Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball.

Betaed by: Zim'sMostLoyalServant and a friend.

Last time:

The tournament kept rolling, with Launch once against facing an old master. This time she was up against none other than the infamous Crane Hermit, Master Roshi's own rival. Launch showed the strength and skill she'd honed over her training, along with a reckless streak that stunned even the Crane Hermit. Not to be outdone, Master Shen proved his mastery of many techniques, pushing the defending champ to her limits.

The match came to an end when Shen's effort to fire off a powerful attack was thwarted by a seeming failure of stamina. Or was it?

Then a true grudge match took the stage, as Chichi stepped up to face the vile Vendetta and avenge his brutal treatment of Mai. While the evil cyborg was ruthless and tricky, Chichi brought an overwhelming force to bear, revealing a new explosive martial art she has mastered.

Driven to raging fury, Vendetta broke the rules of the tournament, degenerating the match into a fight to the death. And revealing himself as Colonel Silver, an officer of the Red Ribbon once defeated by Lunch and Goku in a very forgettable skirmish. Dropping the hammer, Chichi proved more than able to handle the villain, but in suicidal spite, Siler opted to self-destruct to take not only his enemies but the city with him!

An unexpected hero stepped up, with Grade A heel Tien seizing the cyborg and, using flight and strength, hurling him high into the atmosphere, saving the city and tournament.
After that explosive wrap-up, audience and contestant alike are grateful for a night to gather themselves.

Chapter 11

Sleepover of Doom III

Stirrings of Madness

The temple grounds and adjacent street were abuzz as the tournament wrapped up for the day. Chatting excitedly, the crowd made its way out into the waiting arms of merchandise and food vendors eager to make a last push for overpriced sales. Of course, the talk of the crowd was the events of the day. And the final four...

"They need to have stricter rules on cyborgs, it's not fair to just get surgery to be strong."

"And shooting lasers and calling it martial arts is fair?"

"Hey, they train to be able to do that, and another..."

"It's gotta be Tien to win it all. Man's not been pushed to his limit yet."

"Nah, it'll be Launch for a double championship. Chun was her toughest fight last time, and she beat him squarely now. The Crane Hermit too; she's a legend in the making!"

"That Princess is the clear frontrunner. She can turn regular martial arts deadly with that explosion fist thing, and take punishment too."

"I say Ranfan!"

"Ranfan?"

"She's the dark horse and lucky. Besides, have you seen the odds on her?"

X X X

Chichi made her way back into the selection room behind the contestant viewing box, and slumped, letting her hammer swing down to rest on the ground and lean on her leg.

"WHEW! That was intense! I knew that guy was a jerk, but I didn't really think he would just try and kill me," the Ox Princess sighed.

"I can, those Red Ribbon jerks were always kill happy," Launch grunted.

"Chichi, you're hurt," Krillin pointed out the blood staining from the slash diagonal across her stomach.

"Eek, my outfit is ruined!" Chichi screamed, holding the damp edges of the cut on her gi. Everyone but Goku and Krillin sweatdropped. Krillin sighed, and took her hand.

"How about we go to the medical area?" he asked, pulling her.

"Okay, good thing I packed a spare..." Chichi said as Krillin led her out, the hammer back on her shoulder.

"I wonder what's stronger, my power pole or her hammer?" Goku wondered, looking to where his pack, including the pole, rested in a corner.

"An enemy from your past comes back to try and kill us all, and that's what's on your mind?" Ranfan wondered.

"It's Goku, that's enough explanation if you get to know him," Bulma chuckled. Then she clapped her hands, getting everyone's attention.

"Okay then, now Mai, the doctor's still keeping you at the hospital?" Bulma asked.

"Yeah, but I might be-"

"I'll have Yurin do more healing juju stuff before you head back. If that doesn't convince them to let you go tomorrow, we'll just abduct you for the evening. Ladies, tonight I'm thinking, movie night!" Bulma said, spreading her hands.

