Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball.
Betaed by:Zim'sMostLoyalServant and a friend.
LAST TIME:
The Budokai continued, with Mai facing off against mysterious and menacing Vendetta. Who turned out to be a cyborg!
Mai gave a good showing for the Kame School with her speed and adaptation of Yamcha's Wolf Fang technique, but Vendetta's augmentations proved a tough nut to crack. Getting the upper hand, Vendetta proceeded to deliver devastating damage to Mai. While the young lady was determined, it proved not enough, as her brutal defeat stunned fighters and the audience alike. Not only was Vendetta remorseless, but he made it very clear he'd come seeking revenge on Launch and Goku; who is this mysterious and vengeful villain?!
Next was the first clash between the Crane and Kame School, with none other than friends turned enemies Bulma add Goku facing each other in an epic battle that shattered their bond!
Except not really. Bulma, after demonstrating her ability to trade blows with Goku, proceeded to show off the techniques she had learned, and in doing so revealed her mastery was wide but not very deep with her ability to effectively use some of the dubious. So at last, the match ended in Goku's victory, which Bulma accepted gracefully, the two happily integrating martial arts rivalry into their friendship. After a one-sided spat with an incredulous Master Shen, the stage was set for the Budokai to continue.
Witness more carnage in the ring today, on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey.
Chapter Six
Ox vs Star
Turtle vs Crane II
"Shall we, Your Highness?" Chin asked, stepping up near Chichi.
"Hmm? Oh, no need to bother with that here. We're all fighters, Master Chin, titles like those don't carry weight here," she waved off the niceties.
"Ah, glad to hear it. My student Misa idolizes you, and while she isn't the type to throw her title around, it's good a peer she respects has that attitude, just in case the teen years bring something out," Chin remarked amiably.
"I gather you were quite the star in the Budokai back in the day. It's an honor," Chichi said, as they exited the box onto the arena.
"Oh, hardly. I'm a trivia question at most outside my little corner of the world. To think I would get to test myself against not one but two disciples of the venerable..." Chin went on.
Shen glared at them.
"What a disgrace, no pride of the old master against the upstart, and no cocky ambition from the upstart. You'd think they were stepping out for tea," the old man griped.
"Man, and I thought Master Roshi's quirks were annoying. That crane guy's a jackass even for a bad guy," Krillin remarked.
"My people believe in giving respect to elders. Respect is not the same as obedience," Bora remarked, which got a chuckle out of Krillin.
"You're alright, Mr. Bora," Krillin said.
Tenron watched stoically as Launch leaned next to him on the railing.
"So, you going to support your old master?" she asked, "I'm backing Chichi, we have history."
"...Do you think he has a chance?" Tenron asked.
"...That's it, if you're going to be angsty with that tone-"
"What tone?" Tenron objected.
"-I ain't sticking around for it. Yamcha's still glum about his gal pal being carted off, I'll be keeping him from sulking in the dumps," Launch said, and rushed over to pluck Goku from chatting excitably with Bulma to plant him on the railing next to Tenron.
"Goku, you're going to have to delay putting the moves on Bulma, you're talking to bowl cut during the match so I don't have to," she ordered Goku.
Then she was next to Yamcha, leaning against the wall next to him. Goku and Tenron looked at each other a moment.
"So, you are rooting for your intended, I suppose?" Tenron asked.
"Is that Chichi? Oh, because we intend to have a wedding, right? Sure, but I wouldn't mind Master Chin winning either. I like both of them," Goku smiled.
"Master..." Tien said to his fuming teacher, who was presently staring at the wall.
"That's right, old timer, keep on fuming. I've eaten crane, but a self-baking bird is too weird not to take a taste of," Launch cackled, elbowing Yamcha in the side.
"I feel a bit overshadowed with these school rivalries and quirky characters," Ranfan pouted, leaning on the wall opposite Launch.
"Not to worry, young lady. Jackie never overlooks a lady in need of attention," Jackie Chun, face still bandaged, assured her, eyebrows wiggling quite dramatically.
"...Oh, Mr. Bora! I hear you live in the wilderness, I've taken a bit of a shine to the roaming lifestyle, maybe you could offer some tips later?" she called out to Bora, leaving a dejected but unsurprised Jackie behind.
"The fourth match will now begin! Master Tai Chin of the Chin Star School vs Chichi of the Kame School! Begin!" the announcer declared. Chin bowed to Chichi, who after a moment's surprise, returned it. Chin and she both assumed their stances.
'Here I am again. For the last time, it's for certain. I'll certainly not turn into the likes of Jackie Chun and the Hermits. Even if Misa exaggerated, this woman has fought the warriors of Demon World and prevailed. I'm not sure if any of the monsters I fought in my day measure up to that. The fact the battle ended in a retreat means little. Still, she is mortal, like Son Goku even. Yes, impressive as they are, I must not concede the battle of the mind to the Kame School. It's merely a match with a worthy opponent, and no need to hold back.'
"Miss Chichi, out of respect to your school and reputation, I will go all out from the start," the middle-aged man said.
