My Life's Stranger Than Yours
Encroaching Dillema; Fighters Gathered
The next day, Gohan and Videl were assembled on the roof of Orange Star High, the latter seeking vital assistance from the former in regards to the dilemma of her upcoming trial alongside her friends from Nerima.
"And that's basically it." Said Videl as she finished her story.
"Man…you've got your work cut out for you, don't you?" Gohan replied.
"That's putting it mildly. Videl despaired. "We know Baba's not going to let us take the challenge if one of you guys join us, so where are we supposed to find a fifth fighter strong enough?"
"Did you ask your Dad?" Gohan suggested.
"Gohan get serious!" Videl snapped.
"I am. Mom, Krillin and the others may make jokes, but your Dad is still a real fighter, isn't he?"
"I know, but I don't think Dad's strong enough for this thing. Remember, this is something Krillin and your Dad did before." 'And he lost to that creepy kendo guy.'
"Yeah you're right…still it may be worth it to keep him in mind."
Videl sighed. "I guess our only hope is that Ranma or Akane can find someone because I think we're at a loss."
As soon as her vocal thought ended, the two were interrupted by the sound of ringing and vibrating. "Speak of the devil, that's Akane right now!" Videl read the name on her phone.
"Hello?"
"Videl, we have our fifth fighter!" Akane gleefully exclaimed.
"Wait, seriously? Already? How!? Who!?"
"You'll find out on the weekend. I can just assure you that it's someone we can rely on!" Akane teased.
"If you say so. I'm looking forward to meeting them!"
As a snickering Videl shut her phone off, an intrigued Gohan approached her. "I…take it that was good news?"
"Putting it lightly again Gohan. Akane found us a fifth fighter!"
"Really? That was quick and convenient."
Videl shrugged. "She did say she and Ranma knew some potential options. I guess it was just a matter of picking the right one. She didn't say who it was, but we'll head out to meet them tomorrow.
"Wait, we?" Gohan perked up.
"I know you're just as curious as I am, and I don't think Baba would mind if you just came to watch us fight."
Gohan flashed a bashful smile, confirming Videl's statement. It didn't take long however for his expression to switch to serious, but rational. "So there's only a day until the challenge. Videl, are you sure you're ready for this?"
Videl hesitated in her response. Any other time she'd respond immediately with overwhelming confidence. This time however, she replied, "Honestly…I'm not sure. The fact that this is something Goku and Krillin had to do before has me both worried and intrigued. I just…wish I had a little more time to feel more prepared."
"Hmmm…"
"What is it Gohan?"
"I wonder…do you think Ms. Cologne planned for this?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that I think Ms. Cologne is intending for whatever trial Baba has to be some kind of test for you."
A look of deep thought fell on Videl's face. "I never thought of it like that, but it makes sense I guess."
"Then you should also know that cramming the night before isn't the best way to prepare," Gohan proclaimed.
"Of course, our resident brainiac has to make things academic." Videl sighed.
"I was being metaphorical," Gohan defended. "My point is you probably shouldn't worry about what you could've done differently. It's best to just use what you've learned so far and do your best."
'A lot of good that did me last time…' Videl thought sarcastically. "Thanks for the vote of confidence Gohan, but either way, I think I'll just head straight home anyway."
Gohan nodded. "I understand. Best to conserve your energy."
With a small smile, Videl ascended waving Gohan off before he did the same. As the two parted, Gohan couldn't help but think of a potential solution that had long since been lost.
'I almost wish Piccolo hadn't destroyed the Time Chamber…almost,' he thought with a small sigh of relief.
[Later that night]
"Hyaaaaagh!"
An intense Videl furiously launched a ki infused kick against a sandbag, blasting it apart and splashing sand all over the in-home gym.
'Hmmmmm…That's not good enough…' Videl mused. Looking down at her hands, she pulled them to her sides and focused her energy. Throwing them forward, she merely released a slow, yet large ball of energy that crashed into the wall, leaving a sizeable hole.
'It's STILL not working!' Discouraged, Videl laid down on the floor staring up at the ceiling. "What is wrong with me?" She'd been down here for a few hours, desperately trying to polish off her new techniques as well as finally try to perform another one. Specifically, one that Gohan had promised to show her the basics of.
[Flashback]
"Solar Flare!"
"Ggh…!" Gohan quickly shielded his face from the bright light before pulling out a pair of sunglasses from inside his shirt. When the light finally died, he flashed Videl a pleasant smile.
"Congratulations Videl, I think you've got it," he praised.
"Okay…but how exactly is this supposed to be useful?" Videl sharply replied.