"I vote for gory stupid slasher. Nothing but Part 3 or higher," Launch declared.

"I want a romantic comedy," Ranfan objected.

"Well, I want spicy romance," Bulma said with a grin.

"I'm glad I won't be attending," Mai said, paling a bit as Yamcha took the handles of the wheelchair.

"So, any sight you'd like to see before going back?" he asked her.

"I'd like to go through the park and feed some birds with bread," Mai said.

"Meh, mind if I sneeze so Blue can join you? That sounds like her speed," Launch said, digging a pepper pack out of her gi.

"Chichi?!" Ox King yelled, bursting in, dragging a few monks holding onto him.

"She went to the nurse's office," Mai said, pointing to the interior door.
"Sir, please, this is restricted," the long-suffering announcer said, following behind. Roshi followed them in, markedly calmer.

"If she walked, then we've nothing to worry about. Ah, my students, well done! And it seems to me this is truly historic – three of the four semi-finalists are women in this Budokai. Even an old fart like me can appreciate the significance of that," Roshi said with a warm smile.

"Thinking of adding a contestant pinup calendar to your reforms on the tournament?" Launch asked, struggling to open the pepper packet.

"Yes- I mean no. Dang it, must you undermine me at every turn, Launch?" Roshi demanded, waving his staff at her.

"Yep. Ah! Achoo! Oh, did we win? Mr. Bora, you're a mess!" Lunch gasped, catching sight of the seated stoic warrior.

"Well Master, there are the fighters that have outshined us before the world," Tenron said, standing next to Master Chin. The older man smiled.

"Yes, quite the amicable and interesting bunch, aren't they? Train hard, and I don't doubt you might join that distinguished clique," Chin chuckled.

Tenron's expression was unreadable, as Goku recounted the fights to Lunch, Ox King wept over his little girl being all grown up, and Ranfan seemed to be trying to put a band-aid on Bora, which was comically small against the large man. Mai, for her part, uncapsuled a camera and started taking pictures, which seemed to confuse Yamcha.

"That would be an... interesting honor," Tenron conceded, before realizing Chin had made his exit, and with a roll of his eyes made his own.

"Hey, when did the Crane School leave?" Yamcha realized.

X X X

"Well, Gero, your cyborg gave Colonel Violet quite the fright," Commander Blue said. He was sitting in his hotel room, holding a half-eaten apple, a facial mask plastered on his face and towel preserving his modesty, phone in hand.

"Me? They probably heard you screaming on the shore," Violet snapped.

"Your ignorance is showing, never a good trait in an underworld lurker. I was simply using ancient breathing and vocal exercises to center myself to withstand the blast," Blue told them. He would not admit panic, much less fear, to these two. And it wasn't completely false.

He had not just been leading the Red Ribbon Army these last years. Red's death in his own fortress served as a reminder to Blue that in the clutch, the only power you can rely on is personal power. Wealth, armies, connections, even reputation; squared off against an unimpressed present enemy, it was a paper shield.

Witnessing Tao at work had been a revelation. The great General Blue might well have lost against that man in a one on one. Unacceptable, anything less than a total indisputable victory was a setback, even if he'd not admit that to anyone.

Knowing how much higher human potential could go, he had cut his leisure time down drastically to broaden and intensify his personal combat training, for both his body and psychic powers. Seeing the Cranes fly assured him his stuttering efforts at levitation could yield fruit, but other displays...

As great as he was, it seemed he might need to get some professional help to be all he could be.

Oh, and Violet was talking on and on. Gero's answer was far more interesting.

"This was just a test run, Colonel Violet; Silver was the first true field test capable cyborg of the new line. While him taking the title and eliminating some foes in the bargain would have been grand, it was not particularly expected and certainly unnecessary. We have gained both new data on the cybernetic performance in live combat, and new intel on enemy and potential enemy abilities. This was not a defeat, merely a stepping stone to greater power via improved cyborgs in the future," the scientist answered.

