking technology, and repurposing it for wide variety use, on top of inventing incredulous new technologies as well. I therefore believe in the coming years and decades, the technology will not just be planet-wide, but Universally recognized as well. This Healing Tank for instance, can heal the most grievous of wounds, it can even replace dismemberments. It is more effective then a Senzu Bean in that it revitalizes the person within the tank, replacing much of the nutrients one would get in a meal, in the form of this liquid. There is an extra container's worth of the fluid here. Not to mention the proper filters and equipment necessary to keep the fluid safe for continual use. This should be enough to last you for decades. However in the event that it does not, a counterpart of mine that will come soon will definitely find out where to acquire more."
The Briefs had been touching the glass of the Healing Pod, Doctor Brief grabbing a beaker to take a sample of the fluid for further study. "So ya say this stuff can heal even the most grievous of wounds? This could really be useful for those fighters you run around with wouldn't ya say Bulma?"
"Well, yeah sure, but it still doesn't explain why it would replace the Senzu Beans. So Shepard, why the need for all of this? Sure, it is definitely so nice to have new stuff to tinker with, but is the Earth really in that much danger to need healing pods and slabs of this 'Katchin' stuff?"
Sighing, Shepard could feel every bit of his age, this much younger version of Bulma hadn't lived through the brutal wars that were fought for this planet. Cell, and specifically Majin Buu, were so destructive, that without the dragon balls, Earth would have never recovered, let alone be even still in orbit. He tried so, so hard to deflect Kid Buu's bomb of Energy, dying for the 2nd time when he failed to deflect it. The first time he had died. Raditz had blew a hole through him as he tried to protect Gohan. The 2nd time around was so much more painful. Feeling your body turn to ash...is extremely painful to feel...seeing it as it happened was a horrifying experience.
"Bulma, Dr. Brief. Believe me when I say that the Earth is not anywhere out of the realm of danger. I urge you to work with the Kachi Katchin, forge useful equipment. Even improve the design of the Gravity Chamber that you've been trying to find material that could contain the pressures within." At Bulma's shocked look, Shepard elaborated.
"I know of your design because I know it works. However, these slabs of Kachi Katchin can only benefit your work, making it capable of sustaining pressures much more overbearing then 100 percent of the materials you work with now." Shepard walked over to one of the many thousands of slabs, running his hand across the surface.
"This material can be bent, with trial and error of course, with the Ki Torch." Bulma stopped inspecting one of the slabs, turning to Shepard.
"So you know all of this, and you claim you are from the future. What did you use to travel back to the past with?"
'Damn it Bulma I was hoping you wouldn't ask that.' Shepard had stood in front of Beerus and Whis, who were contemplating destroying the woman for her actions in preparing to use the Time Machine again. Vegeta had nearly exploded in rage, Trunks tried to protest, but it was Shepard who finally talked Beerus down. Remembering the tense moment with the God of Destruction and his Attendant brought what Shepard had to say to the forefront.
"Bulma, Doctor, when I tell you this, I only tell you this for your own good. Do NOT ask that question again. Time is a very fickle matter, one that shouldn't be changed. However, in the event of losing...everything. Everything Bulma, that includes my wife, Tights, who I've been married to for nearly 50 years, and my children, and my grandchildren, all of it. Gone now. For all I know there is nothing but a void in my future. For all that I have lost, I have gained so very little. None of this benefits me in any way. This is my Last Act."
"Wa-wa-Wait. You're married to my sister??" At Bulma's shocked look, Shepard's eyes narrowed. Tearfully. Dangerously.
"I love her. So. So much. And my kids. We didn't name them after any kind of underwear. But they were everything to us. And our grandkids. Talking with my future brother and sister and law, they felt the last hope I could possibly have was to travel back. As far back as possible, so that I may give my younger self, who is due to arrive in less than 48 hours now, annny kind of chance to do better then I did. So much...so much bullshit happened. Half the stuff I thought I knew, the other half totally blew my mind."
"And just how is he arriving? Is he coming on a space ship my boy?" The Doctor, seeing the man on the verge of tears, decided to change the subject. He felt for the guy, but if he could get his hands on an otherworldy engine of some kind of design, so that he could study it and figure out light speed and beyond space travel, it would be very intriguing.
