Chapter 7: Reunion
Gohan was at the lookout as the sun rose into the sky. The young man had fun on his excursion into stopping a bank robbery, along with spending time with his old friend Lime. Now however, after a good night's sleep, the saiyan would wait for his girlfriend and her friends to exit the chamber. Not feeling impatient, Gohan stretched a little to occupy his time.
Artemis and Luna joined Gohan, the two of them relieved to see him. Luna was surprised that she didn't even have to use a communicator to have him rejoin her and her friend in time for the senshi's anticipated exit. Dende also joined the group and the little gathering silently enjoyed each other's company. Gohan reached down and petted the two guardian cats. The saiyan then let both of them climb up his gi and perch on each shoulder.
"I take it you had fun Gohan?" Dende asked.
"Yeah I did. I guess I was being too uptight yesterday," Gohan replied.
"You know, there is such a thing as worrying too much. I guess I'm guilty of that sometimes too," Luna added.
"Yeah, I was worried a little about Minako," Artemis replied.
"At least it won't be that long now, I hope that Usagi is alright," Luna said.
"She's in good hands with Piccolo," Dende replied to Luna.
At that very moment, Mr. Popo made his way to the group. The people and cats greeted the genie as he joined them.
"It's almost time," Popo said. The cats took this moment to leap off of Gohan's shoulder and onto the stone floor.
Gohan and the group took that as the time to go to the door. The saiyan waited with baited breath as the minutes continue to pass. Those minutes became seconds, and yet to the teenage half-saiyan, it felt much longer.
The moment arrived soon enough as the door opened. Light came out as six shapes exited the chamber. The group could make out the shapes, but the light from the room kept their full visage from being seen as long as the door stayed open. The group exited and the door shut. Six figures were revealed and it was in fact Piccolo, Usagi, Ami, Rei, Makoto and Minako. The group were clean, as if they wanted to give a good impression upon exiting. Their gi's appeared to be new, as if not to give away how hard the training the senshi went through.
Gohan stood in front and looked over the approaching senshi. One of those girls had a different idea as she locked eyes with the half-saiyan. The girl ran full speed to an unsuspecting Gohan, shocking the others as she tackled the saiyan with a hug. Gohan almost fell down, but was just able to stay on his feet as a certain bun-headed female latched onto him. A smile couldn't help but creep out of his mouth as he returned the girls embrace.
"Gochan!" she cried as she continued to latch onto him.
"I'm here," Gohan simply said.
The other girls couldn't help but laugh a little along with Usagi's antics. The girl got off of her boyfriend after a moment as the girls joined the couple. The group walk out to the open area of the lookout and decide to engage in small talk. Piccolo and the cats watched as the group continued to talk.
"Those girls really progressed," Piccolo said to the cats.
"Even Usagi?" Luna asked.
"Yes, even Usagi. Though she was a bit of a pain at times," Piccolo replied.
The felines couldn't help but giggle at the Namek's statement. Still, all three were glad they were at the lookout at the time and had an alternative way to power if the other four girls couldn't regain their senshi powers.
The group left and the rest of the day was uneventful. Nighttime came and Gohan was on his computer, doing some studying when his messenger app sounded an alarm. Gohan clicked the small icon and it was Usagi at the other end.
"Hello Gochan," Usagi beamed.
"Oh Hi Usako, how are you doing?" Gohan replied.
"Not too bad, though I am looking forward to seeing you at the tournament tomorrow. Good thing Bulma has some aircraft that makes the trip to Papaya Island a breeze," Usagi said.
"See me at the tournament...you're not entering?" Gohan inquired.
"No….though Piccolo likes how I'm doing, I just don't see myself as a fighter in a competition. Makoto and Rei are entering though," Usagi said.
"Well at least two of the girls are in. Though I heard that the tournament is going to have a junior division," Gohan replied.
"Who told you that?" Usagi asked.
