Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball.
Betaed by: Zim'smostloyalservant & my best friend.
Previously on Dragon Ball IJ:
Last time, the semifinals unfolded...
Yamcha tasted defeat at the hands of Launch when she unveiled her new technique. And he tasted the bitterness of a breakup courtesy of Bulma. Don't give up Yamcha; as they say, there are more snakes in the grass!
Then young Son Goku faced old man Jackie Chun. It was the most intense battle yet, from brutal beatdowns to both fighters breaking out tricky new techniques. But in the end, Jackie's electrified trump card made even Goku say uncle.
Now this week, the tournament reaches its conclusion, and our heroes must shift focus into what lies beyond the Strongest Under the Heavens. Find out who wins and hints of what comes next, NOW. On Dragon Ball Intended Journey!
Chapter 11
End of the Beginning:
'A Champion and Farewell for Now!"
The crowd was abuzz.
"It's gotta be the old man, that last fight was amazing."
"Nah, that geezer had trouble with little kids. He won't stand a chance against someone even taller than him."
"He's good, but that fight put him through the wringer, can he put up that kind of match again?"
"That girl's all brawn no brain, that old fox will run rings around her like a, well, something that could run rings around a bull!"
"Go Launch! Win it all!" Chichi cheered as the contestants came out.
"Okay Launch, avenge your comrades' defeat, pound that old man into the pavement!" Bulma demanded.
"Kame School! Go for the win!" Ox King cheered, so caught up in the moment he almost knocked the two girls on his shoulders off, "Oh! Sorry!"
"Here they are folks, your 21st Tenkaichi Budōkai finalists! The aged warrior who popped up out of nowhere to carve his path to the finals, Jackie Chun! And here we have a young newcomer, who has explosively burst onto the scene, Launch! Both have shown themselves to be great fighters, but the Budōkai allows only one champion! Are you both ready?" the announcer asked. Both finalists nodded.
"Then begin!" the announcer declared, chopping with his hand.
Launch didn't waste time, springing into a charge toward Chun. At the last moment, she dropped her raised fist and dropped to deliver a sweep kick that passed through Chun.
"One of those afterimages," she said, getting onto her feet and facing another Chun. She ignored him, looking for the next one. Only to get jabbed in the side by the second Jackie and kicked in the knee. As Launch cried out in surprise and toppled over, Jackie clucked his tongue.
"You assumed I'd use the double shadow variant, so left yourself open to the obvious," Jackie pointed out. Springing to her feet, Launch glared and grinned at him.
"Yeah, that was my bad. But don't think I'll fall for it again. I can tell when I'm being watched, and now that I know it doesn't trick my instincts, I won't ignore that again."
"Is that right?" Jackie said as she took another swing at him. Again it passed through him, but her kick at the second Jackie hit solid on Jackie's block.
"How'd you pick up that skill?"
"Years on the run from pigs and bounty hunters. Not to mention bandits and critters in the bush."
"Hmm, life is a great teacher even in hardship," Jackie said, striking at her in a flurry of punches. His eyes widened as she stepped aside from the last punch and grabbed his arm. Launch slammed him hard into the ground and pulled back her fist for a follow-up. Jackie broke free from her one hand hold and her fist struck the tiles, cracking them as he rolled away.
Shaking her hand as she clenched and unclenched it, she studied him.
"You really are running on fumes, aren't ya?" she observed. Jackie frowned, wiping some sweat off his brow.
"Well, try this on for size. Rocket Launch!" She closed the distance between them, and even as he caught the blow on his forearm, he was pushed back several paces.
"You hit like a mule, girl," Jackie criticized, breaking away and waving the afflicted arm.
"Nah, mules hit like me," she laughed, falling into a stance. Jackie nodded and mirrored it with his own.
"It's true folks, these two fighters seem to have studied the same formal school of fighting, with identical starting stances. And they have chosen to test those skills here and now. Will experience triumph over the raw power of youth- Hey, don't start without me!" the announcer objected as the two ignored him and started to try and clobber each other.
As the exchange continued, Jackie seemed to land more clean blows, but Launch kept going, and even her deflected blows as it went on seemed to be hurting Chun. Jackie leapt back, exiting the fray. Launch spat blood to the side and stuck a few fingers in her mouth. Pulling out a tooth, she examined it and put it in a pocket.
"You're good old man, but doesn't look like you got the gas to make the most of those punches," she noted as he glared at her.