"No. I know what you are thinking Doctor, but no. The way I came to this world was a combination of theories that I can't even begin to sum up. Multiversal theory? Omniversal transportation? I don't know. But I do know in 2 days, I have to secure Him, and get Him somewhere secluded, fast. There are things you are unaware of going around you Doctor, and the best thing that I can tell you is to prepare these fighters that are on Earth." Pulling out a piece of paper and writing a set of coordinates down, Shepard handed the slip of paper to Doctor Brief.
"Those are coordinates to the spaceship Goku came in on. I doubt his Grandpa, Gohan, had a chance to move it so it should still be there. I advise you to work with the material I have given you in combination with that space pod. You'll find that gravity and Katchin are best friends."
Winking at the now smiling Doctor, Shepard aimed his senses outward. Closing his eyes, he could feel the fight between Goku and Piccolo. It was definitely intense, from the emotions he could feel. There was mass conflict within the Namekian. This was good. He needed to start questioning who he was exactly. Sensing that there was no immediate need to step in, he looked back to the 2 scientists.
To the pair of doctors, it sounded like Shepard was resigned in the fact that he had lost everything, and in turn was doing everything he possibly could to give everyone a fighting chance this time around.
"We will definitely be working on this stuff, in fact let me call a couple of movers so we can move these slabs of Katchin around for more work space. Bulma grab my lunch from your mother will ya?" Heading back to his computer to sit down, the Doctor, along with Scratch, had opened a new file, dubbing it "Space Technology." Bulma had grabbed one of the smaller slabs of Katchin.
"KAMI THESE ARE SO HEAVY." Barely able to move one of the pieces, Bulma had grabbed a hydraulic power lift. Sliding it under one of the palettes the heavy metal was resting on, with a steady CREAK, she took it out of the lab, towards her own laboratory.
Glad to have avoided the Time Machine catastrophe, ergo if Bulma discovered her invention years prior, the type of irreversible damage that could potentially be done, Shepard had even more incentive to destroy the Time Machine sooner rather then later. He was already working within a very fine set of rules. Rules he had governed for himself if he was being honest. The things that Shepard was changing were very tangible. Things that needed to be changed to increase the stability of the Universe.
'Beerus made a mistake in destroying the Saiyans. Rather then confirm anything with Shin, he just assumed that destroying the Saiyans because of who he is was reason enough. I don't give a shit if you ARE millions of years older, you're still a dumbass, and a lazy one at that. You better not wake up when I come and visit Whis.'
Slowly seething as he stood there thinking, Shepard had lost track of time, not realizing that nearly 5 minutes had passed. He was so out of sync with the outside world that he didn't feel the steady tapping on his arm.
"Son, hey you alright there Shepard?"
'Once the Gods got involved, everything just started turning into absolute dogshit. The only peace I felt I could have was with my family. How dare Whis not tell me the most important things I would have needed to know! DAMN HIM!'
Not noticing that the building was beginning to shake under his anger, he almost charged a ki ball when a loud bullhorn noice came from his right.
"ARE YOU OK SON?"
"AGHHHH! FUCK! DAMN IT DOCTOR." Grabbing the bullhorn that was in the Doctor's hand and tossing it to the other side of the room, he realized that he had started losing a grip on his power. Several of the slabs of Katchin were now nearly falling one over the other.
"I'm. Im sorry Doc. Here I'll help you clean up." Shepard was kind of embarrassed. Since his divine ki training, Shepard had rarely lost control of his power, able to control it even as he had to learn from a version of Whis who was unaware of what he had taken from him. 'And not given ANYTHING from my world to remember it by!'
A few minutes later, the slabs of Katchin were back in an orderly fashion. Bulma never came over, so she must have been knee deep in studying the new 'toys' she had just gotten.
"Well Doctor, it's about time I get out of here. I still have a few things I need to get done. Being a guide of the Universe is a tough task, hehehehe." Getting back up from his computer again, Doctor Brief wished the visitor could stay. The last 10 minutes, he had summoned a team to the coordinates provided by Shepard, hoping he would have a new piece of technology within his lab by the end of the day.
