Hello all! And welcome to a new chapter. I decided to gift you guys and gals with 2 chapters this month. I hope it has been a good year for the lot of you! Consider this a late Christmas gift ;)!
Our new, bolder, and far younger and weaker version of our OC has finally arrived on this Earth and has much to prepare for. We are still a little ways from the start of DbZ, but with all that has already changed, what new, exciting adventures await our protagonist as he works his way through this dangerous, unknown Earth? Find out, on Dragon Ball: BtG!
P.S.- The music cues I put out there are songs I believe that fit best to the situation at hand. If you feel comfortable using a different piece of music, by all means!
Drunken Hamster: Thanks for your review. I hope you enjoyed the last chapter. I know that I had to send the Old Man away, but he will be back, at some point in the story. I'm even thinking about maybe doing a year-to-year of his off world adventures. As you know, Old Shepard is getting close to that tentative age of 80. So we may see the man age progressively as the story goes on. I'm thinking about it anyway. And I appreciate you calling me a craftsman. I don't have anybody beta reading or writing for me. It's all coming from my insane brain, so I hope to continue to pump out more good quality chapters. There will be a few good twists and turns in this fanfic. I can't go word for word with the show. Some stuff has already changed too much. (The next few chapters are going to get awfully juicy in terms of good fights, so strap up and enjoy!)
Dreadix: Thank you for your review. You know... Thank you for pointing that out, because now I can perform another twist in this story. You've just made Cell far more dangerous, or even Android 21! But I do have something cooking to where I think this could work out for all of us in the end. It's reviewers like you who make constructive criticism a good thing. I hope you continue to point out the flaws I may make in the future!
Location: Earth
Age: December 21, 760
"497...498...499...5...HUNDRED...wah... fuck man this is tough." Hanging upside down, Shepard had his legs across a tree branch on one of his smaller islands further down, doing upside down sit ups, much like he had watched Goku do in the space pod on the way to Namek in the show.
After nearly a day of getting over the thought that he may never go home, or see his mother, brother, or any of his remaining friends, Marc, now rechristened Shepard, had put his head to the grindstone. Immediately, he set to began strengthening his body. Initially, he started out with calisthenics. Just to get used to having a bigger, stronger body. Realizing he was not ready for the gravity room, he would visit it later. Perhaps before Raditz came, perhaps not. He wasn't sure. He also started trying to self meditate, feeling for the reserves of his power that he briefly tapped into.
By October, he had started doing body weight work. He was faster then he was as a human, so he felt it was a priority to not bulk up too much. He would wait for that to come when he was able to lift that vest that still sat in the corner of his house in his living room. It was his goal to be able to put it on and walk with it before Raditz arrived.
As November had come along, Shepard was completely comfortable with his body, easily able to do 300 push ups without so much as tiring. He could bench press nearly 800 pounds. He was in absolute awe of his progress. The BanHammer had also started to become extremely important. Shepard had set the weight at 100 pounds, but it had progressively gotten heavier since he started using it. Picking it up, he noticed that the weight wasn't so obvious when he was swinging it, only when he seemed to train with it, as if the weapon had an awareness of sorts that could detect the needs of its young master. Putting it on the magnetic holder and attaching it to his back, Shepard had begun to do laps around his island. He knew in the coming years, he would need all the cardio he could get. Which was why he also capsuled The PL 420 capsule, as he had called it, and stored it away. He would save that for offseason time. He needed all of his wits about him if he was going to make a difference in the future. He made sure to also store the Limitless Bag of Senzus in one of the 2 vaults that resided within the house. Always carrying a simple brown satchel, Shepard made sure to store more then enough Senzu beans within. He had only used 2 by this point, once falling out of a tree and nearly breaking his neck. He had a good laugh at that one afterwards.
As early December had come around. Shepard finally felt he was able to train his tail. It was part hesitation to just rip it out as opposed to going through the struggle of training it, but he felt if he could get ahold of the Oozaru within him and control it, he would be in a much better place by time November of next year came around. Another thing he started to work on was to find his Ki once again. Shepard could feel it simmering at the surface at times, waiting to be used...
After another long 4 hour training session, Shepard had used his stronger legs, jumping from island to island, back to his house. Once arriving, he walked in, going straight for the showers. After his shower, Shepard walked into the kitchen, grabbing his Saiyan meal mixed with extra bison meat already made from the deep freezer part of the massive fridge, he arrived in the living room. Looking down at the journal that his older self had given him, Shepard finally felt it was time to open it, and really read into the struggles he may have to endure. Upon opening the journal, a folded note fell out, landing on the table.
"Well, what have we here." Picking it up and starting to read, Shepard's eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets at the words.
Hello Shepard, you are wondering when I would have time to write this. What you should really wonder is just how well I once knew you., or how much like you I used to be. You are going to find that many ideologies in the Dragon Ball timeline 'created' by Akira Toriyama are very loose in interpretation, or at the very least, just not fully understood. You may wait to read from this note, I hope it is not too long. The journal that this letter will be with will contain my timeline. You will find some things are really close to what the show will display. However I fear what you will see in the future will drive you to unpreparedness. I urge you NOT to think this way. Do not get lazy my young friend. Whis was not lying when he said that foes will rise to challenge us. I also ask that you push the humans, specifically Tien Shinhan, Yamcha, and Krillin. Human beings in this Universe are VERY underestimated. They can rise. It may take them longer, it may take them their whole lives, but they have it in them to challenge the Saiyans someday. I know that all 3 will be itching to challenge Goku in the coming decades, maybe even you, possibly Vegeta as well. Also, I know that I am a hypocrite for even suggesting this. But I believe that Raditz may be able to come around in the future. This is why I will suggest that you be a credible match to him. You will want to be as strong as you can possibly be by the time he gets here. In November of 761, you will be put to the test. As for Goku, I don't see any way for him to live AND be a match for Vegeta. He is going to have to die to receive the training he will need from King Kai. With Goku potentially being a bit stronger, he may make it to his planet sooner.
