Guest: Yeah, and frankly I think Super Saiyan 4 makes a lot more sense.
SSJGogeta729024: Thanks, I'm glad to see you liked the chapter so much. Yeah, the fight between Piccolo and Gohan was a lot of fun to write out. Piccolo isn't the kind of person to hold back in a fight, not even against Gohan, though he wouldn't kill Gohan under any circumstances, even if he was brainwashed by Baby. Yes, now Goku is making his way to the battlefield to join up with Piccolo and the others. As for making Super Saiyan 3 look good against Baby, well I'm going to try my best and see how it turns out. Also, I'm glad to see you share my opinion on Super Saiyan 4 being better than Super Saiyan Blue.
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The battle on Planet Tuffle had reached a ceasefire, if only for a few fleating moments.
Baby stood atop his tower, glaring down at the forms of his so-called followers with a scowl plastered across his face, and he let out a scoff "To think that even Gohan should be defeated by the likes of these rebellious fools. It's so disgraceful, but then again I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by such an outcome. Nor should I be surprised by the appearance of you two." he then turned around to see who was standing before him.
As it turns out, it was Piccolo and Majuub standing before him, both of them dropped into combat stances and ready to fight "I take it you were expecting us."
"The most powerful of my followers were defeated without too much difficulty, it only makes sense that your next move would be to try and face me in battle next. I suppose I should commend you both, defeating the likes of both Gohan and Gotenks is no small feat, even if they did turn out to be utter disappointments. As a reward, I'm going to show you something, the power of a true Tuffle warrior!" and so his black aura surged wildly around his body, the sheer power it was generating shaking the entire planet with its magnitude "So now do you see, do you see what I'm capable of?"
"Are we supposed to be intimidated?"
"Piccolo is right." Majuub's gaze hardened considerably "Anyone should be able to see the amount of power you have at your disposal, but that doesn't mean that you're the most unstoppable force in this universe."
"And when the dust settles, you're not going to live to see another sunrise. We're going to make sure of it."
"I hope you're ready Baby, because here we come!" both of them started flaring their auras as high as they could go, with Piccolo also tapping into the power of his Ultimate form at the same time.
Baby's gaze hardened as he watched them power up 'With that new power of his, Piccolo is tapping into all of the energy he has at his disposal, and I suppose he's hoping it's going to be enough.' then his gaze fixated on Majuub 'This one though, he's far from being like any ordinary human. From what I can tell, between him and Piccolo he's the stronger of the two, though only by a certain extent.'
"I gave my word to Goku… I would use what he taught me… I would use it to put things right, no matter the cost… and I will!" Majuub's body bulked up slightly as his aura surged even higher than before. With that, they both finished powering up and started slowly walking towards their opponent.
'As I expected. So be it then, come at me."
"As if you had to ask!" so the two of them charged forward.
Baby spiked his aura again just in time to be hit by a combined Ki blast by Majuub and Piccolo, forcing him to block it as he was sent crashing through his tower, though he rebounded in a matter of seconds "So it would seem that both of them have increased their attack power."
"That's nothing, wait until you see this! Lightning Arrow!" Majuub fired forward a rapid barrage of Ki blasts.
"Am I supposed to be impressed by such a display of foolishness?" Baby wasted no time in dodging the Ki blasts with ease, only to see them change direction and combine with each other into the form of a massive golden tornado that then attacked him by firing a Super Kamehameha wave at full power "Super Galick Gun!" so he fired a Super Galick Gun in order to counter the Super Kamehameha "How pitiful, do you really expect me to fall for a tactic like that?"
"No, I expect you to fall for a tactic like this!"
"What?" Baby glanced back and his eyes widened at what he was seeing 'So then they planned for- Dammit!'
As it turns out, Piccolo was floating directly behind Baby, with two fingers charging and blazing with his Ki "Sorry to keep you waiting, I hope you're ready for what's about to come next. This fight ends now! Special Beam Cannon!" he fired a full power Special Beam Cannon directly towards Baby's back.
Baby was forced to break off his Super Galick Gun and leapt out of the way just in time to avoid the Super Kamehameha, but he was still pierced through the shoulder by Piccolo's Special Beam Cannon, and he spat out some blood as a result 'Dammit!'
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Meanwhile, with the hero of the franchise…
By this point, Kibito Kai and Goku had finally touched down on the Tuffle Planet "Alright here we are, welcome to Planet Plant."
"It's a lot more barren than I was expetcing." Goku noted, then glanced around "Good thing we didn't get here too late, I can still sense Pan and the others."
"Are they alright?"