"So, I am guessing you will be entering a cyborg in the next Budokai? Actually, that will be your deadline. Yes, three years to make a cyborg capable of taking down a real Kame School student, not the Muten Roshi's bedwarmer," Blue laughed at his own razor-sharp wit.

"...Additionally, we might want to invest in an override to prevent unfortunate self-destruction. Lest key personnel be endangered again," Violet added.

"My wife was also present, Colonel. If unlike her, you entered a live fire zone without an exit strategy prepared, that can hardly be blamed on us," Gero continued.

Blue smiled at that, seeing a chance to put the wicked doctor in his place.

"Yes, one must always be careful in a live fire zone, mustn't they? After all, it was such an insignificant little skirmish where your son had the bright idea to take his helmet off, wasn't it?"

"…"

"Hello, Doctor? ...Oh dear, Colonel, it seems we've been disconnected."

"Indeed. But I think that was enough for now. Knowing Dr. Gero, he will not want to discuss the next cyborg warrior until he either has something presentable or has to beg for more funding. I'll be heading back now, either way," Violet told him.

"Oh Colonel, you're going to end up old and fat before your time with such a serious gloomy approach. I'm going to stick around and watch that three-eyed freak put those women in their place. Then I think I will treat myself to a little vacation."

"Not worried Brown will get used to sitting in your chair?"

"Not at all. Unlike you, I know my men fear me too much to try anything funny. Well, enjoy the desk-jockeying, giddy up!" Blue said, before hanging up. Then picked up the phone and dialed again.

"Room service, what are your options on red wine?" he asked.

X X X

Roshi entered the hotel room, grumbling about Bulma, and realized there was someone in there.

"Yamcha? Why are you hanging around the room? Shouldn't you be heading down to dinner with the rest?" Roshi asked. Yamcha was sitting by the window in a chair, holding a broad-brimmed hat.

"Just thinking."

"If Mai is settled, you should be angling for a just-for-two outing with Lunch," Roshi said.

"What? Lunch? Well, I..." Yamcha sputtered. Roshi sighed, shaking his head slightly as he walked across the room.

"Lad, I had hoped you were past this. Did Mai not being into anything roll you back that much?"

"It's not that. The twins are, well..."

"Beautiful? Sexy or cute, depending on what the pollen count is?"

"Better than me," Yamcha sighed.

"Oh, is this some manly 'not dating a woman stronger than me' thing? Cause I got no advice for that; except ditch it quick. Scary as a stronger woman might be at times, it's also pretty dang hot if ya ask me," Roshi giggled, cheeks reddening.

"...No. And what I was thinking about was Vendetta, Silver I suppose."

"Oh, that guy. What about him?"

"A man died today, and no one seems to care much. Even if he was a bad guy."

"Well, as you said, he was a villain. He made it very clear he was a very twisted and unrepentant one, too. And it's not like someone killed him. Fool chose death for the sake of pride and hate; Tienshenhan only made sure he didn't drag anyone with him on that last ego trip."

"Maybe it's because I used to be a pretty bad guy myself. I wasn't a casual murderer, Master, but I did kill people if they put up enough of a fight after refusing to hand over their goods, or rival bandits trying to take my territory. I didn't enjoy it, but my hands aren't clean, and it was my choice."

"Hmm, well, you never were exact about it, but I figured it was the case. Anyway, you're a reformed character now."

"Exactly. If Goku and Bulma hadn't been willing to give me a chance, if they got the upper hand, I'd be like that man. Nothing left of him now but a hat and jacket to prove he ever existed."

"Hmm, in the long run, one could argue we all leave little proof we lived, but that's not your issue, boy. You're feeling your mortality, and looking at your life and not liking what you see. Well, not to worry, boy! Your master has the solution," Roshi declared, nodding and punctuating his pronouncement by rapping his staff against the floor.

