History of Trunks

Majin Buu

Seven years ago a Nightmare ended. Two powerful androids nearly wiped out the human race. But the bravery and strength of one young man saw an end to the malevolent brother and sister team that almost reduced the world to ash. A young man willing to defy the flow of time itself and face horrors none should ever need to endure, to save the ones he loved and give hope to a world that had lost it. Seven years ago the nightmare ended but for Trunks the memory was still clear, the ice blue eyes of the androids that took countless lives, murdered the man that taught him, and left him for dead more than once were still fresh in his mind. The unspeakable power of a monster that could have ruined the planet, if not for the spirit of friends he left behind, revisited him constantly. Trunks rose from his bed leaving the demons of his past where they belonged. He rubbed his face with his hand, never again would he allow something like that to happen and that’s why he was here. Trunks was at Kami’s lookout, a beautiful sanctuary floating above the planet. He commandeered the lookout to use as a place for training while he watched over the earth. Here he would train a new group of Z warriors to protect peace. He threw the white sheets off himself, reached to a chair next to the bed and grabbed a black tank top draped across it. He placed his bare feet on the cold stone floor and stood up from his bed. Quickly he dressed himself in his usual black garments and walked out of the uninviting room into a simply and unappealing hallway. He opened a nearby door and called into it

“Seira, wake up. We’re getting started right after breakfast.”

A girl roused from her sleep, sat up in her bed and blinked her eyes several times as she became aware of the world around her. She stretched her arms over her head; her dark hair was tied into a bun to keep it from moving in her sleep, the sheets rose slightly from the bed as she stretched her legs.

“Alright Trunks, I’ll be right out!” she yelled out to him louder then needed.

Seira stood up from her bed and scratched her hip through her orange and white pajamas which had “Teddy” written across the chest. She let her hair out of its bun and started to collect her clothes.  Trunks walked away from Seira’s room across the hall to another door. He opened the door and peered inside; he could see that the bed was still in use.

“Black!” he yelled “Get up; we’ve got training to do!”

“Get up Black!” Trunks yelled again as he turned from the door and came immediately face to face with a wolfen man. Trunks jumped back and cringed slightly, with a faint look of surprise he said

“Black, don’t do that.”

Black stared at Trunks with his yellow eyes, uncaring that he surprised him.

“I’ve been awake for half an hour now.” He said direct and to the point “Breakfast has already been made.”

“Umm… Thanks.” Trunks replied.

“Oh Blake, you’ve made us breakfast? Thank you that’s so nice.” Seira said with a smile as she walked out of her room wearing a familiar purple gi she found in the lookout.

Black lowered his head and sighed, his navy fur becoming faintly ruffled. Black hated being called by his given name preferring to be addressed by his family name. Black allowed Seira to get away with calling him that even though he disliked it; Trunks addressed him as Black out of respect for his wishes.

“You’re welcome.” Black said plainly, more out of formality than as an expression of emotion.

Seira grabbed Black by the arm and said to him “Lets go then.” while scratching his head. Black hated such displays of affection as evident by his demeanor while Seira behaved as so. Seira meant no disrespect; she was simply being playful with her wolf-like friend. This kind of treatment, even if friendly in approach, reminded Black all to well of his animal like nature, hating the idea that he may be seen as a pet or wild animal instead of a person. Seira dragged Black by the arm while she walked down the hall, Black followed begrudgingly in step. Trunks only smiled and shook his head, “Seira may be the only person that could get away with that.” he said to himself. Trunks followed behind his friends and the trio disappeared down the hall.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

The three friends sat around a well-made table that was well out of place in contrast to the gray stone room it was housed. The new Z warriors had done the best they could to transform the dull stone room in to place they could call home, and Trunks equipment from Capsule Corp. helped a great deal. Pushed against the rounded wall as best they could were various fixtures, a stove, oven, refrigerator, sink and countertops. Even a couch sat in front of a television that was setup with various electronics. Their circular table was adorned with food; eggs, rice, pancakes, roasts, potatoes and a number of fruits littered the table. Trunks and Seira shoveled their food with their utensils, while Black ate with his bare hands, behaving the most civil of the group. Black scoped up a fried egg and threw it into his mouth, as he finished chewing he looked to Trunks and asked

“What plans do you have for us today Trunks?”