"Come on then," Chichi said, manners now colored by eagerness. He saw it in her stance and the shape of her mouth, the weight of her stare. She yearned for battle.
Excellent, eagerness could be as cumbersome as hesitation.
His charge was heralded by the announcer.
"Sorry guys, but Chichi's more than a match for some old man. This won't be much of a fight," Krillin said.
Chin stopped short on his charge, Chichi lashing out with a kick, eyes widening as she connected with nothing and Chin used the opening to land a powerful jab to her ribs. Thrown off balance, Chichi quickly recovered and took a swing at Chin.
"Phantom Star!" he yelled, and her fist passed through nothing.
'Afterimage with a better name, just like they said. But people using that always attack, behind!'
Her fist connected with absolutely nothing as she pivoted and Chin reappeared in his starting position, swooping and landing a kick square on her back. The Turtle School warrior staggered but turned to face her foe, who retreated a bit rather than press the attack.
'She kept to her feet. Hitting her reminds me of training against tractor tires; I have faced few people who could take a kick like that and not at least be knocked off their feet. Is this my weakness? No, this is a warrior trained by the Muten Roshi and who has had years to build upon the foundation he instilled in her. I only have three options – to try for a ring out, go for the head seeking the knockout, or try and wear her down.'
Chichi wasn't about to let him wait, closing the distance quick enough to surprise the old master. He deflected the blows, and it answered his question, as good a parry as he could hope for yet the pain surged up his arm.
"CHICHI! CHICHI! CHICHI!" Ox King chanted, waving his banner, Princess Misa perched on his shoulder, pumping her fist and chanting along while Shoken and the other Chin Star students spared her a glare before turning back to the fight.
Chin ducked a kick and struck like a cobra, knocking her off balance again. This time, he didn't let up the barrage of punches and jabs. She counterattacked, and he saw it coming just enough to evade and use the opening to chop her in the neck.
Chichi let out a city of pain from the blow and struck him in the chest with a flat palm. Chin was knocked off his feet; air forced out, he barely made a clean roll.
"Dang, you really hit hard," Chichi said, rubbing her neck as Chin got to his feet. She smiled, bouncing a bit on her feet.
'This is different from sparring with Krillin. Is it because it's the tournament and I made it to the real competition? This feeling, it's fantastic, like every bit of me is a flower and now it's blooming,' Chichi thought. She charged with silence, a smile splitting her face.
She lured him into a position where he had to block two blows aimed for his neck. Which left him open for a headbutt. Her hair style wasn't just displaying her forehead to look cute; her skull had knocked Krillin for a loop plenty of times.
Chin recoiled from the blow, and Chichi followed with an uppercut. Chin leapt back, evading it, and found himself on the edge of the arena.
Chin wiped blood from his nose, taking a moment to feel it. Not broken. And his vision was correcting. The young warrior was advancing on him. He took a breath, centering himself.
'No choice, I have to go all out and go for the headshots. Attrition won't work, as even a few more lucky shots will take me down. And I can't control the fight as it is to lure her in for a ring out, much less throw her out. Head blows to either knock her out, or leave her vulnerable so I can grapple her out of the arena," Chin decided.
"Phantom Star!" he called. He charged her, and she turned to the left, seeming to sense his intention. But it was only a thought; he landed the punch to her brow the old-fashioned way.
Growling in pain, she struck back, but now he faded from sight.
"Phantom Fist!" Chin yelled. He kicked out in a blur of blows, striking Chichi across the thigh and ribs. She faltered, and he turned, putting his weight behind a punch that struck her ear.
Staggering, Chichi turned into his combo, shielding her face with one arm and lashing out with her right hook. Chin blurred into sight, the blow just nicking him in the side.
And the point of contact exploded, sending the middle-aged master flying, smoke billowing up.
The audience cried out in awe or confusion, save for Ox King and Krillin simply cheering louder. Chin grimaced in the air and turned his face to see Chichi closing in as he descended. He punched once, and then her foot connected, sending him out of the ring, colliding with the low wall separating the audience from the green around the ring.
"Chin is out! Chichi wins the match!" the announcer declared.
Chichi grinned and raised a fist to applause. Then her smile slipped away, watching two monks assist Chin to his feet, his shirt blown away where her punch has connected, with angry red burns forming on his skin and a limp in his step.
"I knew you could do it, Chichi," Krillin congratulated her. She started a bit, realizing she had returned to the contestant area.
"Is Master Chin okay?" she asked. Goku was the one who answered.
"Ah, he's a bit banged up and burned, but he's tough. Shame he'll miss the next match."
"Hmm, okay then," Chichi mused.
"Tien what was that?" Chiaotzu asked his fellow Crane.
"I have a theory," Tien uttered, eyes narrowed and tracking Chichi as mingled with her friends.
"Hmph, well, one more turtle for us to stomp," Master Shen remarked adjusting his glasses.
X X X
"Alright folks, as we have reached the halfway point of the first round, we will now break for a ninety-minute recess. Audience, please keep your ticket stubs for ease of reentry if you leave tournament grounds; trading stubs is strictly prohibited. Contestants, please remember that you are expected to enter the arena promptly when called. Barring the five-minute grace period, failure to appear on time will result in disqualification, no exceptions!" the announcer declared.