"It's sad to see ya go son. I wish you could show me more about this Katchin. It sure is quite the interesting stuff. Maybe I can have it militarized somehow, a training room of Katchin for the hardest working soldiers of the planet! What do ya say?" Smiling at the sales pitch, Shepard enjoyed the enthusiasm from the Doctor. Holding out his hand again to shake, Shepard felt it was time to go. He was NOT going to check in on his future? Not his but His future wife.'If his dumb ass plays his cards right', Shepard thought.
Shaking the saiyan's hand pleasingly, the Doctor hoped that these new discoveries would lead to a better world, a bigger company to leave his daughter behind with. "It was a pleasure to meet ya my boy. Take care." Doctor Brief, after releasing Shepard's hand, was not prepared for Shepard to just vanish with a WOOSH.
"Ohhhh! I wonder if he did that with some technology too." Putting his hand to his chin, the Doctor, renewed and motivated, sat back down and began to prepare some designs for the shell of the new and improved Gravity Room...
Location: West City
Taitans Stadium
Appearing on a back part of the bleachers down the left field line, Shepard watched, amongst a handful of other fans, the Taitans, practicing as they got ready for the playoffs. They were in first place, with the Rockets coming in from the other bracket. It looked like it would be a rematch for the championship. Using his senses, Shepard could easily pick out the Bandit, who was in the dugout, bat in hand ready to get some practice swings in. Not bothering with the other fans who came to watch, the Rogue dropped down to the field. Not letting hardly any ki out, he wouldn't really alert Yamcha until he was close. Figuring the Taitans were probably about to lose their star player, Shepard really wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream before he had his talk with the Bandit...
"Hey why don't ya tell Yates to get his ass out on the mound already, we gotta game to get ready for!" Pepper Johnson reminded. Yamcha, just getting his last swings in, didn't really expect much from this go around with the pitcher, who he just hit a home run off of the previous series of at bats. 'Man I sure wish I was fighting again sometimes. But the money I'm making here is awesome, being with Bulma is great. Can't really complain these days.'
As Yates walked out to the field, Yamcha all of a sudden felt uneasy. Like there was someone that was watching him. Not alerting anybody to the sensation, he called out to the pitcher, "and put some actual heat on the ball will ya, getting boring blasting homeruns off your ass every time." Snickering as the rest of the dugout followed suit, getting joy out of the heated up pitcher.
"Yeah fuck you too Yamcha I got somethin for ya. Why don't ya go fu-"
"Can I have a swing please?" Turning sharply around, Yamcha looked sharply at the man. He was a bit taller then him, had spiky black hair. 'Almost like Goku's.' He thought for some reason. He also wore a black gi, with a blue shirt underneath, tied off with a blue sash that hung off just above his knees. He also had a massive hammer on his back. 'This guy doesn't look like he's here to swing a bat!' Yamcha thought as he continued to survey the man.
"Umm...well, be my guest, uhh. Do you need me to hold onto that hammer for ya?" Yamcha, pointing at the weapon, didn't really know where to begin with this guy. Using his senses, he thought he could feel quite a bit of power from this guy. He may be stronger then him, but something told him that was wrong, and that there was something more that he was missing. Watching the stranger smile, he was surprised by the next reply.
"Nooo no that's not necessary. I can't tell you what an honor it is to actually be on a baseball diamond of the world champion West City Taitans. And you being their star player, it is no surprise."
Grabbing the BanHammer off of his back, Shepard put it on the grassy side of the dugout, dropping with a loud THUD. 'Whoa, that thing sure felt heavy. That tremor came from that weapon! Who is this guy?' Yamcha was very curious now, and a bit concerned. This guy was no amateur. Handing the stranger the bat, Yamcha was approving of the way the man practice swung it.
"Well, uh Yates, give it a bit a' gas." Yamcha suggested to the pitcher on the mound. Watching the visitor go to the plate, the Bandit was surprised at how comfortable the man looked. He adopted the left handed stance, holding his bat out and getting settled. 'He looks like he's done it for years. Why haven't I seen him before?' Yamcha, curious as ever, awaited the results.
