Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball.

Betaed by: Zim'sMostLoyalServant and my best friend.

LAST TIME ON DRAGON BALL IJ:

The attack on the Red Ribbon Army's High Command began. And went strangely well for our heroes. Commander Red, having played all his best cards, could do nothing to halt the advance of the terrifying trio of Goku, Launch, and the vengeful Bora.

With his army either robbing him or deserting him, Commander Red let slip to Staff Officer Black his true wish. Disappointed by the motive, Black took out the trash himself. Spared by our heroes, Black surrendered the Dragon Balls and departed. It seemed the Red Ribbon Army was finally finished.

But for our heroes the goal of reviving Upa remained out of reach. For the final Dragon Ball cannot be detected by the radar, and Bulma is unavailable on her own journey. But Master Roshi had a solution, to consult the all-seeing Crone Baba.

But the old master seems to be hiding something as they arrive at the seer's desert palace. What awaits out heroes in this plush lakefront property?!

Find out now! On Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter 19

Baba's Price

Fight for Life!

"This way, this way. Heheheheh," The ghost guided the six down the path, and opened the door for them.

"If you need to use the toilet or wash up or anything, now's the time," he said as they made their way through a sparse parlor.

No one said anything, so they walked straight through the building onto the bridge connecting the outbuilding to the main structure.

"It is pretty. Uh, there aren't any lake monsters in there, right?" Mai asked, taking in the view of the lake shimmering in the desert sun.

"No, Ben's on vacation right now," the ghost said. Mai gulped.

"Good to know," she said.

"And now, meet your hostess," the ghost said, leading them into the main dome. There was no furniture on the ground floor, save for candles atop stands besides all four doorways, they could see with blue flames burning on them. And more concerning, skeletons standing in pairs at attention, with spears flanking each door.

And in the center, a little old woman dressed like a witch, complete with pointy black hat to match the robes and with faded purple hair. She glared at them while giving a wicked smile, displaying many absent teeth. All while sitting atop a crystal ball nearly twice her size that was floating a short distance off the floor in the room's center.

"Well, well. Aren't you an unexpected group. So many, so young," she cackled. While the others watched, Goku went up close to her, never stopping.

"Hi, are you the all-seeing bone?" he asked.

"That's crone, not bone, idiot!" Baba snapped at him.

"Hey, watch it, I'm the only one allowed to insult him," Launch said, stepping forward.

"Wait," Bora said, stepping forward. Pulling his spear off his back slowly, he laid it on the ground and sat on the floor, bowing his head.

"Greetings, Uranai Baba, I am Bora."

"I know, I am all-seeing, you know. But thankfully, I can still be surprised," Baba said, smiling at the man in an unreadable way. Bora took a breath and asked his question.

"These people have come here on my behalf; I apologize for any offense they have given. We seek the final Dragon Ball so that my son Upa can be revived. The honorable Lord Muten Roshi tells us you have the power to find it."

"I do indeed. And it's good to finally have a polite petitioner. I usually get either rich people who think they can just flash money and order me around, or brutes who think they can muscle their way into their desires. Your parents did a good job raising you," Baba said.

"You honor my tribe. Will you then help us?" Bora asked eyes still on the floor.

"Certainly. That will be ten million zeni."

"What?" Bora said, raising his head.

"She's asking for cash?" Yamcha asked.

"Cash indeed. I have no use for checks, and certainly no patience for credit. Though I will take payment in gold and diamonds, but nothing else; appraisals are too bothersome."

"Is ten million a lot?" Goku asked.

"Roshi, you still have that diamond?" Launch asked.

"It wasn't worth that much! Besides, I've been spending that money to pay my bills for students and my move," Roshi told them.

"Well, I don't have that much money! My boss charged 'me' for rent and food," Mai said.

"Uh, maybe we could call Bulma?" Yamcha asked.

"Forget it, she's off the grid; besides, that's a lot to ask from a friend," Launch said.

"Is there nothing else we can offer?" Bora asked Baba.

"Of course. I'm greedy and bloodthirsty, as Roshi no doubt told you. If you can't pay for my services, you can win them by fighting," Baba told them.

