Co-written by SuperSaiyan2Link.
The Plaza of Time seemed somewhat crowded today for what seemed like a community gathering. Patrollers of all stripes, new and old, together.
Amura walked over to Hakusa, whom was cleaning her scouter's screen.
"You promised if I got stronger, you'd scan me again."
Hakusa finally finished scrubbing it with her glove, then placed it over her eye.
"Okay, here goes..."
A few seconds later and Amura eagerly awaited an answer.
"So... how strong am I now?"
Hakusa took off the scouter to show her...
"Not bad, but you've still got a way to go."
Amura seemed somewhat disappointed, but then chuckled as she recalled something...
"I almost forgot: you're way stronger because you're a Saiyan."
Hakusa sighed.
"This again? I've told you before, Amura, that there's more to it than just genetics. I started in the 10's too, you know."
"Oh, I'm not in the 10's anymore..."
Amura stood with her arms to her sides in human pride as Hakusa realized...
"Ah, you made it to the 20's? See? You're getting there."
"Just need a zenkai boost and I'd catch up to you in no time."
"Amura, you know, being a Saiyan isn't..."
"I NEED HELP OVER HERE!"
Both turned, immediately recognizing the voice coming from the Time Gate: Trunks. They were both caught off-guard by how panicked he was, as he always appeared and spoke in a reserved fashion.
Trunks, looking over at the horde of patrollers in front of him, looked over at those closest to him, including...
"Pima!"
The Saiyan loner turned over to Trunks, accepting he had been picked.
"Whatever you need..."
Trunks ran back through the gate as Pima followed. Whatever conversations went on before went dead quiet as no one knew what to expect. Amura turned over to Hakusa, whom even as a Saiyan wasn't immune to the shock of the moment.
"Hakusa... do you know what's going on?"
"I don't... but I hope it's not what I think it is."
"But what do you think it could be?"
Hakusa couldn't even answer back, nor could she hide her concerned look.
Pima didn't take the time to marvel at the Time Nest and followed Trunks closely as they finally entered the library. He found he had been summoned for...
"...her?"
The Supreme Kai of Time still held Pan's head up off the floor as Trunks began lifting her up by her shoulders.
"Pima, I need you to help me keep her stable. Can't have too much movement."
He looked over at her, realizing why she was there.
"Out of all of us... they went with her to defend history?"
"Pima!"
He looked back over at Trunks.
"Did you hear me?"
He got that out of his system and instead crouched down.
"Yes."
"Now when I say go, lift and keep her steady. Okay, and... go!"
Outside the Time Nest, Ziko remained by the gate, waiting for Trunks to return. As he caught a glance of his purple hair and his dark grey coat going through...
"EVERYONE BACK! Give them space!"
The patrollers backed up and as they saw Trunks appearing to be carrying someone, they began splitting up to create a clear path to the medical area.
"Double time, Pima!"
As they made their way out of the gateway area towards their intended destination, the crowd finally got a clear look at...
"That girl! The one that was found here!"
"That means... she's the one going on the big missions!"
Amura couldn't believe her eyes.
"Pan... she's the one?"
Hakusa couldn't even speak.
"I was afraid this would happen... and now it has."
The secret was out: that day forward, everyone in Toki Toki City knew Pan was the patroller who did the biggest missions for the Supreme Kai of Time.
The Supreme Kai of Time sat at her table next to her living quarters in the Time Nest. The cup of tea next to her, which she heated for herself earlier, was cold and untouched. Even as a kai, her hands were shaking at the thought of recent events.
"Supreme Kai of Time!"
She turned to see Trunks approaching her.
"How is she?"
"Pan's stable and healing. Should be just a day longer."
While this should have been comforting to her, the Supreme Kai of Time could barely keep her head up to Trunks, seeing her reflection in the surface of her beverage.
Trunks took notice of this and crouched down to the side of her.
"She's a fighter. Pan'll get through this, and when she does..."
"It was too close, Trunks. TOO close. Had she been just short of that last hit..."
She got up from her seat, the crouching Trunks still slightly taller.
"This shouldn't have gone this way. She was more than a match for Piccolo. She should've been on Raditz's level, but someone enhanced him. And now I fear this is only the beginning of something worse."
Trunks took in her concerns and tried pondering.
"First, we have to wait for Pan to recover. From there, we have to prepare her for whatever's next. And I do think we should try finding out whose behind this."
Both thought on the last matter Trunks brought up. Both knew the Time Patrol didn't have many enemies. As far as Trunks knew, no one else came about from his time travel. As for the Supreme Kai of Time...
"There's one suspect, but he should be locked away. It should be impossible for him to act this way."
"So that leaves... could it actually be T...?"
"Toh!"
They were interrupted by the large owl flying towards them carrying a scroll in its talons. The Supreme Kai of Time shot straight up out of her seat infuriated at it.
"HEY! What did I tell you about taking scrolls out of there?!"
"Ki! Ki!"