Your fate is your own to make Shepard. I died fighting Raditz, I was turned to ash when Kid Buu used an overpowered planet bomb that I had no chance of blocking. Your fate very well may be different. I will say nothing short of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber will prepare you for Vegeta, should you live past Raditz. I could go into a whole ordeal about what you will face. But read my journal, see for yourself the potential of enemies that will come across. There will be plenty. I assure you. Don't quit on yourself Shepard, things will seem bleak at times. We are Saiyans now. Your emotions will feel different then they used to be. Trust your inner self. Your inner self will save you from your outer self, if you allow it. Don't break like I did. Stay strong to who you are. Remember who you once were. Let that be your weapon. You can only go wrong if you go astray. Good luck my young Twin. If we see each other again somehow, you better be a fucking God, because I will challenge youThere are things that I will be doing behind the scenes for you. To set the stage so to speak. Do not mention the Time Machine to Bulma. Don't give her any ideas. The only reason why I broke Time, was because everything else was on the verge of being GONE. It was either face a void less Universe and wait to die, or come back, to warn you. Maybe even save you. Whatever your Destiny may be Shepard, I know it will be great. You have the potential to change it all. I'm going to keep a few small surprises to myself, out of the journal and this letter. Ha ha ha ha.
Good Luck Shepard
Your Guide
"Wow. That is some deep shit." Shepard said to himself. Realizing he had 2 days before he was to show up at Capsule Corp, Shepard decided it was time.
Over the course of the last 3 months, Shepard had been able to predict the nights of the Full Moon. He had no way of protecting his Island should he accidentally change. So he stayed in those nights. Tonight was not one of those nights. He was going to attempt to fly. He grabbed the BanHammer, his most trusted, loyal weapon.
Walking outside, the air was brisk. Since he was close to the Equator of this Earth, it rarely got cold. But tonight it was a bit on the cool side. Sitting down in front of his house and setting his hammer, head down on the ground next to him, Shepard looked up at the half moon, feeling his insides prickle a bit as something beastly rose to just beneath his skin. Shrugging off the sensation, Shepard looked up again, trying to find calm.
"Deep breaths...deeeeep breaths..." Centering himself the best he could, Shepard slipped into a quick meditation, starting to pull from his core slowly, closing his eyes and holding his hands out in front of him, fingers facing each other. He could feel the pull of his power so much more clearly then he had the last time he had tried, in front of his older self. Feeling the sensation of something leaving him, Shepard opened his eyes slowly, seeing the small blue ball of energy nestled in between his hands.
"Wow...h-holy fuck Ki is a...am-amazing." Shocked at his own ability to find his Ki so quickly, Shepard got up from his sitting position, moving the ball to one hand as he did. Walking over to the edge of the island, he looked down at the calm waters.
"YAHHHHH!" Hurling it to the waters below, what followed was surprising but not unexpected. Shepard watched as his energy ball made contact with the water, only for a BOOOOM to follow only a second later. Shooting water up 30 feet and creating a wave which hit the jagged rocks below. Shepard fell on his ass in sheer surprise.
"I didn't think I put that much energy into it. Holy hell." Getting up and looking back down to the now calming waters again, Shepard felt he was ready.
Cue: Hanz Zimmer- Flight
"Alright... Alright...I can do this." Shepard began to pull his Ki downwards, pushing it below himself. Feeling the energy much more freely then he did before, he leapt, cracking the ground as he did so.
"WHOOOOOOHOOHOOOOO YEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHH!" Reaching several hundred feet in the air, he proceeded to twist in the air, continuing to try to climb. Shepard did not see his near fatal error as he did this. Completely losing his concentration and closing his eyes in the sheer exuberance of his 1st attempted flight, Shepard did not notice that his direction had wildly changed. Now flying back down towards the lowest island, Shepard could only open his eyes in time enough to see his mistake.
"SHIIIIIIIII-" CRAAAAACKKKK
Colliding with the side of the small island, Shepard landed in the rocks, sliding wildly down the jagged land. He stayed conscious through the whole ordeal, surprisingly so. Sliding down on his back nearly down at the water, nearly a football field away from where he first collided, Shepard looked up, eyes wild and in pain, his body racked in agony.
"Oh.. my...fucking...," Shepard contemplated what had went wrong with his first Flight. Running the adrenaline rush through his mind was not easy, so many things had happened in the short 30 second flight.
Shepard rose, slowly, still feeling the pain of failure. His body was much stronger then it was when he first arrived, he was already starting to recover from the tumble. Looking up at the night sky. Seeing the beautiful stars, smelling the fresh air. He closed his eyes.
'I fight, so I can protect all of this. So I can be the man I always could be. Back Home, I couldn't be that man. But here, I can be one of the best. I can stand alongside my heroes. But it starts HERE.'
Slowly getting down to one knee, Shepard looked down, thinking back to his promise to his older self. The older version of himself moved so fluidly, with such confidence. A grace that seemed impossible. He wanted to to be that strong. 'I need to be even stronger.'
Slowly, the rocks that had been stationary around Shepard started to take on a life of themselves, floating upwards near the young saiyan's head.
"HAAAAAAAAAA!" Channeling a good amount of ki under his body, Shepard leapt again, soaring into the air. Keeping his eyes open and gritting his teeth, Shepard aimed his ki under himself to the right, and right he went. Starting to get a grasp of what he was doing, Shepard took a chance, descending sharply down towards the open waters.
"YEAH YEAH YEAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Coming up just a foot short and powering up, a white colored aura began to appear around the saiyan. Shepard dashed along the ocean, trying to fly as fast as he could. Looking back, he could see a small jet of water in reaction to his flight. Turning it up, Shepard flew faster, the jet behind him getting bigger.
Shepard had a goal in mind. He knew his new body could take it. He was going to do a fly by the old hermit Master Roshi's house. He wasn't going to land, but he just wanted to see if he could make the 500 mile round trip, figuring he would make Kame House the halfway point...
End Cue
Kame House
90 minutes later
"Hey Krillin, get out here." Master Roshi had woken up nearly an hour ago, a strong ping to his senses. He had been keeping a mind's eye on the source of power out west. When Krillin had returned from an impromptu trip that he had sent him out on around 3 months ago, the monk was cryptically vague.