"Huh? But I wanna watch more fights," Goku complained.
"Well, we could get-" Chichi softly said, roused from her introspection.
"Let's grab a light lunch, Goku. Hey everyone, it's on me," Bulma interrupted more boisterously.
"I'll pass, I'm up against Tien next. But I'll go check on Mai at the hospital," Yamcha said.
"Eh, I'll go with Scar here. I wouldn't put it past those Crane jerks to try and kneecap him before his fight," Launch said.
Tien scoffed as he, Chiaotzu and Shen exited into the temple.
"As if I need to resort to such tactics. I'll crack that turtle's shell without breaking a sweat, and it will be an indisputable victory. You might want to take that lunch offer; between eating out of a straw and a mountain of medical bills, you won't be enjoying food for a good long time."
"Talk's cheap, cueball! Yamcha here's gonna give you three black eyes and a view of the moon," Launch objected, getting into Tien's face and pointing at Yamcha.
"Oh really? You know, I'm told I could blow up the moon if I wanted to," Tien said with disinterest.
"Heh, typical small man, talking big on boasts he can't demonstrate. And by small, I don't mean lack of being tall," she sneered.
"And I suppose he's a real lancer," Tien rolled his eyes.
"Heh, guys who got it don't need to prance around like some horny bird doing its dance," Launch snickered.
"Uh, I appreciate it, but provoking him isn't really necessary," Yamcha sweatdropped. Launch turned to face him.
"I don't like guys like this. They think they're the hottest thing around, and they- hey, where'd he go? Ha, look at the little birdie, flying away," She laughed fists on her hips.
"He didn't fly though, he walked away," Goku pointed out. His friends gave a collective sigh, Chichi in particular putting two fingers to her brow before speaking.
"Hmm, I think I'll go check on Master Chin then, maybe get a bite with my father and the Chin Star School," Chichi decided.
"Well, I'll go with you, if that's alright," Krillin said.
"Hmm, don't you want to catch up with Goku?" she asked.
"Chichi, you do remember how Goku eats, right? It won't exactly be conversation time," he said. Leaving unsaid hers was basically a more refined form of mass consumption, the two went to one of the monks to ask after Master Chin.
"Well, I'm not turning down a free meal," Tenron said flatly.
"I can't tell if you're one of the heroes or a villain," Bulma said, eyes narrowed a bit at Tenron.
"I feel the same about you," he answered simply.
"...Ha! I like you, grape bowl. Let's eat; you coming, Bora?" Bulma asked, hopping over the divider to start walking across the arena, Goku following her.
"Yes, though it might be better for Upa to eat with the Chin Star students, more kids his own age," Bora said.
"Guess parenthood is tough," Bulma observed, as the three navigated the crowd, expertly avoiding getting mobbed, though Bulma did rapid-fire sign some autographs.
"Yes, but I feel it more rewarding than climbing higher than the clouds," Bora said with a small smile.
"...Hey, where did old Jackie go?"
X X X
"It looks worse than it is, I hear?" Mai said. Her arms were wrapped in bandages and in slings, the left one also in a plaster cast. Her head was wrapped in bandages that covered most of her face with her braid sticking out the back.
Yamcha and Launch both flinched when she smiled, displaying the fact she had lost several teeth.
"So, they got you on the good drugs?" Launch asked.
"Well, when they asked on that stuff, I turned down. Don't want to get addicted. Sorry I'll miss your match, Yamcha, but they found the tournament on the radio."
"Well, you'll be hearing some breaking bones when this guy takes down that three-eyed bastard," Launch said, hooking a finger at Yamcha.
"Are you sure you don't want to fight him?" Yamcha wondered.
"Nah, nothing would hurt an ego like that more than losing in the first round. And he seems the type who was born a winner. Prodigy, talked up his whole life, thinking he's got the world in his hand if he reaches for it. It's even worse if he's got actual powder in that cannon. Anyway, we gotcha a melon on the way over," Launch said.
"Oh, thanks," Mai said, sweatdropping as Launch held the watermelon out to her without a hand to take it. Yamcha intervened, taking the melon and setting it on the visitor chair next to the hospital bed.
"And don't worry about that Vendetta, I'll rip those cybernetics right out of him and shove 'em up his tight butt tomorrow."
"Maybe you will, maybe you won't," Master Roshi said. The three turned to the door, where the Turtle Hermit stood with a vase of fresh-cut flowers.
"Master Roshi, I lost. Sorry," Mai apologized, bowing her head slightly.
"Nothing to be sorry for, defeat is part of life, it's only a bad thing if you can't gain something through it from learning," Roshi said. Yamcha moved out of his way to let the old man put the flowers on the bedside table next to Launch.
"What's she supposed to learn from that? Don't fight cyborgs?" Launch demanded.
"Perhaps? I only wish you'd thrown in the towel sooner, Mai – the call to press on is admirable, but there's no need to break yourself on a mere tournament, far more to life than a mere title and cash prize," Roshi said, patting the woman's thigh through the bed cover.
"So, you're not disappointed?" Mai asked, tilting her head.