It dropped the scroll in her hands, and as she opened it, her expression went from composed worry to complete dread.
Trunks looked at it as well, seeing the scroll starting to faintly glow a purple hue.
"No... no, not now..."
"It's already starting, Trunks..."
As she lied in the hospital bed, Pan's mind wandered backwards past her teenage years and her childhood to a memory from when she was just three.
"Look, Pan."
Her father pointed over towards a large patch of dirt, where a figure was slowly pushing a large rock in front of him.
"It's your uncle Goten."
Nearby stood Master Roshi, who watched as the sixteen year old sweated profusely with his efforts. Seeing both the hard work his pupil had showcased, as well as the two approaching members of his pupil's family, he put his hand out to signal him to stop.
"You've earned yourself a breather. Plus... family to see you."
Goten looked over, seeing Gohan in his scholarly attire and glasses.
"Bro?"
And next to him, Pan, who was wearing a white shirt and dark green overalls.
"Pan?"
He approached, reaching out to Gohan for a hug, whom hugged back in spite of his younger brother's sweated orange gi.
"What are you two doing here?!"
A chuckle broke out between the two brothers.
"We wanted to see how you were."
Goten took his dedication to martial arts so seriously he had basically lived under Master Roshi's roof. Not only had he forgone going to high school, but he had been away for several years.
Pan lightly tugged on Goten's pants to get his attention.
"Do you live here?"
Goten pat her on the head.
"Just about."
He then turned around upon hearing two heels approaching behind Gohan.
"Long time no see, Videl."
She was somewhat surprised at the young man Goten had grown into. He was only seven years old when he and Trunks used the disguise of Mighty Mask to enter the adult division of the World Martial Arts tournament. Videl had been paired up with them for their very first match.
Goten had only met her a few times prior to that tournament, and even then, she seemed to be a novice with ki. He and Trunks didn't think less of her for it, but they were both children going in thinking they'd win this match, maybe even the whole tournament, with ease.
By the time they realized they needed to take it seriously, Videl had landed a vital kick, tearing through the uniform. At first, she was terrified, as if she had kicked through an entire person and didn't even feel much effort in doing so. Soon after, she caught a glimpse of Goten's hair and face with two legs hanging behind it.
After being exposed and fleeing from the tournament, Goten accepted he and Trunks overestimated themselves and that they should always fight seriously. If there ever was another bout between them, he wouldn't make the same mistake.
As both recalled that memory, they were interrupted when they realized they didn't see Pan near them. The brief panic subsided once they saw her in front of the rock Goten was pushing. She looked over at Master Roshi, her hands ready to push it.
"Can I try?"
"That's up to your parents, little one."
As former fighters, Gohan and Videl both knew she was curious what she could do. While at first hesitant, they both decided it was better she test her strength in their presence.
"Okay," began Videl. "But don't push yourself too hard."
With permission granted, Pan finally began trying to shove the rock forward as hard as she could...
...but it didn't budge. Her shoes dug into the dirt as she tried to muster more and more to do what Goten had done before her.
"Take it easy, Pan," said Gohan. He didn't know how strong she would be at three, but all the same, he didn't want her to overdo it and hurt herself.
Sweat dripped down from her forehead and arms and Pan's teeth clenched together as she gave one more push. The three adults and Goten watched as Pan finally fell onto her knees, barely catching herself with her hands...
...and the rock moved. Not even an inch, but it was moved all the same. Pan's feat astounded all four of them, but especially her mother. If Pan had done this already with no training, Videl could only imagine what Pan could do as she grew.
Not just that, but Videl was rather curious about her own strength, perhaps the first time since before marrying Gohan.
"Master Roshi..."
The turtle hermit already had an idea of what Videl was about to ask and nodded to her.
"Hold these for me, dear."
Videl had taken off her heels and handed them to Gohan, who was only half-surprised with his wife. Videl was incredibly determined when he first met her and when they fought in the tournament, so this wasn't entirely out of left field.
Pan, trying to catch her breath, saw her mother coming up to her and the rock.
"Mommy?"
Videl got into pushing position, then looked down at her daughter.
"Let me help, Pan."
Pan nodded to her as they both shoved forward.
Goten couldn't believe it...
"No way..."
The rock shoved at a much faster rate, almost as fast as him earlier. Videl still felt much strain doing this, but it was almost counteracted by her amazement at her own strength.
At last, they both stopped, each leaning on the rock to stand up. Gohan crouched down in front of Pan.
"Good job, Pan."
Then he turned to his wife.
"Great work, both of you."
Goten was in awe. He remembered an old video of Hercule pulling four buses, but always figured it was just a stunt. Now that he had seen Videl almost match his feat, he not only knew that Hercule's strength was immense for a human, but that Videl's could be even greater.
"Well done," applauded Master Roshi.
Until he had began training Goten, Roshi hadn't trained any pupils since Goku, Krillin, and Yamcha were younger. Seeing the wife and daughter of Gohan's display of strength, an idea came to him.