"Really? But you don't look that strong," Goku said.

"Not me, you dimwit! As Roshi seems to be playing it dramatic and not telling you youngsters enough, I'll explain. I have a great many fighters in my employ here. If you can't pay me, you play my little game instead; if you still want me to divine a location for you. The game is simple, five challengers against five champions of my choosing. Since Roshi's no doubt going to chicken out under the guise of testing you, it will be all five of you young warriors."

"So, we all have to fight?" Mai asked. Baba shrugged before explaining.

"That depends. This isn't a tournament like the Budokai; each fighter keeps going until they are defeated or quit. Once you're out, you're out, no matter if you're defeated or quit. So, there's nothing saying one fighter might not wipe out the opposing five, or that everyone gets a turn. The fights are the basic fighter rules. Fights go on until knocked out, rung out, or dead. You can wimp out whenever you want by making the seal of surrender or stating you give up. Weapons can be used if both parties agree. And once we begin, no substitutions for you challengers; your starting five are all you get."

"Wait, so you can pick your champions as you go after seeing what we can do?" Yamcha asked.

"That's right," Baba chuckled.

"Lady here has a racket going," Launch grunted, nodding her head.

"Yeah, Baba's all about enjoying the spectacle of battle. She'll bend the rules to her favor without a second thought if she thinks it will make the fights more fun for her to watch," Roshi lamented.

"Sorry, can't hear you over all that whining, Roshi. If you don't care for my rules, then leave."

"No way, we promised Bora," Goku said.

"Yeah, I'm not wimping out," Launch said.

"I will face any foe for my son," Bora said.

"I'm eager to put my skills to the test," Yamcha declared.

"…I can't say no! Mr. Bora's story is so sad," Mai declared, punching her palm.

Roshi nodded as Baba floated backwards toward the opposite doorway.

"Then it's agreed, you five challengers against my five champions. Follow me to the first arena," Baba commanded.

X X X

Soon they stood beside the large fighting ring that took up most of a grassy terrace in the palace.

"Well then, go ahead and select your first challenger. But remember, they'll have to fight until they lose or win it all. Tag them out and they're out for the game," Baba reminded them.

"I'll go," Goku said.

"No!" Everyone said.

"Goku, you're probably the best fighter here. We need you to not get worn down," Yamcha told him.

"Agreed, I will go first. Upa is my son, after all," Bora said.

"Actually, I'm pretty sure I'm the weakest here, so I should go first?" Mai spoke up, raising her hand.

"It's true that Baba likes to escalate as things go," Roshi told them.

"You sure, rookie?" Launch asked.

"No. But, well, I'm training to get stronger, so that means not just being a bystander, right? And if I lose, it's no great loss to this side, is it?" Mai gulped.

"Tick-tock, even immortals have better things to do with their time than listen to this," Baba broke in. Mai stepped up onto the ring, sweating a bit in the bright sun but not looking back as she walked into it.

"Well, that's a rare fighter, isn't it? Hmm, should I change things a bit on my end? Nah, let's see how this old-fashioned prude fares against a twist on a classic. You're up, Drac!" Baba shouted, joining the others on the sideline.

"Drac? Uh-oh," Mai went wide-eyed, looking around.

A bat flew down from somewhere, squeaking. Mai squealed at the sight, affecting a pose like a woman in an old movie startled by a mouse. Then in a puff of smoke, the bat vanished, being replaced by a very lean man with spiky hair, pointy teeth, and large bagged eyes. Who was, oddly enough, only wearing red boxing shorts and matching boxing gloves.

"Bwahahaha!" he yelled, hopping about from foot to foot.

"What a lousy-looking vampire," Launch stated. Drac stopped on one foot to glare at her.

"What's a vampire?" Goku asked.

"Cool, powerful monsters with pale skin and silky dark hair that wear badass capes and cloaks and maybe a bit of jewelry, with suits or armor. This palooka wouldn't be able to get service at a Wacdonalds," Launch stated.

"Everyone's a critic," Drac spat. Mai, for her part, took a breath.