Master Roshi had felt a vast power move around the planet as if nothing could hold it down, seemingly on one end of the planet one moment, and moments later he would feel the power on the other side of the planet. Around that same time, a 2nd, similar power had came onto his radar, though this one was much harder to sense. It had felt stronger then human, but strangely weak, as though it were a child. They also had felt strangely like his other student, Goku. He knew something was amiss with whoever this was, and it may have something to do with the gifted young man, the story that one of his oldest students, Gohan once told him. Knowing that this being that had roamed around was capable of defeating his greatest student and the greatest threat known to Earth in nearly 300 years, Master Roshi needed to be wary. He had considered approaching this being and getting a better sense. Considering if the being behind the vast power was an evil entity, that he would prepare to use the Mafuuba again even if it meant his life. But Krillin did say one thing, that the person he met was not evil. So Master Roshi held off. However he could now sense this very power, stronger, but also far weaker then the power that weighed on the planet before, heading towards his island.
"What is it Master Ro-What the?" Krillin came outside, having woken up completely and now seeing someone flying towards Kame House in the distance.
"Might wanna get up there Krillin, I think he's coming here." Master Roshi urged. Thankful that he had put on his gi, Krillin ran up, jumping up and encasing himself in a white aura, he flew out to meet the man he had met 3 months ago. Krillin had been doing a lot more physical training, as well as working on his flying..
Shepard was pushing his power, flying faster then he was when he first started. He noticed as a Saiyan, he was seemingly able to stay in simple flight near indefinitely, once he could channel his reserves more efficiently.
Feeling quite jubilant at his success, he came in within a foot of the water, taking a wide arc around Kame House. He saw Master Roshi on the island. Deciding to wave, he failed to notice the guy behind and to his right.
"Hey! How ya doin?" Caught by surprise, Shepard saw Krillin flying by him.
"Wow, Krillin you're actually flying too! This shit is fucking awesome!" Turning up the gas, Shepard darted ahead of the monk. However, Krillin had caught up, matching his speed.
"It sure is. I see you finally decided to push yourself. Heading back to that big house? You wanna race?" Krillin asked, hoping to test his speed. He was answered with a smirk and nod. Slowing down in the air, hovering only a dozen feet above the water, Shepard furrowed his brow in concentration.
Holding his hand out, being supported by his other hand, a blue ball of energy, similar to the one he first summoned a short while ago, came into his hand. "When this goes boom, we race to the smallest island. Agreed?"
"Sure. I'm up for whatever." Krillin said, stretching in mid air. "It'll be a good warm up. Why are you doing this so late anyway?" He asked, only to receive a noncommittal shrug.
"It's a beautiful night tonight. Clean, fresh and crisp air. Perfect night to throw down. Ready?
"Yep." Krillin adopted a ready stance.
"Here goes. HiiiYAHHHHHHH!" Shooting it out a few hundred feet away, Shepard made sure not to put too much Ki into the ball, wanting to reserve his energy for the race.
BOOOM
At the sound of the small explosion, both guys turned on the burners, 2 white auras, leaving massive concussive waves in the water as they flew towards Shepard's Islands. Seeing that Krillin had a slight lead, Shepard pushed.
"I'M NOT MAKING IT EASY FOR YOU LITTLE MAN." Shepard yelled as he sped by the monk. Looking forward, he saw that they still had a ways to go.
"Oh no ya don't!" Krillin said as he caught back up.
'He has definitely gotten stronger. His speed is good too, but he is burning through his ki quite a lot' Devising a plan, Krillin lagged back a few feet, reserving what he could.
Within 20 minutes, they were within 50 miles of their agreed location. And Shepard was starting to gas out a bit. Krillin's plan of letting Shepard get overconfident and push himself beyond his limits was paying off. Krillin had made up the near 500 foot gap between the 2. And he still had quite a bit left in the tank.
"What's the matter, getting tired?" He said, amused at the slowly fading Saiyan. Breathing heavily, not realizing the toll an impromptu race would put on him, Shepard grit his teeth, pushing himself to go just a bit faster.
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Shepard screamed, pulling out every drop of ki. Krillin, realizing that Shepard was about to pull ahead the last 40 miles, pulled out a lot as well.
"AHHHHHH!" Krillin screamed in return, catching up to Shepard. They were neck and neck, pushing themselves to go as fast as they could. Starting to see the Islands within the distance, both pushed themselves even harder.
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Within the last half a mile of reaching the smallest island, Shepard let his Ki go, focusing on landing, but Krillin had kept pushing, eeking ahead of the Saiyan. Having experience in landing properly, Krillin dropped down, landing on his feet. Landing only a couple seconds behind, but not nearly as gracefully, Shepard landed feet first, skidding rocks as he fell head over heels, sliding by the monk who watched in amazement and a bit of concern.
"That didn't look to good." Nor did it sound good when Shepard finally stopped, landing hard in one of the bigger trees, nearly breaking it. Sliding down and hitting his head, all the young saiyan could do was breathe.
"O-owwww!" Having landed upside down, he rolled back, finally holding his head. The whole experience hurt.
"Hey, uhh Shepard. Are..are you ok?" Krillin said, having caught up to the saiyan. Looking up, still holding his head and breathing heavily, Shepard just threw a thumbs up, getting up though still a bit disoriented. He was glad he had all them notes from his older self. If he hit his head hard enough he may wind up forgetting all of what he needed to do. Walking over to the tree and sitting down, Shepard still held his head. Aside from the small headache he now had, his body had otherwise took the tumble in great stride, having held up to the abuse.
"Man... you're fast dude." Shepard complimented the monk, who looked at him shocked.
"You-you really think so?" Krillin was not expecting it if he were being honest with himself. Shepard looked away from him and down to the watch on his wrist. The saiyan had not taken it off once, only loosening it to clean under inside his house. He had toggled through many of the features, only to discover that it made 007's watch look like a toy inside a CrackerJack Box. Finally looking back at Krillin. He nodded.