"How would you three like to join Goten and I in training?"
Goten actually seemed excited, both at the idea of having training partners, as well as the idea of working out with his brother again like they used to 11 years ago.
"I appreciate the offer..." began Gohan. "But I'm afraid I'll have to pass."
His younger brother turned to him, pleading with Gohan to change his mind.
"But bro, you're the greatest fighter I'll ever know."
"I'm sorry Goten, but my time for fighting has passed. I'm a scholar now and I have a wife and child to take care of."
Goten turned to Master Roshi, trying to get him to turn the tide.
"Master, surely..."
"I'm afraid it's Gohan's choice, and he's more than earned it. All we can do is respect his wishes."
"But he's..."
Even in spite of his teenage mind, Goten finally accepted it and tried recomposing himself.
"I understand."
"Just know that you three will always be welcome to become students."
"Wait just a minute here..." Videl cut in. "I didn't say no."
Gohan turned to her, gulping to try to hide his nervousness.
"Honey, are you sure..."
"Yes. I can train and watch Pan. You've got nothing to worry about."
As much as Gohan tried to think of something else to say, he knew his wife made up her mind and he wasn't about to get her to change her mind. She could tell by his expression that he wasn't about to get into any further argument with her.
"Master Roshi..." addressed Videl, approaching him and then bowing in as respectful a manner as she could. "I would be honored to train under you."
Roshi tapped her on the shoulder with his cane, signaling her that she could stand up.
"Your father Hercule is certainly no slouch, but he has never been one for ki. You, however, I can teach to master it. And given time, you will far surpa..."
"Mister Roshi..."
Little Pan interrupted and was leaning on his cane.
"Yes, little one?"
"Can I... try too?"
Videl may have wanted to train, but even she wasn't sure about having her three year old daughter training so young.
"Pan, I don't think..."
She paused the moment Pan made her eyes as big as she could.
"...please?"
She turned to Gohan to see what he thought they should do in that circumstance.
"Honey, we both know she's just as stubborn as you are."
She grinned at her husband, then pat Pan on the head.
"Okay, Pan. If that's what you want to do."
Gohan looked over at his watch.
"Shoot! I've got a conference to catch. I'm not sure I can drop you two off at the house in..."
But he knew they were both happy where they were.
"You have nothing to worry about, Gohan..." reassured Roshi. "They're welcome to stay a few nights if you'd like."
As he got ready to step back towards their car, he pointed over at Videl and Pan.
"Just don't do anything too crazy, okay?"
Videl nodded while Pan tried gesturing with her hand.
"Okie-doe, Dad."
"Don't you worry, bro..."
Goten snuck up behind his older brother and slammed his hand onto his shoulder.
"I'll watch out for them."
Gohan pat him on the shoulder in return.
"I really appreciate that, Goten."
"It's already starting, Trunks. Even if Pan were to wake up right this second fully healed, it would be impossible for her to survive this battle, zenkai or no zenkai."
After the Supreme Kai of Time made her point crystal clear, Trunks had to face the facts.
"She's right. Raditz powered up beyond his limits almost cost Pan her life... and her opponents here not only outclass Raditz, but if given the same power-up, would be leagues above. As she is now, she'd stand no chance."
He desperately tried to think of a way around this.
"...'as she is right now.' Wait... that's it!"
"Is there any way you can delay the change? Slow it down to a crawl?"
"I'd have to give it my full attention... but I could do that."
"How long could you halt its progress?"
"At best ...a week."
His frustration was hardly concealed already, but after hearing this, Trunks turned his back to the Supreme Kai of Time knowing he couldn't hide it anymore. He tried muttering as quietly to himself out loud as he could.
"...that's it?"
But the Supreme Kai of Time still heard him and already he lamented not saying it in his head.
"Look, I'm sorry Trunks, truly I am, but if I do any more than that, I'll be completely drained and that'll threaten this whole city."
Someone entered into the Time Nest, but his entrance and presence went undetected in the moment as Trunks turned back to the Supreme Kai of Time.
"I didn't mean it. I just... I brought her here to defend time and now with this change to history coming already, all I can do is lead her to the slaughter."
The Supreme Kai of Time looked over to see the man approaching, but Trunks was too caught up with what he was saying to notice.
"The enemy has us in the worst spot possible: days to train that will do nothing to win this battle to protect history. I just feel so... hopeless."
He finally noticed a familiar figure's shadow and turned to see...
"...Hale?"
He gave a respectful bow to the Supreme Kai of Time, then to Trunks as well.
"Forgive my intrusion. I arrived to update you on matters, but I just overheard you two discussing the current situation."
"...and?"
"I might have a solution. It won't be easy and it'll take most of the city's power to do it... but it's the best shot we have."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Hyah!"
Four year old Pan, donning an orange gi, chopped at the air while Videl watched over her in similar attire.