Gohan chuckled as he removed the shades. "Trust me Videl, this move will save your skin at least once in your life."
"If you say so," she half sarcastically sighed. "Now for the next part."
"What next part?"
"You said you'd show me the basics on how to do the Kamehameha!"
Gohan sheepishly put a hand behind his head. "Well…you're probably going to hate me for saying this but…"
"Gohan, if you say I'm too weak to use it, I'm going to…!"
"That's not what I was going to say!" he quickly cut her off. "I was actually going to say that there's not much for me TO show you because the Kamehameha is just as basic as it looks."
Videl gave Gohan a dumbfounded look. "Wait…are you serious?"
"Pretty much. Just concentrate your energy, do the correct stance, charge, aim, then fire. It's that simple."
"If it's that simple, then why haven't you shown me how to do it before!?" Videl snapped.
"Because…!" Gohan quickly silenced himself, remembering Videl's earlier threat. Thankfully, she put his nerves at ease when she acknowledged her own faults. "I get it. I wasn't strong enough back then, but I am now, is that it?"
With a relieving exhale, Gohan nodded.
"Well, in that case, let's give it a go."
Planting both feet firmly on the ground, Videl channeled her energy as much as she could. Cupping her hands together, she pulled them to the side of her waist, channeling her energy and after hitting her maximum thrust her hands forward only to release a large ball of energy as opposed to the magnificent beam she expected.
"Uhhh Gohan, what'd I do wrong?" she asked flatly.
"Nothing but…" Gohan paused.
"Don't say it…I get the picture."
[End Flashback]
Videl narrowed her eyes at the memory. In the end, it didn't matter whether she learnt the move or not because she still lost. She could perform Cologne's technique with extreme ease now, even perform it with her legs, but she knew she'd need to learn more powerful techniques if she hoped to go anywhere as a fighter.
She had considered asking Gohan to help her with the Kamehameha or a similar move again, but she decided against it considering she'd only have a day to learn it, and despite whatever anyone would say about her penchant for learning ki attacks, she knew she wouldn't be able to master a move like that in just one day. Besides, if what he told her before was true, then there was really no point. The fact was, she just needed to build her body up to a greater level; nothing more, nothing less.
As she imagined herself performing the Kamehameha, she thought back to the fight with Ryoga. The fact that he could so easily fire off a powerful energy blast like Gohan and the others just irritated her. She recalled the final moments of their battle.
Videl had attacked Ryoga with a powerful combination attack that ended with her concentrating her energy and attacking with a double handed strike. Now that she thought about it, in that moment she'd instinctively done a motion similar to the Kamehameha when she attacked Ryoga, and it seemed to be pretty effective.
'I wonder…?'
Springing back to her feet, Videl tried to replicate the sensation she felt back then. In a few seconds, her shirt began to flow, displaying her full power. Cupping her hands together, she pulled them aside and focused her energy in her hands. Taking a deep breath, Videl forced her hands forward and the room erupted in a bright blue flash.
"Gwaaah…!"
THWASH!
Shortly after, a frantic Mr. Satan came darting into the room followed closely by Bee and Buu.
"What was that!?"
As the trio entered, they came face to face with a large cloud of sand and dust blowing in their faces. "Videl!?" Mr. Satan called out.
"Rarf!" Bee trotted into the room, sniffing the floor. Finally, he came across the obscured form of a person and began licking at their face. A female voice began laughing as she picked herself off the floor.
"Bee, stop! I'm fine!"
"Videl!" Mr. Satan boomed as he caught up to the dog. "What on earth have you been doing in here!?"
"Just trying to perfect a new technique," she shrugged. "Though it kind of…blew up in my face…literally…and we need another sandbag down here."
Mr. Satan crossed his arms. "I'll take care of the bag, but whatever kinda light trick you was doin' better help with cleanin' this place up."
Videl sighed. "I'm on it."
Some moments later, once Videl had finished sweeping up all the discarded sand, she decided to try her hand at the move one more time. This time, she'd change the procedure a little bit. This time, she formed her own ball of energy between her hands before bringing them to the side. The color of her ki began to change from yellow to blue and as she thrust her hands forward, the ball expanded in size before once again bursting apart in a flash of light and fizzling out into a brilliant display.
Videl took knee as her body finally began to feel the effects of her continued use of her energy, but then she took a glance at her hands. 'Hmmmm…it's not the Kamehameha…but I might still be able to use this.'
[The Next Day]
After a completely average uneventful day at school, the Z-Duo found themselves in the streets of Nerima once again, on their way to the Cat Café. Finally, the pair arrived at the restaurant's curtained entrance, with a closed sign in front of it.