Black seemed ready for training and didn’t want to wait much longer. Trunks looked up from his plate at Black and reached across the table for a roast while he addressed him

“Well I’ve got a nice surprise for the both of you.” He said.

But before Trunks could start his next sentence he felt himself pulled to one side. He and Black looked over to see Seira trying to wrestle the same piece of meat from its plate that Trunks reached for. Angrily she fought for the meal until she looked up and saw her friends staring at her. She let go, quickly composed herself and smiled

“Sorry.” She said with a giggle.

“No, that’s alright. You can have it.” Trunks answered while carefully drawing back his hand.

Seira courteously took the roast to her plate; she began to cut the meal with her utensils.

“You said something about a surprise.” She said to Trunks, and then ate a slice of the roast.

“Yeah I’ve been doing a lot of work around here. Trying to understand how the Lookout works.” Trunks told his friends. “And last night I had a bit of a breakthrough. I’ve figured out how to work the Pendulum Room.”

“What does that mean?” Black asked while taking a bite out of a drumstick.

“It means we’re going on a little trip today.” Trunks answered.

“A trip, where to Trunks?” Seira said after slurping down some noodles.

“We’re going to see an old hero.” Trunks explained “Gohan.”

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

The new Z warriors now found themselves walking through a ruined cityscape. Toppled buildings, collapsed domes, and derelict automobiles surrounded them. As they traveled through the destruction each of them reacted differently to the devastation. Trunks now wearing his trademark blue Capsule Corp. jacket complete with his European style sword, showed a look of regret and resentment. Black’s face was a mask of anger and disgust, while Seira looked concerned and sad.

“I know neither of you need to be reminded of this, but sometimes it’s important to look back at the reasons why we’re working so hard.” Trunks told his friends as they adjusted to the world around them.

“So this is the power of the Pendulum room.” Black said, “It’s sent us back in time to relive this moment.”

“Only in an abstract sense Black, we can interact with this past, but we cannot truly cause any change to history.” Trunks reminded his partners.

“So what makes this place so special?” Seira asked still visibly upset by her surroundings

“What makes this place special is that is reminds us of where we’ve been, how things were different, and allows us to explore opportunities we never could before. If you mean what make this place special, this particular city, there is a challenge you both need to face to further your training. Also someone very special should be arriving here any second now.”

As Trunks finished his speech the trio looked skywards and with their heightened senses noticed that an orange streak blazed across the sky.

“Well there he is.” Trunks said with a smirk.

“Alright let go meet this Hero then.” Black said indifferently.

“I can’t wait to meet him.” Seira said cheerfully while clasping her hands together.

Both Seira and Black readied themselves to take off after the flying hero when Trunks yelled out to them to stop.

“Wait! There’s one very important thing you need to know before we do anything. While it’s true we can’t affect this world, it can affect us. We can die here.” Trunks warned his friends earnestly.

Black only stared at Trunks intensely while Seira seamed worried, if not confused by his statement. Seira’s expression then changed as if she had just realized something and smiled happily again.

“That’s alright.” She said, “Since we’re here to see your friend.” After that she shot off into the sky leaving a trail of blue energy in her wake. Trunks and Black took off as well leaving behind similar, although colorless trails of energy as well.

The orange clad warrior had come to a stop; quickly he turned to the energy he felt behind him. This man was the Gohan of Trunks past. First he seemed ready for a confrontation with the new powers he felt, but relaxed when he saw his pursuers. The new Z warriors came to a halt and floated a few feet away. Before any of them could say a word Gohan addressed them with surprise.

“Trunks how did… What happened to you? You look so different, almost like another person. And who are these people?” he exclaimed with confusion.

“Uh, Hi Gohan.” Trunks said sheepishly while scratching the back of his head. “None of that’s really important, but I want you to meet my friends.”

“This is Black.” Trunks said gesturing to him with his hand.

Black only nodded his head in acknowledgement; Gohan greeted him in same way.

“And this is Seira.” Trunks then motioned her direction.

Seira blushed and smiled brightly “Hello Gohan, it’s nice to meet you.” She said politely while bowing.

Gohan smiled warmly, something he had not had the chance to do as often as he would have liked.

“Seira, it’s nice to meet you, too.” Gohan replied as if she was an old friend.

“Oh my, what happened to your arm?” Seira blurted out bluntly

Black sighed, lowered his head and shook it, seemingly embarrassed by Seira bluntness. Even Trunks and Gohan where taken back by her forwardness. Seira also became embarrassed by her actions as she saw the reaction of her friends.

