CHAPTER 15: PRELUDE TO THE TOURNAMENT

High up in the sky, on a floating island, sat a green man, meditating as he usually does. He focused as he sensed, and saw everyone on Earth, but something was wrong. There was a certain part of the Earth where it seemed like his senses were blocked from seeing what was happening.

He decided to deal with it a bit later as he sensed a ki signature locking onto him. He opened his eyes and as he stood up, Gogeta appeared right next to him. "Sup Kamiccolo."

Piccolo scoffed, "I told you not to call me that.".

"If it fits, it fits. Anyway, you know the World Martial Arts Tournament is coming soon? I was thinking we join it this time."

"Hm… that's mean leaving my duty here…"

"C'mon, it'll be fun. Plus we may draw out 21, with many strong fighters that are coming in… speaking of, where's Tien?"

"He's still in the afterlife, training."

"Well then, call him up and let's all join. It'll be me, you Gohan, Tien, 17 and 18. With how strong we got there's no way 21 will resist."

"Hm, you make a good point, but there's another issue. When overseeing Earth there's a small section where I can't sense anything. Someone is definitely using magic to block us."

"That seems troubling… i'll leave you to deal with that. You'll call if you need help, for now i'mma go check on Tien and 17." said Gogeta, he put his fingers on his forehead and disappeared. Honestly he didn't need to do that, his mastery of spirit control allows him to teleport with minimal effort, that was just a force of habit. And he thought it looked cool.

SCENE CHANGE

Gogeta appeared in an area filled with lush grass and beautiful vegetation. He looked around and saw Tien in the distance, resting. "Tien!" he shouted as he walked over to him.

Tien opened his eyes and smiled, "Gogeta."

"How's life been in the afterlife?"

"It's been well, I am stronger than ever, i'm sure i can beat you at this point."

Gogeta grinned, "In that case, you should come with us to the World Martial Arts Tournament. It's coming up in a month."

"World Tournament? Why are we going to a tournament of all things?"

"Gohan's girlfriend suggested it and we all decided to go."

"Gohan has a girlfriend?"

"Basically, so you in? You could show us the fruits of your training… and lose to me of course." he said, with a smug look on his face.

Before Tien could respond a figure flew over to the two as the figure landed in front of them. "I don't remember you being permitted to visit the afterlife, Gogeta." the person said.

"Don't worry Pikkon, I just came here to invite Tien here to a Tournament. I was hoping to be quick enough to leave before you notice. You know, if you want to, you can also join."

Pikkon shook his head, "I have enough to do here."

"C'mon, if you don't i'll just keep being stronger than you." Pikkon heard that and slightly gritted his teeth, but he calmed down.

"Regardless, I'm still unable to attend. My job is to guard this place."

"Fine, if you change your mind, you know where to find me." Gogeta looked towards Tien. "Also, Tien, the tournament starts in a month." he said as he teleported away.

"You know, you are always going to be behind him if you don't train as hard." Tien said.

"I've accepted that, training like a Saiyan is torture"

Tien smiled, "Heh, that I agree with, they are a warrior race for a reason.". Tien had always tried to keep up with Gogeta but the man simply grew faster than him, so Tien decided to train in a different manner, focusing on his ancestors techniques.

Pikkon turned to leave, "You'll tell me how the tournament goes." he simply said as he flew off.

"Not a man of many words." Tien said to himself as he went back to meditating.

SCENE CHANGE

Gogeta teleported to the woods near the previous Son Family house, Gogeta suggested they trained there, as it was secluded and spacious. So after the feast, 18, Gohan, Videl, Trunks and Goten all went to the location and began training while Gogeta went to tell Piccolo.

As he appeared on the scene, he saw Gohan teaching Videl about Ki, while 18 was fighting with the boys. He decided to do his own thing as he sat down to Meditate. It was interesting, he, Piccolo and Tien meditated quite often, it helped control their ki and temper in battle. But for Gogeta, it seemed different. It seemed more efficient.

A few minutes passed as 18 approached Gogeta, "17 said he'll come."

Gogeta didn't break his meditation but responded, "Oh, it's been a few months since i last saw him, how has he been?"

"Well, still on that island of his."

"Heh, who knew he'd be a park ranger of all things."

"Anyway, I hope he's training hard. This tournament is going to be something else." Gogeta finished as 18 and went back to sparring with the boys.

SCENE CHANGE

The city was buzzing with activity, understandably so as it was the day of the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. Everyone gathered to fill the seats as the fighters gathered up in the signing area.

The Z-Fighters, a name they decided to call themselves - which 18 thought was stupid, gathered near the signing area. Chi-Chi and Bulma went with the 3 year old Sela to go find seats while Goten and Trunks went to sign up for the kid's division, much to their dismay.

"Master Piccolo, Tien, how have you been?"

Gohan asked,

"We've been well." Piccolo answered, "I hope you've been keeping up with your training."

Gohan scratched the back of his head, "Well, not as much as my dad but I've been keeping up. How about you guys?"

Piccolo smirked, "I'd say I have a few surprises.". Piccolo's growth surprised even himself.

Tien nodded, "My training has proven quite fruitful. I look forward to showing it.". Tien's training was special, like Gogeta he took advantage of his blood and decided to train in a way only he could.

With Gogeta and 18, the pair were waiting patiently for 17… well, at least Gogeta was. "Of course he's late. No surprise there." 18 said.

"He's probably close…" Said Gogeta, an announcement announcing all the fighters to come sign up was heard, "...anytime now."

Before 18 could respond, a voice was heard behind them, "I hope I'm on time.". The 2 looked behind them to see,

"See, I told you." He said as 18 rolled her eyes.

"You're late." 18 said.

"I'd say I'm on time, seeing as you're still here." 17 responded.

"Whatever, they already called for us, and those 3 are already leaving." 18 said, seeing Gohan, Piccolo and Tien already heading to the sign up station.

The three also made their way to the sign up station, "So 17, how's life been? I know 18 won't ask." Gogeta asked, receiving a light jab from her.

17 smirked, "Well you aren't wrong; I've been well, everything has been going well so far. How about yourself?"

"The usual, training and making sure everyone is okay. And waiting for The Grand Minister's visitors." Answered Gogeta

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Now i'm curious who's going to come."

"Sometimes I think this is all just a ploy." 18 said.

"Sometimes I think so too, but I can only wait and train, just I case what he says it's true." Gogeta said.

"Whatever the case, we'll deal with that later. For now, let's just enjoy this tournament." 18 said.

As they went to sign up, 2 figures were watching them from a distance. One large man and a much smaller one.

"Sire, are you sure they will be needed? The larger man asked.

The smaller man nodded. "Of course, the power of can feel from them… it'll definitely be needed." He said the two left to also sign up for the tournament.

CHAPTER END

I'm kinda 22 hours late but…. Anyway, if it feels like I'm speeding through some information, i am cause this is obvious stuff you know by watching the show. And cause not much changes right now. Next chapter ramps up with the action. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it, and any suggestions or criticisms? Feel free to let me know. Later.

P.S. Next chapter, probably next Saturday, around 22:00