'Ahhhhh, to be Ken Griffey Jr. Or even Tony Gwynn.' What the Taitans, what Yamcha, what no one knew except Tights and his children was that in his previous life, Marc Shepard at one time or another, played Little League Baseball. Being a right handed hitter as he grew up, Shepard had taught himself how to be a switch hitter, particularly because of his natural left-handedness, which he actually kept in the Transition. 'The one thing I kept anyway, damn it Whis.' And also, he loved watching Ken Griffey Jr. growing up, and when he went to the Reds?
Shepard was excited. Self teaching himself how to switch hit in baseball was one of the harder things he had learned before he came here. To actually get on a professional baseball field, even semi pro, was a dream of the human-turned-Saiyan. Even if it was for only one good swing. Getting settled in, he realized he didn't have a helmet, but who needed it when a soft little baseball was coming at you at speeds far lesser than your granddaughters ki blast?
When Yates threw the pitch, the ball took forever to get to the plate. It was a great pitch, however, and so Shepard patiently waited, stepping into it, keeping the bat level with the ball, it hit with a resounding CRACK.
Satisfied as he watched the ball, for as long as he could, Shepard was aware of the players jumping out of the dugout, trying to see just how far the ball went. 'Pretty sure that one is in orbit now folks!' Shepard smiled at the feeling of happiness. He felt like he was 10 years old again.
"HOLY FUCK! DUDE DID YOU SEE THAT SHIT!" Murdock was yelling in the Bandit's ear, who was absolutely shocked at the beautiful swing that the man had performed. It looked like something out of a professional clinic. However it didn't explain the sudden power surge he felt from the man. Whoever he was, Yamcha was pretty sure he was at least as strong as Goku. "Ye-ye-yeah I saw it." Shrugging off the fellow player, Yamcha walked up to the stranger, who held the bat back out for the Bandit to take. Trembling as he took the bat, Yamcha couldn't help but notice the sheer joy coming off the man's face. 'He looks like he just won the championship himself.'
"U-Uh-uh-wow sir that was quite incredible. Where did-did ya learn that from? I'm pretty sure I'm the only o-one hitting homers like that around here."
'Cocky as always, Bandit.' Shepard thought to himself. But now that he had the young man in front of him, he could tell that Yamcha was downright terrified of him. 'Shit, he must have felt my power leak a bit.'
"Oh I'm no professional, it just felt good to actually swing a bat for the first time in so long." Stretching his back out, Shepard held his hand out, catching the off guard players and Bandit alike as the BanHammer flew back into his hand. Like a familiar glove, the handle nestled into his hand comfortably. Putting the weapon back on the magnetic holder on his back, he looked at Yamcha, all jokes aside.
"And I will say, Yamcha, that you have what it takes to change more, then a baseball team." Yamcha was caught off guard by the sudden seriousness, and the implication.
"I'm retired now. If ya actually watched the last Tournament, ya know exactly why I'm not back into martial arts now. If that is all ya came here for, then beat it, man. I have a game I'm gettin ready for."
The look that the visitor gave Yamcha was terrifying . Even though the man was only a couple inches taller then him, the Bandit could have been 2 inches tall, or 10 feet tall. He felt tiny next to the stranger. Before Yamcha could react, the man grabbed his shoulder.
"Hey le-" WOOSH"
"DID HE JUST?"
"WHAT THE!"
The players that were warming up, the ones in the dugout, as well as Coach Freddy Hein were shocked. Spitting out a wad of chewing gum, the coach could only look at his players.
"Well there goes the championship!"
Location: The Sky
WOOSH "t me go!" Shepard, using Instantaneous Movement, brought both himself and the Bandit up into the sky, above the clouds. 'I love this technique so, so, so much.' Inwardly beaming at himself, he chuckled, looking at the Bandit.
"Are you sure about that Yamcha?" Pointing down at the Bandit, Yamcha's eyes slowly widened as he started looking down.
"WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Grabbing onto the Rogue for dear life, Yamcha looked up at the stranger.
"WH-WH-WHAT TH-THE FUCK MAN WHATS THE BIG IDEA DOIN THIS T-TO ME?" Holding onto the Rogue's fabric, when he didn't get an answer at first, he was on the verge of nearly pissing his pants. 'He-he-he must be a crazy awesome f-fan of mine! I me-mean we did win the championship 3 yea-years in a row. "Pl-pl-please j-just put m-me back on the gr-ground! I-I'll give you however much zenny you want I pr-promise!"