“Oh, this…” Gohan said reaching to his left side “This is what happens when you don’t pay attention while eating with Trunks.” He said playfully

“That’s not funny in the least bit, Gohan.” Trunks reprimanded him while thinking back to his own breakfast. Seira giggled and even Black seemed to smirk, more so at Trunks response then at the actual joke.

“I think it’s pretty funny. You should see the way you eat.” Gohan continued joking.

“No Gohan.” Trunks said with seriousness. “They need to know what really happened and they need to hear it from you.”

Trunks demeanor completely changed, he became stern and serious, Gohan’s appearance shifted to match his. Black continued to watch coldly and Seira snapped to attention and tried to look focused.

“Alright Trunks.” Gohan answered “The androids did this to me.”

Black’s lips curled slightly and he growled under his breath. Seira’s stern look was quickly replaced with sympathy “I’m so sorry.” she said softly. Both of them knew from Trunks stories how Gohan lost his arm but seeing Gohan and hearing it from him was very different.

“This is the price I paid for standing against them. Each time I did, they delighted in the pain they caused me; they even seemed to enjoy the challenge of fighting me. Every confrontation ended with my retreat or them leaving me for dead.”

Seira and Black hung on to every word Gohan said as he explained his dealings with the androids. Gohan’s words were having just the effect Trunks had wanted. Black and Seira had seen the damage the androids had caused, they heard the stories, and lived through their reign of terror, but these stories, they carried a different weight when told by Gohan. When Trunks told them of the androids they were hearing it from their hero, a man who saved the world, but Gohan wasn’t a savior; he was a man struggling against impossible odds. Seira and Black had taken a tremendous step in their training, and Trunks couldn’t have been more pleased.

“Alright, that’s enough for now.” Gohan told the group “Trunks I know how badly you want to defeat the androids…”

“Well Gohan, that’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.” Trunks interrupted him.

“What are you up to, Trunks?” Gohan quickly countered

“I don’t want to fight the androids.” Trunks assured him

“Good!” Gohan said, “I’m glad to see you coming to your senses”

“I want them to fight the androids.” Trunks said pointing to his friends

“You want us to what?!” “You want them to do what?!” Seira, Black, and Gohan exclaimed in unison.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

“Are you serious?”

“Trunks I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Do you think we’re ready for that?”

These were the responses Trunks heard to his bold statement, but Trunks stood fast; he had a plan and was going to see it through.

“Trunks I don’t know what you’re up to, but you can’t seriously expect your friends, who I’m just now meeting, to stand up against the androids. Even if they can fly, that hardly qualifies them. I mean look at your friend there, he’s shaking at the idea of fighting the androids.” Gohan said and then motioned towards Black

Black was sneering, his eyes focused into another world, fists clenched tight, his entire upper body was shaking. Seira looked with concern towards Black.

“You’re scared Black?” she asked him nervously

“Beyond words.” Black said plainly and then looking at Gohan he continued, “That’s not why I’m shaking. I’m shaking because I’m excited. And I’m excited because I can finally face down those heartless bastards and revisit upon them the suffering they deserve.” He said with absolute resolution.

Trunks smiled with confidence “You see Gohan, I have faith in them. They can do this.”

“And what about you?” Gohan ask Seira

“If Trunks believes in us, it’s because he knows we’re ready.” She said with confidence.

“Alright, since you’re all determined to fight, I won’t stop you. The androids are planning to attack the city northeast of here. The city has been rebuilding for the last six months, and apparently they thought it would be fun to let the people rebuild it just to knock it down again. But if things become too intense I want all of you out of there. Understand?” Gohan stipulated.

Trunks agreed and the four warriors blasted through the sky towards their enemies.

What should have been a peaceful scene of reconstruction was a chaotic mess of destruction. Uniformed workers, men and women both, found themselves fleeing in terror from their construction projects as burning piles of debris and clouds of dust polluted the city. As the crowds dispersed the cause of disorder became apparent: The androids were attacking! The brother and sister androids, know as Seventeen and Eighteen respectively, walked slowly and purposely through the streets with murderous intent in their cold ice blue eyes. They walked side-by-side, right arms extended, palms up firing blasts of yellow energy into buildings, at equipment, and into crowds of people. Emotionlessly, they continued their massacre, silently enjoying the carnage.