"From what I can tell, yeah they're fine. I can sense Mr Satan and Pan in one direction over there, along with Gohan and a few others, but they're unconscious. Piccolo and Uub I can sense in another direction, and Baby is there too. I think we can handle it from here Kibito Kai, but there's one last thing I need you to do for me." he pulled out something from his gi and handed it to Kibito Kai: a Dragon Radar.
"I thought you said that robot you found on Imecka absorbed the Dragon Radar."
"He did, but Bulma told me she had a backup stored away in Capsule Corp, just in case anything happened to the original. I would've brought it up with Pan and Trunks, but since it was technically still working I didn't really see any need to. But anyway, since Giru is out of action, I think it's safe to say we need it now."
"And that's why we had to stop at Capsule Corp before coming here, but what are we going to do with it?"
"I can't use Instant Transmission as I am right now, but you still have your Instantaneous Movement going for you."
"You want me to travel to New Namek and use their Dragon Balls to return all of Baby's victims to normal, and maybe turn you back to your adult form as well?"
"I think we should wait to do that until after we defeat Baby, but in the meantime I was thinking that you could use that and head out to track down the Black Star Dragon Balls. Keep in mind it's been almost a full year since the Black Star Dragon Balls were used by Pilaf and his friends to turn me back into a kid, my guess is we've got only a few weeks before the Earth gets blown up because of it."
"But I thought you and the others brought the balls back to Earth."
"We did and we gave them to Dende and Mr Popo, they must have been under Baby's control like everyone else. My guess is that Baby used them to create this planet, and now they're scattered throughout the galaxy again. I know this is a lot to ask Kibito Kai, especially after all you've done for me, but-"
"Goku it's alright, I understand. After all, you and your friends have saved the universe time and again, so this is the least I can do to repay you. Just make sure that Baby doesn't spread his infection any further than he already has."
"Right, thank you Kibito Kai, and good luck."
"You as well my friend." and on that note, Kibito Kai disappeared from the Tuffle Planet using his Instantaneous Movement, taking the Dragon Radar with him.
Now alone, Goku looked down at himself and took a moment to get a grip on exactly what he was feeling 'So this is what it's like to have my tail back? It feels like I'm having a hard time keeping my balance, but at the same time it does feel kind of nostalgiac. Plus I do feel stronger than I'm used to, like there's some kind of primal power hidden deep inside me just waiting to be tapped into. I have to admit the sensation does feel pretty good, I just wish I had some time to stop and enjoy it, but I don't. Pan! Uub! Piccolo! I'm sorry I took so long, but I'm coming right now, so just hang in there.' he looked around the planet to get a more specific feel for where each Ki signature was located 'Okay, from what I can sense, Uub and Piccolo are fighting Baby right now, and they're not too far from here. Try to hang on just a little bit longer you guys, I promise I'm on my way!' and on that note, he blasted off across the skies of Planet Tuffle as fast as he could.
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Meanwhile, with the battle…
Majuub and Piccolo broke away from their clash with Baby, both panting slightly "It's hard to believe how strong he really is. I mean he has a hole in his shoulder, and he's still fighting off both of us as if he's still at full power."
"He must have more resilience than we were anticipating." Piccolo noted "But with the two of us working together against him, he won't be able to hold out forever. Keep in mind that it's up to the both of us right now, so if we can't defeat Baby, then who else will be able to stop him from taking control of the entire universe?"
"I think I have the answer to that question."
Piccolo and Majuub looked up, and their eyes widened "Goku?"
Sure enough, Goku dropped down onto the scene in a flash, his golden Super Saiyan aura flaring wildly, and he turned around to face them "So it looks like I was right, those two huge power levels fighting against Baby, it really was you guys wasn't it Uub, Piccolo?"
"That's right, and you're late. If you're going to swoop in and save the day, at least have the decency to show up on time. I thought you would've learned that by now."
"Sorry, but I've been pretty busy off-world getting something ready."
"So you're okay now?" asked Majuub "I mean Piccolo and I both felt your Ki disappear, we thought that you were dead."
"I would've been if it wasn't for the help of Old Kai and Kibito Kai, but that's all in the past. I think it's time for us to focus on the here and now. Where are the others?"
"Pan and Mr Satan are watching them, they're fine."
"Yeah I could tell that much, I just wanted to make sure. I've really gotta give you guys credit for fighting as hard and as long as you did, but you've done enough now. Just leave the rest to me, I'll be sure to take care of Baby myself."
"You can't be serious!" Piccolo rounded on him "Goku that's absolutely ridiculous, last time you fought him you barely got out alive, we actually thought you didn't, and now you want us to let you fight him all by yourself?"