"Really, Master? What is it, ancient wisdom? A form of mediation?"

"Much better than any of that, and far more ancient than any koan, sutra, or whatever. Imma going to tell one of the twins you want to take them out on the town tomorrow night," Roshi grinned.

"Buh?" Yamcha went, then registered Roshi having run out of the room cackling.

"Wait! Master Roshi! That's too soon!" the red-faced fighter said, rushing off after the swift turtle.

X X X

"Tienshenhan, you have acted in rebellion against your sworn master. Do you deny this?" Master Shen said solemnly. He stood in the ornate living room of their suite, Tien already in prostration on the red carpet before the old man, while Chiaotzu stood off by the wall.

"Master, it was me who-" the pale child spoke.

"Silence. Do not insult my intelligence. The only reason you would act in such a manner is at the behest of your senior. I have long suspected you hold your duty to Tienshenhan higher than your duty to me. I consider you little more than a tool in his hand in this matter," the Crane Hermit stated.

"I am grateful Master, any penalty should fall on me alone," Tien said.

"Do not be so quick to presume mercy. That is not the way of our school. Perhaps I feel the best way to spite the hand that turned against me is to break its favored tool?"

Chiaotzu gulped.

"Master, if I rebelled against you, it was born of loyalty."

"A loyal rebellion? Are you a martial artist or a lawyer?" Shen sneered.

"Loyalty and obedience, while often in company, are not synonymous, Master. There are times the truly loyal must be disobedient to best serve their masters. I admire your drive to win. As with Lord Tao, your determination to surpass the boundaries of mere mortals in all things inspires me to emulate you in greatness. But you also taught me to be exacting in measuring my actions. One of my first lessons in conduct was never to put more effort in a job than it was worth unless I gained something of equal or greater value in my efforts for the doing. Had it been a match between you and the Muten Roshi to finally lay to rest your storied rivalry, I would never have interfered. But for you to risk shortening your life against a mere upstart... it was beneath your dignity. By taking part directly in the Budokai while the Kame Senin hides behind his students, you have proven your greater courage and confidence as the superior master. As a faithful student, it was my duty to save you from paying too steep a price for a momentary lapse of judgement in the heat of battle."

Shen's mustache twitched as he considered the words. Finally, he spoke.

"Kneel and raise your head," the Crane Hermit ordered. Tien rose to one knee and lifted his head, just enough to meet his master's eyes, concealed behind a new set of shades.

"I dislike your actions. Even if, as you say, they were born out of loyalty, disobedience is a most alluring drug. Better by far for a student to never indulge to begin with. However, the honor of the Crane School, due to your actions, now rests solely on your shoulders. So, it seems fate stays the hand of retribution against you, Tienshenhan. You will have no penalty here and now. But you are ordered to win this tournament. Tomorrow, Chiaotzu will set you against the woman Launch to avenge my defeat and restore our school's honor against her. Then you will surely face Gyu Mao's brat in the championship. We could, of course, pair the Turtles, but I will not have that. You must prove your worth and display our school's might by sweeping these women aside and seizing the Strongest Under the Heavens title in an indisputable victory. Do that, and your punishment will merely be a level of training I will ensure to push you through utter agony before arriving at greater strength. Fail, and you will suffer. Is my will clear?" Shen demanded coldly.

"Yes, Master, I am in awe and obedience to the wisdom of he who I study at the foot of," Tien said.

"Very well. I will be retiring to my chambers until we depart for the tournament tomorrow. When my meals arrive, knock at the door and leave the trays. I desire no company or conversation," Shen said. Without another word, he walked out, leaving Tien to sigh in relief, his posture sagging.

X X X

Bora stood in a hallway of the Grand Papaya, looking out a window at the glittering city, and more precisely the darkness beyond it. He knew it was the ocean, but it seemed a deeper sign to him.