"Well, here we are. Who do you think the final fighter is?"
"Only one way to find out." Nodding to each other, the duo stepped into the Cat Café to find Ranma, Akane, Shampoo, and Cologne.
"Ah, so you finally made it," the elder Amazon greeted. "And I see you've brought Gohan with you."
"What happened to, 'She won't let him take the challenge?'" asked Ranma.
"Oh I'm just here to watch," Gohan explained. "Whatever Videl told you about Baba not letting me join you in the challenge was true."
"Hmph," Ranma crossed his arms. "I wanna hear it from the old witch herself."
"Fair enough, but remember, you owe me 20 zeni once she does." Videl giggled.
"Speaking of, where is your fifth fighter?" asked Gohan. "Is it Mousse?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot about him!" Videl beamed. "This is about an Amazonian relic right, so it makes sense that he'd have some involvement in this too, right."
Shampoo nodded denying the couple's theory. "Duck Boy only come with if real fifth fighter no show up," she replied.
"So, if it's not Mousse…?"
Fwip!
"Right on cue."
Turning back towards the curtain, the pair came face to face with yet another familiar figure. Specifically, a girl with long, brunette hair clad in a blue uniform, black stockings with a large, flat metal stick tied to her back.
"Ukyo!?"
Sure enough, the okonomiyaki chef returned their surprised reaction with a wave. "What's up you two?"
"Glad you could make it Ucchan," Ranma greeted.
"After you asked so nicely Ranchan, how could I refuse?"
The Z-Duo both turned to each other then back at Ukyo. "Wait, you can fight?" asked Videl.
With a snicker, Ukyo grabbed her signature giant spatula and swung it menacingly towards them. "You didn't think this baby was just for frying dough, did you?"
"Hehe…It certainly looks like an effective weapon," Gohan chuckled as he shyly retreated from the large tool.
"Okay, so Ukyo's our last fighter. That's all well and good, but why couldn't you have told me this last night?" asked Videl.
"We weren't entirely sure she'd accept," Akane replied. "We kind of had to promise a favor to get her in on this since she wasn't too keen on working with Shampoo."
Videl raised an eyebrow. "What kind of favor?"
"Well…"
Cutting Akane off, Ranma began explaining. "To make a long story short, we kinda said you and your old man would help advertise her shop a little. Tell some friends, maybe take a couple of pictures, that sorta thing."
Videl sighed. "Okay, that shouldn't be a problem, with but PLEASE don't make any more promises on my behalf before I even know about them."
"Sure thing," Akane confirmed.
"Well now," Cologne interjected. "Are we all ready to depart?"
"Yeah!"
[Moments later]
Videl's iconic aircraft, flew after a costumed Gohan who was flying manually ahead of the jet, with the map in hand. Though Ranma and Akane were already used to it, Ukyo and even the Amazons couldn't help but marvel at the Gohan's flight speed. The fact that he could keep up and even surpass at times, a vehicle like Videl's jet was nothing short of astounding. Before long, the group found themselves in a vast desert region before finally coming across a dome shaped palace with varying connecting buildings all surrounded by water.
"There it is! I see it!" motioning for Videl to follow, Gohan descended into a dive and the jet hovered above him before landing slowly before the main entrance. Dismounting the jet, Videl quickly joined up with Gohan while the Anything-Goes Heirs and diehard chef took in the sights.
"Looks pretty fancy," noted Ukyo.
"I'd probably enjoy it more if there wasn't so much water," Ranma complained.
"Ranma, whining isn't manly!"
"Yeeep!"
"Gotcha," Akane snickered, pleased that her impression of Nodoka was still top notch.
Bringing up the rear however, was Cologne and Shampoo who slowly stepped past the trio of sightseers to join up with Gohan and Videl who were also ahead of the pack. "If you children are done lollygagging, we should get moving."
As the group stepped towards the entrance, they were quickly approached by a peach colored 'wisp' in a straw-hat.
"What's that!?" Akane yelped.
"Some kinda ghost?" suggested Ranma.
Before the guessing game could continue, the floating ball spoke out. "Come in! Ms. Baba is expecting you!"
The group followed the spirit into the palace where they were met with the shriveled face of a smirking old woman in a witch suit on a crystal ball. "Welcome."
"Hello Baba," Gohan greeted.
"Hmhmhm, always one to mind your manners, aren't we Gohan? And I do believe it's been quite a while since we've last met, hasn't it Videl?"