"You're right Launch, I was expecting some hypnotic charmer in a silk cape that would steal my innocence away. But this is clearly a bottom-rung vampire, he probably has to use blind dates," Mai said. Drac flat out scowled now.

"Okay, this is my job, but I'm going to enjoy this. Face the wrath of my fists, shallow girl!"

Drac swung out with a right hook, which Mai blocked with her forearm. She started at the stopped blow and stepped back.

"Got a bit of training, eh?" Drac asked.

"She's wearing the Kame School uniform, Dracula," Baba pointed out, unimpressed.

"Well, let's see how you handle this!" Drac said, backpedaling to get some distance, then charging. His pulled back fist was a feint, Mai catching the kick and throwing him off balance. Her fist sank into his cheek, and he stumbled back.

"I'm, I'm doing it! I'm winning a fight, and I didn't even need a gun!" she cheered, throwing up her arms.

"Knock those pointy teeth out!" Launch yelled.

"Go for it!" Goku cheered.

"He's not done yet, be careful!" Yamcha called.

"Getting cocky, try this on for size!" Drac said, and with a puff of smoke he turned into a bat and flapped at Mai, whose hands flew to her head.

"Eeek! He's going to get in my hair!"

Baba and the others watched with growing sweatdrops as the fight degenerated to a shrieking Mai being chased around the arena by a squeaking bat.

"Really Roshi, this is what passes for a student of your school these days?" she asked.

"Oh, put your crystal ball in it, she's only an initiate. What's his excuse?" Roshi snapped back.

"Nothing, actually. Drac! This is not entertaining me, make a real move or you'll be getting a pay cut!" Baba yelled. In a puff of smoke, Drac changed back, and watched the still running Mai, who had closed her eyes at some point. As she dashed by Drac, still shrieking, he leapt, grabbing her under the arms and wrapping his feet around the taller woman's waist.

"Keekeekee! Now for a nice drink!" Drac said, baring his fangs.

"He's going to suck her blood!" Yamcha cried out.

"Eeek, no! Mouths are too dirty!" Mai yelled. Jumping backward, she landed hard on her back, stunning Drac, who let go. Then Mai raced off and tripped, falling out of the arena onto the grass.

"Ring out, at least it's over," Baba deadpanned, raising a hand.

"…Ouch," Mai said weakly, as Launch walked over to give the other woman a hand up.

"Do I still get some of her blood?" Drac asked, getting to his feet.

"No," Baba told him, "Next victim!"

"I'll go, Mai's my training partner, I will avenge her defeat," Yamcha declared with a raised fist.

"Oh Yamcha, that's so sweet. But I really don't like you like that," Mai said, blushing a bit. Yamcha flinched a bit.

"Well, I didn't really… thanks for the clarification, I guess?" Yamcha said, stepping up into the arena. Launch laughed and slapped Mai hard on the back, making her pitch forward and hit her head on the edge of the arena.

"…Whoops," she said to the glare from Roshi as she picked up the dazed junior student.

"So, is there a count?" Yamcha asked, focused on his opponent, who was chuckling, watching him.

"Just this, begin! And I hope you prove better sport than that girl was," Baba declared.

"Keekeekee! I can tell you have more skill than the opener, pawns go in first?" Drac asked.

"Forget that, I'm your opponent now, and I have no intention of losing to a gimmicky fighter," Yamcha said.

"Keekeekeeeee! I do love breaking the haughty ones. Youngsters are the best!" Drac said, before charging. Yamcha grabbed his fist as he jabbed and twisted, tossing him into the air. Drac grinned as he tumbled in the air, a puff of smoke and he turned into a bat.

"Forget something!?" Drac cackled. Yamcha leapt up next to him.

"No. Wolf Fang Fist!" Yamcha said, reaching out and grabbing the bat as the first move of his combo.

The bat smacked into the ground, bruised and battered, and with a puff of smoke turned back into groaning Drac. Yamcha landed foot first on his back, making him cry out.

"You done?" Yamcha asked.

"Grrr, I didn't even get any blood out of this," Drac gritted his teeth but nodded, making the sign of surrender.