"Trunks did, when I told them I was entering. Erasa also told me about it the other day when her and Videl called. Wanted to check on me and see how I was going along with my training. Told me that it was for fighters under 16." Gohan answered.
"Which means Rei and Mako are fighting kids?! Oh no they might run into Trunks and Goten…." Usagi responded.
"Who knows, they might put up a fight against those two. Besides, I think Trunks and Goten need the competition anyway. It would make them want to train more," Gohan reasoned.
"Guess you're right," Usagi said.
Gohan and Usagi talked a few more minutes until Ikuko walked into the room. The mother informed her daughter that it was time for bed. Though she tried to get a few more minutes with him, she knew by Ikuko's tone that it was time to shut the computer off. The two of them broke conversation and Gohan powered down his computer. The boy then covered up and drifted to sleep, looking forward to the tournament the next day.
Gohan met with the girls at their usual spot at the park. Gohan and Usagi were surrounded by the four other girls, two demi-saiyan boys, the Namek Piccolo, a baseball player with an X-shaped scar named Yamcha, Chi-chi, and two felines. The mood was jovial, but somewhat nervous as the group engaged in small talk.
Usagi looked up and saw that Gohan was looking outward. The dumpling-haired girl looked toward the clock and a pair of people approached the group. The two weren't strangers as it was the blue-haired genius of technology Dr. Bulma and Vegeta, the gruff saiyan prince and her husband. Thegroup met up with the couple. After a series of greetings, Bulma lead the group to the transport air van and the people buckled up along the wall.
"Ok we have to make a stop at Kame House. Gotta pick up 18, Krillen, Marron, and old Master Roshi after all. Sit tight," Bulma said before she flipped the switches and the aircraft took to the air.
The aircraft took all of five minutes getting to the small island in the middle of the South China Sea. The craft touched down and there waiting were Roshi, the small man Krillen, the blond girl 18, a little floating cat-man named Puar, the small pig-man Oolong and little Marron in pigtails. Puar flew toward Yamcha and gave him a big hug.
The senshi noticed the little chunky cat-man hug Yamcha and couldn't help but a collective "aww" at the scene. Usagi stepped up and looked at Puar, causing the creature to pause. The girl then grinned at the little changeling and opened up her arms.
"You are so cute!" cooed Usagi at Puar, causing the floating cat to blush a little. The other four girls joined Usagi as they took turns petting his head. Puar couldn't help but giggle as each girl hugged and petted him. Oolong seethed in jealousy, causing those not paying attention to Puar to laugh a little at the pig.
The girls stopped petting Puar after a while and looked at the pig. The pig was ready for his attention, but a certain blue-haired woman stopped that from happening with her voice.
"I'd be careful with that one. He's a big, old pervert!" proclaimed Bulma.
"Damn it Bulma!" shouted Oolong.
"Serves you right!" squeaked Puar.
Roshi was staring at the senshi, snickering a little as the attention was on the two changelings. The old man couldn't help but see the group of what many people would see as cute girls along with the usual crew. 18 noticed this and gave a glare to the old man.
"Try anything and if they don't kick your ass, I will," 18 threatened.
"Damn it 18, you always want to ruin my fun!" Roshi shouted at her, which got the groups attention. The entire group now looked at the cyborg glaring at the old man.
"Master, let's get in the van. At least try not to grab anyone," Krillen told Roshi quietly.
"Ok, ok, dammit," Roshi said.
The entire crew got in the back of Bulma's hover van, with the old man behaving himself. Through Roshi's track record around girls and women, chaos will most likely ensue.
The ragtag group traveled inside the huge hover van for a few moments. While Bulma kept her eyes on the skies, the passengers relaxed for the moment. Krillen was feeling unusually jovial, since as of yet Roshi hasn't tried anything.
"Hey Gohan, how's the shop doing without us?" Krillen asked.
"Well it's going well enough.." Gohan replied.
"But it will be much better when you and 18 return," Chi-chi interjected.