"Of what? You performed grandly, I am proud to have you and Yamcha as my final students. This generation of fine young turtles lets me hang up my teaching credentials for the last time without any regrets or second thoughts," Roshi beamed. Mai smiled at that, along with Yamcha. To Roshi's credit, he didn't flinch at the broken smile.
"So what? You retire to full time pervy behavior?" Launch asked with a sly grin.
"Dang it, woman, can't you give me a moment to be cool and dignified?" Roshi griped.
"Nah, I've seen too much of your true colors. You may be an epic teacher and legit hero, but you're also a dirty old man who's even more funny and pathetic for being a virgin. Can't let anyone forget that," Launch grinned.
"Laugh it up, but I know your weakness, too," Roshi muttered. Picking a flower from the vase, he gave it a mighty blow, sending pollen into Launch's face.
"Why you, you-ou ACHOO! Oh my, is this a hospital? Oh no, Mai! What happened!? Who did this, I'll fix them good!" Launch wailed, seeing her friend in the hospital bed and semi-tackling her into a hug, making Mai grimace, eyes bugging.
"Huh, even the nice one wants vengeance," Yamcha noted.
"Of course, both of them love friends and family dearly, two sides of the same coin are still part of the same coin," Roshi said to Yamcha. And raised an eyebrow, following Yamcha's gaze to the twins' rump; not the best Roshi had ever seen, but plenty fine, and the martial artist lifestyle had done it favor enough that even in gi pants, it was of recognizable quality.
But he knew the girl too well to seriously perv over her, student-teacher ethics and all. Bulma wasn't his student, and so was fair game.
"So, Yamcha, enjoying the tournament sights?" he asked, grinning. Yamcha sputtered, realizing he'd been caught. Roshi gave him a grin meant to assure he wasn't going to call the lad out. Why would he? A man of culture should not be a hypocrite, and besides, Yamcha if anything was too much a gentleman in Roshi's mind.
And if he was still interested, knowing it was a two for one deal, well...
"Ah, youth. Even taking a backseat going forward, I think it's going to be a show well worth watching," he murmured to himself, while Yamcha made an exit to get Mai and Lunch food from the nurse station, and Mai caught Lunch up on the tournament up to her fight.
X X X
Licking an ice cream cone, a pale woman wearing large round sunglasses, a white top and white bell bottoms secured with a golden chain belt and green afro entered a phone booth and dialed a number.
"Donald, it's Candi," she said, putting her glasses up onto her forehead, revealing her blue eyes and reddish-brown eyebrows.
"Yes, I still feel coming in person was worthwhile. …Really, that attitude is why I think you could have used some time out of the lab. It's so festive here, so many people eager to see people pound each other into the pavement, it makes me all tingly," Candi said, wiggling in the phone booth, making a mother passing by usher her children on faster. The disguised scientist straightened up, getting serious as she listened.
"Yes, he won, but I'm not sure how much that is worth. ...Well, I'm saying that martial artists also strive to build on past success. Even if she's as strong as Son Goku was when he and his sister took the Red Ribbon Army down so many pegs, those two might be stronger now. Anyway, I also planted a bug in Blue's room, like you asked. Anything interesting? ...Well, that's not unexpected. I planted one with Puma guy, but one of his daughters found it. She did what with it? Ugh, I hope you didn't have the volume high. Well, at least it won't be traced to us if they turn it over to the leadership. Wish you were here, dear! I would have loved to see you wearing that Disco Dan disguise I bought you. Hello? Hellooo? Donald? Hmph, that man just seems to get crankier," Candi pouted, hanging up and resuming licking her ice cream cone as he exited the booth.
X X X
"So, we can never go back to eat there?" Goku asked Bulma as they reentered the contestant viewing area. Bulma dug some soot out of her ear before answering.
"Yes Goku, that's what a lifetime ban means," she told him.
"Huh, that's a shame," Goku said, not seeming very put out by it.
"That was... an interesting meal," Bora remarked safely. He would have to carefully consider inviting them to a tribal banquet if that was what happened when you put them together with a large amount of food and open flames. Though at least there were no such ovens in his homeland, so that wouldn't be a concern.
"Hey guys, good news. As long as she stays in a wheelchair, Mai should be able to come watch in person tomorrow," Yamcha said.
"That's a relief, oh hi, Lunch," Bulma said.
"Hello! Mai's holding it together well, but she's not taking hugs right now, just so you know," Lunch said.
"I won my fight, Lunch," Goku declared, getting up on the divider.
"Which means I lost," Bulma sighed, "Proof the sexiest will not always be triumphant, I suppose."
"I heard, wish I could have seen it. Think they'll ever start showing this on video?" Lunch pondered.
"The better question is why they haven't started, they could make out like gangsters," Bulma said.
"Some value the dignity of martial arts over media money," Tenron said, entering with Master Chin. The middle-aged master had a limp and grimaced a bit with each step, but seemed otherwise fine, wearing a fresh uniform. Chichi and Krillin followed after.
"Indeed, but it likely is only a matter of time, with even the great tournament bending so much for modern audiences," Chin commented.