"Don't whine, you won a fight, so you get a bag of the transfusion blood as per the contract," Baba told him. Drac took the offered blood bag from the hat-wearing ghost as he stalked off, grumbling as he went.

"Bah! Bag blood is always second-rate. No matter how fine the vintage, it can't compare with fresh from the artery."

Baba watched him go, rolling her eyes before turning her gaze back to Yamcha.

"Not the most entertaining fight, but I suppose Roshi hasn't lost his touch entirely with training. So, am I to assume after that fight you are able to continue on?" she asked Yamcha.

"Of course, bring on the next champion!" Yamcha said, displaying a thumbs up.

"Yamcha has gotten stronger," Goku grinned.

"He is a formidable warrior, but it seems we must expect all our opponents to be more than human. We must be cautious, young Yamcha," Bora called out from the ringside.

"Don't worry! I learned from a little boy with a monkey tail to not take my opponents lightly, however they look," Yamcha said.

"Heh, that was a sweet beatdown. But someday I'll need to get a proper telling of how you two met. Robbery gone wrong, right?" Launch said, sitting by the ringside next to Mai, holding an icepack on the other woman's head.

"I don't knock out easily, but even when it's only dazed, it still hurts so much. Can martial artists wear helmets?" Mai asked no one in particular.

"Nah, if you want a helmet, you'll need the full sentai outfit, with armor, capes and everything," Launch told her.

"Oh, would I be pink or yellow?" Mai wondered.

"Probably green," Launch grinned.

"What!? Girls can't be green! That's for the moody cute guy with pretty long hair!" Mai objected, blushing.

"No wonder Yamcha likes training you Mai, you're easy to fluster. Hilarious," Launch chuckled.

"What are they talking about?" Goku asked Roshi and Bora. Bora shrugged his shoulders.

"Beats me, just pay attention to the fight," Roshi said.

"Good advice, begin!" Baba said.

"Huh, but my opponent isn't here yet," Yamcha said, looking around. Baba cackled.

Roshi frowned.

"Beware, Yamcha, your opponent has arrived!" Roshi called out.

"No spoilers, you old coot!" Baba yelled, shaking her fists.

"I don't-" Yamcha said, before he stumbled, spittle flying as if he'd been right-hooked. Then he bent over like he was punched in the gut.

"What?!" Yamcha choked out.

"What is this?" Bora demanded calmly.

"It's Mister Appear! An invisible man! No matter how you look at him, ya can't look at him. Baba recruits fighters to gift with old school horror themes. She gets a kick out of it," Roshi yelled.

"So she gets a kick out of old movie monsters beating people up? That's quite the kink," Launch said. Mai reddened and clasped her icepack, which was deflating as her head melted it. Roshi and Baba sweatdropped, barely noticing Yamcha get the feet swept out from under him.

"That's not what it's about, young lady," Baba objected.

"Hey, no need to be embarrassed, old people got needs too. Just, it does make this whole thing feel a tad, dirty?" Launch speculated.

"The dirty in my family all ended up in that failure pervert over there," Baba insisted.

"Failure?!" Roshi objected.

"You are related?" Bora asked. Yamcha cried out and hit open air behind them, before being struck over the head.

"Brother and sister, actually," Roshi admitted, surprising everyone. Even Yamcha, who in his moment of surprised distraction took another punch to the face, prompting the invisible man to laugh.

"She and I have never gotten along. As kids, it was always arguing over what we could and couldn't do in the communal space, what stalls sold the best pickles, and who got to do the day's crossword in the newspaper. And when we pursued our different passions, I offered my services to the world as I sought self-improvement, while she used her skills to get rich and doesn't hardly do anything without demanding payment, no matter how much loot she hoards."

"And you forget, in my day I was quite popular with the men, while from being a dirty boy to a dirty old man, you've had all the luck of a man trying to roll a seven with one die."

Launch laughed, while Roshi reddened. A splash drew their attention back to the arena, with only Bora having watched the fight. Yamcha pulled himself out of the water, another shiner forming to match the one he'd come here with.