A desperate worker situated inside a truck crane frantically worked the controls and swung its large wrecking ball towards the android duo. Seemingly unknown to the android twins, the wrecking ball rushed into them but stopped dead before hitting them. Eighteen had stopped it with one hand. She held her right arm out at length to her side, her hand had imprinted into the wrecking ball, which had cracked in several places. The line that tethered the ball whipped violently and the worker inside looked outwards in shock as the entire crane shook. Eighteen didn’t even bother looking at the wrecking ball she so casually stopped, and with a simple flick of her wrist she sent the ball sailing. The wrecking ball flew back towards its connecting truck, the crane also bent into the truck from the force of Eighteen’s return. The wrecking ball slammed into the truck, the vehicle warped around itself, and then, with a quick blast of energy, Eighteen reduced the wreckage to ash. A cloud of dust and smoke erupted from the blast and covered the androids, obscuring them from sight. As the cloud dispersed the androids came back into view, dirtied by dust. Eighteen brushed the dirt from her denim vest and skirt, which covered her black tights and shirt. She looked to her brother who seemed oblivious to the dirt and dust settling into his clothes, jeans and a black shirt.

“Don’t you care how you look?” Eighteen asked her brother emotionlessly while still cleaning herself.

“Of course I do.” Seventeen answered plainly and as emotionlessly as his sister.

“Then why do you allow yourself to go around looking so disheveled?” she asked while adjusting her clothing and then the orange bandanna around Seventeen’s neck.

“Because the only person I need to please is myself.” Seventeen responded.

Eighteen causally dismissed Seventeen’s answer, and looked around the ruined scene.

“This isn’t nearly as fun as I thought it would have been.” She said.

“Maybe we should have given them more time to build up our playground.” Seventeen mused.

“Let’s look around. Maybe some of them left something behind we could enjoy. Maybe we’ll even find some stragglers to play with.” Eighteen suggested.

“Why not.” Seventeen replied, and the duo walked further into the ruined city.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

The four warriors flew through sky; they looked down upon the destruction the androids had wrought. They were all focused, thinking of the oncoming confrontation and as each warrior mentally prepared themselves for conflict Gohan spoke to them.

“The androids are heartless, merciless, and strong. But most importantly they’re bored. They’ll flat-out kill you for their own enjoyment, but if you provide a challenge they may prolong the fight for their amusement. But if they become frustrated or angry their intent will become deadly, quickly.”

Gohan looked back towards Trunks group and the three of them nodded their heads in understanding.

“Also it’s very important to understand that the androids bodies aren’t like ours. They don’t get tired while fighting. It may look otherwise, their bodies could be damaged and they might breath heavily, but they’re still fighting fresh.” Gohan warned them. “Do you understand?”

All three of them responded, “Yes” and they returned their gaze to the city below, it wasn’t long before they saw what they were looking for. Explosions were still rocking the rebuilding city making the android’s trail easy to follow. They followed the damage to its source, nonchalantly walking the streets were the two androids they sought. The four fighters descended from air to the ground below, the androids watching them intently. As they landed Eighteen spoke out to her brother

“Oh look Seventeen, our plaything as returned. He even brought along some more toys for us to play with.”

“I wonder how easily they’ll break.” Seventeen said smiling sickeningly while clenching his fists.

“Oh look at the purple haired one,” Eighteen said signifying Trunks “He looks so different. Has it been that long since we last enjoyed his company?”

“Does it matter? I’ve been wanting to crush them again. It’s gets so boring without a challenge.” Seventeen responded to his sister.

When they had landed Trunks was the first to respond

“Not this time, not ever again.”

“Cute.” Eighteen replied

“Whatever.” Seventeen chirped “I’ll enjoy ripping all four of you apart.”

“Like Trunks said, not this time. Things are different and together we will overcome you!” Gohan exclaimed before a brilliant array of energy exploded forth from his body.

A golden hue emanated from his body and the gentle warrior changed in several ways. His dark hair changed to a shining blond, almost like gold, and his soulful brown eyes became green and intense. But it was more then just physical change that effected Gohan; his entire person seemed to change. Gohan radiated a sense of strength and emotion, like a will that refused to break or bend. Trunks and his troop were familiar with the power Gohan displayed, a power called Super Saiyan.