"Yeah. Don't doubt yourself Krillin. You beat me on this night, but we will race again. Aside from racing, now that we're actually here, do ya feel like sparring?" Shepard asked, catching the monk off guard.
"Wh-wh... are you sure? You just took a pretty bad fall. It wouldn't be fair if you weren't at your best." Krillin tried to reason with the young man, who got up and walked away from the tree.
"It's not that bad, I've taken worse tumbles. But I'm gonna get better. Besides, as it stands now, I am at my best." adopting his old kickboxing stance, Shepard stood.
"Well alright, but don't say I didn't warn you." Adopting the classic Turtle stance, Krillin was ready.
"HAAAAAAAA!" Shepard charged towards the monk, throwing a punch, which the monk ducked under. Pushing Krillin back, Shepard continued to try to punch the little human, but he was not prepared for the craftiness of the monk. Parrying one of the punches and sending it wide, Krillin threw a kick, catching the saiyan in the jaw, sending him back, but Shepard flipped back on his hand, landing on his feet and charging back again. But Krillin refused to go on the defensive this time, charging towards Shepard, he flew up, throwing a punch to Shepard's face, which he caught just in the knick of time. Letting go, Shepard tried to return the punch, only to punch through an afterimage. Looking around, Shepard reacted a fraction too late, getting kicked in the back of the head and being sent skidding into the dirt.
Pushing himself up, Shepard was just a bit pissed. "Alright little man, owww."
'He's too crafty to catch. My only bet is to tank the hits and tire him out. My martial arts is horrid. I'm gonna have to learn quick. If I can't stand strong against the monk, I know I don't stand a chance against Goku.'
Phasing back in front of him, Krillin was still in stance, a stern look on his noseless face.
"Hey we could've waited until another time. Are you sure you don't wanna stop this for now?" Krillin asked, the only answer he got was a low growl.
"GRRR-AHHHHHHH!" Charging again at Krillin, Shepard just wanted to get ahold of the little monk. Throwing a kick, Shepard wanted to take Krillin's head off with it, but the monk blocked it and threw a hard palm into the Saiyan's chest.
"Gahhh!" Falling to the ground once again, Shepard hacked spit up, seeing a bit of red within it. Knowing Krillin was not pulling too many punches anymore, Shepard decided to change up his strategy. Getting back up again and still a bit winded, he put his palms up, charging 2 blue balls of energy. "HAAAAAAA!" Throwing them at Krillin, the monk batted one away, prepared to take out the other one, but before he could do it, Shepard had used an afterimage, seeing Krillin had done it, and starting to understand the basics of how it was done from the show, Shepard had pulled it off, getting behind the monk and lifting him up into a body lock.
"AghHHHHH!" Krillin started to groan, clearly in discomfort that started to border to pain as Shepard started to squeeze him. Starting to get desperate, Krillin thought furiously about what he could do.
"YAAAAA!" Elbowing Shepard's chest hard enough to nearly make him buckle, Krillin flew out of the saiyan's grip, headbutting him in the chin and sending him skidding back. After 20 feet, Shepard stopped himself, falling to one knee and holding his jaw, thankful he had his mouth shut. Looking up, he saw the monk was floating back to the ground. Getting up as quick as he could, Shepard charged ahead, throwing a hard front kick. Blocking it, it sent Krillin back several dozen yards.
'Darn. That was powerful. He put so much force into it. My only hope is to tire him out. He doesn't have any solid martial arts but the fact that he is still hanging around is impressive.'
"Come'ere you little SHIT!" Shepard rushed forward, nearly catching Krillin off guard. "Yikes!" Dodging to the side, the monk charged up a yellow energy ball, throwing it towards the young Rogue.
"WHOA!" Dropping to the ground and letting it sail over him, the saiyan looked back up at the monk, getting up quickly and running back towards him, but before he got there, he was caught in surprise from behind.
BOOOM
The energy ball was not just an energy ball. "Thank you Yamcha." Krillin said to himself, watching the Spirit Ball that he saw his friend make at the World Martial Arts Tournament hit Shepard in the back, sending him flying wildly towards him.
"HIYAHHHHHHHH!" Rushing forward and delivering a massive elbow into Shepard's gut, Krillin was rewarded with the blood that flew out of the saiyan's mouth. Watching Shepard step back, falling to his knees and holding his stomach with blood coming from his mouth, Krillin decided to stop.
"I think that's enough Shepard. Maybe when you get more martial arts training under your belt we can really test our strength against each other." Krillin started to get ready to fly back, hoping he had enough ki to make it back to Kame Island.
"N-N-No." Shepard was reeling. He had not expected the monk to hit so hard. Krillin saw the bigger man stand up tall, eyes closed and moving his arms intricately before getting in a familiar stance, a stance that he should not know.
"KAAAAAAAAAA."
"W-what? Y-you can't be serious? N-no way." In total shock, Krillin immediately got in the same stance. "KAAAAAAMEEEEEE."
"MEEEEEEEEEEE." Shepard didn't know if he was going to do it right or not, he had the knowledge of seeing it so many times on tv. And sure enough as he opened his eyes, he looked ahead with clarity at his opponent, he could feel, as well as see the blue glow at his side, and it was getting stronger.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAA." The ball in Shepard's hands had now grown twice as large, bigger then a softball, the shine of it nearly blinding him.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAMEEEEEEEEE." The monk's energy had also increased. Knowing now he wouldn't be able to get home so easily, Krillin poured all of his remaining energy into the Kamehameha.
"MEEEEEEEEEEE."
Shepard could barely hold onto the energy in his hands, it was so hot, let alone it felt like it could destroy anything that stood in its way. It flexed once in his hands and he nearly lost all the energy. He managed to hold it together though as he poured the last bit of his remaining power into the Kamehameha.
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
2 simultaneous roars echoed on the small island. 2 blue beams on a collision coarse. Shepard had somehow duplicated the famed Turtle Wave, but it certainly cost him. It was extremely draining for first time usage, and he could see sparks of blue energy trailing off of his beam, possibly leakage. Colliding with a resounding CRACK, the beams fought for dominance for several seconds before Krillin's powered through, having a bit more power and proper training behind the technique, the smoother, heavier beam surged through the Saiyan's.