"Oh, Master Chin, sorry your comeback didn't go as planned, and Chichi, congratulations... Oh dear, it's hard to know what to say when I like so many different sides. Maybe I should just tag Launch back in? Bye Yamcha, bye Goku, everyone, see you tonight," Lunch said, pulling out a pepper pack.
"Ah, they serve excellent ice cream here, I'll need to remember that shop for future use," the Crane Hermit said as he entered along with Tien and Chiaotzu. Tien looked at Yamcha with a cruel smirk.
"Still here? You're either brave or quite stupid. No wait, it's both, isn't it?"
Chichi huffed, hands on her hips.
"Seems a bit soon to be cocky, dontcha think? Between Crane and Turtle, the score's one nothing in our favor so far," Chichi said, holding up one finger.
"Master Shen and Tienshenhan don't consider Bulma one of us, even less so as she's friendly with you, that is," Chiaotzu stated plainly.
"Yeah, yeah, me and Yurin are done with you guys too," Bulma said, raising a different single finger, to Chichi's alarm.
"Hmph, a profitable venture, but it is now done. But we're not back early to talk about that," Shen stated.
"That's right-"
"Achoo! ...Alright, back in business. Time for the fight?"
"Not quite yet, they want to talk," Goku told Launch.
"When we first met, you mentioned Taopaipai. We are quite interested in that," Tien said.
"Why is that?" Bora asked.
"Because Tao is a member of the Crane School. And Shen's younger brother," Jackie Chun said, entering the viewing area.
"Brother?!" several said, surprised. Shen just gave a half-smile.
"Our brotherly love was forsaken long ago, Tao's pride made it untenable. But even if only by blood we are kin, and he has long been second only to me in the Crane School, and assisted in the instruction of many of our best fighters and assassins," Shen stated.
"I had the great honor of receiving personal instruction from the King of Assassins, even earning his acknowledgment as a great warrior," Tien said. His smile wasn't quite nasty now; some noted it had a genuine tinge to it, a truly fond recollection that was separate from the three-eyed man's demeanor so far.
"Don't deny it, you Turtles know something about why he hasn't checked in for years," Shen declared.
"Oh, that guy. I hear he died," Launch said. Even Chiaotzu was stunned at those words.
"Absurd!" Tien sputtered, eyes flashing in anger.
"No, he was really strong but also a dirty fighter. After me and Launch had him beaten, he tried to blow us up, but I kicked the bomb away and he blew himself up instead," Goku answered.
"A double-team? I thought you Turtles were above fighting smart, especially idiots like you two," Shen ground out.
"He accepted it as one on two. He wasn't a very fun fight though, such a jerk," Goku grumbled.
"Tien, could they really...?" Chiaotzu gulped, looking to the three-eyed warrior. Tien's expression made him take a step back – the face was calm and the shoulders still, but a dark aura practically radiated off the Crane warrior.
"Individually, I would not believe it, barring treachery. But together? That is... possible. And they admit it was Lord Tao's own attack that killed him," Tien said coldly.
"Attack? Throwing a bomb ain't no proper martial arts duel, even to the death," Jackie Chun objected calmly.
"Wow, it's a kung-fu soap opera! Quite entertaining, eh big guy?" Ranfan said, leaning a bit on Bora. Bora gently pushed her off to step forward.
"You are all wrong, Taopaipai did not die in that fight," Bora stated. Shen glared at him, Tien keeping his eyes on Launch and Goku.
"So, you're involved?" the Crane Hermit asked.
"I am. That explosion left him blind and maimed, but alive. I found him, put him down like a rabid animal and returned his body to the soil of my homeland. I do not regret this, and if you seek vengeance, Cranes, seek me first."
Tien's three-eyed gaze shifted to him. Goku frowned, and Launch grit her teeth.
"Dang it, Bora, you didn't have to do that for us," Launch cursed.
"So, you killed a great man while he was down and helpless? So much for the 'noble' savage," Tien said with deadly calm.
"There was nothing great about that assassin. I could see that in a short time; that you could not after studying under him tells me you are quite blind, even with three eyes," Bora answered, meeting that gaze stoically.
"Hey, in case you've forgotten, Tien, I'm your opponent. It's time," Yamcha broke in, pointing to the arena, with the crowd's cheering seeming to finally intrude.
Tien took a breath and gave an empty smile.
"You are right. No matter, vengeance is a dish best served cold, after all. You'll be my warm up. Big man, you'd better make it far enough in this tournament to face me, otherwise you will face me without any rules holding my fury back. Consider this a taste of what's to come," Tien promised, exiting onto the arena.
Yamcha gave them a smile and thumbs up.
"Don't worry, Bora. His role in the tournament ends here today. Trash-talkers always have glass jaws to go with the big mouth."
"Be careful, my friend. I fear that young man far surpasses the assassin he admires," Bora said.
"I agree," Jackie Chun spoke up, "He won't kill you, as the rules would work against him and he wants to win it all to humiliate the Kame School, but he will do the worst he can now. Don't treat this as just another tournament match."
"Shh, don't worry him. Kick him so hard he'll be pooping teeth for weeks, Yamcha," Launch cheered as Yamcha raised a hand in farewell and took to the arena.