"You have to be fucking kidding me." Gaining a disgusted look, Shepard easily pulled the Bandit off of him, holding him by the back of his numbered 00 Tatians uniform. "You think this is about money? You are obviously clueless, and very...very rusty." Narrowing his eyes at the trembling man, Shepard had debated, inwardly of course, with just dropping the man, testing him, so to speak.
"Why did you give up your martial arts training, boy?" Degrading the young man was usually a good way to break through the cockiness.
"H-hey I'm no boy, I'm a grown man, and just cuz I'm a bit rusty doesn't mean I can't get on the ground and k-kick ur butt!" Yamcha tried, failing, to look tough. It especially made him feel even worse when the man started laughing. "C-cut that out, take me b-back on the ground man!"
"I asked you a question, Yamcha. My arm is starting to get a little bit tired." Pretending to start to drop the Bandit, Shepard got what he wanted when Yamcha started holding his hands up, pleading.
"O-OK O-O-OK! I stopped cuz I had no reason to fight after the World Tournament arena was destroyed. Seeing that the Tournament was gonna be canceled, I saw no reason to keep training. Be-Besides, with Goku here, we haven't had to worry, he can take anyone!"
They were justifiable reasons, for a normal human. But Yamcha, the day he had learned how to use ki, the day he had started his rivalry with Tien Shinhan after the now former assassin had broken his leg, his life had forever changed. Once he had learned how to start tapping into his ki, Yamcha was forever stronger then 99.95 percent of the population. It was time to dig deeper.
"I am sure, deep in your mind, that money is NOT the only thing you fight for. It is time to start training again, Yamcha, for I bring you news. You sir, can forever change your destiny, if you are willing to listen." Yamcha, confused and trembling a bit, didn't feel like he had a choice in the matter.
"Du-du-dude I'll never be as strong as-" flicking him on the forehead, Shepard was tired of the pessimism. He didn't put any ki or real strength into it. So it wasn't a surprise when the Bandit started trying to struggle out of his grip, but it was a vise.
"Da-DAMN IT YOU SON OF A BITCH LEMME GO!" Holding the Bandit out far enough so his flailing limbs didn't touch him, Shepard looked at the man with disgust.
"How big do you think this fucking planet is, Yamcha? You think that GOKU is truly the strongest on Earth? Right now, I am the strongest being on this planet...by. Far. If I wanted to, I could destroy this planet, a trillion times over. That means you are just an ant to me, and I, boy, can destroy your senses with just one percent of my full power." At Yamcha's widened trembling eyes, Shepard noticed tears starting to come out. Did the Bandit think he was there to destroy him? 'Maaaaybe I'm goin just a bit too far. I can't soften up now though.' Deciding to go full throttle, Shepard continued.
"Human beings such as yourself, need more then motivation. They need the willpower. Your pathetic power right now wouldn't do anything to any of the other fighters on the planet. As we speak right now, Piccolo and Goku are having a sparring match."
"WH-WHAT?!? Di-did Piccolo go after Goku finally? Damn it I was expecting this. But I wouldn't make any kinda difference now. But Goku can take em, so it don't matter. Right?"
"...I've been keeping a close eye on the fight with my senses, it has been quite intense. As I expected, Piccolo seems to have an advantage. But no one's life is in danger, at least not yet anyway. So I see no reason to interfere. You and I are going to have a conversation."
"L-look what is there to even talk about? You want me to start training again? Fine, but I'm tellin ya now, it won't make a difference in the long run."
"It is funny that when you put no effort into anything, you get nothing in return. Let me be clear with you, Yamcha. Your power level right now, if I'm being accurate, stands around 180, maybe less. It is a random number, I know, but Goku, and Piccolo, are both close to about 400. That is more then twice your strength now."
Holding his hand out above him, pointing out all over the sky, Shepard wanted to drive the point home. The humans needed to continue their training, no matter the costs. It was fine to have peace, but peace should never be a reason to quit training, or improving. It was just an excuse.
"There are beings, out there, in the whole of the Universe, with power levels ranging from less than 1 point...to billions, even trillions, even more. Let me be clear, Bandit, you can either be a Desert Bitch Rat, and get stumped your whole life because of your lacklusterness and arrogant attitude, or, you can put in the effort, and strive to be the legendary Desert Wolf you are capable of being. You can rise above the expectations of your race. And be one of the strongest humans, who has ever lived."
