58 Hours until the Tournament of Time
"Eyes on me, peons. I'm only going to say this once."
Lord Beerus marched back and forth across the carpeted floor of Bulma's living room. He had arrived less than five minutes ago, and immediately demanded that Goku, Vegeta, and whoever their chosen third participant was, come to the Capsule Corporation with haste. Given the evident enthusiasm Goku had demonstrated thus far; Beerus had no doubt that three warriors had already been recruited as required.
"The Grand Zeno's, in their infinite wisdom, have decreed that our Universe 7 will represent our timeline in the first ever multi-multiverse Tournament." Beerus clicked his heels together and faced the three Saiyan's sat on the couch before him. "You three numbskulls are going to be taking to the spotlight in front of every being and deity with any inkling of worth across multiple realities, and you'd better believe that we are going to wow Grand Zeno so much he might just be tempted to kick our mortal level up the chain a bit!"
Goku laughed, Vegeta huffed and Gohan gulped.
"Now, first order of business." Beerus monitored to the ever attentive attendant Whis stood nearby; a ruler in his hand and a drawing board to his left, which came pre-made with a sixteen-man Tournament bracket depicted on it. "Before you Saiyan's go off to beat each others faces in in your poor definition of training, we are going to sit here, collect our thoughts, and form an effective strategy so at least one of you will make it through to the finals!"
If Goku didnt know any better, he'd say Beerus seemed extra testy this morning.
"If we're going to get that far we'll need the best this universe has to offer. So having said that, why are you on the team, boy?!"
Gohan straightened up as Beerus addressed him directly, unused to being the receiver of the God's temper. Gohan was thankful when his father answered for him.
"Gohan volunteered, Lord Beerus! I told him about the Tournament first thing, he even said yes before Vegeta!"
"You asked him before me, you idiot!"
The half-Saiyan sighed as the two beside him began their usual bickering. Several hours ago after his little talk with Pan, which had somehow ended with her convincing him to put his name forward towards the Tournament, Gohan had discreetly asked his father to teleport to every other fighter they knew who may have held an interest in competing; mainly to make sure everyone had an equal opportunity of putting their own names forward, but also to entertain the small possibility that someone else could take Gohan's ill fated space on the team.
Alas, it was not to be.
Goku had of course confirmed Vegeta's place first before anyone else; who predictably said yes immediately after hearing that Goku was going to compete.
Next he tried Broly, only to promptly return with a reddish mark on his face curtesy of Cheelai. Apparently it was still the middle of the night on Broly's world and they did not appreciate Goku just dropping in. Broly had said no.
Then was Piccolo's turn, who chose to spectate after finding out Gohan had apparently said yes already.
Goten and Trunks refused to sign up if the other couldn't, and considering Gotenks technically counted as two people, neither young man wanted to risk bending the rules and risking Zeno's wrath.
Uub had at first been eager, but ultimately decided he wasn't ready for a contest of such magnitude.
The rest of Earth's fighters considered themselves far too outclassed to even consider participating.
It was considered pointless to even ask Android 17 given his reluctance to leave his island.
Buu was asleep.
And Goku had to be reminded that neither Hit nor Jiren were members of their Universe.
Ultimately Gohan realised, he pretty much had no choice but to enter the Tournament, especially considering he had already told the only other warrior on Earth who really wanted to participate that she wasn't allowed, and he had no intention of letting her do so. The quater-Saiyan in question was currently accompanying the group at her own insistence, sprawled out on another sofa with a plate of Mrs. Briefs' cookies at her side.
Gohan had practically been forced to suggest a compromise with her at his father's suggestion, if only to cheer her up a bit.
"And why is the girl here again?" Beerus grumbled, pointed a finger in Pan's direction, who paused mid cookie.
"She's second backup," Gohan answered.
"She's second backup?!" Beerus exclaimed, one eye twitching. "Why do we even need backups? There's no way in Hell you two would drop out." He motioned to Goku and Vegeta. "Who's first backup?"
Gohan rubbed his neck. "We... don't have one yet," he said lamely.
Beerus was blinking rapidly. "Why do I associate with you people?" He sounded genuinely confused. For a moment he actually wished Frieza hadn't of been put down for good some years ago now.
After the incident with Majin Buu almost leaving their team a man down at the last Tournament, it was decided by Goku that backup replacements were needed up until the moment the Tournament of Time was underway... and at the moment Pan was the only other fighter they had at their disposal.