"Yeah I do Piccolo, and keep in mind that I wouldn't be doing it like this if I didn't think I could handle it. I'll be fine, so you guys just get back to Pan and the others and keep them safe, just in case." and without leaving any room for objection, Goku started walking forward for the battle that was about to begin.
Baby stood in front of Goku calm as can be, not even bothering to get into a stance "So Goku, it seems you're still alive after all."
"You'd better believe I am." Goku dropped into his signature combat stance "And I don't care how many times it might take me, I'm gonna keep coming back until I get rid of you once and for all."
"Well well, it seems you're more resilient than I was expecting. Feel free to continue wasting all of your time and energy, because I'm personally starting to enjoy the concept of beating a filthy Saiyan like you within an inch of your life."
"Not this time Baby, I'll have you know that I've gone through a few changes since the last time we faced each other."
"Whatever you try doesn't amount to anything Goku, there's nothing you or any of the others can do to hold off my victory."
"Yeah well, I beg to differ. Just take a look and see for yourself." Goku jerked a thumb at where his tail now was behind his back.
"So you have a tail? What next, are you going to start flinging your monkey droppings in my direction?"
"Don't think that thought hasn't crossed my mind, but I promise you're going to like this one a lot more." with a furious roar, Goku's golden aura exploded in a column of light. When the light subsided, there he stood in his Super Saiyan 3 form, his golden hair extending down his back and his body crackling with electricity "I think it's about time for us to get this party started!"
"Don't think you're going to get this one all to yourself." Piccolo and Majuub both stepped forward, flaring their milky white auras even higher with every step.
"I thought I said for you guys to go back and join Pan and the others."
"You say that like I've ever taken orders from you. This is the kind of enemy where we can't take any chances, the best chance we have of defeating him is working together."
"...Alright I guess you've got a point. You know it's kind of nostalgiac, when was the last time you and me teamed up against an enemy."
"Probably when your sadistic bastard of an older brother showed up and kidnapped your son all those years ago."
"And to think so much has happened since then. Come on then you guys, let's show him why you don't mess with Earth."
"Oh please." Baby let out a scoff "You think just having a tail like any other filthy Saiyan ape is going to give you any sort of edge against me?"
"We'll see about that!" Goku spiked his Super Saiyan 3 aura and charged forward as he started his assault against Baby with a furious barrage of punches and kicks.
"You pathetic fool." Baby sidestepped Goku's attack and dealt him a kick that sent him flying backwards a great distance
"Dammit, come on let's go!" Piccolo and Majuub spiked their auras and started their own assault at full speed.
Baby was quickly forced on the defensive as he dodged and blocked most of their attacks, albeit with some visible difficulty "You little- I'm going to see to it that you all pay for your insolence in defying me!" he dealt Majuub a sharp kick that sent him flying into a plateau.
"If anyone's gonna pay it's you bastard!" Piccolo quickly attacked Baby by firin an Explosive Demon Wave.
"Let's see how you like this one!" Goku flared his Super Saiyan 3 aura as he blitzed back onto the scene and fired a full power True Kamehameha.
"I'm not out of this either!" Majuub blitzed onto the scene and quickly fired forward his own Majin Kamehameha.
"Big Bang Attack!" Baby fired off a Big Bang Attack from each hand, cancelling out two of the three attacks, though he was forced to block against Piccolo's Explosive Demon Wave, leaving him to be engulfed in the explosion that followed. When the smoke cleared, he immediately fired another Big Bang Attack at Piccolo.
"Dammit, Piccolo get down!" Goku suddenly kicked Piccolo out of the way and took the Big Bang Attack himself, sending him flying into a nearby mountain.
"Don't think I'm so helpless that I can't take of myself Goku, not with a pathetic attack like that one!" Piccolo quickly charged and fired an Explosive Demon Wave at Baby.
"Super Galick Gun!" Baby fired a Super Galick Gun just powerful enough to cancel out the Explosive Demon Wave, only to find himself on the defensive from a rapid barrage of punches and kicks from Piccolo, but as he did so he looked back to see Majuub coming right at him from behind 'Dammit, so he's a decoy?!'
"What the hell are you looking at?!" Piccolo dealt Baby a spin kick that sent him flying into a plateau.
Baby rebounded just in time to fend off a barrage of attacks from Majuub, but he dealt him a well timed kick that sent him flying backwards a short distance.
"We're not done yet! Light GRENADE!" Piccolo soared towards Baby at full speed and fired forward a powerful Light Grenade blast, engulfing Baby in the explosion that followed.