They had been training with Master Roshi, as well as Goten, over the course of a year as often as they could. While they never quite spent an entire week there since they didn't want to leave Gohan by himself at home, there were times where they were so in tune with the training that they stayed over instead of flying back.
Tomorrow was going to be a big day for Videl: the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament. Ten years ago in the 25th, she had just discovered ki and was only beginning to dabble with it. But now thanks to Roshi's tutelage, Videl's basic understanding of it had more than evolved.
In spite of pleading to join it, Pan was told by both her parents that she had to wait until she was older. While disappointed, she still kept at her training all the same and was excited to see how her mother would do.
"Pan. Goten."
She stopped what she was doing and faced Master Roshi while Goten did the same nearby.
"What is it, Mister Roshi?"
"You've both made much progress. Now it's time to see first-hand."
He pointed over to one of two makeshift rings and Goten and Pan both knew what he had in mind. Little Pan looked upward at her uncle.
"Please don't go easy on me. Fight me at your best, okay?"
Goten crouched down to her level and nodded to her.
"You got it, Pan."
As Pan turned back towards the ring, he turned over to Videl and winked to her, signaling he wouldn't go too far in their spar. Videl, meanwhile, had been called over to the ring next door by Roshi.
"You, Videl, have a simple task: hit me."
The four stood, three of them waiting for Roshi to give the signal to begin...
A stamp of his cane on the ground could be felt by everyone nearby: all three knew that it was time.
As her mother swung and kicked at Roshi, whom swerved to avoid them or moved his limbs to block them, Pan found her efforts against Goten being met with the same results: nothing landing thus far.
Goten knew from his training with her that Pan packed a punch for one so young and small. Even as he appeared to guard her with ease, he knew her hits would leave a mark if he let his guard down. But he knew he had to get on the offensive at some point and leapt backward into the air.
Pan pursued him on foot, then saw her uncle crashing down with a chop. She blocked it, the hard dirt floor beneath her cracking after the impact. She could barely hold back his one hand with both arms, but as partially frustrated as she was, she got exactly what she asked for: Goten challenging her.
He swept, forcing her to hop upward, where she saw a fist coming right for her. She blocked, but was still sent flying backward...
...right in the middle of Videl and Roshi's spar. Both caught a glimpse of her from the corner of their eyes. By the time they did, they were too caught up to move out of the way...
Except Pan didn't collide with either: she was floating in midair right between them. She didn't remain long and flew back, not wanting to keep Goten waiting.
After Roshi ensured she made it back to her ring, he realized Videl had just been standing there.
"You waited for me. Why didn't you go for a hit?"
"It would've been poor sportsmanship."
As much as Videl saw the opportunity, she didn't think it fair to take advantage of the interruption to achieve that goal.
"Good," replied Roshi, adjusting his sunglasses, then putting his hand out to her. "Now hit me."
During this conversation, Pan flew right into a guarding Goten with a flurry of punches. The first forced him off his foot, then the rest made him float backward as Pan continued forward. The ring they stood in before appeared to shrink as the two continued flying farther away.
Roshi stopped a sweeping leg with his cane, then rotated it to block an elbow. What Roshi initially assumed to be a claw-like strike coming for his forehead instead took hold of his cane's handle, Videl's other hand charging with ki.
He ducked from the ki blast, but then found himself being lifted off his feet by a two-handed hoist of his cane. As she swung Roshi and his cane downward towards the ground, he let go of it and bounced off the ground with his hands. As she pursued him, Videl tossed his cane outside the ring.
Goten decided it was time to return and pushed Pan back with a thrust of air. He zoomed back to the ring, then as he turned his head, saw Pan raising a fist toward him, and readied his own...
In the same instance Pan struck Goten on the cheek, she too was. Goten remained standing where he was while Pan was struck out of the ring.
Videl could practically feel this happen nearby and her first instinct would've been to leap out of the ring right then and there, but she knew Roshi would stop her before she could. To that end, she struck harder and faster. Seconds later, one blow glanced off his fist, the next snuck under his arm, and then a swerving kick towards his face failed to hit his nose...
...but put a crack in the center of his sunglasses. Videl, not even realizing this, went for another kick until she saw the two halves of the glasses fall downward, exposing the eyes they hid.
"Well done."
He pulled out another pair of sunglasses to replace the fallen one.
"Go on. Tend to your daughter."
With his permission, Videl ran over towards Pan, whom covered one of her cheeks with her hand and was being tended to by Goten.
"I'm sorry, Videl. I didn't mean to..."
Videl moved Pan's hand, revealing only a bruise. Pan smiled back at him.
"That's okay, Uncle Goten."
The three turned to Roshi, whom congratulated them all for their efforts. Just then, he saw a tiny cut on Goten's face from the one punch Pan landed.
''Young Pan has only trained with me for a year, but like her uncle and parents, she has so much potential.''
Even though it was the middle of the night, Pan found herself restless in the guest bedroom of the Kame House. She snuck out of bed, careful not to make a sound that would wake her mother.