"Fuck fuck FUCK, AHHHHHHH!" Shepard tried putting more ki into the beam, but it was futile. Krillin's beam overcame his and before he knew it, he was stuck in front of the surging wave.
"GR-AGHHHHHHHH!" In desperation, Shepard threw his hands up as Krillin's Kamehameha surged forth, burning his hands and sending him shooting wildly back across the grass and dirt, before all together losing his footing and being driven, over the lip of the island, falling into the ocean.
"Crap, I hope he knows how to swim." Krillin said, rushing over to the edge. Looking down, he saw bubbles at the top, before Shepard burst through the water several seconds later.
"Ahhhh!" Spitting water out of his mouth, Shepard started to lightly swim back to the edge of the island, concentrating. Barely able to get himself afloat, Shepard slowly made his way back to the edge, body racked in pain. The Kamehameha wave hit him like a train. 'If Krillin's energy is that strong, I don't stand a chance against Goku, and I may as well throw rocks at Raditz. I need to step up my training.' Shepard thought, finally making it to the edge, he fell down, turning onto his back, breathing heavily.
"Whew, whew, whew... man... I have a looooong way to go." Talking to himself, the monk hearing him as he walked over.
"How ya feeling Shepard?" Krillin asked, concerned about the young man. 'I'm definitely gonna have to take my training more seriously. If I hadn't kept so much energy in reserve for that Kamehameha, he would've beaten me.' Krillin was impressed at the saiyan's grit. It reminded him of Goku in a sense. But unlike Goku, there was a hard edge to this saiyan's features. Whether that was from choice or force, he wasn't sure.
"H-hey Krillin, grab one out and take it." Shepard said, grabbing a small satchel out and tossing it to the monk while still trying to recover from the fight. Doing as he asked, Krillin caught the bag. Opening it, he saw Senzu beans.
"Wow how did you get so many?" Krillin was in awe. Pulling 2 out. He put the satchel on Shepard's stomach. Taking one, Krillin immediately felt his energy come back fully, and even a fraction stronger. "Wow. Man those always hit the spot. Here ya go Shepard." Giving one to Shepard, he happily accepted, eating his. He also felt his body come back to full strength, along with the Zenkai boost that his new body afforded him. He felt stronger then before definitely.
"Maaaaan those things are a lifesaver. Thanks Krillin." Shepard said, getting up.
"No problem. How did you get all those Senzu beans?" Krillin asked. He was curious because it was the '1st' time he had met the saiyan, and he didn't think Shepard had been to Korin's yet.
"Well apparently, a wish was made on the dragon balls a few months ago. I have a pouch that is stuffed with an unlimited amount of the bland yummies sitting at my house." Shepard figured that with Krillin being the only one who had met the saiyan thus far that it would be safe to tell him.
"Riiiight. Now that I think about it. The sky did get dark about 3 months ago. Well I can't argue with that kind of wish. Sometimes the difference between life and death can be a Senzu, he he he." Rubbing his bald head as he looked at the saiyan who was snickering at the words, Krillin didn't realize how profound those words were to Shepard, who wholeheartedly agreed.
"Definitely. It was good to officially meet you Krillin. I'm gonna head back up to my house. Thank you for the spar. I'm glad I wasn't wearing weighted clothing tonight. Was actually my first night of flying. What a fuckin rush." Shepard said, looking down at the monk. Holding his hand out, Krillin did the same, shaking the saiyan's hand. "Oh, by the way. Don't take mine or Goku's personalities as the status quo. Most saiyans are pretty ruthless." Letting go of the confused monk's hand, Shepard turned around, preparing to fly back.
"How do you know Goku?" The question took Shepard by surprise, turning around with a raised eyebrow.
"I-it's just that Master Roshi hasn't sensed that you really left these Islands. You and Goku really haven't met yet." Krillin explained, looking at the confused saiyan with mirth.
"Oh yeah. Well good point. But I know my fellow saiyan. Remember, that guy who was here did let me in on a few things." Winking at the monk, he gave a 2 finger salute to the head in respect to the monk. "Thanks for the fight Krillin, we will have to do it again sometime yeah?"
Krillin smiled in return. "Yeah, sure. It was nice to meet you too. I think it wouldn't be a bad idea if you introduced yourself to Master Roshi. I was stunned when you pulled off the Kamehameha Wave. Maybe he can teach you how to control it better." The monk suggested. Shepard had considered the idea, and would take it under advisement.
"You may be right. I may do it. But just not yet. Take it easy buddy." Turning and flying without another word, Shepard ignited his ki, steadily flying back up to the big Island where his home was, leaving the monk who in turn also turned around and started to fly back to Kame House.
"I'm sure glad he's on our side." Chuckling to himself as he flew, Krillin knew he had some explaining to do with his Master...
Over a day an a half later, Shepard was holed up in his house, looking at some of the wardrobe his older self had left him. Some of it was tacky. Really plain, while other suits looked like his older twin had went to a space bar somewhere and let aliens vomit all over them. The colors were atrocious. Going down the wardrobe towards one of the last suits, Shepard pulled it off of the hanger and looked it up and down. It was a red colored suit with green pinstripes, with a black with red pinstripes shirt. Looking down, he saw the shoes that would match the outfit, a dress shoe matching the color of the suit itself. Looking in the back towards the waist, he saw a hole in the back, clearly for his tail.
"Well, he definitely wanted me to go in style. I hope this woman is worth it. Otherwise I'm burning this shit when I get home." Taking the risk, Shepard got the outfit ready. He was going to fly to Capsule Corp. It would take him a few hours, but thankfully Shepard had been practicing with his ki in the house, floating to certain places and getting better control of his ki over time. Since he lost to Krillin, Shepard had grabbed the weighted gi capsules, looking through them and finding an appropriate weighted outfit to continue training in. The one he was using before would no longer cut it. Figuring it would be best to take his training to the next level, Shepard was going to seek out a martial artist he believed would help him sustain his power better. He liked Master Roshi, but felt that he needed to learn from people his own age for the time being. He would seek out the Aged Master at a later date.