"Wow, this tournament is way more intense than last time," Krillin admitted, "I'm kinda glad I'm fighting Bora, at least we don't have any bad blood."
"I want to smash that cyborg. But if these Cranes turn out to be trouble, I can squeeze them in. Oh my! I sound like a thug! Next thing you know, I'll wake up with blonde hair, too much eyeliner, and a kitty tattoo!" Chichi gasped in horror, sinking to her knees.
"Uh, is she alright?" Ranfan asked Launch, who was standing by Chichi as Krillin assured her that she was not in fact a closet hoodlum.
"If you mean is this odd for her, not so much from when I was with her. But if you mean in the not normal question, frankly Krillin may be the only normal one in the Turtle School," Launch said.
"...I'm not sure if you just complimented me or insulted me," Krillin stated.
"Guys, the match is starting! Go Yamcha! He's strong, but so are you!" Goku cheered.
"The fifth match, Tienshenhan of the Crane School vs Yamcha of the Kame School, begin!"
"You can make the first move. It's only fair, as I will be making the last," Tien said.
"I look forward to deflating that ego. I was practically born to fight, and after training under the Muten Roshi, I'm ready to challenge the best fighters that I know. I made it to the second round last time; this time I plan to go all the way," Yamcha said, assuming a stance. Tien just grinned.
Yamcha sprang into action. Tien did not react until the Turtle warrior was upon him, face set in determination as he blocked or deflected the flurry of jabs aimed at his face and chest, retreating across the arena.
"Yamcha is pressing the attack. Tienshenhan is keeping up with every blow, but he seems helpless to do anything but retreat before this explosion of blows!" the announcer declared.
"Heh, if Tien's the best the Cranes have, then it looks like this will be anticlimactic," Krillin said.
"Hmm," Chichi hummed, glancing to Chiaotzu, who was watching the action stoically.
"Tien's not on the ropes. I hardly ever sparred with him, but I've seen him practice, he's not even sweating," Bulma said, frowning.
"Yer right," Launch frowned, eyes narrowing.
"This will be interesting," Goku said seriously.
"So, right about now?" Ranfan asked no one in particular as they reached the edge of the arena.
Tien flashed a grin to Yamcha then, deflecting a blow hard enough to break Yamcha's rhythm and unleashed his own flurry of blows, pressing Yamcha back.
"What's this? The tide has turned!" the announcer declared.
"Yamcha, don't hold back! You'll be playing into his hands!" Launch yelled.
Yamcha disengaged and nodded as Tien smiled at him. Yamcha assumed a stance several present recognized as the start of the Wolf Fang Fist, but it shifted into something else. Jackie Chun nodded.
'He's heeding their advice, but how will Tien respond?'
"Hmph," Tien said, assuming a stance of his own.
"Wolf Fang Flurry!" Yamcha yelled, leaping into the air.
"What?! But he's a sitting duck in the air!" Krillin cried out.
"He must have a plan," Master Chin stated.
"He could just be making a mistake," Tenron pointed out.
Tien, perhaps sensing a trap, made no move to take advantage of his opponent being airborne. And sure enough, Yamcha seemed to kick off the air, changing his direction and increasing his speed. Hands pulled back, one could almost swear his arms became snarling wolves when he pounced on Tien.
Rather than try and pierce his defense, the savage attack had Yamcha seizing Tien by the wrists before he could react, clamping down with a stunning grip. Throwing his opponent clear off his feet, Yamcha leapt again and hammered Tien up into the air with two punches, then leapt to bring an axe kick down in the three-eyed warrior's stomach, hammering him into the ground.
It happened so quick the audience and announcer were stunned before fully registering Tien lying on the ground, unmoving. Then cheers erupted from the crowd and several contestants. But Goku and Bulma remained passive, watching Tien.
"Hey little guy, looks like your pal and Mai might be sharing a wing," Launch mocked Chiaotzu. Then noticed his stoic expression was gone, replaced by a small smile. His wide blank eyes slid ever so slightly to look at her, and he gave a small, horribly innocent giggle.
Tien stood and brushed himself off, stretching like he'd just taken a nap.
"Hmm," Tien said to a stunned Yamcha, rubbing his stomach as he rolled his shoulder joints.
"Seems I underestimated you; those blows actually hurt. I was planning on pantomiming some injuries, but perhaps you deserve a little more respect than that," Tien chuckled.
"No way, you're bluffing, you couldn't just shrug off those blows, I created that technique to fight the likes of Launch and Goku," Yamcha said, shocked.
"Oh? Either you misread the gap, or this tournament is going to be more boring than I thought."
Yamcha set his face and retreated a few steps, assuming his stance once more.
"I see, you do think I'm bluffing and think one more combo attack will crack my facade. Well, it's true, one shouldn't idly believe an enemy is telling the truth, but I'm not going to just let you try again," Tien said. Clenching his fist, Tien grimaced and his body seemed to shimmer. Then veins bulged across his torso, neck and head. Practically growling, Tien's skin reddened.
"What, he's getting sunburned?" Goku wondered.