Gohan belonged to a special bloodline of people called Saiyans, a warrior race that when under the right circumstances of severe emotional distress or self-actualization can unlock spectacular power within themselves. When they manifest this power their physical characteristics change uniformly, in the appearance of blond hair, green eyes, and a golden aura; and they fight in unison with their feeling and emotions, allowing them to better tap into their full strength.

Gohan now surrounded by his burning aura blasted off the ground and charged towards the androids. The twins stepped into defensive position almost in unison ready to receive Gohan’s assault, but Trunks threw out his arm to the side across Gohan’s chest and stopped him completely, catching Gohan completely by surprise.

“Wait Gohan; remember I said I want them to fight the androids.” Trunks reminded him.

Gohan stopped, his golden energy subsided and he looked to Trunks perplexed. Seira and Black nodded at Trunks and began to walk towards the androids.

“Trunks this isn’t the time for this nonsense. Together we can all stop them, there’s no time for games.” Gohan insisted.

Black glanced back at Gohan and looked him in the eyes, “Don’t worry this isn’t a game. We’ve been training for just this moment.” Black reassured him and looked back towards the androids. Gohan turned his attention to Trunks and said to him confused

“Training?”

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

“Training? Trunks what do they mean training, what’s going on here?” Gohan asked his friend visibly puzzled by the situation.

“Gohan, right now the best thing we can do is watch and support them.” He told Gohan with strong conviction.

Trunks and Gohan only watched as Seira and Black walked towards the androids. Eighteen sneered and adjusted her blond hair to one side with her hand, Seira and Black stopped some yards away. The twins looked at their opponents; Seventeen just smirked Eighteen looked at them with disgust.

“This doesn’t seem very fair, fighting a little girl and her dog.” Eighteen ridiculed them.

Seventeen smiled even more and laughed to himself. Black growled and exposed his teeth, Seira looked angrily at Eighteen and responded

“Seems plenty fair to me, seeing as we’re taking on a little boy and his dog!” She yelled back.

“What!” Eighteen yelled betraying her normally emotionless nature.

Her brother broke out laughing at Seira’s retort and his sister’s angry tantrum. Eighteen shot Seventeen an aggravated glance and clenched her fists tight. Seventeen slowed his laughter and turned to his sister

“Calm yourself sister. They have spirit and that means it will that much more fun when we break it.” He informed his sister.

“Right” She agreed.

The androids snapped into fighting stances, Seira and Black followed suit. Both pairs stared down their opponents, Black called out to Seira without averting his gaze

“Seira.”

“Yes, Blake?” she asked

Black’s hair ruffled and he rolled his eyes while sighing.

“Last one to take out their android has to start lunch.” Black wagered and then smiled.

It seemed even Black wasn’t without his playful side.

“You’re on.” She answered.

Seira and Black blasted off the ground towards their opposing androids, Eighteen and Seventeen braced for impact, but with only a matter of feet of distance between them Seira and Black shot off to the left and right respectively. They both turned quickly and threw underhanded a ball of energy at the androids, and then flew backwards. Eighteen and Seventeen were both caught off guard by the speed and quickness of their enemies and threw up arms to defend against the attacks. The balls of energy slammed into them exploding and created huge screens of smoke in front of them.

As Eighteen lowered hers arms, Seira erupted from the smoke cloud and thrusted her right fist into Eighteen’s stomach. Eighteen gasped loudly as the air was forced from her body, and began to double over. As she bent forward Seira connected with a left cross to Eighteen’s check that sent her tumbling across the ground at an amazing speed. Eighteen rolled over the ground dirtying and damaging her clothing while leaving dents and craters in the road. Eighteen twisted her body and rolled up to her feet, she turned quickly and saw Seira rushing at her with her elbow leading. Seira slammed her elbow into Eighteen’s solar plexus, but was surprised to see it had no effect; Eighteen had stopped the attack by grabbing Seira by the forearm and tricep. Seira tried to pull away but Eighteens grip was vice like; Eighteen released Seira’s tricep and snapped a chop into her ribs. Seira winced in pain and Eighteen slid her hands down to Seira’s wrist. She pulled Seira down with great force simultaneously ramming her knee into her abdomen. Seira gasped in pain and the force popped her into the air. Eighteen quickly spun her body, rolling Seira over her shoulder and driving her into the ground with such force the ground concaved around her. Eighteen rocketed into the air maintaining her iron grip around Seira’s wrist. Eighteen made it a great deal into the air and came to a quick halt; she began to spin midair at an exceptional speed. The centripetal force tore at Seira’s arm and, as it became too much for either party to withstand, Eighteen released her and sent her sailing downwards into a derelict dome.