Gohan had refused to let her be first backup however.
"Now now, Lord Beerus, settle down," Whis interrupted, tapping his ruler on the board like an annoyed school teacher. "You yourself convened this meeting to discuss strategy, might I suggest we get back on track?"
After rubbing his face with both hands, Beerus snatched the plate of cookies out of a stubborn Pan's grip and laid out on the third couch that decorated the room. "Oh very well, you boy!" He gestured at Gohan, who shot up from his seat. "If we're going to have to make due with you, you're going to pull your weight!" Beerus' look gradually relaxed from fiery to smouldering. "Our performance at the Tournament of Power was partially, leaning on marginally, the result of your leadership, and while these fights may be randomised and one-on-one, there's enough combined experience between the three of you for us to establish some basic ground rules that may just tip the scales in our favour."
Flicking his tail towards the board in a prompting motion, Beerus nodded when Gohan stepped up to and began to analyse the board. After several moments he turned with a hand in his hair, apparently ready to say something.
"This is pointless. It's one-on-one, we'll just beat down our opponents before they even get a chance to think."
Beerus would have leapt up with a scream if Gohan had not of immediately retorted. "I wouldn't advise that, Vegeta. These are going to be fighters from timelines specifically chosen by Grand Zeno, and both of them are more than aware of how strong you two are in particular." Gohan crossed his arms and turned back to the board. "Since we have no idea who or what we'll be up against, it's probably best to overestimate rather than underestimate our opponents' likely power levels. I'd wager they'll be around Super Saiyan Blue at minimum, otherwise the two of you would just power through the rounds, and Zeno would know that.
"That doesn't mean you two should need to start off at full power from round one though, unless completely necessary you should stay at around Super Saiyan 2 to keep your power as high as you can whilst retaining stamina. On that note, you should just avoid Super Saiyan 3 entirely, Dad. If you burn yourself out going one-on-one you're as good as beat, and since ring-outs aren't an option, maintaining stamina alone is going to be half the battle and our main focus should be to keep our opponents down however we can to force a loss." Gohan began to pace, lost in his thoughts as he began to visualise battle scenarios. "Blue also gives you the advantage of concealing your energy. You two probably don't realise anymore since you can sense it, but your divine energy in those forms is a massive advantage over those that rely on sensing energy to keep track of their enemies, if backed into a corner you each should... What?"
Having looking up, Gohan became rigid as he noticed that every pair of eyes in the room were fixated on him. Some laced with shock, others with interest, and in Goku's case; pride.
"Well carry on, brat!" Vegeta exclaimed, having actually leaned forward. "You actually had something interesting to say for once!"
- DB DBZ DBS DBGT -
It had been close to two hours later before they had finally been able to leave the room.
Gohan was currently leaning on the railing of the balcony overlooking the Capsule Corp garden. The group's discussions, debating, and borderline arguing had given rise to a number of strategies each Saiyan would employ during the course of the Tournament. Goku and Vegeta knew how the other fought well enough to give each other some suggestions, mainly in relation to conserving energy. Gohan didn't have that luxury, seeing as he barely understood how his power worked himself.
Whatever the Old Kai had unlocked within him all those years ago had caused a substantial change he was still struggling to come to terms with to this day. Gohan could go from nothing to full-power and back in a heartbeat, without the necessity of needing to go Super Saiyan to multiply his strength. He may have briefly lost that power, but ever since Piccolo had literally beat it out of him, it now looked as if it was here to stay.
Adding to the equation was whatever his Beast form is…
Gohan couldn't rely on divine energy, or multiple transformations, or an undying urge for battle as his father and Vegeta could, but he was still a seasoned warrior; and taking on an opponent one-on-one was well within his comfort zone.
Despite everything however, Gohan still felt himself releasing a heavy sigh.
He knew he was powerful; but there was no way he would go far in this Tournament.
Goku and Vegeta had been on par with each other for practically his entire life, and while in recent years Gohan had managed to narrow the gap somewhat, the fact still remained that the two full-blooded Saiyans possessed a natural tenacity to fight and win and if necessary, die in battle. A state of mind Gohan simply couldn't and never did have.
Gohan wasn't going to win; he just didn't want to let everyone down doing so.
"No fair, Pan! You said no Super Saiyan!"
"I lied!"
