Author's Note - Hello all! I'm back, this time with another project, this one a bit more ambitious than others that I've undertaken. I know, I know, I still have stories that have already been started, and I promise you that barring some unforeseen event, they will be continued/finished as well. This project, another DB-based story, this time will focus on the premise of what if the pure human Z-fighters were given adequate development. It was inspired by my utter disdain for the direction modern DB has taken, where only 2 3 characters (mainly Saiyans), get any sort of meaningful development and are useful. Where the only human fighters that do get any sort of respectful treatment are 300+-year-old men, due to nostalgia or enhanced, insignificant androids that were only featured in two-story arcs within the entire series.

While mainstay human characters that are much younger and have been around since the beginning, are barely seen or even mentioned. And when they are seen/mentioned, it's usually either as canon fodder or glorified cheerleaders for the Saiyans. So, here's my ONE warning, for anyone who's so in love with Saiyan superiority, that the idea of comparably strong, pure Humans offends you. Leave. Now. Because while I make it a point to respond to all my reviewers, I WILL NOT give any attention to someone who wants to bitch about why this Human character can be on the level of that villain or that Saiyan. You've been warned. For those who're interested in that sorta thing, I will be posting power levels at the end of each chapter, as well as breaking down how training/transformation buffs work. For everyone else, sit back & enjoy!

Dragon Ball Redux: Rise of the Makaioshin
Prelude: When Darkness Falls
By: Shisoukengo

Age 778

In a vast area of darkness, located underneath the vast universe, lies a realm located outside of space and time. Within this realm, beings of tremendous evil gather, patiently waiting for the day when they will be able to escape their confines. Those who are knowledgeable, know the name of this realm, the Ankoku Makai. The beings of this realm, known as demons and ogres, operate in both various clans and tribes, as well as independently. And like any hierarchical society, there stood one clan above the rest, due to their tremendous intellect and absolute power. The leader of this clan, and thus the assumed leader of all the realm, approached what appeared to be a grove containing two twisted, tree-like structures.

In each of these structures sat a giant, obsidian-colored orb, emanating ominous waves of dark ki. The figure stopped in front of the odd structures, carrying a double-pointed staff. Possessing a curvaceous body, with long, wavy white hair, with a bang that reached down to cover one eye, and wearing a red and black bodysuit that molded to its feminine form like a second skin. Wielding her staff, the female figure summoned an object from her staff, before directing the object to the dark orb in front of her. She grasped the object, inserting it into one of the treelike structures. Waves of energy poured forth from the container, entering the structure. As more and more energy poured forth, she turned to another figure beside her, nodding in its direction. This time, a male figure stepped forward, broad with rippling muscle and carrying a similar object to the one previously held by its companion.

He repeated the action, inserting the needle-end of the canister-like object into the second tree. Just as before, the energy within the container transferred over to the other treelike structure. As the energy left the objects and entered the structures, the obsidian orbs began cracking like glass, before finally shattering to reveal two dark gray figures held within. As the obsidian pieces fell away, one figure stood, revealing wrinkled features weathered by time, and pointed ears similar to those of a Kaioshin. Its piercing red eyes looked over the two figures with an amusing smirk. As the second orb broke apart a few moments afterward, another figure crouched, this one much younger in appearance, and with a more sinister look etched on its face.

"Mechikabura-sama, Demigra-sama. Welcome back to our world. Please lead us once again," the female figure spoke, kneeling before the two figures.

"Oh, Towa-chan. So it was you who released us?" the older being, Mechikabura, addressed her. "You've been of great help to us, my dear servant Towa-chan."

"I am unworthy of such praise, Mechikabura-sama. We managed to retrieve enough kiri to free you both," Towa replied, lifting her head to meet the two beings' gaze. "Unfortunately, it was only just enough."

"Oh? That would mean something is preventing the build-up of negative kiri from within the universe," Mechikabura contemplated as he stroked his gray beard.

"Or someone," the being called Demigra added as he looked over the two subordinates.

"You are correct, Demigra-sama. The rise of the Saiyans, one in particular, has managed to eliminate all of the beings who would have brought the greatest amount of negative kiri to the universe, including my brother and even Majin Boo."

At this, the two dark deities shared a reaction, knowing how powerful both dark entities were.

"That is quite a feat indeed, one I must admit we did not anticipate," Mechikabura said. "Your brother was groomed to be our strongest warrior, to ensure the revival of Majin Boo would be unhindered."