As he pondered this, Shepard laid the Christmas suit out on his massive bed. Getting in the shower, he thought about who this mystery woman could be. Shepard could've looked in the journal for any clues, but he didn't want to disappoint himself.
'Whoever she is will have to accept who and what I am. I'm an alien now. Maybe someday I could tell her more.'
20 minutes later, Shepard was out of the shower, freshened up and dried off, working on getting in his suit. He was thankful it only came with a bow tie. He was horrible with authentic ties and would probably rip it in half with his new strength before he properly tied them. Looking in the full sized mirror, Shepard put on a dash of cologne, a small helping of body spray, smiled and made sure his teeth were nice and white. He was ready to go. He went to his phone in the living area, calling Capsule Corp and making sure he could get in. Realizing his older and much more ornery self had visited the famous building as he was on the phone with the woman who seemed to somehow recognize his voice, it wasn't at all difficult for him to be put on the invited list. Hanging up and making sure his watch was secure, it read 3:36P.M.
Shepard walked out of his house, securing and locking the door. He looked up, it felt nice out and it was sunny. He hoped he could make it to Capsule Corp by 6:30 or so. Feeling the now familiar pull of his ki, Shepard started to float in the air. Having a general feeling of ki sensing, though still not great, Shepard could feel a multitude of people out in the far west. He believed once he got stronger and was able to improve, his senses would improve as well. Taking off in the direction of West City, Shepard still felt flying to be such a joyous experience. He knew his suit would probably air out and get all messed up, but he really didn't care. He stayed well above the ocean, not wanting to get his suit wet...
Capsule Corporation
December 23, 760
6:43 P.M.
The party had been going since 3 o' clock. The Doctor, along with his beautiful wife and daughters, were hosting many of the employees, customers and private guests to a feast and a preview of prototype inventions the genius Doctor had been working on. He had kept the Kachi Katchin that the alien 'Marc' had left him a secret, swearing his youngest daughter to secrecy. There were well over 200 people at the party. He watched as his wife walked along many of the guests with her hors d'oeuvres, as well as his oldest daughter Tights, who was making a rare appearance at Capsule Corp, having been here since the summer, walk around and speak to many of the private guests. His youngest, Bulma, was having a conversation with a handful of scientists over by the mini bar that was set up. As the Doctor continued to scope the crowd out, he thought he saw a familiar head of spiky black hair. As he watched, the man he saw poke through a group of 6 people looked around, seeing his wife walk by the man, the Doctor noticed the man grab 4 or 5 different hors d'oeuvres, shoving one into his mouth quite quickly. Chuckling at the sight, he figured he should make himself known, Doctor Brief headed towards the stranger...
Minutes Earlier
Shepard had made it to Capsule Corp. Making sure there were no witnesses, he landed down in front of the building. It was a lot colder here, but his saiyan blood and Ki helped with that. Walking up to the entrance, he didn't know what to expect, having only seen it in the show a couple of times. Stepping inside, he was happy for the warmer air. Standing in what appeared to be the main lobby, Shepard looked around, until a voice got his attention.
"Excuse me Sir. Are you here for the party?" Looking to his right, Shepard saw the young lady who was around his age behind the counter.
"Ahh yes..." Walking up to the counter, he saw the name tag Kimmy on her chest, smiling a bit. "Kimmy, should be under the name Marc. Are you guys servings drinks and snacks? I'm starving." Putting on his best disarming smile, he noticed the young woman blush as she got a better look at him.
"Yes there are plenty of refreshments, alcoholic and non, as well as plenty of party food and I'm sure Ms. Brief has made plenty of her famous hor d'oeuvres tonight."
Getting up out of her seat, Kimmy motioned for Shepard to follow. Staring up at the handsome man, she continued. "You're the last guest on the list sir. If you'll kindly follow me please." Noticing the short green skirt the woman wore, Shepard could appreciate the eye candy in the building. But he had a feeling she wasn't the one he was looking for. 'Too giggly. She does seem like a good lady. But I can't see myself with her.'
"It's nice to see you again Marc, whatever you did last time, you sure put the Doctor in a good mood. He hasn't been late for any of his meetings since September." Kimmy said. Meanwhile, Shepard was stunned.
"Uh, yeah. Yeah sure. Doctor Brief just needed motivation, he he he." Rubbing the back of his head much like he watched Goku do, Shepard grinned, closing his eyes as he followed. As they continued walking, Shepard started to hear Christmas music, at least what was the Christmas music of this Earth. Also he began to hear people, and laughter. As Kimmy guided the saiyan towards the big ballroom that hosted the party, she couldn't help but take a look up at the man standing before her. The suit was definitely not what she expected when she was on the phone with him earlier.
"I see you're still doing your training thing. Trying to be as strong as Son Go-Goko, Gu-"
"Goku?"
"Y-Yes! Yes that's it, Goku." Kimmy stammered. Shepard chuckled at her nervousness, realizing that the young woman had a crush on him.
"Well. Yeah that's the goal. Perhaps when I get in there, Dr. Brief and I will talk a bit about it when I get in there." Shepard said. Continuing to walk, Shepard's eyes finally picked up what his enhanced ears (and nose) had picked up minutes ago. There were a lot of people at this party. But Shepard took it in. He could tell right off that the food was extremely high quality. Walking through a group of older people, Shepard tried to be polite, doing his best to not use more strength then necessary to get to the dining area. He was starving. In his haste to leave, he had not prepared one of his Saiyan meals.
Finally making it through the group, which nearly made him gag at the incredibly strong smell of perfume that a couple of the wealthier women were wearing, Shepard could finally breathe fresh air again, out on the open floor.
"Hi there. Would you like to try an hors d'oeuvre?" Turning to his right, Shepard was nearly gobsmacked. There stood Panchy Brief. And she was gorgeous in person. The tv show did NOT do enough justice in her case.
"Uhh, s-sure, thanks." Grabbing a handful of them, Shepard took one and popped it into his mouth. His eyes widening a bit at the taste. It had cheese, and some kind of meat, but the meat was a chewy meat that melted in his mouth, like some kind of wagyu steak. He went to turn around to thank the woman, but she had disappeared already. 'Wow. For someone close to 60, she looks like she's 30, and moves fast.'