Seventeen scanned the area around himself while the smoke cloud slowly dissipated. Like a flash, Black appeared at Seventeen’s side from an angle and thrust his hand; his fingers extended, tucked tight together towards Seventeen’s throat. Seventeen dodged to one side, Black’s spear hand attack missing its target and only connecting with a few strands of hair, slicing them from its owner. Black instantly recovered from his missed attack and unleashed a storm of blows upon Seventeen. Punches and kicks rained down on Seventeen. At first he simply tried to dodge them with quick movements of his body, but Black’s attacks were too rapid and ferocious: Seventeen found it necessary to parry and block the assaults. Black saw his offensive was having little effect, so he suddenly dropped down and spun his body, thrusting out the heel of right foot into a sweep. Seventeen dodged the attack by jumping back; in response, Black droved his hands to the ground, he spun on his hands forcing his body out further and his heel out faster. His attack stuck Seventeen by his ankles causing him to buckle and drop to the pavement. The moment he hit the dirt Seventeen kipped back up to his feet and jumped into the air. Black was only back to one knee when he looked up and saw Seventeen looking down at him from some distance. Seventeen threw his arms back and forth tossing globes of energy at Black, each one exploding and obscuring Black with more and more dust and smoke. Seventeen halted his attack and watched as the smoke cleared, Black was sitting up prone guarding his face with his arms. He spun up to his feet and flew into the air towards his opponent. Seventeen took a swing at him but was surprised to see that he flew further up past him. Black did a gymnast twist in the air well above Seventeen and when he was completely upside-down he fired off several shots of energy at the android. Seventeen looked up at the attack and crossed his arms above his head to defend himself; the bolts struck true and enveloped him in dark smoke. Black finished his agile display and dropped down behind the cloud of smoke, he threw a roundhouse kick through the obstruction and was surprised to find it pass through without resistance. Seventeen was not inside the smoke. Black searched the skies to his sides and above him, and he couldn’t find his opponent. Black felt himself pulled downwards, Seventeen was underneath him; he grabbed Black by the leg and hurled him towards the ground

“Stay down you miserable dog!” Seventeen yelled as Black tumbled to the earth.

Eighteen watched intently as Seira plowed through the building and deep into the ground. As Seira crashed through the building a wave of wreckage and debris was scattered across the landscape and at nearly the same moment of impact a bolt of blue energy fired towards Eighteen. The bolt rushed to meet its target, but Eighteen expertly deflected it away with a swing of her arm. Eighteen was then greeted by a score of similar bolts flying towards her. She responded by diving through them and knocking aside the offending attacks. Eighteen flew into the destroyed dome from which the bolts emanated, and soon a brilliant array of blue and golden bolts and beams shot forth in all directions. For a moment the light show stopped, and the scene became still. Suddenly from the stilled debris Eighteen rocketed straight up into the sky followed immediately by Seira. Both warriors flew high above the earth and then began to exchange a flurry of blows. Fists collided, shins connected, blows blocked, assaults parried, and strikes landed true. Eighteen threw a powerful left cross but Seira stopped the attack with a left cross of her own linking their arms together. Quickly Seira’s right hand joined her left and clasped Eighteen’s wrist. She kicked up her legs behind Eighteen and wrapped her ankles behind Eighteen’s neck and underneath her chin. Eighteen groaned as she attempted to power out of Seira’s hold, Seira twisted her hips and flung Eighteen down to the earth, where she smashed into the pavement back first creating a sizeable crater. As Eighteen tried to sit-up Seira dived into her and drove her knee into Eighteen’s sternum causing the android to cry out in pain, but Eighteen’s cries were soon silenced as Seira unleashed a storm of rights and lefts upon her cheeks and jaw.