"Yes, and Boo himself was the incarnation of chaos, to not only facilitate our revival but also replenish us with enough dark energy to break the barrier separating our world from the rest of the universe," Demigra added. "And you're saying that they were both defeated by such a primitive species, these Saiyans?"

"That is correct, Demigra-sama," Towa spoke, nodding at his assessment.

"Hmm, then it would appear we must simply correct course," Mechikabura responded, stroking his beard in thought.

"What you suggest requires a great cost of kiri on our part, Mechikabura," Demigra turned to look at his fellow demon god.

"A cost that can easily be remedied now that we're free of our prison. It is simply a matter of time," Mechikabura stated, waving his staff in the air.

Demigra echoed his motion, both causing a rift to appear in the air. As the foursome looked on at the rift, Mechikabura spoke again, his eyes drifting back to the two minions in front of him.

"That said, it would be wonderful were I able to move as I'd like."

Towa looked back at her lord, confidence etched in her features.

"Please rest assured, my lord. I already have a solution in mind for that," she stated, her eyes moving to the rift behind the two, before coming back. "I have discovered the existence of several magical orbs that, when used can potentially remedy that. However, they are scattered quite far, and it would take time to gather them all together."

"Hoh? Is that so? It would indeed facilitate our revival much faster were we to get our hands on those orbs," Mechikabura stated an anticipatory smile on his face. His reaction turned out to be well-founded, as Towa raised her gaze back to him.

"My brother managed to gain knowledge of these objects, these dragon balls, during his time in the living world, under the service of that cretin, Babidi. However, he was destroyed by Majin Boo before he could get his hands on them. That said, I have recruited a handful of soldiers from among our ranks, to replace the strength we lost with my brother's death," Towa glanced back behind her, as a few shrouded figures appeared, materializing from the darkness to flank the statuesque figure that stood behind her. "However, I fear that we have little means of getting our hands on those objects, as we cannot crossover without another being capable of summoning us," Towa voiced, watching as both demon gods took in her words.

"That matters not. We still have you, my dear. As a reward for your efforts so far, and to ensure your success in your next task, you will henceforth no longer be a priestess of the demon realm. You will now become a goddess of it as well," Mechikabura stated, extending his staff in front of him, the object in the center glowing as dark energy flowed from it and coalesced around her.

The energy then enshrouded her, beginning to change her body even as her ki rose to tremendous degrees. Once the energy dissipated, Towa stood before her lords, her form mostly unchanged aside from two large, hornlike objects protruding from the top of her head, both unexplainably wrapped in her hair. She also appeared slightly taller, and her staff had changed noticeably, a jewel-like object resting at the top and surrounded by an appendage twisted around it. Her clothing somewhat changed as well, the lower half of her outfit now wrapped around her legs as a lengthy skirt. She stood tall before her two lords, her partner Mira still poised behind her. Mechikabura smiled in a malevolent fashion, nodding in approval at her newfound appearance and magical power.

"Now, Demigra and I have used our combined power to reset time. This will affect everything and everyone that exists within it. That even includes the god of destruction himself. However, it will not affect those like Zeno or his angels. So, be sure to avoid drawing their attention, at least until the dragon balls are in our possession. Go forth now, Towa-chan. Use the power you now have to retrieve these dragon balls, get rid of these Saiyans, and gather enough kiri to open the way for us."

"Thank you for this wonderful gift, Mechikabura-sama. I will do my utmost to prove myself worthy of it," Towa spoke, bowing to emphasize her words.

"To further assist in your endeavor, I will recruit a few of our strongest Majin to aid in your search," Demigra nodded her direction, apparently already having soldiers in mind. "They should prove more than capable of making sure that everything goes as planned."

Mechikabura looked to his fellow demon god, silently wondering just when he'd devised this plan. However, he said nothing, believing that their mutual plan of resurrecting the entirety of the demonic realm would be the driving force behind this action.

"Well, that being said, you'd better hop to it, Towa-chan. The time rift we opened for you won't remain so for long." Mechikabura looked toward said rift, nodding in its direction.

Towa nodded in response, turning as she began ascending toward it, her fellow Majin following close behind. The rift closed moments after the group passed through, while the two demon gods began the next step of their plan to marshall their forces. All the while time moved, undoing all of the events therein.

Age 756

"HE WON! GOKU WON!"