When the smoke cleared, Baby was still alive but had received some noticeable burns across his body from the blast "I should commend you for this Namekian, with power like this at your disposal I can see how you were able to defeat Gohan with so little difficulty. But don't think that's going to be anywhere near enough for you to defeat me!" he blitzed forward and fired a Big Bang Attack at Piccolo at point blank range, causing him to cough up blood and sending him tumbling backwards a great distance.
"Piccolo no! Lightning Arrow!" Majuub fired forward a rapid barrage of Ki blasts that combined together to form a large golden tornado, which then attacked him by firing forward a massive Majin Kamehameha blast.
"Super Galick GUN!" Baby fired upwards a Super Galick Gun powerful enough to cancel out the Majin Kamehameha, the force of the beam struggle sending both of them skidding backwards as a result.
Majuub was the first one to stop himself as he wiped some blood from his lip 'To think he was able to counter every strike we throw at him, and that's after Piccolo pierced through his shoulder with a Special Beam Cannon. This is unbelievable, he must be adapting to our fighting styles and techniques the longer the battle drags on.'
Baby started walking forward in order to continue his assault against Majuub, only to stop when he noticed something "You!"
As it turns out, it was Goku standing behind him, having grabbed him by the shoulder using his tail of all things "Hey there, I bet you forgot about me didn't you? Well I didn't forget about you, in fact I've got something for you!" he fired at Baby at point blank range with a full power True Kamehameha, engulfing him in the explosion that followed.
Majuub pulled himself back to his feet and looked on in horror "Goku no!"
The smoke cleared slightly to reveal Goku lodged into the side of a plateau, forced back to his Super Saiyan 2 form as he spat out some blood "You know… in retrospect… maybe blasting myself… to get him… wasn't the best idea…"
However, the smoke cleared to reveal Baby wasn't unscathed by the blast, and his armor had been damaged considerably as a result "You little…"
"But then again, it is pretty reassuring knowing that you can be hurt."
"I'm going to make you suffer for this!" Baby tried to attack Goku in a rage, only to be forced on the defensive by a rapid barrage of attacks.
Goku retreated back a short distance to meet up with Majuub "Well that turned out to be pretty insane all things considered."
"It looked that way too, are you okay?" asked Majuub.
"All things considered, more or less."
"I can see that being turned into a kid again hasn't had an effect on your ability to fight, and thanks to that attack you landed we might have a new strategy going for us." this was when they were joined by Piccolo.
"I think I know what you mean, if we launch huge attacks like that while his defences are down then we should actually be able to do some serious damage."
"Right, maybe if we use some combination attacks to create an opening and then hit him with even larger scale attacks then the likes of that one."
"It might be just what we need to turn the tide of this fight."
"But do you think it's going to work?"
"I think there's only one way to find out. For the time being, you and Piccolo should charge in and we'll try and find some way to knock him off guard, and in the meantime…"
"I think I understand, I won't let you down Goku."
"I know you won't."
"Are you through concocting your little plan of attack?" Baby's black aura spiked as he powered himself up.
"Oh trust me, that's just the tip of the iceberg." Piccolo stepped forward and flared his milky white aura "We plan on paying you back for all the hell you've put us through, along with everyone else on Earth. As far as we're concerned, the time has come for the three of us to take control of this fight."
"We'll see about that."
"You bet we will! Twin Dragon Shot!" Goku suddenly flashed back into Super Saiyan 3 and fired forward a Twin Dragon Shot.
Baby dispelled it with his black aura, just in time to see Piccolo and Majuub charging at him, which led him to be kicked through a nearby mountain, and even after rebounding he was forced on the defensive, which led to him being pushed back even as they took their fight to the skies of Planet Tuffle 'Dammit, these wretches don't let up!'
"Now's my chance, take this Baby!" seizing the opportunity, Goku hit Baby full on with a fully charged Super Kamehameha.
"Did you really think that you would be able to use the same tactic against me twice? Big Bang Attack!" Baby fired a Big Bang Attack at the Super Kamehameha, weakening the blast enough for him to charge through it, and he then sent Goku flying into a nearby plateau with a brutal uppercut, easily deflecting another Super Kamehameha in the process.
Majuub and Piccolo quickly regrouped at the sight of Goku being pummeled "This is bad, our plan isn't working. What do we do?"
"Right now, the best hope that we've got is for all three of us to attack him at once." Piccolo told him "Let's give it a try."
"Right!" so the two of them blitzed into the fray and attempted to strike Baby while firing two simultaneous attacks, a Majin Kamehameha and a Light Grenade to be more specific.
"You think a few pathetic attacks like that will be enough for you to stop me! Well think again you fools! REVENGE DEATH BALL!" Baby summoned a massive ball of black energy and hurled it forward, causing the three blasts to collide with it, the resulting explosion engulfing all of those present.