"Ok, ok fair enough.."Krillen replied somewhat nervously.
While chatter was going on around them, Goten was unusually silent. A fact that was noticed by a few people sitting around him, particularly his best friend Trunks. The lavender haired saiyan wasn't used to his friends silence and nudged him on the shoulder.
"You're not talking much today, usually you go on and on about stuff," Trunks said.
"Trunks….what's it like?" Goten asked.
"What are you talking about?" questioned Trunks.
"What's it like having a dad?" Goten asked somberly.
Trunks was stumped by this question. It wasn't often that he had to answer that particular question, let alone from his best friend. Along with Trunks, Usagi also couldn't help but hear Goten's inquiry. The odango haired girl decided to take over for the lavender haired child, much to his relief.
"Well Goten….it's like you have someone else to look up too. Dads tend to know things and would do anything to make sure that we are happy and fed. Also….well I have a lot of things I want to say and..." Usagi replied, struggling to come up with the right words.
"Dad would've trained you and protected you from anything that would've hurt you. He would also teach you things that will help you in the real world. Like in Dad's case how to fish, hunt, and forage for food. Though some dad's have different strengths, the main thing he would do is make sure that you were loved. I'm sure if he were alive and could stay in this world like he was alive, you would have fun with him and learn a lot," Gohan said, bailing his girlfriend out.
"What he said," Trunks proclaimed as if he could come up with the words himself.
"Oh...well you taught me quite a few things like that Gohan," Goten pointed out.
"Many of which I learned from our father," Gohan retorted.
"Whoa!" Goten replied, conveying that what his older brother said made sense.
Chi-chi secretly listened to the conversation her two boys were having, and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Feeling that she did a good job so far at that moment, the woman stayed quiet and just let the situation play out between the brothers.
Bulma however felt that she needed to say something as they were getting closer to Papaya Island. She was looking at her instruments and everything seemed stable according to the various gauges. The bluenette had thought about this statement for a while and she felt it was time to let the group know about a certain subject.
"Ok, everyone listen up. Unless it is absolutely necessary, and I mean if it is the very last option you have for survival...no transformations. No Super Saiyan, no Sailor Guardian, no transformations of any kind. At least in front of a big crowd.
I don't want to deal with any kind of press about the Cell Games of years ago, or the monsters of a couple of months ago. So again, unless Babidi and his minions are just wreaking havoc, no transformations" Bulma said with purpose.
All the people agreed. Vegeta just sat there with his arms crossed, but the rest of the group agreed as to not anger Bulma. After saying the word "good" the craft was getting close to the island.
Papaya Island…
The island was bustling with people. The crowd entered the main gates and people were at various stalls, getting everything from concessions, to t-shirts, to plushies and every other type of merchandise. The natural beauty of the land would've gained much more attention if it wasn't for the hustle and bustle of the people.
Bulma's craft landed and the group exited. All together they made their way to the front gates and Gohan couldn't help but notice the group of sign up tables for the fighters. The other fighters noticed those tables and that there were many hopefuls signing their name to the various lists.
"I guess this is it," Usagi said.
"Yep, wish me luck Usako!" Gohan replied.
The young couple gave each other a peck on the lips, causing minor disgust with the kids. The girls on the other hand smiled at the small display of affection. However, a voice came in to overshadow the couple's little kiss.
"Hello everybody," the voice said.
The group turned around and a figure that looked much like an adult version of Goten, especially with the wild hair, came into the groups view. Chi-chi immediately started producing tears, and many of the group that knew this stranger couldn't contain their childlike happiness. The crew joined the man in the orange gi.
"Dad!" Gohan said happily.
"Goku!"cried Chi-chi as she hugged him.
"Goku, buddy!" shouted Krillen.
"Heya Goku!" shouted Yamcha with Puar grinning over his left shoulder.
"Damn it Goku! Baba did it!" Roshi pointed out.