'Blast it girl, you really have gotten tough, or I'm more fatigued than I realized. She's not as good or as tough as Goku, but at this rate I'll lose anyway. No, she has an edge on Goku in that she's not letting her love of the fight get in the way of victory. That showdown just now wasn't posturing, she was testing me! And I gave away just how much I'm having trouble. That's why she's waiting for me to come to her now. She thinks she can let me wear myself down and focus on defense until I'm fatigued enough for her to go in for the win. You're tough as a rock, let's see how you handle a technique that can bring down mountains.'
"Kame-"
"As if I'd just let you! Rocket Launch!" She lunged toward Jackie as he prepared the legendary attack. And her high speed fist passed right through him.
"Crap!"
"-hame-" Jackie appeared, still aiming the attack at her.
"Rocket La-"
"HA!" Jackie unleashed a mighty Kamehameha, shifting the shadows on their axes.
'Foolish, that move of hers isn't fit to counter the Kamehameha,' Roshi thought as the wave ran its course.
"Wait," he said as it cleared and Launch was nowhere in sight.
"Has Launch been blasted off?" the announcer wondered.
Any dread on Roshi's part was cut off by Chichi cheering. Instinct had him look up to where Launch was descending back toward the ground.
'She didn't use her Rocket attack to try and power through the Kamehameha, she used the speed burst part of it to dodge at the last second.'
"Rocket Launch!" she said, falling toward him like a whizzing arrow. He tried to dodge and let her nail herself to the ground. But it was no good, he realized; that blast took just too much out of him. His block, he couldn't conceal the pain from the blow. Trying to push her back only saw her land on her feet and start pressing the attack. They started civilized enough, but a solid blow to her face had her nose bleeding and good eye wide as she simply started powering forward.
Clumsy, but what could he do to take advantage of it as her kicks and punches still forced him back. A deflection came to nothing as what he thought was a punch turned into grabbing him by the collar and pulling him close. She headbutted him, making him see stars. She yelled out a cuss word and headbutted him again, and again before he finally landed an opened-hand blow, breaking her grip and forcing her back.
She was swaying on her feet, he could still win, and why was the floor in front of him?
He barely felt the smack on his face against the tiles, the world tilting.
What the announcer said was waning and blurry, until the count began.
'No, I'm not done yet,' he grit his teeth, forcing himself to his knees as the world kept tilting and his ears rang.
'Quickly! There's not much time!' he urged himself.
"Ten! That's the match! Launch is the champion of the 21st Tenkaichi Budōkai!" the announcer declared, grabbing the blonde's fist and raising it into the air.
"Huh, this didn't go to plan," Roshi admitted, before letting himself fall into darkness.
X X X
As he rose from sore uncertainty to waking, he detected the familiar scent of smelling salts, and his eyes flickered open to an unexpected sight.
"Fanfan?" he asked. The woman blinked.
"It's Ranfan actually," she said. Roshi sighed as the past fell away to the present. The hair color and face were uncannily similar, but the eyes were a bit different, the hair was a curly afro rather than straight and short.
"Don't worry, just remembering an old flame," he chuckled, waving off her confusion.
"Looks like he'll be alright," a monk Roshi hadn't noticed said. Sitting up, Roshi dusted himself off and noticed his shirt was off.
"My goodness, were you taking advantage of an old man?" he grinned at Ranfan.
"I used my own smelling salts when his were out," she said simply, pointing to the medical monk closing a doctor's bag.
"You're okay, that's great!" Goku said, running over to the spot Jackie was lying on with a blanket between him and the floor. The other competitors minus Giran and Nam were present, as were Chichi and Ox King.
"Well of course, I'm Jackie Chun; you may have beat me in a fight, but you're not ready to put me in my grave yet," he chuckled, eyes settling on Launch. Huh, she didn't look like someone who'd just won it big, he noted. And not just from looking like she'd been in a heck of a fight.
"Hey, I'd like to split the money with ya," she said.
"What now? My ears must still be ringing, because it sounded like you wanted to split your prize with me."
"Shut it, old man! I don't like saying this, so you'll just make me angry if I have to repeat myself. We both know I only won because Goku wore you out with a better fight. Heck, even the monk in the audience heard some guys calling BS on my win. So take half; it all ought to be yours, but I'm not that nice," she admitted, a bit red in the face and looking ridiculous with tissue stuffed up her nostrils.
"Nonsense, your win is valid and the prize is yours. Where's my shirt?"
"Seriously, take the money, it should have been your win," Launch objected as he got dressed.
"Shoulda, woulda, coulda, at my age it's a fine way to waste the rest of your life thinking on how things should have gone. It's true, if we'd fought in the first round, I probably would have beaten you; but that's no guarantee either. Fact is, the tournament, like life, has luck as a factor. If the dice fell in your favor, don't complain, just be sure to recognize good luck for that it is and strive to not rely on it even as you're grateful when it comes your way."