"Re-Really? You mean that?" Yamcha's mind opened up at the possibilities. "Maaaan, if I can get stronger, I know Bulma won't be too mad at me for being away longer."
"About Bulma." Shepard said, wanting to let Yamcha down easily. The Rogue had a plan, but it was a loooooong shot. Certain variables he wouldn't be there to account for would have to be in place. He could only hope that the far reaching goals of his ultimate Plan could help not only Yamcha, but a potential wife.
"It would be in your best interest to distance yourself from her, Yamcha." Shepard said. Yamcha, aghast, started struggling again.
"I-IM NOT GONNA JUST DUMP HER!" The Bandit was clearly pissed, but Shepard didn't care. He needed Yamcha to see this through.
"I did not say that. What I am saying is that it is in both of your best interests to leave each other. With her focused on her career and business, and you on your training, it will be extremely difficult to maintain a relationship. And on top of that, you two haven't seen eye to eye in years. It is time you grew a backbone, man the fuck up, and grow from under the shadow of your weakness. Break free of the limitations you put on yourself. You are not weak Yamcha, but you are also not motivated either. Bulma doesn't do that for you, you desire someone strong. Someone who will push you to be stronger. When you dig deeply within yourself, boy, you will find that power is just a word. The real power lies within your reasoning to continue to get stronger. Trust me when I say you can rise above your weakness." Yamcha was taken back by the seriousness of this man. He had never felt so weak as to be held up by a man with 2 fingers on his uniform. 'Could I really be that strong someday?'
As if reading his mind, Shepard chuckled at the thoughtful looking Bandit.
"Take the money you've made from sports, call Capsule Corp within 6 months. Talk to Bulma, tell her that you two are better off as good friends. You will find that her reasoning is a lot more sane then you think. Believe me Yamcha, things will work out for you in the long run, but you'll have to fight and scrap for every bit of it, as opposed to just letting things play out, and letting everyone else fight for you." Pulling out a orange and black capsule, Shepard showed it to Yamcha.
"There are instructions on how to use these. They are called Gravity Gauntlets." Throwing the capsule and taking the items before they could fall to the ground far below, Shepard gave one to the Bandit.
"You put them around your wrists, there is a digital display that will allow you to track the gravity you are in, the gravity you have the bracers set for, and then the limiter that only allows them to power up to certain levels. Right now they are set to go as high as 5G, or 5 times the Earth's gravity. Start at 2G, work your way to 5. It extends a gravity field around your body, making you gradually heavier then you were before. Eventually you will be able to get them upgraded to sustain more gravity. It will take some time Yamcha. But you definitely have it in you to be more than capable of changing your fate."
"M-my fate? What? I do-don't understand." Yamcha was perplexed. Just a few minutes ago, his fate of being a 4 time baseball champion was thrown down the drain. What else could he even do now?
"If you decide to ignore my warnings, you will be nothing but an insignificant spec in the grand scheme of all this. You can be more. I know this Yamcha, because I've seen it. I've lived it. In just about 46 hours or so, my younger self will arrive here. And by younger Yamcha, I mean he is Goku's age. I know I am a looker, Bandit, but I am also old. It is a part of my genetics to look this young. For you see, I am not of this world, and neither are Goku, nor Piccolo."
"Y-you mean Goku and Piccolo are...are... Aliens?!" As Yamcha was stunned initially, his face went from a shocked expression to thoughtful. "Well it would explain Piccolo's skin color, and Goku's tail. And I always found it weird that Goku never seemed to grow any taller until we were adults!"
There were things Yamcha could never explain when it came to Goku. But, if being an alien is the key that he had been missing, he wanted to know more.
"A Saiyan, which is what Goku and myself are called, generally only have 3 major growth spurts in our lives. The first comes in our pre teen years, which isn't major growth, the limbs grow a bit longer, the body gains a bit of definition. It isn't until the 2nd growth spurt, which occurs around a Saiyan's age of adulthood. Roughly 18. It is then a Saiyan, over the course of several months, will grow to their near adult size. Some saiyans will experience a 3rd growth spurt, but it is not as essential as the first 2. The tail, which all saiyans of this Universe are born with, is essential to channeling the Oozaru transformation. To translate, a giant ape."