Videl could only give a sheepish chuckle and wave as Baba floated past the couple to meet with Nerima fighters. Ignoring the young group of girls, Baba floated over to Cologne who was perched on her staff, matching Baba's eye level.
"Speaking of long time, no see, look what the tigress dragged in. Cologne you old mummy, it's been way too long."
"It really has been years, hasn't it you withered old crone," Cologne snarked.
"It could've been much shorter if someone would've bothered to leave her number you wispy old Ghoul."
Cologne narrowed her eyes into a mischievous smile. "Watch it, only Son-in-Law can call me that."
'Huh…guess the old lady does care.'
"Son-In-Law eh? Seems like I missed QUITE a bit in the years since we've last met."
"You don't know the half of it, but we'll have to play catch up some other time."
"Of course. Although…" Baaba glided over to Ranma. "I take it this scrappy young lad here is your 'Son-In-Law'?"
With a shudder, Ranma took a cautious step back. "As-!"
"As if!" Ukyo interjected clutching onto Ranma's arm. "I'm the one Ranma's marrying!" she proclaimed.
"Spatula Girl let go of Shampoo husband!" Shampoo shot back doing the same.
As Ranma froze up (with a steadily steaming Akane right behind them), Baba let out a hearty chuckle. "Ohohohohohoho…it has been a long while since I've seen a good old-fashioned love triangle…or is it more of a love quadrangle with that young lady back there too?" she motioned to Akane.
Akane merely crossed her arms while Gohan whispered in Videl's ear. "Are they always like this?"
"I don't know. I knew Ukyo had a crush on Ranma, but I've never actually seen them squabble like this…and why isn't Akane doing anything?"
Gohan only shrugged before Cologne cleared her throat. "Well, now that you've been acquainted with my Great-Granddaughter and our associates, let's talk business."
Baba nodded and motioned for the group to follow. Before long, they arrived at a rounded ring and surrounded by water.
'How the hell do square tiles make a circular ring?' thought Ranma.
"I take it you're here because you wish for me to divine something, and since I know you can't afford my usual prices, you're planning on taking my challenge, aren't you?"
"Ever astute, aren't you?" Cologne replied.
"Before we continue, Gohan."
"Yes?"
"You aren't intending to fight are you? If so, then we can hit the brakes on this whole deal."
Before Gohan could answer, Cologne interjected. "Oh you needn't worry about him. These five young ladies here will be the ones to take on your warriors."
"Five?" Baba raised a curious eyebrow. There are six youngsters here, and out of them, I only count 4 young ladies."
"Ms. Tendo?"
A mischievous grin grew onto Akane's (and the other girls') face as Ranma's expression grew fearful. "Akane, don't you…!"
Ignoring his pleas, Akane grabbed the pigtailed fighter by the collar and chucked him into the lake.
"Waaaaaaah-!"
SPLOOOSH!
An irritated Ranma poked her head out from beneath the surface of the water. "That was unnecessary!"
"What in Kami's name…!?" Baba gasped.
"Jusenkyo old friend, Jusenkyo."
Baba's eyes widened at Cologne's simple explanation. "So the tales of the cursed springs are true. Very fascinating indeed," Baba floated over Ranma examining her as she climbed out of the lake.
Once out of the water, Ranma stormed over to Akane and exclaimed, "Okay, what's the big idea!?"
"The big idea Ranma, is that this is supposed to be a girl's only ordeal," Akane answered.
"A fitting group to search for an Amaon relic, is it not?" Cologne interjected with a snicker.
"When was that decided!?"
"Yesterday, but you were too busy stuffing your face with ramen to listen," snapped Ukyo.
"Then how come Gohan's here!?"
"Rice boy no fight, he only watch."
"Basically, Gohan's gonna be our Tuxedo Mask for the day," giggled Ukyo.
"Who Mask?" asked Gohan.
"But wait, does that mean I'm Sailor Moon?" asked Videl. "Aww, but Jupiter was my favorite."
"Fly girl too short to be Jupiter."
"Excuse me!?"
"Well look at it this way, Jupiter never actually got a boyfriend and you did, so you've one upped her. Though personally, Mars was my favorite," added Ukyo.
"I kinda like Uranus and Neptune best," added Akane. "Though I swear, if anyone compares me to Mercury they're going to get hurt!"
The discussion went on for a few more moments as the two old women looked on with nostalgic sighs. "Ohhh to be young and impressionable."
"You said it you Crone."
[Minutes later]
Gohan and Cologne stood to the side while the 5 young girls stood before Baba. "Now, before we get started, allow me to lay down some ground rules; First, you're allowed to fight in any order you see fit, however the same person CANNOT fight two battles in a row …with a couple of exceptions that I'll get into later. Second, once someone loses, they can't fight again period, so choose your order carefully."