"The Red Ribbon Army," he said. He had assumed with their leaders dead or surrendered and their fortress conquered, that evil band had passed to history. But it seemed to be common knowledge that they survived.

A price for isolation he supposed, to be unaware of such things. He had talked it over with Bulma during the dinner; the Red Ribbon had fallen far from its height of power, but they had not been wiped out, and in fact had over the last year begun expanding their territory once again.

The Son Family seemed to consider their "score" with the Red Ribbon settled. They weren't pleased with its survival, but saw no urgent need to carry out a killing blow. He recalled how they had urged him to spare that man, Black, so perhaps it was simply they were a merciful aspect of their ideals to not pursue it. The metal man's actions, they seemed to take as a personal grudge rather than a declaration of war. Though to be fair, he supposed Silver had never said he was acting on behalf of the Red Ribbon.

"Why so glum? You aren't the type to brood over a loss in something like this tournament," Ranfan said, coming up to him.

He had heard her approach; she was quiet, especially barefooted on these carpets, but his senses were sharp.

Bora looked at her. She was wearing what he gathered were somewhat more formal clothes for these people, and a purple scarf on her head.

She was quite lovely, and the hardheadedness reminded him of Osha. His late wife had lost most of her hair to childhood disease, and rather than try to make something of the rest, had shaved it clean the rest of her life.

No woman had tried to court Bora since he became a widower; it was odd to be chased by a woman he'd just met. And so assertively.

"The man who killed my son, he now leads the Red Ribbon Army," Bora answered, eyes going back to the darkness beyond.

She tried to raise a nonexistent eyebrow. Then snapped her fingers.

"Oh, right, magic Dragon Balls. I guess even with that, you'd still be angry."

"Yes, and I know he is a vile man from Bulma's recounting of him too. With a man like that leading them, the Red Ribbon will continue to be a source of suffering in the world. And if they possess more warriors like that Vendetta..." Bora scowled.

"So, you want to take them out? ...What? Chichi and Krillin don't share the other Turtles' attitude, she's fired up at the idea of toppling the Red Ribbon, and Krillin has her back. So, the four of us? I think we can finish what Goku and the twins started," Ranfan smiled.

"Four?" Bora asked, knowing the answer.

"What? Before we start lessons, I think you deserve to see more of what I can do," Ranfan winked at him.

"I'm grateful for any aid," he said sincerely.

"Mhm, well, I'll be looking forward to the gratitude, big guy. Night!" she said the last word like a song. He watched her go, and he was certain it was no accident her walk displayed what the tight pants revealed.

"...Well, between training her, there may be time for... other things," Bora admitted, when certain he was alone. After all, Upa would be training for quite some time at Korin Tower, and Ranfan would need time to prepare to ascend if she chose to...

"Life can take unexpected turns," Bora sighed, turning his back on the window and making for the shared sleeping quarters.

X X X

"A date with Yamcha!?" Bulma exclaimed. Launch nodded, seated on the ottoman in the suite as Yurin ran healing hands over the blonde's back.

"Yeah, it was a surprise," Launch admitted pensively.

"Master Roshi was the one who told us just before we got to the dining room," Chichi said, sitting on the floor polishing her hammer with a cloth and oil.

"Are you sure that old guy is on the level? That Yamguy seems pretty shy, cute as he is," Ranfan commented, pouring herself a drink at the minibar.

"Well, Yamcha showed up red in the face right after, and he didn't deny it when Launch asked him if it was true. Then he ran away and missed dinner. Probably wanted to start making reservations. Oh, just imagine, I hope he goes for a moonlight walk in the park tomorrow," Chichi swooned at the vision.

"Still, Roshi? Why would he ask him to be the go-between? Who even uses a go-between anymore?" Bulma grumbled.

"Well, Launch can be a bit scary, and if he's a bit shy..." Chichi remarked, smiling.