"I was thinking that, very disturbing," Krillin remarked.
"Well, I guess the sun can beat even him?"
"No, I've seen this once before," Bulma muttered.
"Indeed, Yamcha has already lost; if Tien has mastered his ki enough to perform this Burning Shield technique, it's unlikely Yamcha can injure him enough to beat him," Chun sighed.
'That's not talent, this young man truly has the right stuff. He's in agony right now, just to prove a point; more than Shen was ever willing to pony up, given a choice,' Roshi thought.
"Wolf Fang Flurry!" Yamcha launched the attack again.
"Here we go again, folks. Tien doesn't seem to be dodging or blocking! Is his sudden sunburn perhaps more than it seems?"
Yamcha forewent the throw this time, landing blurring jabs to the neck and side of the head. Then came two kicks to the ribs and to the knee. And it went on for several more blows until Yamcha backpedaled away.
Away from Tien, who let out a breath as his skin returned to normal, the veins receding. Tien cracked his neck and rubbed his side. He had not moved at all from where he had been when the barrage began.
"Not bad, but not good either. If you want to be real serious with a combo attack, each move from beginning to end should be done with the desire to be the finishing blow. Like this!" Tien said.
He burst forward, seeming to less run than fly. Yamcha's eyes widened, and he swung with a left hook, taking Tien in the cheek only for the image to disappear as it plowed into him.
"Afterimage!" Yamcha cursed. Then was knocked off his feet as Tien slid kicked him from behind.
"Volley Ball Play!" Tien yelled. And as Yamcha fell toward him back first, he struck his opponent's back with two open palm strikes, sending him up high into the air and knocking the air out of him.
"Yessir!" Tien called out in a mocking high-toned voice.
"Once!" Tien yelled, uppercutting Yamcha in the belly, sending him up into the air again. Running, Tien intercepted Yamcha again and struck his back with laced fists.
"Twice!"
Tien leapt into the air, raising his hand.
"And SPIKE!"
Yamcha blocked the blow from hitting his face, but was still hammered down into the tiles, cracking them and sending shards up into the air.
"So, learn anything?" Tien asked, landing calmly. His breathing was regular, but most could see he was sweating.
"Heheh, Tien has this won. Even if he gets back up, that turtle's shell is practically cracked open," Shen chuckled.
Yamcha got to his feet, wobbly for a moment, then steadied.
"Oh, want some more? Fair warning, if you don't do the smart thing and forfeit, I have every intention of sending you to join your girlfriend at the hospital," Tien sneered, crossing his arms.
"Jerk! Mai doesn't even want a boyfriend. Let's see how cocky you are with this," Yamcha said, eyes focusing as he shifted into a new stance, hands cupped.
"Isn't that?" Chichi asked.
"Ka..."
"Oh, heck yeah," Launch smiled.
"...me..."
"Can it be folks, are we about to witness a new practitioner of the Kamehameha? At this rate, it won't be considered a legendary technique for long!" the announcer said.
"...ha..."
"What's he going to do if he counters with a Dodon Ray?" Bulma demanded.
"Something?" Goku remarked. Bulma planted a foot on his head, frowning.
"...me..."
'I fear it's futile, my boy, but just performing that shows how far you have come,' Roshi thought.
"HA!"
The blue energy gathered in his palms erupted forth. Yamcha let out a relieved smile as the ki left him; the angle was right to avoid the audience but hit his foe, and Tien seemed set to take it head on rather than dodge, like Launch had against Jackie Chun in the last tournament.
'I can't make another one that strong here, but even he can't just shrug that off.'
Yamcha couldn't see Tien bring his hands together, index fingers pressed together as he stared unflinching into the blue radiance rushing toward him.
"YAAAA!" Tien yelled, an aura erupting from him. It collided with the Kamehameha, and the legendary attack rebounded.
"Nice technique, enjoy it," Tien grinned.
"No, impossible!" The attack had lost hardly any power, he could tell, by losing some speed. He could dodge, he almost leapt, until he realized the angle was off.
'The audience!'
Yamcha thrust out his hands, calling on as much ki as he could, and caught the oncoming attack on his arms. It was over in only seconds, but the time dragged on for the young warrior. The burning, the pressure, the seeming eternity to exert his own force against what he had unleashed. His footing disappeared, and he scrambled to land, the attack almost breaching his defenses as he rallied with a scream.
With a final cry of painful triumph, Yamcha sent the Kamehameha up and over him, arcing into the sky. Yamcha slumped down onto one knee and felt the grass from his steaming palm.
"Yamcha is out of bounds, Tienshenhan is the victor!"
"Was there ever any doubt?" Tien laughed, turning to leave the arena. Yamcha glared and forced himself to limp back into the arena.
"Were you really willing to endanger the crowd to win a match?" Yamcha demanded. Tien stopped to half-turn and look at him.
"An odd question; you Turtles have been flinging that dangerous technique around, assuming things would just work out in the middle of a city. Don't come crying to me that it finally backfired on you to be so reckless and so 'ethical' at the same time. Now clear the arena so the monks can patch it up. My friend is up next, and I won't tolerate any delays," Tien said.