"What about those exceptions?" asked an impatient Ranma.
"Let me finish and I'll tell you!" Baba snapped. "As I was saying, you complete the challenge if you defeat all five of my warriors, now about that exception…"
Baba paused as the group of girls listened intently. "As I said before, the same person can't fight twice in a row, and losers can't fight again. The first exception to the first rule is, of course, if you're the last woman standing. The exception that applies to both is…" Baba paused again and pointed to one of the girls. "…You."
The other four girls turned towards the one in the center of their position revealing the 'special' girl to be none other than Videl. "Me?" Baba nodded.
"Wait, are you giving Videl some kind of special privilege because you know her personally?" accused Ranma.
"Yes and no. While it is true she get's a special perk, whether or not it's a privilege or not is…debatable."
"How so?" asked the Champ's daughter.
"Keeping into account the rules I've placed, no matter the outcome, the fifth and Final Fighter HAS to be fought by you before anyone else."
"Well that's most unexpected," snickered an intrigued Cologne.
Videl gave Baba an incredulous look as she tried to figure out what was to come, as was Gohan. 'Master Roshi said the fifth fighter was a dead person who's allowed to come back to life for a day…if that's true then that means Baba probably has a specific opponent set for me. I'm all for specialized challenges, but…'
'Why would she go through the trouble of picking someone for Videl specifically to fight?'
"I see you're wracking your brain, thinking of what's to come. Don't forget, you and these friends of yours have to make it to the fifth fighter first."
Videl's expression turned to one of confidence. "I'm a lot stronger than when we first met, and these four are in a league of their own. We'll make it all the way, right girls?"
"Yeah!"
"Ohohohohoho, I like your spunk ladies." Baba giggled. "Now then, who's going first?"
The girls took a moment to consider before huddling together. "Okay, so taking what the witch said into account, we can all agree Videl's not taking this first match right?"
"Right."
"And taking what the old man told us about her fighters, the first one is supposed to be some kind of vampire?"
"Wait, what!?" Ukyo exclaimed.
"Oh yeah…you weren't there for it, but we met the witch's brother and she gave us a rundown of what to expect. He said the first fighter was a vampire." Explained Akane.
"A vampire huh…" a mischievous grin grew on Ukyo's face. "In that case, leave this one up to me."
Breaking the huddle, Ukyo stepped forward into the ring and 'unsheathed' her giant spatula. "Well, we've got our first challenger," beamed Baba. "Oh Fangs!"
From the domed palace, a single bat flew out. Ukyo's initial confusion was soon replaced with determination as the bat transformed into a pale, lanky, spiky-haired man in boxing garb.
"So that's the first guy?" Ranma mused. "Doesn't look like much."
"Yeah. I think even my Dad could take him," Videl noted. 'Although, he'd probably be too freaked out because vampire.'
"Hey wait a second…if he's supposed to be a vampire, shouldn't he not be able to be out in the daylight?" Akane pointed out.
"Blue man did turn into bat. Maybe vampire just stage ruse?" Shampoo suggested.
The fang-faced fighter looked at Ukyo with an eager grin. "Such fresh, young blood…and from a maiden! I'll bet yours is delectable."
Ukyo gave a look of disgust before settling back to a smug grin. "If you're hungry honey, just give me a minute and I'll serve you up a fresh plate of defeat!" Swinging her spatula over her head and spinning it, she held it in front of her prepared to attack.
"Well then, if both sides are ready, you may begin!"
(A/N: And that's all for now. So yeah, Ukyo's the fifth fighter. I did actually consider Mousse for a moment, but I ultimately decided Ukyo because, despite Mousse actually being an Amazon, I did want to go the whole squad of five girls…well…four and 'one-half' [I'm so sorry]. Also, going to give a quick heads up, every one of Baba's fighters besides the final one will be the same as from the original arc. Sorry to anyone expecting some super deviation, but it just wasn't in the cards. Speaking of that final fighter, any guesses as to who it might be? Process of elimination, it's NOT gonna be Grandpa Gohan and it's not gonna be Ryoga again [speaking of guessing characters, somebody got it right last chapter. You may not know who you are yet, but good on you]. Also, Videl does a bit of solo training and might be close to a breakthrough. Not necessarily the Kamehameha, but something else may come of it. Strap in folks because next time is gonna be a battle-palooza with Videl and the Nerima Girls vs. Baba's Five Champions, starting with Ukyo vs. Fangs the Vampire).