"Hello there my boy." Snapped out of his thoughts and turning around, he looked down, staring at the infamous Doctor Brief.
"Hello sir. Hell of a party you got going on. Name is Shepard, nice to meet ya." Popping another of Ms. Brief's snacks in his mouth, Shepard held his hand out, which was taken eagerly.
"Ahh yes. Yes. You've arrived. You look lost my boy. Follow me." The Doctor said, motioning for Shepard to follow. As he followed the small human, Shepard was happy that he was being led towards the food. His stomach was about to call him out for not feeding it.
"Here you are son, grab a plate. Enjoy the festivities. Grab a drink. Meet me over by the private guest section when you are done. I'll have ya meet the family."
"Sure Doctor. Thanks. The food smells wonderful." Shepard said in return.
Grabbing a plate, and looking at how small it was, Shepard knew this was not going to work. Looking around, he saw one of the empty tables off to the side. 'Perfect!'
Walking over, he grabbed the table, which wasn't heavy at all, and started dragging it one handed towards the many tables where the food sat. Excusing guests that were in his way, he sat the table in front, going through the many different varieties of food that sat in front of him. It all looked delicious, and was being heated by portable stoves underneath. The food, as he continued to pile it on the table, was plentiful, so he felt he could grab his fair share. Taking a whole roast and putting it on the table, as well as a plate of rolls, mash potatoes, some kind of Japanese rolled up sushi, dressing, cornbread, which didn't look that fantastic but he would take it where he could get it, along with nearly a full plate of turkey. Finally looking back, he noticed that he had started to pile food. Deciding that was enough, Shepard grabbed a chair and sat down in front of it all. Not noticing the small crowd that started to encircle him, he took a big whiff of all the various smells.
"Man I have been waiting for this for-"
"Eh hem."
"Huh" Shepard was interrupted by the small voice, turning around and looking, he saw the world. She was so beautiful. The short, blonde hair, the beautiful small porcelain face, the slender body. She was wearing a tight green dress, with a small red flower in her hair. Her dark eyes held an amused look as she took the saiyan in. Slowly standing, Shepard had forgotten the table of food, clearly fixated on the small woman. Holding out his hand, she did the same in return, where he grabbed her hand softly and kissed the top of it. For a second, Shepard thought he could feel something stir within him, but he fiercely slammed it down.
"Hey, I-I'm Shepard, it's nice to meet you Ms. Brief."
"Call me Tights, Ms. is for my Mom." She said. A couple minutes prior, her Dad had came over to the table she was at, asking if she would like to meet one of his...special guests that had arrived. Even though they were a bit estranged, Tights still loved her family. She just couldn't do the science jargon. But she obliged, and when she approached the man, who was making a bit of a scene at the dining table, having taken one of the side tables and moved it over next to the massive food table, she about turned back around, until she thought she caught what looked like something furry and brown wrapped around his waist...
"I see my Dad has taken an interest in you." Sitting down at the food ridden table, Tights grabbed a piece of turkey, taking a bite.
"H-h-Hey th-that's mine." Shepard said, but didn't really put any fire in it. He was simply mesmerized by the short haired beauty. He knew she was a bit older then him, but looking at her in person, he would've thought she was in her early 20's. The woman shrugged at him, looking down at the massive amount of food.
"Eh, grab another piece, it's not like you don't already have a whole turkey." Tights said, clearly amused at the man's attempt to try to eat the entire dining room's serving. But he sat back down and started to do exactly that. As she watched, she started to grow suspicious. He finished the whole roast in barely a few minutes, followed with the rolls, half the dressing, most of the turkey as well as the sushi. As he started on the mash potatoes and gravy, Tight's suspicion grew to fever pitch levels. On her space adventures, her good friend Jaco had informed her of various races in the cosmos. She knew there was NO way that Shepard could be a human. There was something...odd about him. He ate waaaay too fast and too much for starters. His hair stood with such spikiness that no amount of hair gel could've made it look that natural. She thought she had seen a brown, furry looking belt when they stood a few minutes ago but she wasn't sure. Jaco had told her about saiyans. How they were ruthless space pirates, who thirsted for battle and could eat more then just about any species in the universe, how they looked quite human, but all had certain characteristics that made them who they were, namely a brown tail. She was lucky all of the planets she had accompanied Jaco on had no saiyan related activity.
10 minutes later, the entire table was picked clean, even the cornbread, which turned out to actually be fantastic like everything else.
"Woooow I'm stuffed, I haven't eaten that much in...well, ever." Belching loudly but holding his hand over his mouth, he looked at Tights, who stopped eating and just watched Shepard, eyes wide and, if Shepard guessed, even fearful.
"You can relax young lady, I'm not gonna eat Capsule Corp out of a home." Chuckling at his own joke, Shepard noticed the author start to back away in her seat. But before she could move back all the way, a large calloused hand softly went over hers. At that moment when they touched, Shepard felt something stir within him again, something far more primal. Whatever this was with Tights Brief, it felt...right.
"Don't be scared Tights. I. I'm sorry." Shepard said, starting to move his hand back, before her much smaller, softer hand touched the top of his. Whatever it was that he felt, she seemed to have felt it too. Her eyes were not alarmed any longer, and she seemed to look at the saiyan in a new light.
"This party is nice an all, but it is stuffy in here. Do you.. maybe want to go out somewhere?" Tights asked. Shepard, though taken back, was hopeful that they could talk without prying ears and loud drunken slobs trying to dance and falling on their dress bottoms and clanky loafers.
"Sure, where do ya wanna go?" Shepard stood, holding his hand out for Tights, noticing that she obliged without hesitation.
"Anywhere but here, lead the way." Tights said, urgent to get out of the 'small' and confined building.