"You're seriously turning down the money," Launch deadpanned.
"Heh, it's not the money you're upset about, is it? Feeling awkward, receiving honors you don't feel are deserved?"
She did not avert her eyes or blush, but her grinding teeth were answer enough.
"It won't shut up the critics, splitting the money kid. I have my pride too, so I won't be taking what's yours by right. And if you're serious about not feeling you deserve the money or the title, I have a suggestion. Take that money and use it to train. Strive to become strong enough and skilled enough that you will not doubt your worth, whether you lose or win the next tournament. And I'll be back, so maybe you'll get that rematch you probably are thinking about."
"Bah. Old coot," she muttered. With a laugh, Jackie Chun exited the waiting area. And after two turns in the halls, rushed out of the temple to a spot in the gardens. Pulling his suitcase out, he quickly changed out of his Jackie clothes into his tournament suit.
"Gah! Blast it," Roshi cursed, yanking the wig glued to his head off. That would hurt even without the beatings he'd taken; as it was, he had to stand a moment gathering himself before finishing putting the disguise away.
"Huh, well, Launch may have won despite my plans, but if she's insecure about her victory and that motivates her to train harder, mission accomplished. I'm just glad Baba isn't here to call me out on it," Roshi muttered, making his way to the ring where the Kame School and friends were loitering and chatting. Launch was at the center still looking at the envelope holding her prize money, but Krillin spotted him soon enough.
The initial greeting and congratulations hit a snag from Ox King, of all people.
"Master, you're injured!" he exclaimed.
'Oh crap, that's right! My brilliant switcheroo didn't take into account having my face and head banged up.'
"Did you get in a fight master?" Krillin asked.
"I thought you were watching the fights ninja style," Chichi said.
"Ah man, did you see anything?" Goku asked.
'I didn't just see it, I felt it, you little bruiser! Think fast Roshi, don't trip in front of the finish line!'
"Well, you see, while I was taking in the tournament, I felt an evil energy you'd have to be an old master to detect. And sure enough, I followed it and found an evil youkai with the head of an ox and baboon. Yeah, two heads, but like a wolf! Well, it hated martial arts and wanted to destroy the tournament, so I had no choice-"
"Can it, old man. You think we can't see what's going on here?" Bulma cut in.
"Oh, oh really?" Roshi mumbled.
"Yes, it so obvious. You were peeping, got caught and beaten up! Some teacher, what kind of role model are you?" Except for Goku's usual confusion, the others gave various statements of disappointment.
'Huh,' Roshi thought, 'Having a bad reputation has never worked in my favor before. Better give a prayer of thanks tonight. Not sure to who, but some kind of thanks is in order.'
"Yes, that is right. I am a very naughty boy," Roshi solemnly declared.
"I ought to knock you over the head for that. But it looks like someone else already had the pleasure," Bulma huffed.
"Well, moving on. Congratulations my students, you make an old man proud," Roshi told his students.
"I still feel like it was a cheap win," Launch griped.
"Hmm, the fact that you aren't using any excuse to pocket money shows how far you've come, Launch. Now that the tournament is done, we should discuss what comes next. But there's no rush, there's still some time before dinner. Bulma, I believe you booked a place?"
"Veggie Palace. As Yamcha won't be joining us, Ox King here can take his place as a reward for providing quality seating," Bulma declared.
That triggered some concern over where the former bandit had gone off to, while Bulma denied any care on the matter. Roshi smiled, not quite seeing them, but another scene. Fanfan, exasperated but calm. Shen and his cronies, shifty and proud. Master Mutaito, calm as a mountain. And so many faces and names lost to history but living on in his own memory.
The world can shift so suddenly. Things and people can be lost in what feels like an eye-blink, yet the feeling of that loss can emerge after centuries. Fanfan, the other civilians and weaker students had fled before the oncoming demon army. Roshi, Shen, and 28 other top students made their stand to buy time and hope their master yet lived from his effort aiding the city. A day and night of fierce battle, some torn apart by demons, others pouring out their last drop of life, all to strike one final blow. Only he and Shen had remained by the time Master Mutaito arrived to turn the tide.
And then had come King Piccolo…
"Hey old timer, you going senile? I'm tapping out so Blue can enjoy the sights and dinner, you coming with us or what?" Launch demanded, holding a pepper pack between two fingers.
"…No thanks, I think I'll take some time to myself," he told them. And then they were off; even Ox King was so young compared to him, he couldn't help but note.