"Now look what you've done, Roshi! I missed the fight, and it's all your fault!" Baba yelled, pointing.

"My fault!? You're the one who couldn't just let Launch's joke slide! I only got involved because you dragged my good name into it!"

"You only have a good name because people are too stupid to remember how much garbage your personality is!"

"Old hag!"

"Senile codger!"

"I'm seeing the resemblance," Launch remarked, smiling.

"So, they're like us, brother and sister?" Goku asked her.

"No, I think what we have is almost normal compared to them," Launch said, as the two seniors practically screamed in one another's faces.

Bora stepped into the arena.

"I will go next," he stated.

"Ohh, now we're talking," Baba said, turning her back on Roshi to watch the arena.

"Hmm, it will be interesting to see this man fight. He's clearly had training, but not in any martial arts school. And I can tell just by looking, his power is only rivaled by his durability and stamina," Roshi said.

"Go get 'em, Bora!" Launch cheered.

"Be careful, if he was only good for being invisible, Yamcha wouldn't have lost!" Goku shouted.

"Where am I? I smell water, did I win the day spa pass?" Mai asked, sitting up.

The invisible man laughed.

"Well, the bigger they are, the harder they fall! If you think mere brute force can win the day for you, you're in for a rude awakening, friend," the unseen man taunted.

"May we begin?" Bora asked Baba, ignoring his unseen opponent.

"Quite, begin!" Baba commanded.

Bora stood still, eyes closed. Nothing seemed to be happening in the arena.

"Huh, what's going on?" Goku asked. Yamcha nodded, standing next to Mai, who seemed mostly recovered.

"Bora's trying what I tried, to use his hearing to detect the invisible man."

"Well, it didn't work out for you obviously," Launch commented.

"How was I supposed to hear him over all that yelling?" Yamcha pointed out.

Then Baba started to sing, what sounded like a jingle about herself.

"Does she have commercials?" Mai asked. Even Bora, they saw, was flinching at the horrid sound of the old crone's singing.

Bora's body trembled at the impact of a punch. Then a kick to the back of the legs. Suddenly they witnessed what could only be a flurry of jabs across his torso.

"This is no good," Roshi said, "Bora may be tough, but he can't win by attrition alone."

Then Bora's right hand shot out like a striking viper, grabbing something near his groin.

"An ankle," Bora stated.

"Uhhh, I'm not here?" the invisible man gulped. Baba stopped singing to facepalm.

Bora tightened his grip and stayed stoic and silent as he swung the unseen fighter up and smacked him down onto the tile floor of the ring. Six times.

Bora released the grip on the unseen legs and put a large foot down on what seemed like empty air.

"Do you yield?" Bora demanded coldly.

His only answer was a pained gurgling moan.

"We'll take that as a yes. Not a very thrilling fight. But that was a very amusing finishing move," Baba chuckled.

"Man, she isn't shy about it being her own people getting pounded for her jollies, is she?" Launch said to Roshi.

"Nope, Baba has many employees, not many friends," Roshi stated.

"And how many friends do you have, not counting current and former students!? And Turtle doesn't count, he can be everyone's friend!" Baba called.

"Can't you go deaf already, you hateful hag!?" Roshi shot back.

"Unlike you, I won't go deaf because I have a paying job and it includes a very nice medical bundle. Now, it seems both teams are down two fighters. Though the most impressive so far isn't one of Roshi's, unsurprisingly."

"I am ready for my next opponent," Bora said.

"Patience, you'll get your next fight. But not here, the next match will be in the Devil's Toilet," Baba grinned.

"Did you have a stint in pro-wrestling? Cause I'm getting a wrestling vibe from this," Launch asked Baba as they followed her down the walkway connecting the arena to the furthest part of the palace.

"No, just a fan. And I decided to make the good parts real," Baba answered.

"Neat," Launch said.

"It might be if she didn't only hire heels," Roshi cut in.

"Oh, go lose a race with a turtle," Baba said as they entered the building and quickly followed her down a staircase.

Author's Note:

And we are back. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and the start of the Baba arc.

Long days and pleasant nights to you all.