"What was that? The both of them practically played tennis with the geezer's signature technique," Launch demanded.
"Yeah, Tien might be amazing, but Yamcha might be crazy," Krillin said. Launch bonked him over the head.
"Show some school solidarity, cueball."
"Hey, stop that, Krillin needs to fight, remember that before going on about the school," Chichi snapped, stepping between her training partner and the reigning champion.
"...Great fight," Goku grinned, while the two strong women stared each other down for the moment.
"It was, but I really did hope Tien would get knocked down a peg," Bulma sighed next to Goku.
"Guess I'm next. Uh, let's have a good match... kid?" Ranfan said, leaving Bora's side to hold out a hand to Chiaotzu.
"..." Chiaotzu said nothing, only sliding inexplicably away a few paces, without seeming to move a muscle.
"...Fine! Be that way! I didn't spend the last three years working my butt off, working it back on again, and learning how you dig a latrine, just to be dismissed as space filler in your school's rivalry thing!" the young woman said, storming off the stand by the arena entrance as Yamcha entered.
"Sorry guys, I let ya down. Guess the peak is even higher than I realized," Yamcha lamented.
"You've gotten a lot stronger; three years ago, he would have beaten you no sweat," Goku remarked.
"Besides, he was boasting how it would be easy to win?" Krillin spoke up, "Well, he definitely had to work for that."
"Ah, I'm no good at sappy stuff. Dust yerself off and either quit or go get stronger, I guess?" Launch said, not quite meeting Yamcha's eyes as she shrugged.
"Could be worse. You're not in the hospital like Mai. You're real tough, not being bothered by those burns," Chichi said, pointing to Yamcha's hands and arms.
"Oh, right. Aghhhh!" Yamcha screamed, clearly pained as he held his arms out.
"Yeah, yeah, let's get you in the shade, that might help a bit. Hey monks, how about some salve for this guy?" Launch demanded.
"Hmm, as I recall, the Muten Roshi often has a salve that's good for ki burns and other ailments, I'll go track him down," Jackie said, stroking his beard before exiting as a monk wearing a red cross hat jogged over with a first aid kit.
"Well done, Tienshenhan. And you did it without even having to break out your best techniques," Shen said to Tien.
"Yeah, but still, he was stronger than expected. It will take a lot more to face the best the Kame School has to offer," Tien said.
"Goku's the one to beat," Bulma leaned in.
"Get out of here! Should demand that uniform back and have you parade in shame in your underwear for your treachery," Shen shook his fist at the heiress. Bulma pulled down an eyelid and stuck out her tongue, while giving him the finger with her free hand.
"Tough, I bought this myself, remember? Your uniforms sucked. Incidentally, I got this design trademarked, so your school can't use it without paying me," Bulma mocked.
"Bah! This is why one should never take rich people as students," Shen grumbled.
"Oh, prefer them desperate and ignorant so they just unthinkingly follow your bad advice, ya old bird?" Roshi asked, entering the viewing area.
"Lord Muten Roshi! Sir, I'm afraid this is restricted seating for the tournament," the medical monk said, in the process of spreading medicine on Yamcha's burns.
"Ah, I'll be gone before the next match starts. That handsome Jackie guy just told me Yamcha could use some Turtle Oil. Not made from real turtles, of course," Roshi said, taking out a small green bottle.
"Hey, where is Jackie?" Goku asked.
"Oh, something about constipation. You'll understand when you're older," Roshi waved it off while he gently scooted the monk aside and uncorked his bottle. Everyone, even Bora, flinched at the smell.
"What? Strong medicine tastes terrible, so even stronger medicine naturally smells bad too," Roshi defended, as everyone but Yamcha retreated from him.
"More like that crap you make stinks as much as you do. Cranes, fly high above that toxic cloud," Shen commanded, nose held shut. He and his students ascended into the air.
"No fair, I fight next, don't poison me first," Ranfan proclaimed, having pulled her shirt up over her face in addition to holding her nose. Which showed how well-toned her stomach was.
"Come on Goku, up, up, and away, from that smell," Bulma said, grabbing Goku and flying up after the other Crane students.
"Well, at least the cleanup is on schedule," the announcer said, voice muffled by his gas mask.
"Ugh, dying here, and I didn't even get to fight," Krillin moaned, falling onto his back.
"But Krillin, you don't have a nose," Chichi said, leaning over him.
"Oh, right," Krillin said, sitting up perfectly fine.
"There, done! Happy now!?" Roshi barked, stoppering the bottle.
"That actually does feel better already," Yamcha admitted, taking deep breaths as the stench dispersed.
"Of course," Roshi huffed, grabbing the first aid kit dropped by the knocked-out monk to start wrapping Yamcha's injuries.
"Thank you, sir," Chichi said. Roshi gave her a look, as if uncertain she meant the treatment or stoppering the bottle. He tossed the bottle to her.
"Here, if you need that stuff for anyone else, don't go blaming me for the smell. Darn kids these days..." Roshi griped, storming off.
Author's Note:
And another one down. Hope you continue to find this fic entertaining.
Long days and pleasant nights to you all.