When the explosion subsided, Piccolo and Majuub both hit the ground hard with two simultaneous thuds "Dammit… to think he fought off… our combined attack… He's even more powerful… than I had anticipated…"
Baby looked down at their injured forms with a malicious smirk "I think it's about time for me to end your insignificant lives."
"KamehameHA!" a Kamehameha suddenly slammed into the side of his face, courtesy of none other than Pan as she burst onto the scene and sent Baby flying a short distance away, and then followed up with a furious barrage of attacks "Did you really think that I was just gonna sit on my butt on the sidelines after all the crap you put all of us through?!" she was met with a solid kick that sent her crashing into a plateau.
"Did you think it would be that easy?"
"I don't care what I have to say or do, I swear I'm gonna take you down for everything you've done, for everyone you've hurt, no matter what it takes!" with her rage building, Pan flashed into Super Saiyan as her body bulked up slightly, pushing her to the next level, that being 2nd Grade Super Saiyan "I'm gonna make sure of it myself!" she charged at him at full speed in a blind rage.
"Am I supposed to be impressed?" Baby stopped Pan's assauled with a single bare hand, and then he fired a simple Ki blast at her that sent her tumbling across the battlefield, only to be met with a Ki blast to the back.
As it turns out, that Ki blast came from Goku himself, his Super Saiyan 3 aura still crackling with electricity "You didn't forget about me did you?"
"I would never forget a filthy Saiyan wretch such as yourself." Baby returned to the ground to meet him at eye level "Do you really believe you'll be able to face me alone? In case you've forgotten, that didn't work out so well for you last time, which was less than two days ago."
"It doesn't matter if I think I can or not, it's the only choice I've got right now."
"Spare me your drivel, I've heard more than enogh out of you to last a lifetime." Baby fired a simple Big Bang Attack at Goku, then followed up with a brutal kick to the gut and uppercut to the jaw that sent him hurtling to the ground "It doesn't matter what you say or do, it's not going to be enough. I hold the power to conquer this entire universe at my command!" he held his hands over his head "And now the burden of weakness, the failure of defeat and death, and the agony of extinction, they all fall upon you! REVENGE DEATH BALL!" he hurled forward a massive Revenge Death Ball at full power towards the three of them.
"Dammit…" unable to move for the moment and with no options available, Majuub could only shut his eyes and wait for the inevitable… only to open his eyes a gain when he noticed something in front of him.
As it turns out, Goku was standing in front of him and Piccolo and holding back the Revenge Death Ball with a full power True Kamehameha "Come on, come on, COME ON!"
"Goku… what are you doing…? You have to get… out of the way…"
"No I can't, if I stop holding this thing back then we're all as good as dead!"
"Goku this is fucking insane!" Piccolo pulled himself back to his feet "You don't have the power to hold back that blast, you have to get out of there now!"
"I said I can't!" Goku spiked his aura and poured more power into his True Kamehameha, but as he did he gave a quick glance back at them "Hey Piccolo, Majuub, take these!" using his tail, he dug into his gi and threw two small objects towards them.
"Senzu Beans?"
"Yep, one for each of you. I had Kibito Kai stop by and get some from Korin before he brought me here. I might not be able to do much against Baby, but at the very least I can buy you guys a little bit of time! Do whatever you have to do to take him down, make sure that the others all survive this!" and with that, Goku's True Kamehameha finally gave out, along with his Super Saiyan 3 form, and the Revenge Death Ball sent him flying across the planet.
"And thus a proud legacy falls." Baby noted with a malicious smirk "You should be grateful to that Saiyan, he chose to sacrifice himself for your miserable worthless lives."
"Don't count… on that…" Piccolo pulled himself back to his feet and used the Senzu Bean he received from Goku to recover, with Majuub promptly doing the same "Goku gave everything he had so that the two of us could keep fighting…"
"But don't think for a second that he would die from something like that." Majuub quickly followed Piccolo's lead "He'll find a way to recover and push himself to even new heights of power, I know that for a fact. Both of us do, and that's why now both of us have enough power to be able to do this!" Majuub suddenly blitzed forward and buried his fist in Baby's gut, causing him to cough up blood "The difference being that now, the two of us are back at full power, and as such we're ready to take you down."
"Don't think… Don't think that I'll go down so easily." Baby dropped back into his combat stance and prepared to fight.
Majuub and Piccolo both dropped into their own stances in response to this "We know, and we're ready."