As she made her way to the kitchen, she thought about maybe floating up to the counter and reaching into the cookie jar...
"Master, please reconsider..."
Goten speaking from outside.
"I told you I would not change my mind about this."
Roshi as well. She slowly walked towards the opened front doorway.
"But I've improved so much..."
"Yes, you have... but my decision still stands."
She hid behind the door, the breeze hitting her face as she could better hear the heated argument.
"What is this about, Master? I've done everything you've asked. I've followed all the rules you've laid out. So why can't I enter the tournament tomorrow?"
"You're far stronger than your father was at your age... and that is the problem."
"The problem is that I'm too powerful?"
"Your power comes from genetics! As naturally gifted as your father was when we first met, he still endured tough training before I allowed him to proceed. My training simply hasn't pushed you as much as it pushed him."
"The tournament wouldn't be a challenge, so I'm not going, is that it? You never did that for my father."
"You're right, I didn't. But it has to be this way."
Goten had always tried to be respectful towards his father's old master and mindful of what he had to say, but in that moment...
"This isn't fair, Roshi!"
He raised his voice and pointed right at Roshi, who didn't take this lightly, pointing his cane right between his eyes.
"Mind your tongue!"
As both waited for one of them to escalate things further...
...both heard a sneeze from behind the door. Pan had tried to cover the noise with her hands, but she realized soon after that her cover was blown. She slowly revealed herself, acting inquisitive about the situation.
"Are you two okay?"
With young Pan in their presence, both faced her, changing their expressions to happy ones and with one arm over the other's shoulder.
"Oh yes, of course. Master Roshi and I were just..."
He looked over to his master, then back to Pan, trying to keep the same look and tone.
"Pan, I'm afraid we won't be going to the tournament tomorrow."
She was somewhat surprised at this.
"Why not?"
"Well..."
Roshi interjected.
"Goten and I have very important errands to run."
"What kind?"
"Well, you know, Pan... martial arts errands."
"Don't worry: we'll still be able to drop you and your mother off at the tournament."
The flimsy excuses were obvious to her adult self now, but as a kid, she bought it entirely.
"Now go on to bed, Pan. Wouldn't want you sleeping through your mother's matches tomorrow, now would we?"
"Okay, Mister Roshi."
There Pan was with friends and family watching the tournament. The first few matches almost seemed to blur together in her memory, but she definitely recalled the semi-final match.
A large man with a mustache and braided ponytail brought his fists down onto Videl, but she stopped them with her wrists. Even then, she seemed to struggle with keeping them upward for long.
Worried, Pan shouted from the crowd.
"Come on, you can do it, Mom!"
Videl's opponent began to grin, believing himself to have the strength advantage and just seconds from bringing her down. Videl, gritting her teeth, tried lifting one of her legs off the ground.
By the time her opponent saw what she was doing, she kneed him in the chest. This allowed her to better redirect his arms, then trip one of his legs. Off-balance, Videl managed a punch to his face, knocking him onto his back.
"That's it, Mom!"
Once the man got back up, he jumped upward in her direction. Seeing this, Videl stepped backward, but suddenly fell onto her back.
Now confident in victory, he went for a falling double axe chop. Pan was terrified at the sight of this.
"No, no, no... WATCH OUT!"
She almost covered her eyes when she saw Videl putting her palms on the ground behind her, then lifting herself off the ground. Just as her opponent realized this...
"OOF!"
He was struck by two feet to his stomach, forcing him off his feet. Flipping herself backward, Videl launched him outside the ring, where his back struck the wall below the spectators.
"The winner by ring out... Videl!"
Pan hopped upward, ecstatic and clapping her hands until Gohan caught her.
"She did it, Dad! Mom did it!"
"Indeed, she did."
He sat down with her on his lap as the final match was underway. Bulla, sitting on Bulma's lap next to Gohan, was also excited at what she did.
"Wow, Pan. Your Mom is awesome."
She realized her mother was right there.
"Uh... you're awesome too, Mom."
Bulma thought nothing of the earlier comment and put her arms around Bulla to keep her still. Gohan realized a seat between Bulma and the teenage Trunks was still empty.
"So... Vegeta got held up?"
"I told him he could come if he wanted. I suppose... even now, it's just so hard on him to be here."
Young Pan didn't know the context, though adult Pan understood it perfectly now.
"And now for the final match. First up, our savior against Cell and the champion of four consecutive tournaments..."
A familiar set of boots hopped into the arena.
"Hercule Satan!"
In the time between first becoming champion and holding the title three more times, his afro began to bald slightly. Even then, he still kept the same poise while the crowd shouted "Hercule" repeatedly.
"And his challenger: the champion of the 24th Junior Division and who had not been seen in the ring since the 25th tournament until today. Hercule's very own daughter..."
Pan's mother jumped into the ring in similar fashion.
"Videl!"
She turned to see her husband and daughter cheering her on, then looked back to her father.
"This marks the very first finale between a parent and their child. This will be a match for the ages."