"Th-that's what that thing he did when he was a kid was called huh?" 'That explains quite a lot actually.' Yamcha was thoughtful now, no longer scared of the height he was at. "Does it also explain how he got stronger after every fight, or his eating habits? I mean he would eat a freakin horse load man. It was like watching a damn tornado with a mouth that didn't taste anything."
Shepard chuckled at the observation. "Yes, and yes. Saiyans require more food because of the nature of their development. You see Yamcha, the planet the saiyans were born on had 10 times the gravity of this planet. But Goku didn't get to experience that. He is naturally stronger only because of his drive to train and keep getting stronger. THAT, is a saiyan trait. All saiyans love to fight, especially to the death if they can, because of the Zenkai." At Yamcha's confused look, Shepard clarified.
"Most, if not all species, experience the Zenkai. Though it is quite minimal in humans, it is so much more evident in Saiyans. If I were to nearly kill you, and bring you back to full health and you recover. You may only gain a couple of points in power. Where as someone like a Saiyan, if they are to somehow be nearly killed in battle, and believe me when I say Yamcha, that saiyans. Are. TOUGH. If they were to recover, the Zenkai would be quite unpredictable. A saiyan who was weaker then you are now could instantly be stronger then you. Food, also is another essential thing to the saiyans. If we do not eat after so long, our bodies become weaker over time."
"Heh, so that's how Goku beat me all those years ago. I had him on the ropes. But then I let him eat. Damn man just thinking about it sucks."
"Correct. A Saiyans body is naturally a bit more durable. With food, energy becomes much more plentiful. Humans can overcome this though. I won't lie to you young Bandit, it will be a near impossible hill to climb. I won't promise that you will be stronger then Goku, or any other saiyans you meet. But I will promise you this. Put those Gauntlets on, train with them, be honest to yourself. Be honest to Bulma. And you will have everyone's respect, even the saiyans."
Swallowing the knot he felt in his gut, Yamcha felt like it was a tall order. He didn't want to do this. He didn't feel like he could make a difference. But what if he could? What if he could train, maybe grow strong enough to contend with Piccolo, and Goku as well?
Seeing the wheels turning in the Bandit's head. Shepard was satisfied that he had broken Yamcha's set ways of letting people decide how he should live his life. Yamcha was the unpredictability that not even Shepard himself could foresee. Either he would sink, and be nothing, much like he was in the show. Or he could rise. He didn't feel like he needed to motivate Krillin or Tien, his younger self would handle that end.
"What about Piccolo? Where's he from then?" Yamcha wanted to know. Maybe there were weaknesses he could exploit.
"Piccolo is a Namekian, from a planet called Namek. It would take quite a while to explain his story, but to put it simply, a choice was made many years ago and Piccolo was the results of that choice. There aren't too many discernible weaknesses in regards to his species. Their ears are incredibly sensitive. They only drink water. That is really about it. They are a more peaceful people however. But their fighters are quite strong." Shepard explained. Looking down at the device on his wrist, he seen that he had been talking to the Bandit for quite a while.
"I am going to take you to your home in the desert. I'm sure Puar misses you, and would like to see you before you start up again."
WOOSH
Shepard used Instantaneous Movement, appearing outside of the Bandit's rock built home in the Diablo Desert.
"Remember Yamcha, cockiness is only cool if you can follow through your intentions. Now get going inside." Yamcha looked at the stranger, who had taken him away from normal. He had gotten used to not training again. But if his fate was to be looked down upon, then the Desert Bandit would not take that lying down.
"Alright man. Uhh, thanks. For everything I guess. Will I see you again?" Yamcha wouldn't have minded a quick spar to see where he stood. On the other end, if the visitor was truly that strong, maybe he shouldn't be so quick to rush into it?
"To be fair Yamcha, I am afraid not. If you do, it will not be under...normal circumstances. My younger self, however, may approach you. If he beats you like he thinks he will, like I did when I first met you so long ago, then he won't bother trying to help you in the future. My younger self will need to get his ass kicked at least once. I suggest you bring your A game. He will respect you all the more for it."