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Meanwhile, with Goku…
Goku pulled himself out of the rubble and fell back on his back as he spat out some blood 'This isn't how I imagined things going, how can he always be one step ahead of me? It's like he's constantly reading my mind somehow.' he looked up at the Earth in the distance 'Earth, she's so beautiful, just like she's always been. Just the thought of me not being to protect her… I can't stand a thought like that… I have so many fond memories of the Earth… the only planet I've ever called home… All of my friends… my family… all of them… those who have been at my side through every step of the way, through the good times and the bad… The thought of not being able to save them from Baby… I can't stand it… Please, let me find the strength I need inside me to end this nightmare…' he started up at the Earth with a sense of longing, his tail wiggling around as he did, and that was when it happened. His eyes turned red as his chest started pounding rapidly, and his body started bulking up and gaining muscle mass, his features becoming more primal by the minute.
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Meanwhile, with Majuub and Piccolo…
By this point, Majuub and Piccolo had broken off from their assault against Baby, only to stop when they noticed something "Piccolo do you see that? It's Goku, he's transforming again. Is this some new Super Saiyan form he acquired?"
"No, that's definitely not it." Piccolo told him grimly "I've only seen this once before a long time ago, back when I was first training Gohan, but I know all too well what this is. This can only mean one thing-" he was cut off by a furious primal roar as a golden column of Ki burst upwards from Goku's body, shattering the landscape around him, and then Goku transforming into a large ape-like creature with golden-colored fur "He's becoming a Great Ape. I don't get it though, this shouldn't be possible."
"Why is that?"
"I know for a fact that a Saiyan needs two things in order to transform into a Great Ape, their tail land the full moon. Sure Goku has his tail back now, but that doesn't change the fact that I destroyed the moon myself years ago in order to prevent this sort of thing from happening, so how?"
"Wait a second, that was you?"
"That doesn't matter now, it was years ago. The point is there needs to be a full moon in order to cause this kind of transformation."
"So then… Wait a minute, take a look." Majuub pointed up at the Earth above them "It's not the moon, but this planet is in the same orbit that the moon used to be in right?"
"Not exactly, but it's close enough, so that must mean Goku is using the Earth in place of the full moon."
"Is that supposed to be good or bad for us though?"
"I can't say for certain just yet, right now it's a matter of whether or not he can gain conscious control of the form."
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By this point, Baby had reached the same conclusion as Piccolo, and could only watch from his place perched atop a nearby plateau as the Golden Great Ape form of Goku started mindlessly rampaging across the planet 'Dammit! My people numbered in the millions, until the day came when those filthy Saiyan apes came to pillage our planet, the memories of that day burned into my very being. I'll be long dead before I ever allow that hell to come into fruition again! I hope you're prepared Goku, because you're about to witness once again the power of a Tuffle reborn in the body of a Saiyan! Your time has the dominant species of the universe has long since come to an end!" he held up both hands and began charging his Revenge Death Ball.
Goku was quick to notice this despite his primal state of mind, and promptly hurled a massive rock at Baby to stop him from charging his attack, then dealt him a smash attack that sent him flying through several buildings.
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Meanwhile, with the others…
Pan's eyes snapped open and she bolted upright while she was panting heavily, and she was helped to her feet by Majuub and Piccolo "Oh thanks guys, I guess you had an extra Senzu Bean stashed away."
"You're lucky for it too, you shouldn't have been so reckless." Majuub told her.
"I couldn't just let you guys get yourselves killed!"
"Forget about that, it doesn't matter anymore." Piccolo told her flatly "We've got much bigger problems to deal with right now."
"Yeah I can tell, from what I can sense from here it feels like there's something seriously wrong with Grandpa Goku."
"Because there is, we've gotta get moving and fast."
"Right!" and so the three of them blasted off across the skies of Planet Tuffle.
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Meanwhile, with Baby…
As a result of the thrashing Goku gave him, Baby was now lying in a pile of rubble and his own blood within an abandoned building 'That's how my people were slaughtered like animals, but while the Saiyans may pull the same old tricks, my race happens to have the benefit of genetic enginieering going for us.' he slowly pulled himself out of the rubble 'I'm going to make him regret surviving this long against me, his death will be slow and painful.' then he looked up and saw Goku rampaging through the city searching for him 'He just won't stop will he?'
Goku climbed atop the abandoned building and started tearing away at it in search of Baby, only to be met with a Ki blast to the face that nearly blew him to the ground, but he held on in his rage and started tearing away at the building again.
"Take this you wretched primate!" Baby leapt into the air and started bombarding Goku with a rapid barrage of Ki blasts, causing him to fall to the ground and destroying the building in the process "I hate to break it to you monkey, actually no I don't, but such brute force jungle tactics aren't going to be anywhere near enough for you to defeat me!" he started laughing over his supposed triumph, but stopped when he saw something.