Multiple voices shouted in unison, as Krillin, Yamcha, and Chi Chi all charged forward in celebration. Their friend had just defeated Piccolo Jr, the green-skinned spawn of the evil King Piccolo, becoming the newest world martial arts champion in the process. Other participants who had been eliminated earlier, and had watched the finals from the sidelines, hung back, sighing in relief. The battle had been a close one, with the entire arena being destroyed in the process.

"That's it! You got him, you were awesome!" Krillin pumped his fists in excitement after coming to a stop by his friend, with Yamcha doing so a moment after.

"Hehehe, I, I am champion," Goku muttered as if in disbelief, lying in a near-broken heap on the ground.

"Goku, ar-are ya okay?" Chi Chi asked, as she too reached Goku, kneeling in front of him.

"Not really," Goku answered, unable to even lift himself off of the ground.

"I'm bringing you to the hospital," Yamcha declared, preparing to carry the fallen warrior if need be.

Nearby, Yajrobi poked his head out of a hole he'd dug, smirking as he prepared to celebrate Goku's win as well. A small bag hung loosely from his hand.

"No need to panic, I have some Senzu beans," he declared, fishing said item out of the bag.

"Ya…Yajirobe!...What are you doing here…?" Goku asked, shocked that the chubby samurai would risk coming to a place where Piccolo would be.

"Humm…I was just passing by. Here, eat this," Yajirobe responded, bending down to feed one of the Senzu beans to Goku.

"T….thanks," Goku chews on the bean for a few moments.

Upon swallowing, the martial artist's body immediately shows signs of healing and improvement. Goku hops back to his feet, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, and shoots high into the air.

"THAT'S IT! I'M THE WORLD CHAMPION!" Goku whooped in celebration. "YAHOO!"

The rest of his friends watched from the ground in rapt awe at his energy as Goku continued to celebrate above. Chi Chi remarked yet again on his previous injuries, as Roshi complimented Goku's tenacity, standing next to the prone form of an also injured Piccolo Jr. Krillin turned to look at Yajirobe, a question written on his face to which he gave voice.

"The senzu…it's not only for when you're hungry?" the former monk asked in confusion, Yajirobe turning to acknowledge him.

"Did you already eat one by accident?" the samurai asked in reply, himself having only eaten one while he was healthy, yet hungry.

Meanwhile, Kami stood nearby as well, looking down on the last spawn of his evil self. The guardian's motion caught Goku's attention, causing the martial artist to pause in his celebration. Goku suddenly careened back toward the ground at a quick speed, as the Earth's guardian raised his hand in the air, preparing to strike down his greatest adversary. However, before Kami could bring his arm down for the finishing blow, Goku landed in front of him, preventing Kami from carrying out the act.

"Wha…what's the matter with you Goku?" Kami questioned in bewilderment.

"And you? What are you doing?" Goku replied, staring down the guardian. Meanwhile, Piccolo let out a grunt of pain, while the others watched the confrontation play out.

"He's still alive! We have to kill him, we can't let him live! Or he will do the same thing again!" Frustration seeped through Kami's voice as he implored the martial artist.

"I'll stop him," Goku replied with unwavering confidence. "If he dies, you'll die too."

"So? You can just wish me back with the dragon balls. Just me." Kami responded, not backing off of his stance.

"He's right," Tien spoke from behind Goku, "there's no other way."

Goku turned his attention to the former assassin, aware of Tien's history, yet surprised given his attempt to change his ways. However, he had more important things to address and turned his gaze back to Earth's guardian.

"So Kami has the right to lie now?" His response visibly caught Kami off guard, as Goku continued. "You created the dragon balls and Shenlong, right? Then, if you die, they also disappear, right?"

Kami bristled at Goku's words, not denying the truth in them, as the others reacted with shock. As Roshi questioned if this were true, Kami turned his face to the heavens in silent contemplation.

"I should have quit long ago. I created Piccolo, that horrible demon that tried to destroy the world, and whose spawn has surpassed my strength. I am no longer worthy to be Earth's guardian, I have to die." Kami's voice and expression only echoed the regret to which he gave voice.

"But, it's you who brought peace back to Earth," Roshi responded in the ensuing silence. "Without the dragon balls you created, Goku and his friends wouldn't have been able to accomplish all they have. It all started with a single dragon ball, a dragon ball that YOU created."

The turtle hermit's words reflected his wisdom, the memories of their collective adventures inspiring the words he spoke. Kami turned his gaze up to the sky, as he thought on the turtle hermit's words, as he had observed those same events during Goku's journey. After a moment of closed eyes in contemplation, Kami opened them to direct his gaze back at Goku.