"Well I guess that's fair. It was nice meeting you...?"
"Shepard." WOOSH
"Whoa! How the heck does he do that?" Walking to the door of his home that he hadn't been to in the last couple months, Yamcha saw his lifelong friend, the floating cat Puar, making a meal for himself.
"Hey Puar, I'm home." CRASH
The cat, not expecting to hear that voice, had dropped a plate he had just made with some rice and greens. Floating around the corner to the living room, he seen his lifelong friend, jersey still on, looking a bit ruffled.
"Ya-Yamcha! I wasn't expecting you. Do you want me to fix you a plate?" Puar asked. Normally there was excitement when the Bandit had came home after a long practice, but Puar noticed something off about his best friend. "What are those in your hands Yamcha?" Looking down at the Gravity Gauntlets, Yamcha grew a look of determination.
"Puar, we need to talk."
Location: Orange City
Double Deuce Night Club
It was early afternoon as the man simply known as Mark was heading into work for the night. Leaving his 4 year old daughter with a babysitter until his shift was over, the man in his early 20's was a big guy. Easily standing 6ft 2 inches, excluding the afro, he was wearing a black shirt, tucked into a pair of black pants that cuffed around his heavy black shoes. As a security guard/bouncer, it was his job to maintain peace. And though it was a job, it was not his passion.
Mark was a wrestler, a fighter. through and through. After his martial arts Master was killed by Mercenary Tao, he being seriously injured, after making fun of him at a bar in South City because of the assassin's hairstyle, Mark had slowly became dejected towards Martial Arts. He still loved it, there was no doubt about that, but fighting someone like Mercenary Tao put into perspective just how weak he was. He had vowed he would never fight someone so strong again if he could help it. Then when the legendary fight between the 2 fighters Goku and Junior had all but destroyed the entire World Tournament arena, Mark had decided that there was probably not much of a chance he could make any real money fighting. He was young and had to support himself somehow. When his beautiful wife, Miguel, passed away from cancer, leaving him and their beautiful little daughter Videl behind, he had to start working mundane jobs. He was lucky he had found this Night Club who needed security. When he had came they had all but hired him on the spot, noting his imposing physique.
It was just another day for Mark, heading into work to deal with drunks, naked women, which was the only real perk, and a whole shit ton of loud noise. As he walked in, he thought he heard something, but ignored it. He had no idea what awaited him when he came back out later that night...
Watching the young man walking down the street from an adjacent building roof, Shepard was observing a young Hercule Satan, who looked utterly pissed as he was walking into his job. Since it looked like he had some spare time, he decided to pull out his journal.
In it were details that his younger self would need. This universe was similar in many ways to the TV Verse. But also there were vast differences. Differences, that could get Him killed if He does not adequately prepare. The older saiyan knew that this multiverse was so much more dangerous then the TV Verse could ever show. He had seen oceans of blood throughout his time here, compared to his previous life on another Earth he had almost long since forgotten about. He sometimes missed that lifestyle. He missed his old family, but here, or there, in his past, he had made a new one. And he would do everything he could to see their existence through. He knew his younger self with the details he had been writing, would be smart to heed his warnings.
The Rogue wasn't sure when Mark would be done with his shift, but as he was about to drop down to meet him, a spike of ki he was familiar with hit his senses hard. It was uncontrolled and wild with rage.
'Son of a bitch. I warned you Piccolo.!' Livid that his plans had to be put on hold, Shepard vanished.
WOOSH
Dun Dun Dun! What has happened? Oh snap, Shepard is gonna be aaaangry next chapter!
Got a few power levels for you guys. Nothing to crazy. I looked up Yamcha's power level online and just roughed it down due to the timing compared to the beginning of the show. Gohan is kind of a curve ball. He hasn't been trained (yet!) and his power fluctuates with his rage. Hercule, before you all kill me for this, will NOT grow to be strong like the Z Warriors. He will be stronger then he normally is, but not like you think.
Power Levels:
Goku: 390 (non weighted, light training)
Piccolo: 350 (weighted, moderate training)
? (without weights)
Gohan: 50
Yamcha: 175
Hercule: 40
Shepard: Whatever he wants it to be (immensely suppressed)