"Darn I really wanted to get a drink." Shepard said, not even 10 seconds later, a shot glass of something that looked like whiskey was in his face. Looking down, he saw Tights was clearly agitated, having grabbed the drink off a tray one of the several walking bartenders had. Taking the glass and shooting it straight, Shepard was expecting the harsh aftertaste, but was rewarded with only a sweet, liquor like taste. Feeling Tights loop her arm in his, she lead him towards her father.
"Daddy, Shepard and I are going out for a while. Enjoy the party. Don't wait up!" Tights said, hurriedly dragging the saiyan with her as she turned and headed towards the entrance.
Doctor Brief caught the tail end of what his oldest daughter said, turning around to see her already walking away, dragging his special guest in tow.
"Well now, do be careful." He called out to their retreating backs.
"Love, what a funny thing."
"I can't wait until I have grandchildren, what a strong strapping young man Tights has found." Panchy said, walking to stand next to her husband. The Doctor however, having remembered that the visitor who had came by in September mentioned his wife, Tights, was happy that destiny seemed to fall right in place...
"Whew, thanks for helping me with that." Tights said. Shepard, finally having his arm released, looked down at the woman confused.
"Sorry, they are just overbearing. My parents. I don't really come here too often. I live just outside of East City. I decided to come back for a few months, at least until the end of the year. I guess you can say I am having writer's block. Looking for...motivation, wherever it may be." Tights said. Shepard could understand in a way. Before this Earth, his life was quite boring. He didn't have any motivation to make something of his life, content to just...exist.
"I see what you mean. I'm trying to get myself going. My training has been going alright but I think I need motivation myself. So is there anywhere specific I can take you...or...am I just your distraction away from home?" Chuckling nervously, Shepard didn't realize that he had scratched the back of his head very much like Goku would.
"I know a few places. So where are you parked?"
"..."
Finally looking up at the saiyan, Tights lost it.
"YOU MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE A CAR? A HOVERCAR? I AM NOT WALKING EVERYWHERE SO YOU BETTER HAVE A GOOD REASON WHY-"
Finally feeling the need to take control of the situation, Shepard put a finger on her lips, getting over his cowardice. The fire that Tights had was amazing, and it stirred something within the human turned saiyan. 'Could this be how Goku and Vegeta feel when Chi Chi and Bulma...get angry. It's terrifying but...oddly...hot as hell.'
"There is...another way." Shepard said, calming the woman's anger, if only slightly. Smiling, he quickly put his arms under her, picking her up quite easily bridal style.
"Hey what are you-?" Tights didn't have time to process what happened before Shepard ignited his ki and shot into the air.
"YAHHHHHHH!" Holding onto the saiyan's neck for dear life, Tights dared to look down, seeing her childhood home now the size of a softball and getting smaller.
"PUT ME DOWN NOW YOU SONOFABITCHISWEARIWILLGETMYFRIENDJACOTOCOMEAFTERYOU!" Shepard froze, halting in mid air, and now taking on a serious look. He looked at the woman in his arm's. Even now, as angry as she was, the saiyan couldn't help but find her captivating. He smiled, cutting off her angry huffing.
For a couple of moments.
"WHAT? WH-WHY ARE YOU SMILING?" Tights was terrified, but she oddly felt comfortable in the man's arms. He felt incredibly strong. As she continued to look into his dark eyes, she noticed a twinkle.
"It's...It's just at this moment, I've never felt more ensnared by one's beauty." Shepard had felt so comfortable talking to the woman. It was strange. At home he couldn't just talk to a woman. He had tried many avenues but mostly gave up, even on social media. There were always conflicting personalities, schedules, various petty things. He just didn't care anymore at that point about love. It never struck anything within him, until now.
Tights blushed at the words, quickly retorting with her own comeback. "Y-you know, my sister normally gets those kind of compliments. I'm not the super beautiful heiress like Bulma is. She makes something and all of a sudden she's-"
"Shut up. You are beautiful. So what she makes things? You make imagination come to life. You inspire children with words, inspire adults to dream. Don't be deterred by what Bulma invents. And, well she is beautiful too. But I know that she will find love in the future. Aaaaaand, she's too much of a bitch for me. Don't tell her I said that." Chuckling as he said the last part, Tights laughed a bit as well before nodding in agreement.
"It's our secret. So is it also true then?" She looked at Shepard with such ferocity when she asked him this.
"Yes. I figured your pal Jaco would clue you in on some species. But it's true. I'm a saiyan. There is so much more I could tell you, and will in due time." Shepard started to fly, he didn't care where.
"Just...Just say the word and I'll take you back down to the party." Shepard said, dejectedly. He hoped that being a saiyan didn't ruin his chances of seeing Tights again. She knew what he was now, probably already did.
Tights had a thoughtful look on her face. "No...no it's fine. So you don't have a car but you can fly. So does that mean you don't have a house but live somewhere? Don't say a cave."
Shepard nearly dropped the woman in shock. "I-I do have a house. And it's not in a cave. It's on an island. Wanna check it out?" Turning direction, he headed back east. "It's pretty awesome. I think you'll like it." Tights smiled in response, nodding her head, intrigued about this man. This saiyan. Who acted so different compared to how Jaco described them. She was glad her Dad told her about him. It would wind up being the first flight of many for the pair.
If one could zoom in from the clouds, they would see a jet line of water spray across the ocean, with laughter coming from the front...
And there we go! The beginning of a potentially beautiful relationship set to blossom. I just want to point out, according to Dragon Ball Wiki, that Tights was born in Age 720. So she is significantly older then Shepard. Roughly 16 years, give or take. But it should work out. I hope you guys like what I did with Krillin there! The human Z Fighters will not be left on the sidelines. I've seen some fanfics do them justice, and others? Not so much. So I hope I can do right by them and make y'all proud. Have a good New Years peeps. Stay safe, be careful out there and if you're driving, don't drink. If you're drinking, don't drive. Until next chapter!
If we're going to consider that the only fight that occurred between Krillin and Shepard was directly after their race, then Shepard and Krillin both lost a small fraction of their strength before the fight took place.
Power Levels:
Shepard: 253
Against Krillin- 241
Kamehameha- 490(losing power)
Krillin: 260
Against Shepard- 252
Kamehameha- 500 (no power loss!)