"Son Goku, you are lucky to have met such a wise mentor," Kami stated.

"Yeah. He's somewhat of a pervert, but still." Goku left the last part unsaid in silent agreement.

"Now now, I only taught him the basics. It's you and Master Korin who did all the work," Roshi responded with nervous laughter.

With a sudden shout, Kami held up a hand, transforming Goku's torn rags into his usual turtle dogi. Goku looked down in surprise, having not expected the guardian's sudden gesture.

"The turtle school's uniform fits you like a glove," Kami stated with a small laugh.

"Thanks," Goku replied, as he then looked over to Yajirobe. "Yajirobe, give me another senzu please."

"Huh? One wasn't enough?" the rotund samurai stated, as he proceeded to retrieve a bean from out of the bag, "here."

Yajirobe tossed the item to Goku, who easily caught it with thanks. Senzu in hand, Goku made his way over to his fallen adversary's side. Kneeling, Goku fed the senzu to Piccolo while the others looked on in shock and appall. After chewing for a few moments, the demon swallowed the bean, before instantly waking and hopping to his feet. He glared at his most hated enemy, as the others watched, tensing for any sign of attack.

"YOU'RE NUTS! Have you lost your mind?!" Krillin cried in fear. Goku ignored his friend, addressing Piccolo instead.

"If you die, then Kami dies too. I also don't want to lose my nemesis," Goku stated, staring down said nemesis.

"I told you, you're feelings will be your doom," Piccolo chuckled, holding up a clenched fist. "I'm leaving for now, but I'll be back. I'll break you, and the world will be at my mercy."

"You see? Look at what you've done! You should've killed him," Krillin cried out yet again, as Piccolo took to the skies, vowing his retribution along the way. Goku simply looked on, vowing to stay one step ahead of his new rival in reply.

The tense situation suddenly gave way to newfound levity, as Chi Chi ran towards Goku, calling his name as she wrapped her arms around him. As relief once again settled, and fear gave way to celebration, Kami once again approached Goku, asking if the newly crowned world champion wanted to take his place as Earth's guardian. Goku refused the offer, however, stating that he'd die of boredom if he accepted. As Tenshinhan and Chiaotzu reunited, with the latter having missed the final matches due to injuries suffered in his first match against Tao Pai Pai, Goku called for Kinto'un. Typical of its nature, the flying cloud appeared in moments, swooping down to allow Goku and Chi Chi to climb atop its perch.

After getting settled, Goku bid all his friends farewell, the cloud taking off to the skies as Chi Chi held on desperately. The others watched on, each of them smiling as they prepared themselves for their journeys. In the silence, however, a voice suddenly spoke out, surprising everyone to hear it.

"I always knew that kid would be an amazing fellow. And he saved the world, just as I predicted." Everyone looked over to see Fortuneteller Baba nearby, hovering in mid-air on top of the crystal orb she used for her predictions.

"What brings you here sis? You've never been one to come to these tournaments," Roshi asked as he turned to his somewhat estranged sister.

"What are you talking about? Did you forget that one of my fighters is a former champion of this tournament?" Baba replied plaintively.

"Well, then why come here?" Krillin asked, curious as to her sudden appearance as well. "Goku beat Piccolo, so the world will be safe from now on." Baba turned to the young man, casting him with a skeptical look.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean he's the only threat out there, does it?" Baba asked, watching the youngster's face react to the question.

"I assume then that you've received some sort of vision, Baba," Kami stated as he approached the fortuneteller.

"Kami-sama," Baba nodded as she turned to acknowledge the guardian's statement. "Yes, though it wasn't clear enough for me to determine who or when it will appear. I can only divine that it will be at some point in the future, and a great calamity could come from it. One potentially greater than even that of the demon king and his offspring."

This startles the others, who have already been witness to the strength of Piccolo Jr., dispelling their elation from Goku's tournament victory. Kami himself also seems disturbed by this news, though can better hide his emotions.

"This is disturbing news indeed. I had thought that defeating Piccolo would bring an end to Earth's greatest enemy," Kami replied, his gaze directed toward the ground as he thought about Baba's words.

"So what do we do?" Yamcha asked, looking between the fortuneteller and Earth's guardian. "I mean we've done all the training we can, right?"

He looked to Krillin, then Tien and Chiaotzu, each of whom nodded in agreement. He then looked to Master Roshi, who looked back at them and held up a hand.