That something turned out to be Goku climbing his way out of the rubble, and then he suddenly breathed out a stream of flames that seemed to follow him wherever he went.
Baby eventually managed to outmaneuver the stream of flames, only for Goku to smack him straight to the ground in an instant.
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Meanwhile, with the others…
By this point, Piccolo and the others had reached the ruins of the abandoned city, or what was left of it anyway "Goku's Ki signature is coming from over there, and his power is rising by the second."
"What does that mean then?" asked Pan "You think he has something to do with that gigantic monkey?"
"The technical term is Great Ape, and no, he is the Great Ape. What's even more disconcerting is the fact that right now, he might be the only one powerful enough to put an end to Baby once and for all."
"But I thought he couldn't transform like that anymore."
"He couldn't initially, but now that he has his tail back there's nothing stopping him from staying in this form, but the problem now is that he can't control himself when he's like that."
"We've gotta stop him then, if things keep going like this then he's gonna end up killing someone or worse!"
"Easier said than done, not only is he mindless in this state, but he's at least 100 times more powerful than his normal state."
"But there has to be a way to snap him out of it!"
"Of course there is, it's just a matter of how."
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At the same time, Old Kai observed Goku's mindless rampage from the Sacred World of the Kai through his crystal ball, but he didn't seem discouraged in the slightest. He already knew fully well that if Goku were to find a way to regain his humanity, then he would be able to achieve the ultimate Super Saiyan level, the absolute pinnacle of Saiyan power: Super Saiyan 4.
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Meanwhile, on Planet Tuffle…
With Baby nowhere in sight, Goku continued his mindless rampage of destruction, ripping apart one plateau after another with pure physical strength alone, which also resulted in various volcanic eruptions across the planet, but stopped when he reached a lake away from the abandoned city, saw the Earth in the water's reflection, and then looked up at the Earth in what appeared to be a sense of longing.
Pan and the others watched Goku's actions from afar "What's he doing, why is he just staring up at the sky like that?"
"It's not just the sky Pan, it's the Earth." Piccolo told her "I think something about the Earth has caught his attention." he was proven right by Goku suddenly climbing a mountain nearby and reaching out towards the Earth "Come on, let's follow him for now and see what he does."
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Meanwhile, with Baby…
By this point, despite being heavily wounded and slightly disoriented, Baby had reached his own conclusion in regards to Goku's transformation 'Yes it's true, if Goku has the ability to turn into one of these beastly apes then by all means, I should have the same power at my disposal. I hope you're ready Saiyan, our next confrontation will be our last.' and so he promptly blasted off across the skies of Planet Tuffle.
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Meanwhile, with our heroes…
By this point, Pan and the others were flying across the skies after Goku, watching as he slowly climbed one mountain after another 'What's the matter with you Grandpa, what could've done this to you?'
"Wait stop, I think something is happening." Piccolo stopped Pan and Majuub a fair distance awat from Goku, watching as his eyes began to flicker from red to gold and he started reaching out towards the Earth with a sense of longing.
"Grandpa… I get it. You miss Earth just as much as the rest of us don't you?" Pan was met with the sight of Goku beating against his chest like a gorilla "Maybe I can try to get through to him somehow."
"Pan wait, that's too risky."
"He recognizes the Earth at least, maybe he can try and recognize one of us too." so Pan then floated up in front Goku's face, which instantly caught his attention "Grandpa, do you remember who I am? It's me, Pan, your granddaughter. I need you to focus for me, okay? You came to this planet in order to defeat Baby, so that we'll all be able to go home to our friends and family waiting for us. I know you can hear me Grandpa, so please work with me!" she was met only with him attempting to grab her and instead sending her hurtling towards the ground.
"Pan!" thinking quick, Majuub caught her before she hit the ground "I've got you now, are you okay?"
"I think so, but I seriously imagined that going differently."
"I can't blame you for trying, I hate the thought of seeing Goku like this too. But if it helps at all, I think Piccolo has it covered." Majuub pointed to where Piccolo was suddenly growing in size until he was in his Great Namekian form, which appeared to rival Goku's Golden Great Ape form in size.
"...Huh. I didn't know he could do that."
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Sure enough, Piccolo had indeed decided to use his Great Namekian form and dealt Goku a fist across his face, sending him stumbling backwards "Come on Goku, I know you're not the brightest but I never once thought you would descend to becoming such a mindless beast!"
Goku let out a roar and tried to punch Piccolo right back, only for that to end with the two of them in a bitter power struggle, both trying to push the other back and failing.