"Baba, Shen, Tao, and me; so few remain of that world that perished under the shadow of the Ma Clan's senseless carnage. And Shen is practically dead to me, while that Tao was a rotten egg from the start and hatched into a rotten man. Master, I was never a worthy heir to your legacy. Never a proper hero; I did my best to fill the role, hoping someone worthy might come along to fill the hole you and the others left behind. Maybe those someones have finally come along," Roshi wondered.
"Excuse me, Master Roshi, right?" a young man asked. Roshi turned and was surprised to see Yamcha.
"Oh, it's you, young man. What's up, want an autograph?"
Yamcha sprang into the air and landed hard, bent over into a dogeza position.
"Please, Invincible One! Train me so I can get strong enough for Bulma to take me back!"
"…What?" Roshi asked.
X X X
"Well, it's been good getting to know you, Miss Mai, but I have a dinner appointment to keep," Roshi said, tipping his hat to the dark-haired woman in the great coat.
"I thank you for the opportunity, I will see you in a month, Master Roshi," she said, bowing.
"Formal type, that will be a change of pace," Roshi chuckled, before walking off the temple grounds, suitcase in hand. When he was out of sight, Mai's face turned into a scowl, recalling how she got here.
Earlier:
"That was nuts! If only we'd brought our Pilaf Machines, we could have taken that brat down while he was down!"
"But Emperor Pilaf, wouldn't that be cheating? You heard how many people were angry at that Launch woman for winning because the old guy was pooped," Shu said.
"We're in the world domination business, Shen! We don't care about approval ratings!" Pilaf snapped, "And you, Mai, I blame you for not bringing capsules of our glorious mecha force."
"I failed you, I admit I failed to anticipate this."
"Heh, a chick taking responsibility, guess it's a day for miracles out of a sports movie after all," Oolong said.
The Pilaf Gang and Oolong were leaning on an exterior wall of the temple compound as pedestrians walked by.
"This is terrible, only two months until the Dragon Balls reactivate, and that kid will be gunning for them. And who knows how many of his freaky friends he'll bring!" Pilaf lamented.
"And Goku's a nut about training. If anything, he'll be even stronger then," Oolong pointed out.
"Augh! Oolong, if you don't have a solution, don't make my problems worse!" Pilar bellowed. Oolong was undeterred, looking smugly at his hooves.
"Who said I don't have a solution?" the pigman asked.
"Oh, dramatic reveal," Shu said.
"It's simple, we need our own overpowered martial artist. And we now know just the guy to train 'em," Oolong said. Peeking over the wall, they all watched as Master Roshi walked into the temple with some monks and the announcer.
"Brilliant, Oolong, we fight fire with fire, or fighters with fighters. Hahahaha! Another genius plan from Emperor Pilar!"
"But Your Highness, I don't think I could take the Invincible Master's training! My forty hours of training in the Strip Mall School of Shinobi pushed me to the breaking point. And it was intense! No checks, no charges, cash only, and especially no refunds. As our final lesson, the sensei made himself and everything in the dojo disappear before the graduation ceremony. I'll always have my diploma in spirit, though," Shu sighed. Mai and Pilaf nodded, moved by his tale of epic toil. Oolong just stared solemnly a moment before speaking.
"…Not that that isn't fascinating, but I wasn't talking about you doing the training. I was thinking Mai here."
"What, me?!"
"But Mai's a girl," Shu said.
"So were the two chicks in the tournament, including the one who won it all. Besides, I met that Roshi guy up close and personal, and he's a fool for dames. He'll sign her up probably just for the joy of watching her work up a sweat," Oolong chuckled.
"Ugh, Emperor, I'm more of a gun fighter and wrench woman than an action movie hero. And it sounds like that old man has dirty thoughts!" Mai protested.
"As your boss, I decide what you do. That being sad, I give you permission to shoot him if he tries to hold your hand or blow a kiss," the trio shuddered at that while Oolong just sighed, "But anyway, it's a perfect plan – in addition to getting superpowered martial arts for our side, you can get him to spill the beans on all our enemies' weaknesses. Like allergies, or a fear of needles."
"I don't like it, but I suppose, ugh, orders are orders? I hope I don't get girls abs," Mai muttered.
"There's one problem," Pilar muttered, eyes drifting to the heavens.
"Concern for Mai's virtue, sire?" Shu asked.
"With her gone, how will we get anything off the high shelves?" Pilaf pondered. Oolong facefaulted clear off the wall, to the others' befuddlement.
"…Well, if you get the Dragon Balls, you can wish yourself even taller than her and get stuff off high shelves yourself forever," Oolong groaned.
"Don't foolish, Oolong, no one would waste a wish on something that stupid!" Pilaf protested, Mai and Shu backing him up.
"Yes, if you're going to not go big like world domination, you should at least go for something wondrous. Like the world's best ice cream!" Mai declared, eyes sparkling.