"He's not that shy! You should have seen him blushing at a girl practically hanging off him back in West City. You don't have to agree just because he asked, Launch. You're a champion, you don't have to settle," Bulma huffed.

"Are you saying I shouldn't go out with your ex, miss 'I lost my first match because I was doing an exhibition rather than a fight'?" Launch said, getting to her feet.

"Well, maybe I'm just giving you advice as someone with more Yamcha experience?"

"Well, maybe I don't want advice from someone who has even worse social skills than me?"

"Well, why don't you just go on a date then!?"

"Well, I am, and there's nothing you can do about it!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!" Launch said, storming out and slamming the door.

"Oh, drama," Ranfan grinned.

"Oh crap! I just drove away a friend over a guy I don't even like anymore!? What's wrong with me!?" Bulma yelled, tail rod-straight in distress.

Then the door burst back open.

"I've never been on a date, and other than Yamcha I don't have any guy pals who have. I'm sorry I yelled, help me not mess this up," the blonde said curtly.

"You're forgiven!"

"So are you!"

The blonde and bluenette in short order were around the coffee table, pencils in hand, strategizing what to do on the date like a war council, Chichi looking over their shoulders, beaming.

Ranfan sweatdropped.

"They skipped like a whole season of needless conflict because they're both so bad at relationships it cancels out. Am I going to be the straight woman in this group?" she wondered, scratching at her scalp through the scarf on her head.

"Silence, ladies!" Yurin commanded, holding up a VHS dramatically, "As per the night's champion of rock-paper-scissors, we will be watching a cowboy musical!"

"Quiet kid, we're busy with adult stuff!" Bulma said, drawing movement arrows round a target on a piece of paper, while Launch was comparing her stats to Yamcha's estimated ones in a chart she was making.

"But Miss Bulma, you said movie night was absolute, no backing out, no not paying attention!" Yurin whined, tugging on the sleeve of Bulma's pajamas.

"Someday, you'll understand that dates take priority over promises between friends."

"Ouch, you're a lousy role model," Launch said, looking up from her planning.

"I think the same thing about you every time I remember you're one of Goku's big sisters," Bulma said.

"You wanna go?" Launch said, thrusting her head across the table. Bulma copied the gesture, their brows lightly touching as they glared.

"Enough, time for dancing men in big hats!" Chichi declared, picking her friends up by the backs of their pajamas.

The Next Day:

She watched with the rest of the crowd, waiting for the gate to open to the tournament temple's grounds. The contestants had entered some time ago, and now the audience awaited both the announcement of the matches and being allowed onto the grounds.

The muttering died down to near silence as the gate opened, and a trio of orange-robed monks with black hats emerged, one carrying a stepladder, one a pair of large rolled up posters, and the final one a long-handled roller and bucket.

Hasky gave a small smile as the posters were put up, proclaiming the day's matches. Launch would be fighting Tien in the first match.

She'd already decided to leave well enough alone with her daughter. The girl had a family name now even, apparently being adopted into a family rather than marrying. Odd, but after her lifestyle, who was she to judge?

No, this was a vacation. She owned and managed a bar and grill in a small city, with investments as a partial owner in two other small businesses these days. Hasky had a new name and life, and the last thing called for was crashing into Launch's to try and fix what wasn't broken but rather nonexistent.

Yeah, she'd come here hoping her girl would be competing, and it was a thrill to see how powerful and confident she was. All without having had a mother in her life. If Launch ever wondered deep down, Hasky decided it was better a question left unanswered.

For now, she placed her trust in the champion by placing a bet with a bookie woman she was pretty sure wasn't legal, but it wasn't that big a sum anyway.

Now there was nothing left but to get onigiri and wait for the match to start.

Author's Notes:

I had fun with this one. Working on this chapter in editing I also worked out some kinks for my plans going forward on this story, quite satisfying.

Well as we head towards seasons end I hope I can maintain quality for all of you and it can finish strong.

Long days and pleasant nights to you all.