"You're correct Yamcha. I've taught you, Krillin, and Goku all I can about the martial arts. And I assume that Master Korin has done the same since you each spent the last three years training with him as well, right?" At their master's question, all of them nodded, confirming the turtle hermit's words.

"There may yet be another way," Kami stated, seemingly having come to a decision. "While it is true I have been observing Goku since the start of his journey, that means I am also familiar with each of your exploits as well. Though you each are talented fighters in your own right, I had not planned on extending this invitation to you all just yet. I had assumed that with Piccolo's defeat, peace would be established for the foreseeable future."

Yamcha, Krillin, and Chiaotzu simply blinked in bewilderment, wondering where the guardian was going with this, and what solution he would propose. Even Tien, while more stoic than the others, was also curious as to what Kami would propose.

"But it appears that may have been a foolish assumption on my part. If what Baba has said is true, then Earth will need many strong and capable warriors, not just one." Kami watched as the meaning of his words dawned on the warriors present. Even the more stoic Tien stared with wide eyes at the guardian.

"D-does that mean..?" Krillin tentatively asked as Kami nodded.

"Yes, I extend an invitation to you all to train at the sanctuary," Kami finished, watching as the young martial artists all reacted with glee at the offer. However, not everyone was accepting of the idea.

"WHAT?!" Bulma screeched, her reaction instantly putting a damper on the mood. "You all just got back from training for three years at god knows where. Now you want to disappear again for another three years?!"

The ire on her face and in her voice was nearly palpable as Bulma marched over to Yamcha and Krillin, glaring at her boyfriend in particular. Kami stood perplexed nearby, knowing about the young girl's temper, but having never seen it up close before. Both Baba and Roshi, however, were much more familiar with it, the old turtle hermit taking a step or two back to give the young couple space. While Baba watched on quietly, along with Tien and Chiaotzu, content with watching the scene play out. However, it was Kami who spoke up before either of the young men could reply.

"I understand your frustration, young Bulma, and I would not endeavor to keep them occupied for another three years." Everyone turned to the guardian, curious as to what he meant. "Goku was a special case who had earned the right to train atop the lookout. However, Goku managed to learn my teachings after a year at the sanctuary. The rest of his time was spent training on his own. And being that the four of you seem to possess similar talent, I will limit my offer to you as well, for only one year."

Though this news did little to lessen the excitement brought on by Kami's original offer of training, Bulma was not so easily placated. A fact she made clear as she crossed her arms, staring the guardian of Earth in the eyes.

"Hmph, that's all well and good for Son-kun. But HE didn't have a girlfriend who he'd been ignoring for the past three years," she spoke while glaring ominously at Yamcha. The latter flinched at his girlfriend's anger, as Krillin proceeded to try to placate her.

"H-hey Bulma, you heard what Baba said. There's going to be other threats coming besides Piccolo. We're gonna need all the help we can get," Krillin stated.

"So? Son-kun is plenty strong enough, and you and Tien are here as well," Bulma stubbornly replied.

"But Bulma, I'm a fighter as well! I'm not the kind of guy that's gonna sit back and let someone else fight my battles for me!" Yamcha replied, suddenly equally as unwavering in his position.

"So what? You're just gonna run off again and ignore me for another year? What kind of girl do you take me for?" She questioned, the reason for her agitation now apparent.

"I get it Bulma, but don't you understand? This is an opportunity to train under Kami-sama! This kind of thing doesn't happen often, who knows if I'll ever get this chance again?" Yamcha's retort did little to assuage her anger, as the two continued to argue back and forth.

Eventually tiring of the couple's bickering, Kami took the opportunity to attempt to offer a solution.

"Bulma-san is it?" His voice captured the young woman's attention, as she looked over at the old version of Piccolo. "I understand your frustration at this circumstance, and I am not seeking to take anyone at this moment. Mr. Popo, my assistant, and I will need to gather some time to make preparations. Therefore, I will give each of you one year to get your affairs in order. At which time, any of you who wish to take advantage of my offer, will meet at Korin's tower. He will await you there with instructions."

Getting nods from Tien, Chiaotzu, Krillin, and Yamcha, the guardian nodded in response, before flying away in a flash of light. The others watched the sky, the fighters with renewed vigor, as each looked forward to the new opportunity, and silently vowed to make the most of it.

A.N. - And with that, the first chapter of this story is complete. Each of the following story arcs is going to be inspired by several what-if scenarios moving forward. So, while much of the events will follow the original canon events, expect that there will be some creative differences as well. That said, please leave a review to let me know what you think! Thanks, and til next time.