As the trio awed at the thought of said ice cream, Oolong muttered to himself, "Yer in it for the money. So long as they keep paying ya, the stupid can be tolerated."
Somewhere on Earth:
"Twelve years ago, unseen by the world, a new organization was founded. Through deals and pacts between underworld factions and mercenary groups, and bound together by one man's vision, the Red Ribbon Army was born. Not long after ground was broken on what would become Red Ribbon High Command," the deep smooth voice narrated, as images appeared on the screen in the darkened room. The Red Ribbon crest, a horizontal red hourglass with two white Rs, appeared on the screen, followed by a ground-breaking ceremony in a green field, and three more showing a glorious walled compound being constructed.
"R.R.H.C. would serve as the nerve center for the Army's leadership, a fully functional land and air military base, research and development labs, a manufacturing facility, and hosts a world class 18 hole golf course for the morale of the officer corps. With this facility functional and two years of groundwork laid, the Red Ribbon began its march on the world."
This time, images showed a war room, a lab, an airstrip, barracks, an assembly line worked by ragged men in shackles, and a pristine golf course with an outdoor martini bare in the foreground. Then the image switched to a spread-out map of the globe.
"The year have passed since we began operating above the radar, seizing control of territory and harnessing resources under our own flag. As of today, the Red Ribbon controls via direct military occupation 15% of the world's surface. This grants us significantly more territory under direct rule than any of the vassal monarchies pledged to King Furry or any of the rogue states operating like us outside the royal authority. In addition to that fifteen percent, we have indirect control over an additional 24% of the planet's surface. This territory we are controlling through either propping up the local government, blackmailing them with the threat of force, or having installed allies in positions of power. This includes some rogue states, so-called lawless regions, and even parts of the kingdom still officially answering to King Furry.
"While we can't squeeze these territories as easily as our directly-ruled zones, we have been steadily drawing wealth and recruits from them, along with raw resources for our growing industrial capacity. And with only minimal cover, our forces can operate there fairly openly, so long as we keep their visits either short or small enough to now draw undue notice. And from this territory and sphere of influence, we are positioned on short notice to be able to launch mid-level attacks on approximately 82% of the world. While we don't have the forces to storm the capital itself, outside his throne province and the four great cities, we do not think Furry could repel us without suffering both losses and the effective destruction of the disputed territory. And we have done this whole avoiding escalation into open warfare with the Royal Armed Forces, though they have over the last four years rearranged their deployments, clearly in an effort to curb our growth. I am pleased to say that this has proven ineffective at anything more than slowing us. Today, the Red Ribbon Army is the greatest challenger to the rule of the Furry dynasty in a century and a half, bare none," the voice went on as the map's coloration shifted, showcasing a spreading infection of the red clot on the green-colored lands of the Earth.
"By our experts' estimation, in a mere five years, we will be ready to fight King Furry head on in all-out war for world domination. The Ribbon flutters proudly in the winds of coming victory!" the presentation ended on an image of the Red Ribbon flag flapping triumphantly as a town burned in the background, to applause from the audience seated in the dark. With a click, the projector went off and the lights went on, revealing a small auditorium full of oddly-dressed people of many types seated, while a tall man with a shaved head, dark skin, and mustache wearing a fine black suit with a white shirt bowed at the waist.
Attention soon though shifted to the one audience member not applauding, as he lit another cigar.
The applause died, and the presenter stood up straight while the man exhaled a cloud of smoke. He was a short, pale man wearing a black suit, with red hair styled up in a short cut, and an eyepatch concealing his left eye.
"Nice little documentary. Can't say I like the ending. Five years, you say that like it's a triumph. Five years of me sitting ruling the boondocks while that dog whose only asset is being born to the right pa sits pretty in the capital. And I wonder, in five years will you tell me that yes, we 'can' take him now but we should really wait? Twelve years is long enough to wait for anything, Staff Officer Black. It's time to use a new strategy that will accelerate our time table to something more acceptable."
"Commander Red sir, that project has been kept secret," Black pointed out.
"And playing it quiet let it slip through my hands. Not this time, we bring the hammer down," Red said, his voice carrying to the ever more intrigued officer corps.
"Tell them about Project Dragon," Red commanded, tapping ashes onto the empty seat next to him.
Papaya Island:
Veggie Palace was a fine restaurant. Not so fine you had to dress up to eat there, but fine as in it had quality food, fine decor, and fine atmosphere, and excellent customer service.
"We humbly receive!" Bulma declared, standing and holding her glass up as the food was laid out on the large table before the party. The table was in a traditional style with the center able to be rotated, letting everyone help themselves without having to pass the food around, and the load about to be moved was quite an impressive array of quality and quantity food.