"Glad your back Goku!" Bulma said
Piccolo, 18, Goten, Trunks, Vegeta and the Sailor Senshi stayed silent for the moment. In that silent moment Usagi observed her boyfriend and others interacting with Goku. At that instant it was as if her brain had a spark of electricity as she figured out where she had seen the man from the Other World before.
"I met him!" Usagi said.
"How did you meet that man….this is our first time seeing him," Ami pointed out.
"It was when Gochan and I were at the moon. He was with that weird creature with whiskers and my past mom. He's his dad!" Usagi pointed out.
Upon her saying that, Goku's attention turned to the senshi and the two kids with them. The saiyan looked over toward the girls and down to the two kids. One of the kids was just taking the moment in, while Goten stood there with his mouth open. Goten stood there froze, not knowing what to do next.
"Who's the little feller! He looks like a lil' me" Goku said in his bumpkin speech.
"Say hi Goten!" Usagi urged.
"H-Hello, my names Goten," the kid shyly replied.
"He's your son Goku," Chi-chi pointed out.
"Ah, welp, don't just stand there Goten, give me a hug!" Goku jovially commanded.
The little Goku had a gigantic smile as he ran up to his father and leapt onto his neck. The kid put his arms around his father and Goku patted him on the back. Goten then sat on the man's shoulder and Goku couldn't help but grin at his son.
"Hey who are you girls. Why do two of you have fightin' uniforms on?" Goku said.
"Because Goku, those two are fighting in the tournament. Or at least the Junior Division," Piccolo said about Makoto in the green gi and Rei in the red gi.
"Junior Division?" Goku questioned.
"Yeah dad, they came up with a junior division since the tournament before the Cell Games," Gohan answered.
"Ah...I guess Goten and little Trunks are goin' to be in the Junior Division as well," Goku said.
"Yes Kakarot! And Trunks is going to win," Vegeta interjected.
Goku looked over at Vegeta and couldn't help but smirk. The dead saiyan knew that Vegeta would be training and want to show off the strength of a Saiyan Prince. The tension could be felt by the entire group as the rivals locked eyes.
"Umm….am I missing something here?" Usagi asked as Gohan rejoined her.
"Yeah, Dad and Vegeta have a bit of a rivalry. Well Vegeta does anyway," Gohan explained.
"Yes and you will be happy to know that your firstborn brat Gohan has kept himself in shape. No thanks to me!" Vegeta pointed out.
"Oh really!" Goku said with childlike excitement. The gesture surprised most of the group.
"Yep!" Gohan replied.
"Well, looks like I might have a fight on my hands with the luck of the draw!"Goku proclaimed.
"What was that Kakarot!"Vegeta yelled in clearly offended tone.
"Hehehehe, Vegeta. I'm sure you'll give me a challenge too," Goku said.
"I'll kick your ass back to Other World! You damned clown!" Vegeta shouted.
"Seems like Vegeta's motivated..."Usagi said.
Goku laughed out Vegeta's outburst and turned his attention to Gohan and Usagi. The saiyan scratched his chin as he looked at the girl beside his firstborn son. A question came to mind from Goku as Usagi waited for what he had to say.
"How come you ain't fightin'. Queen Serenity told me you are really strong," Goku said.
"Well Mr. Son….I don't see myself fighting in a tournament. Besides I don't think they would allow a Moon Rod at the tournament," Usagi replied.
Goku was disappointed at what he felt was a strong competitor not entering. The saiyan with the halo on his head was about to say something about Usagi being Sailor Moon, but at the first syllable Gohan zoomed over and put his hand over Goku's mouth. Goku struggled for a bit as he wondered why his firstborn would do such a thing.
"Only we know that she's Sailor Moon. We can't tell anyone. Understand!" Gohan whispered, hoping that his statement would register in his brain. Goku nodded and Gohan let him go.
"I think we should go and register before it's too late," 18 interjected.
Goku looked over at the woman and recognized her instantly. The saiyan did freak out and pointed at her. His jaw was slackened by who he saw.