Hercule didn't appear nervous at being her opponent, but instead appeared prideful: his daughter beat the odds and made it to the finals.
"Hey Dad..."
He gave her his full attention even as the crowd continued chanting his name.
"Let's both fight at our best. No holding back."
"I couldn't agree more."
As Videl and Hercule both got into position for their bout, Pan turned to her dad looking somewhat unsure.
"Will Mom be okay? Grandpa Hercule beat Grandpa Goku, right?"
Trunks budged in.
"What? That fight was completely...!"
He received a glare from his mother and quickly changed his tone.
"I mean... the battle between those two was absolutely amazing. I hope this one's just as incredible."
Gohan put both his hands over Pan's shoulders.
"If your Grandpa Hercule's that strong, I think your mother's pretty strong herself."
Videl took on a stance based on her time with Master Roshi as Hercule had both his arms flowing in front of him.
*GONG!*
As they sprinted towards each other, Hercule and Videl filtered out all the noise around them: they might as well have been fighting in complete silence.
Once they arrived at the center of the ring, they both took a step forward with their left legs, then readied their right fists for a swing. Both landed the blow as intended, but also received a hit to the face.
"Our first hits of the match: two simultaneous punches!"
Both remained on their feet and swerved to the side, preparing for an immediate counter-attack. A chop by Hercule and a knee by Videl, followed by a haymaker and roundhouse kick. None of them landed as they anticipated each other's moves.
Changing tactics, Hercule ran in for a grapple, but saw Videl jump right over him. As she turned in midair for a downward kick, Hercule grabbed hold of her leg and swung her downward. Before the impact, she landed on her hands first, then flipped backward towards the edge of the ring.
Both wiped off sweat from their brow, then grinned to each other before cracking their necks.
"With neither landing a blow, what could they be planning next?"
They remained standing still...
"Wait, where did they go?!"
The announcer lost track of them.
"I think I see them!"
For a split-second, the two could be seen throwing out rapid punches. Then they were gone again in a flash. There they were on the other side rapidly kicking, but disappeared once more.
"We've never seen Hercule or Videl fight this fast before. They're too fast for me to even keep up."
The crowd tried turning their heads, following the sounds of the two battling, only to hardly see any trace of them.
As for the Z-Fighters, they could keep up with their movements. Even when they didn't see them directly, they could sense where they traveled in the brief intermissions between clashes.
"I didn't think Hercule could move that fast," began Gohan.
"But wait..." questioned Pan. "He had to be really fast to beat Grandpa Goku."
Gohan quickly caught what he said and immediately changed his stance.
"Oh, of course your Grandpa Hercule was, but..."
He had to think of something and something fast.
"I think he's moving even faster than he did then."
This comment further excited Pan.
"Wow, really? Then Mom's faster than Grandpa Goku too."
Gohan turned Pan's head back towards the ring.
"Right. Now let's keep watching."
No further questions came from the inquisitive four year old, who focused intently on her mother.
"...faster than a Super Saiyan. Amazing."
Just then, both were plainly visible in the center of the ring, having landed and recieved a punch to the gut. Both stepped backward, one hand covering where they were struck and the other still battle-ready.
Unknown to Pan, but when Videl was younger, around the time she first met Gohan, she believed her father to be slacking off and only getting by on his reputation alone. When she entered the 25th World Martial Arts tournament, she wanted to dethrone him from his title herself, only to be eliminated.
But now, her view on her father had changed entirely: the Hercule she fought was like the same man she saw fight with everything he had to win the 24th tournament. He didn't let his skills wane by lying on the couch watching his old fights or looking at magazines. In that moment, Videl had gained newfound respect for Hercule.
Five minutes passed...
"We're passed the five minute mark and so far, Hercule hasn't attempted his Megaton Punch or Dynamite Kick."
The crowd couldn't figure out the reason, but the Z-Fighters and Videl knew: Hercule was fighting seriously, not showboating.
A kick struck Videl near her forehead. She felt a small drip of blood coming from her eyebrow, but she focused, guarding against a follow-up kick with her wrists. She grabbed onto his foot, then managed to rotate Hercule, sending him spinning onto the ground.
A right hook hit Hercule near the jaw. He rolled out of the way of a punch that left a small dent in the arena's tile floor, then swung his leg to trip Videl. She flipped backward, leaving Hercule to realize his lip had a small bruise.
Another five minutes passed...
Hercule's robe had never been close to any disrepair in a match: his sleeves were beginning to tear and one of his shoulders poked out of it. His cheek took on a very noticable dark purple hue and he scrubbed a dab of blood from his nose with his wrist.
Videl's uniform didn't look as damaged by comparison, but her arms were covered in spots from where Hercule had struck and she had a black eye beginning to form. She had her hand on her nose, which had felt better, then felt a scar forming on her cheek.
"We're now over ten minutes into the finals and both Hercule and Videl have taken and dished out a lot of punishment. I don't think we've ever seen them take more than just a few hits like this before."