"The Goku I know would be trying to scrape and claw his way out of the beast that I see before me, he couldn't stand the thought of not being able to help his friends and family! Goku, you have so many fond memories of Earth, the only planet that you've ever given the honor of calling your home… a sentiment I know all too well. All of your friends, your family, the people who have stayed at your side through every step of the way, through the good times and the bad times… I thought you couldn't bare to even think about the possibility not being able to save them from Baby. I don't care what I have to say or do, I won't let you forget about the people who helped to save you from yourself!"
Goku's angry expression disappeared as he slowly stopped struggling against Piccolo's hold, a single tear falling down his face.
"Listen to me when I tell say this to you Goku, because you need to hear this. If you don't come to your senses and do this, then Pan is going to die. Uub is going to die. Your sons are going to die. Everyone is going to die eventually. But before all of that, if you don't do this then you are going to die. And you're better than that! You're better than Baby! The fact is that you're better than all of us! All of the power and Saiyan heritage coursing through your veins was built from a lifetime of intense battles, overcoming one challenge after another! You're more than just some random Saiyan that lives for the thrill of battle, you are SON GOKU! Now you need to come to your senses, plant your feet, grit your teeth, and EAT! THAT! HORSE!"
Goku let out a low growl as he slowly pushed Piccolo's hand aside and his gaze returned to the form of the Earth behind him, his body slowly being engulfed in golden-colored Ki as he slowly began to revert from his Golden Great Ape form to a more humanoid state, snarling and howling all the while.
Seeing this taking place, Piccolo reverted back to his original state and quickly blitzed over to where Majuub and Pan were currently watching the scene take place "Well I was able to get through to him, that's the good news."
"So what's the bad news?" asked Pan "There is bad news right?"
"I don't know if I would say bad so far, more like news that's to be determined. To put it in simple terms, he's transforming again and I have no idea whether or not he'll be able to control this new form."
"Are you saying we'll have to be ready to fight?" asked Majuub.
"Like I said, that's to be determined. Let's move forward, but make sure you stay cautious as you do."
"Right." and so the three of them slowly advanced forward.
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The transformation had subsided, as had the massive energy storm that been ignited because of the transformation itself.
Goku stood on the remains of the gigantic pile of rubble that used to be a mountain, now with a new appearance as a result of the transformation, his black hair having grown out and appearing more wild, his height having grown until he was back in his adult form, red fur covering his upper body and torso. With his transformation complete, he looked around and then down at himself 'This feeling… this power…'
"Looks like he's finished with this new transformation, let's move onward but remember to stay cautious and alert." so Piccolo landed on the ground in front of Goku, with Pan and Majuub both following his lead as they slowly made their way forward "So Goku, do you recognize all of us again, or are we going to have to fight you again to bring you back to your senses?"
Hearing this, Goku slowly looked down at Piccolo and the others, seeing the three of them drop into their combat stances, and he shot a smirk at them "How about we save that sort of thing for after we take care of Baby?" he was met with a few sighs of relief from Pan and Majuub.
As for Piccolo, he just shot a smirk at Goku.
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At last, Goku has regained control of himself, remembered what he's fighting for and who he must defeat, and now he has his gaze set on his target. With the pinnacle of ultimate Saiyan power at his command, will this newly-transformed Super Saiyan 4 be enough to end the menace of Baby and the Tuffles once and for all? Find out next time on Dragon Ball GT: Piccolo's Counterattack!
A/N:
Now we're getting to the climax of the war against Baby and his Tuffle forces, and we see what may very well be my favorite form in the entirety of the Dragon Ball franchise: Super Saiyan 4. I know I said that this fic was mainly about giving characters other than Goku some time to shine, but I think I've done that quite well up until now, and just because Goku's here doesn't mean he's the only one who's going to have a part in defeating Baby himself. The others will get ample time to shine yet again soon enough.
I tried to give some love to all four of the main warriors still in the fight against the forces of Baby, those being Goku, Piccolo, Majuub and even Pan. At least, before the time came for Goku's transformation to begin. I wanted to make Goku's Super Saiyan 3 form look better than it did in canon.
I made some changes about the scene where Goku finally gains control over his Golden Great Ape from just Pan trying to snap him out of it, to Piccolo trying to do it as well, and with his Great Namekian form briefly fighting against the Golden Great Ape. Another missed opportunity in my opinion, not just from GT, but from all of the franchise after the 23 World Martial Arts Tournament.
One thing that's worth noting here is that, unlike in the original, Majuub didn't turn himself into chocolate and end up inside Baby's stomach. Yeah no, that's not happening here. He's staying outside in the open all the way through, and he'll have his role to play in the final battle against Baby.