The group raised their glasses, echoing the thanksgiving from the one paying for the victory banquet. And then it was as if battle was joined, with the younger generation tearing into the food. Ox King blinked, stunned at his daughter and looking over to Roshi over the near frenzy.
"When did her manners get so loose on eating?" Ox King asked his old master, seated next to him.
"Eh? I kind of assumed it was always that way. Besides, she's elegance next to Goku. And Bulma, apparently."
Ox King flinched, looking at his future son-in-law and Bulma tearing into the food like they were starving.
"Not the kind of influence I was hoping he would be," the father admitted.
"Ah, let the young be young while they can, old friend. Before they know it, the time will come to settle down and be respectable," Roshi waved off the concern.
"Pity Bulma didn't let that Yamcha lad join us," Ox King said.
"Don't worry about him, things are already in motion."
"How do you mean?"
Before Roshi could answer, Lunch got his attention across the table.
"Since I missed the tournament proper, could you tell me how everyone did? The stories I've been hearing are a bit confusing," the bluenette asked, before her chopsticks started moving again.
So the conversation went as the grand meal unfolded. Lunch and Krillin trailed behind the ravenous trio, but certainly gave the kitchen a run for its money. All things considered, it wasn't long before…
"What do you mean you're out of food?! I paid good money for a feast!" Bulma shouted. The poor server shrank under her fury, but didn't back down.
"I'm sorry, but it's simply true, we have nothing left to serve."
"Are you calling me a glutton? I'll have you know, being this pretty isn't easy, you need plenty of carbs to do it. And protein! And fiber!"
"Bulma, if they're out, what-" Roshi sweatdropped.
"Shut up, Roshi, I don't need to be told when I'm wrong!" Bulma snapped. That stopped her short it seemed, after a few moments blinking she just grumbled and asked for the check to be prepared.
'I think that Yamcha boy may have suffered less a tragic loss and missed his ride on the Titanic instead,' Roshi thought. Unknown to him, Krillin was having similar thoughts.
Soon enough, despite Goku and Chichi complaining they were still hungry alongside Bulma, the party assembled outside the restaurant in the warm if cloudy tropical night. Roshi took a moment to appreciate the breeze as they waited for Bulma to settle the bill; in the past he'd have covered this, but he was glad Bulma had stepped in. Even had he won the prize money, he may have just ended up losing it all covering his ravenous students and Bulma's appetites.
"You guys are so lucky I'm rich, don't expect me to pay for the afterparty next time," Bulma griped, leaving the restaurant to join them.
"But you ate almost as much as me and Chichi," Goku pointed out.
"Don't tell me what I know, Goku," Bulma fumed but didn't snap.
"Well, that was a fine meal and a fine end to this day. My students, if you would?" Roshi asked, tapping the pavement in front of him with his cane. Carrying their suitcases or traveling sacks along with wearing their suits, his four students lined up in front of him.
"You have all made me very proud. You have grown by such leaps and bounds since we first began training on the island. Regardless of how far you made it in the tournament today, know you have come far down the path to power and can hold your heads high in the world of fighters wherever you go on this Earth. But remember, the path to power is a road without end. Only constant vigilance will let you retain your gains, and only further pushing will take you to new heights. Often our greatest foe is nothing more or less than our own vices. Now comes the hardest part – it is time for you turtles to leave the cove of the Kame School and swim forth into that grand expanse known as the ocean!"
"So, swimming is the next teaching? All the way back to the island?" Goku asked. Roshi almost facefaulted at his broken drama.
"No Goku, that's a metaphor," Roshi clarified.
"Oh, will we need you to apply cream?" Goku asked.
"Why don't you be quiet for a bit and let him talk, Goku?" Krillin asked.
"Thank you, Krillin. Anyway, point is, this was not just some test, it was your graduation, this trip. You won't be coming back to Kame House with me, but setting forth into the world."
"What, we're done training?" Chichi asked. Lunch looked at the ground, unnoticed as the others exclaimed in surprise.
"Not at all. You are done training under me; now is the time to take charge of your own training. Seek out other teachers if you will, but heed most closely the greatest teacher, life itself! I asked you to pack so this would be a clean break. No sense heading back just to leave."
"Oh, so I can travel with Goku again?!" Chichi asked.
"Sorry sweetie, but no," Ox King said, stepping up.
"Huh? But why Daddy?" Chichi asked.
"With you gone, I had a big hole in my life that even rebuilding the kingdom couldn't really fill. So I read this too," Ox King said, holding up a hardback book with the title "So You're A Single Dad? Don't Panic!"