Gohan leaned in with smile as Pan and Bulla went back to exchanging punches in the garden below; both now taking on the golden aura of Super Saiyan. They had been at it since the strategy meeting had finished; Pan wanted to blow off some steam and Bulla wanted to partake in her daily workout, although Gohan could easily sense the frustration behind both their blows.
Gohan had ultimately relented in allowing Pan to be second backup to the team... Vegeta had drawn the line at Bulla being third. He told her she was lucky she wasn't fourth.
Yet they still had no first backup, much to Beerus' chagrin.
It was obvious that neither girl was truly satisfied with the arrangement; Pan far more so than Bulla. While Bulla was undeniably disappointed, that was more to do with her feeling left out instead of wanting to actually fight. To Bulla, fighting was just a hobby; a hobby she was undeniably rather skilled at. To Pan, fighting was a passion she'd inherited from her lineage, which became more than evident when she began to overpower Bulla in both strength and style.
Like their duo of an Uncle and Brother before them; one was a year older, and thus a year more experienced.
The Saiyan girls were now facing each other, each showing various signs of dishevelment. "Is the Princess mad I scratched her face?"
"Speak up, Pan! I can't hear you from down there!"
Ooh no Gohan face palmed. She went for the height.
Pan may have been a year older than Bulla, but she was still a full foot shorter, and she was all too aware of it. She shot back into the fight with a roar, and the two were at it again.
"Heh heh, Bulla better be careful, Pan might finally be able to ascend if she keeps teasing her about her height!" It was his father's voice approaching from behind. "That would really piss Vegeta of though! He's mad enough already that Pan went Super Saiyan first."
Gohan lifted his gaze towards Goku at his right, his forearms also now resting upon the railing. "I think level one's enough for now, Dad," Gohan simply said in reply, before shifting his own eyes back to the fight. "They've both got plenty of time to train themselves up, no need to rush things."
Since he was looking forward, Gohan missed Goku nodding his head. "I guess so. You went Super Saiyan 2 around their age didn't you?" Goku held a hand to his chin with a smile on his face. "Man... That was so much power for someone so young, hopefully those two can match it."
Hopefully they'll never have to Gohan thought grimly. He remembered the first time he ascended all too well. It had not been pleasant. To most of his friends, the Cell Games was practically ancient history having occured almost twenty-three years ago, to Gohan it was a reoccurring memory and on occasion; nightmare.
As Gohan looked down to Pan yelling attacks, shouting taunts, and laughing loudly, he knew, if she was ever to be forced into the position he had been in when he was her age; that would be his ultimate failure. As long as he breathed he would not allow that to happen, and as long as he was strong enough, it would never have to.
His thoughts were brought full circle, and Gohan once again reflected on the fact that he would be severely outclassed in this Tournament, as he always was.
"What's up, son?" It was his father's voice again, straight and to the point. Gohan looked back at him, and was startled by the firm but still kind expression he was met with. "I can tell by look you're giving me that something's on your mind." Goku allowed himself to smile. "You never did have a good poker face."
Gohan allowed himself to smile in turn. He considered himself too old to bottle things up anymore. "You and I both know I've got no chance of going far in this Tournament, Dad. Lord Beerus said it all." Gohan sunk lower in his lean. "I'm going to lose and embarrass myself in front of everyone... I don't want Pan to see that."
Expecting to be met with his signature laugh or an honest dismissal, Gohan was almost shocked when his father placed his hand on his shoulder. "You think anyone's going to care if you win or lose, Gohan?" He sounded almost inconsiderate, but Gohan didn't have the chance to respond. "If Lord Beerus really didn't want you to compete, do you really think he would even let you? He trusts you to fight just as much as me or Vegeta." Goku patted Gohan twice before he withdrew his hand. "And I don't think you need to worry about what Pan or Videl or anyone else thinks about you Gohan; because I know you wont let them or me down. You never have."
Mouth slightly agape, Gohan considered his father's words carefully; he didn't often speak with such conviction, and whenever he did, Gohan knew it was in his best interest to listen. "You're going to give it your all, son, you always do." Goku's eyes shined. "Frankly, you play your cards right, and that wish is as good as yours."
Unable to tell if he was genuinely serious or just pepping him up; Gohan chose to smile and nod. His father always seemed to know what to say when necessary.
Gohan may not win the Tournament, but that didn't mean he was going to lose.
With nothing else to say, the father and son turned back to the squabble still occurring below them. Pan was currently complaining about the chokehold she was in being 'illegal.'
For just a moment, nothing else mattered.
Next Time: A familiar timeline revealed.