Seeing Videl approach him, Hercule began moving his arms in a circle. Once Videl punched at him, he used one to catch her hand, and the other to go for one of his own. Videl caught this intended strike and the two vyed to free their trapped fists. The two gritted their teeth, trying to push one another back.
Pan couldn't tell that Gohan was getting nervous watching this play out. He knew Videl and Hercule would go all out, but he didn't expect to see the two in the states they were in.
Hercule stomped forward, then slipped free just quick enough to strike her side. Both went for a sweeping kick right after and felt a pain in their leg, then themselves landing on their backs.
Both hit the ground with their elbows, then made their way back to their feet.
Ten minutes passed...
The torn shoulder of Hercule's robe now exposed his entire chest, whose bruises were only partially hidden by his chest hair. His forehead and chin were practically purple and his cheek may as well have been an inflated balloon. He just realized that two streaks of blood snuck behind his mustache.
Videl's shoulder poked through her gi and one of her wristbands barely held on by a thread. In the midst of those ten minutes, she felt her nose partially bent and the black eye puffed up, half-blinding her.
"Twenty minutes and both are still standing. How much longer can they keep this up?"
Even Pan finally began to notice just how beat up her mother and grandfather were.
"Dad... are they going to be okay?"
"Of course, honey."
Hercule and Videl charged. Unlike before, they didn't appear to be trying to account for their opponent's movement or to sidestep: both were reaching their limits and just wanted to get in close. At this point, they weren't even blocking or trying to get out of the way.
A punch by Hercule. One by Videl. The two then threw out attacks quickly, only instead of matching and blocking one another, they all got through.
"I think we're close, folks. Hercule and Videl are now on their last legs, trying to get the knockdown first."
A simultaneous punch to each other's chests sent both rocketing back.
"They're both flying backwards! Could this lead to a ring out?"
Both knew they would hit the ground outside the ring if they didn't stop themselves now. Videl put her hand out to grab onto the ground, her fingers scratching into the tile. Hercule tried grabbing onto the tile, but to no effect.
"No, no, no...!"
From the corner of his eye, the dent Videl made from punching the ground earlier. He desperately reached for it even as his feet were already dangling outside of the ring.
Both came to a complete stop with Videl's hand having made a hole in the tile from how hard she dug into it and her knees having hit the ring's side. She knew if she let her legs stretch out now, they'd touch the ground below and she would be rung out.
Hercule stopped, but felt his feet scurrying to avoid tapping the ground. It almost looked like his legs were running in place in a cartoonish fashion.
Gohan peered forward with his glasses and thought he saw...
...just as Hercule climbed his way back into the ring...
"Hercule's back in the ring!"
...one of his boots touched a blade of grass.
"Wait, wait...!"
He gently placed Pan onto her feet, then stood up.
"It's a ring out!"
The other crowd members looked over at Gohan in disbelief.
"You kiddin' me, pal?"
The announcer took notice and looked over at where Hercule was.
"Well, let's see..."
He looked to the grass for any noticable bend in the grass, but as far as he could tell...
"I'm afraid I don't see anything out of the ordinary, sir."
One crowd member turned towards Gohan from the row below him.
"You tryin' to be funny, Four Eyes?! Now shut yer trap or I'll shut it for you!"
Pan didn't take the insult towards her father lightly and floated over to the heckler, pulling him towards her with his shirt collar and raising a fist.
"Nobody talks to my daddy that way, you big bully!"
In spite of his obnoxious attitude earlier, the last thing this man expected was to be tugged with that much strength by a floating four year old. Gohan grabbed hold of her hand, then tried pulling her back.
"No, Pan! Let go!"
"Wait, folks! I don't think Videl can...!"
With a shout, Videl pulled herself upward, her knees still bent like before.
"No, Videl is still in it!"
Seeing this, Pan peered over towards the ring, finally loosening her grip enough for Gohan to pull her backward. He sat her down next to him and pointed to her.
"Pan, you can't do that to people."
"But he was mean to you!"
"Yes, but that doesn't mean..."
Just then, the man, utterly grateful for not receiving a punch earlier, reached out with his hand.
"I'm sorry, mister. I got carried away. I won't do it again."
Pan turned away, her arms crossed at this gesture, but Gohan shook his hand.
"Apology accepted."
"Hope you and your little girl enjoy the rest of the match."
Videl didn't notice any of that transpire: she watched Hercule like a hawk with her eye. Hercule looked to be taking on a running start stance, though from below, his forehead was dripping sweat onto the tile. Videl matched it, also scrubbing her eye to keep sweat from it.
"I think they're both going for one final move here."
Both sprinted, almost giving off roars while doing so. Before they reached the center, they both hopped upward, their leg outstretched for a kick.
Hercule and Videl both took the full brunt of the force on their faces, spitting out while the shockwave traveled through their cheek.
"They've both..."
They slammed to the ground with a hard landing.