"It's become clear to me I've been compensating for your mother's absence by enabling you and failing to establish boundaries. What's more, I've done poorly in preparing you for life and adulthood in general. Leaving with Master Roshi was fine, as his training is useful for other skills. But it's time you got some proper structure and education in your life, not the time to go walking the path to be a master."
"Master Roshi?" Chichi pleaded, putting puppy dog eyes on the old master.
"If you're meant to be heir to a kingdom, even a small one, that's no responsibility to put off if he feels you need to settle down some. But Gyu Mao, life needs to be balanced; don't try and drown this girl in lessons and books, alright?"
"Of course not, master! In fact, I have no problem with her training going on if she wants. But it will be part of her schooling, not taking its place." Chichi sighed a little sadly as it was clear neither adult would support her traveling with Goku right now. But she nodded to herself and stood up straight, hands on her hips.
"Yeah, I'll do better in the next tournament in five years!" Chichi said, punching and kicking the air.
"Three, actually," Roshi said.
"Three?!" everyone went.
"That's right. The monks, after the tournament, wanted to consult me on some reforms to the tournament. Among them is that it will be three years rather than five apart now. Back when it started, traveling was a much bigger bother and there were fewer rival tournaments. So now it will be only three years apart. If you're all still willing to train, I suggest we reunite in three years for the 22nd tournament."
"So we won't see each other for three years?" Lunch lamented. Chichi tugged on the older student's skirt, getting her to look down.
"Miss Lunch, would you chaperone Goku on his trip? I can rest easy knowing you're making sure no sneaky girl tries to steal his heart," Chichi whispered loudly.
"Oh! Master Roshi, can we split up together like that?" Lunch asked, raising a hand.
"Huh? What are you asking me for? I no longer hold authority over you graduates, unless you abuse my teachings. What about it Goku, want some company?"
"Sure! I trained alone on Mt. Paozu, but it's more fun to train with someone, and if Lunch comes, Launch will be along too. Hey Krillin, want to come with?" Goku asked.
"No thanks Goku. It's been a blast, but I want to get strong enough to make it to the finals next time, and being the third or fourth wheel in a group won't help. I need to learn to stand strong and proud on my own," Krillin declared, chin raised and arms crossed on his chest.
"Manly," Chichi applauded, while Lunch giggled and Goku smiled. Roshi himself nodded approval while Ox King looked wistful, while the old master spoke up.
"Well said, Krillin. There's a time for groups, and a time for solitude. Now Goku, Jackie Chun promised on my behalf you would give that Nam fella a lift at dawn to his village. Do you mind that start to your trip?"
"No problem, the Nimbus should fit the three of us," Goku smiled.
"Oh, it will be nice to meet him formally, Goku really enjoyed fighting him," Lunch said.
"And with Chichi heading back to Frypan Kingdom, that leaves me wondering if you have any destination in mind, Krillin," Roshi questioned his shaved student. Krillin scratched the back of his head, pushing his hat up.
"Actually, master, I was wondering if I could train some more at your place. I can't think of a better place."
"…DANG IT, BOY! WHAT PART OF 'GET OUT OF MY HOUSE' CONFUSES YOU?! WHAT WAS THAT SPEECH A SECOND AGO!?"
"Uh, just for a bit, please?" Krillin asked. Chichi looked down on the shorter kid.
"Not very manly," she declared, making him slump and glare at her.
"Oh, surely you can let him get his bearings for a little while," Lunch appealed, holding thumb and index finger slightly apart.
"Hmph, fine. Two weeks, but then you make tracks, I don't care to where," Roshi declared, holding up two fingers.
"Thank you master, I am humbled," Krilin said, bowing.
"Somehow, I doubt that. And don't go pushing that date back. I want a break before my next students move in," Roshi pressed.
"New students?" Bulma asked.
"Are they strong?" Goku perked up.
"Well, you know one of them, that Yamcha boy. He was waiting around before my meeting with the monks and organizers. Kid pleaded for me to train him. If he wants to catch up with you lot, I told him he'd better be ready to train for as much as two years. When he agreed to that I felt I had to give him a shot," Roshi recounted.
"Two years? Why that utter JERK! How dare he!?" Bulma erupted.
"Uh, the other is a pretty thing named Mai. She'll likely take longer than Yamcha, she's not really trained in unarmed fighting at all. It will call for back to basics, hands on approach," Roshi said, blushing a little and flexing his fingers.
"Oh my," Lunch sighed. Then Bulma burst out with rage.
"Well, if he's leaving, so am I! Life in West City is just too boring now, I'm ready for another adventure. Goku, Lunch, Launch or whatever your name is, make that duo a trio!"