"It's Android 18!" Goku said.
"Yes Goku, and she's my wife," Krillen interjected.
"You mean you live in the same house as her!" Goku said surprised.
"Yep, and we even have a kid," Krillen said as a little girl came up to the two of them.
"My names Marron," the girl introduced.
"Hmm...she looks like an adorable girl version of you Krillen," Goku said.
"How about I explain the details to you while we go to the sign in table," Krillen suggested.
While Gohan and the other people made their way to the sign up tables, Usagi and the one's that would be on the sidelines walked toward the entrance to the stands. Before the little group got to the entrance however, Ami noticed a woman with long, dark blue hair with a blond-haired, small boy. Usagi and Minako turned toward where Ami was looking and as they got close, the woman noticed and turned her attention to the group.
"So you've made it Usagi," the woman said.
"Yes mom! I didn't know you and Shingo were going to be here!" Usagi said with a surprised tone.
"Actually dad gave us a couple of tickets he had gotten from work. He's here taking pictures of the fights," Shingo said.
"Wow, I had no idea that someone would have him so far from Japan," Usagi said.
Ikuko couldn't help but look over the group. It was as if she noticed that someone was missing but did not want to bring it up. However, Shingo had no such filter and sometimes was prone to mischief.
"Say, where's Gohan?" Shingo asked.
"Oh, he's entering the tournament. He's at the sign-in tables," Usagi replied.
"And I'm sure he's going to get his butt kicked," taunted Shingo.
"Why you little! My Gochan's going to whip them all!" shouted Usagi.
"As if!" Shingo added.
Usagi growled and clenched her fist. Unbeknownst to her however, a faint glow surrounded her. Wind swirled around her and spun around her as she became more angry. Ami and Minako, along with Chi-chi and the rest of the group, noticed this and the two girls went to both sides of Usagi.
"Calm down Usagi," Minako whispered.
The girl wound up listening to that voice and took a deep breath. The wind stood still and the glow disappeared. Usagi noticed that her brother had his mouth opened and was shaking with fear. The boy was too slack-jawed to say anything else to his sister.
"Shingo I.." Usagi said.
"How about we just go to the stands.."Ikuko said, unsure what to think about what just happened. The mature woman couldn't fathom Usagi's display and she couldn't think if what she saw was real.
"Mom..." Usagi said.
Ikuko didn't hear as her and Shingo made their way to their seats. Usagi couldn't help but think she had scared her mother and brother and the girl began to shake. Bulma however made her way to the shaken girl and stood in front of her.
"Don't worry about those two, I'm sure they will come around. Though Usagi, you need to be careful with your anger. You could actually gravely injure someone without realizing it. That's one thing that having power like you and Gohan have must be careful of. Understand!" Bulma said, the first sentence with assurance and the others with serious emphasis on control.
"Bulma's right on all of it, as she tends to be most of the time," Yamcha interjected.
"Yeah, I guess Ikuko has to deal with it like I have with Gohan and Goten for years. Though I wouldn't make it a habit young lady!" Chi-chi said with the emphasis on the second sentence.
"I could help you with your...control!" Roshi chimed in, his hands pressing against his face.
Bulma and Chi-chi knew Roshi's little gesture to Usagi. The "puff-puff" gesture earned a hard punch from both women. Roshi hit the concrete with a thud. Yamcha and Puar laughed, while the three senshi just stared at the scene.
"Grandpa Roshi get's hit all the time. It's funny," Marron chimed in.
All three girls couldn't help but giggle at the little girl's statement. Roshi picked himself off of the concrete and had two distinct fist marks on his face. The old man staggered his way a bit before regaining his footing and put his sunglasses back on his face.
"I guess I had that one coming," Roshi said.
A/N: Goku's back, only for 24 hours though. Will Shingo and Ikuko be able to process what they saw with Usagi? Will there be preliminary fights or will it be a punching machine? How will the Junior Division go?
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