"Oh my goodness, folks! Both Hercule and Videl are down, and I'm not seeing either of them getting back up."
Pan didn't like the looks of this at all.
"Oh, no... Mommy! Grandpa!"
Gohan held onto her close even as she began tearing up.
"It's okay, Pan. They're both going to be okay."
"We might have a double knockout here, so..."
He pointed upward, then to the ring.
"1! 2!"
No movement.
"3! 4!"
Still no movement.
"5!"
Videl's eyes opened up and she coughed.
"6!"
She tried pushing herself upward, but could barely lift her back off the ground.
"7!"
Putting her hand onto the ground, she pushed as hard as she could.
"Eig...!"
She finally stood back up.
"Videl's still in it, but no response from Hercule just yet."
She turned to see her father, still not moving one bit. After the announcer cleared his throat...
"8!"
Hercule's eyes shot open.
"9!"
He practically forced his upper body off the ground as he finally made it to his feet.
"Absolutely astounding! No matter how much punishment he takes, Hercule refuses to lose by countdown."
He seemed to struggle, nearly falling backward, but then he used his arms to lean forward. Videl always knew her father was a champion, but this... even now, her father still impressed her.
"You there, announcer!"
He turned to Hercule puzzled at his request.
"What is it, Mr. Satan?"
Videl kept waiting, knowing her father had taken a lot throughout their match and also not wanting to hit him unless he was ready to continue.
It was hard to tell for the crowd from that distance, but Hercule was breathing heavily. The announcer and Videl, however, could both see and hear him clearly.
"I..."
He coughed for just a moment, covering his mouth with his wrist.
"Look, Mr. Satan, you're delaying the match."
"Right, right... just one sec..."
He put his hands over his knees, breathing heavily still.
"Videl... I am so proud of you."
Even while battle-ready, she blushed at this.
"I'm proud of you too, Dad."
The announcer was still trying to figure out what Hercule was doing.
"M... Mr. Satan?"
Hercule took a deep breath, then exhaled.
"I had a good run while it lasted..."
The announcer was finally running out of patience.
"Sir, are you still in the match?!"
He put his hand up.
"I cannot fight any longer. I forfeit the match."
A huge gasp came across everyone in the entire arena: Hercule Satan had given up.
"...and I retire."
An even louded gasp, followed by complete silence at what had transpired: he was done with fighting.
"Folks..." began the announcer, who tried to recompose himself. "Folks, the tournament has been decided. Our new martial arts champion of the world..."
He raised Videl's arm upward.
"Videl Satan!"
Thunderous applause poured from the crowd as Videl put her other hand up as well, a tear of joy falling from her eye: she had finally fulfilled her life-long dream.
Hercule pat her on the shoulder.
"You did it."
Once they had left the arena, Gohan and Pan ran over to Videl. As Gohan hugged her, Pan walked over to Hercule.
"You did good, Grandpa Hercule."
He pat her on the head.
"Thank you, Pan, but really, your mother deserves this moment."
Videl put both her hands out to her daughter.
"Pan, honey..."
She flew into Videl's arms, then felt Hercule and Gohan joining in on the hug.
"Videl," Hercule began. "You're the champ now."
Trunks and Commander Hale both waited for the Supreme Kai of Time to return to them. Both had much to consider regarding their plan in progress.
"Hale, can the training chamber handle it?"
"It will take a considerable amount of the city's power... but it can be done."
He caught Trunks inhaling and taking a deep breath.
"I should be in there with her. I know she'll be given the best help we can offer, but..."
Hale put a hand over Trunks' shoulder.
"We've trained her well, you in particular. She'll..."
The two of them heard several sets of footsteps approaching them. They saw the Supreme Kai of Time.
"Here they are!"
She moved to the side, showing the trio she had brought before Trunks and Hale. One of them decided to speak.
"You really the Trunks from the future?"
Trunks nodded back to the man that addressed him.
"So you've been here since the Cell Games, huh? How's your mother?"
Pan was now seven years old, walking hand-in-hand with her grandfather on her way to the 29th World Martial Arts Tournament.
"So Pan... you nervous about your mother?"
"Why? She's the strongest fighter on Earth."
In spite of his question, Hercule smiled back at her and pat her on the head.
"That's right."
Just then, she noticed her grandfather stopping in his tracks.
"What is it, Grandpa Hercule?"
She then saw what her grandfather saw: Roshi arguing with another older gentleman with teal hair and a black cap. She couldn't hear what they were talking about specifically, but she could tell from the tone and expressions that it wasn't pleasant.
"He's not a friend of Master Roshi."
"No, I don't believe he is."
Next to the man who looked like he had a crane on his head was a massive man in a green robe and hood.
"Is that the tall guy from the last tournament?"
"I'm not really sure, Pan. Maybe..."
Just then, the man turned towards Pan and Hercule, his face unfamiliar to her, but the goatee instantly recognizable to her grandfather.
"... Spo... Spopovich?"