"Quartet," Lunch corrected.
"But there's no room on the Nimbus. And you can't ride it anyway, you're too evil or something, like Master Roshi," Goku pointed out, sending both accused onto the their backs in shock.
"That stupid cloud is too old-fashioned, Goku! It's not in touch with the values of today's youth!" she yelled at him. Goku was not flustered.
"Still can't fit," Goku pointed out.
"Hmph! Fine, be that way. But you brats need someone to mind you. So after you're done with this taxi service with Nam, get back here. I'd come along with a capsule jet, but I had Puar hold my capsule box, and she left with Yamcha," Bulma pouted, stomping the ground.
"Uh, well then, Nam will be waiting at dawn at the east gates. Get some good sleep tonight kids, tomorrow a new chapter opens for all of you" Roshi instructed them.
And so the day of the 21st Budokai came to an end.
Predawn:
Bulma was still fast asleep when Launch woke up.
The bluenette had covered rooms for everyone except Ox King, who had to settle for some horrid motel somewhere. But even Bulma's money couldn't get rooms for everyone on short notice during the Budokai, it seemed. Though she'd vowed to make reservations as soon as she got home for next time.
So it was one room for girls and another for boys.
Lunch had tagged out once they got to the hotel so she could be briefed on the plan. Help Nam home, then training trip with Goku. Sounded simple enough. And it was a relief, Launch admitted, putting on a light jacket and checking her luggage. She'd taken the time to buy a capsule for herself, but Goku didn't need it. She was sure to tuck the prize money where it wouldn't easily be stolen. They might be going off the grid for a while, so cash would be useful to keep on hand.
Chichi was up too; even with no old man knocking on the door, they were used to getting up early enough to deliver milk for breakfast, after all.
"So, you good to meet up with your dad?" Launch asked, ruffling the kid's hair and grabbing a piece of toast from the plate Chichi had prepared.
"Uh-huh. But you're just leaving already?"
"Nam needs to head home pronto, I understand. And I'm not one for mushy goodbyes, and Lunch already had hers. So see you in three years, maybe you won't be a squirt by then, eh?" Launch chuckled, while Bulma snored like a bear in the bed.
"You know you could visit before then," Chichi puffed out her cheeks.
"Not sure, apparently you have books to hit. Take care of yourself, Chichi," Launch said, butter spread on the toast and ducking out of the room.
"You too! And look after Goku," Chichi said, waving as the door closed.
X X X
Roshi answered the door when she rapped on it.
"Ah, ready bright and early as expected. Goku got us up early for breakfast," Roshi remarked.
Room service had clearly been called, and Goku was nearly done adding to Bulma's bill.
"If it were anyone else, I'd think you were being a bit shifty, but you're Goku," Krillin said, finishing his own bowl. For her part, Launch took the last bit of her toast before hastily making a sandwich with the last three pieces of French toast, and all the bacon and eggs left. Goku, for his part, didn't object to the last of his dwindling food being swiped, wiping his face with a napkin.
"Time to go?" he asked.
"Yep, sun will rise soon, and Nam should be waiting, right?" she reminded him.
"Hmm, ah, this I'll take in case he didn't get breakfast," Goku said, spotting a sole surviving blueberry muffin. He was ready to go with that in hand.
"You two had better not slack off, I intend to win it all in three years," Krillin declared.
"Good to hear, cueball," Launch said.
"Bye, Krillin," Goku bid farewell.
"Watch out for each other, you two. The world can hold peril even for the strongest," Roshi advised, putting on his tie in front of the mirror.
"Old man, the world needs to watch out for us, not the other way around. See ya!" Launch declared, slamming the door shut.
"…just like that?" Krillin asked, staring at the door.
"Mhm, life can be just as informal with the partings as the meeting, m'boy. All the more reason to take the time to enjoy the pleasures of everyday," Roshi mused.
End of Season One
Author's Note:
We made it! Season one is in the bag. Yeeha! Dance a jig with me?
Seriously though, thanks to everyone who reviewed and followed this story through this season. Though a note to reviewers, I can't send answers to your questions if you don't log in. Just saying.
I admit I was hoping with a more mainstream fandom like Dragon Ball, and regular updates, this story would get more attention. But hey, that's how the ball bounces, no sense complaining. And it served as proof of the effectiveness of this new story writing method I'm using. Where once the number of reviews might effected my progress, here updates continued without interruption. Which means after posting this I'll be able to something I've only rarely been able to do on this site. Switch a fics category to COMPLETE.
So again thank you all for your support in this endeavor. I hope see you in Season 2 which id planned to start December 1st.
Until then long days and pleasant nights to you all!