Seventeen watched as the wolf-man careened downwards, he put out his arm and fired off a blast of energy at Black. The blast hit Black square in the back creating a mighty explosion. The force of the attack sent Black sailing even faster, although in a bit more steady descent. Black took advantage of this situation, controlling his landing he made touch down on one knee and hand creating a shockwave that knocked around the nearby rubble. He looked up and shot Seventeen a sour glare; Seventeen only smirked back. Black pounded his fist into the pavement, which caused a nearby manhole cover to pop into the air. Black jumped to his feet, grabbed the manhole cover, and tossed it like a discus into Seventeen. Seventeen was caught completely off guard by the speed of Black’s attack and was struck dead in the chest without a chance to defend. He and the metal disc went flying into the standing remains of a collapsed skyscraper. Seventeen tumbled through a large office, knocking aside chairs and desks. He came to a stop on his chest and pushed himself up to his hands and knees. He panted heavily while standing to his feet, and then he began to notice a pale light filling the room giving everything a strange hue. With the metallic lid that struck him he walked towards the side of the building he crashed through. When he reached the edge of the building his angry look was lost and his eyes widened; a wave of energy came flowing into the building. Black stood on the ground; arms outstretched aiming upwards streaming a flow of energy from his palms. Black’s attack sailed into the building and crashed through the other side, everything the beam hit was either ripped apart or blown away. The wave subsided and Black, breathing deeply, looked up to the building he just blew a hole through. He could see clearly through the wound to the skyline on the other side. The tower groaned and creaked as its own weight became too much to bear and the building collapsed burying anything inside under untold amounts of rubble. Black started to float into the air keeping his eyes ever watchful of the wreckage beneath him. Black reached his apex and tucked his elbows into the sides of his body and pointed his arms downward, his fingers curled and two small balls of light materialized in his hands. With quick and fluid motions Black thrust his arms firing off rapid shots of the bright globes into the remains below, and as each shot connected it created an explosion that illumined the landscape.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Still in his changed state Gohan watched with equal amounts shock and amazement, surprise would scarcely describe Gohan’s reaction to the scene he was witnessing. Trunks watched with a smile, he was very pleased with how well his students were fairing.

“Trunks this is amazing! Your friends fight so well I can’t believe it. They’ve got to be nearly as strong as I am.” Gohan told Trunks.

“Yeah, they’ve worked real hard to get here and just fighting the androids is a major victory for them.” Trunks said while keeping his eyes on the action.

“Trunks.” Gohan said solemnly while facing him “What’s going on here? I mean what’s really going on? Two people this strong didn’t just appear, and you too Trunks, more than just the way you look has changed. You’re a different person, I can sense it when I look in your eyes.” Gohan asked his friend.

“Gohan, I said that wasn’t important.” Trunks tried to convince him.

“Yes it is. Trunks this is the only time I’ve truly felt we could defeat the androids and I want to know why. Please tell me.” Gohan asked again with sincerity shining in his eyes.

Trunks looked over to Gohan; he stared into his old master’s face and looked him in the eyes. Memories of the past flooded back and he could see reflections of his younger self looking back at him in Gohan’s eyes and Trunks knew he couldn’t lie to him anymore.

“Gohan none of this is real.” Trunks said regrettably.

“What do you mean?” Gohan replied unsure if he wanted to hear the answer.

“None of this means anything, it isn’t real. Do you remember Kami’s lookout? My friends and I used the Pendulum Room’s power to relive this moment. I’m… I’m sorry Gohan.” He told his friend apologetically

Gohan looked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He didn’t know how to respond to Trunks bold statement. Trunks couldn’t bring himself to look at Gohan any more, how could he, he told his former teacher that his hopes were meaningless and fake. Gohan was silent as he allowed Trunks words to settle in, and after a moment he addressed his old student again.

“Trunks.” He called out to him.

“I’m sorry Gohan, I didn’t mean to deceive you…” Trunks started to say

“Listen Trunks.” Gohan interrupted him placing his hand on Trunks shoulder and looking him man to man. “If this was meaningless you wouldn’t be here. And if what you and your friends were doing here and what you told me was truly meaningless you wouldn’t have said it, and it wouldn’t have upset you to say it.” He reassured his friend with a smile.

Trunks looked his friend in the eyes and through their green veil he could still see the same kind, gentle soul he had come to respect and care for. Seira and Black were not the only ones to benefit for today’s outing. Trunks sad look slowly changed to a smile and he said to Gohan “Thanks”

“I knew something was up the moment I saw you and your friends. I could tell you were stronger, even thought you tried to hide it. I really believed that you could overcome the androids, but I had no idea Seira and Black could stand toe to toe with them. So just tell me one thing, you don’t need to go into detail, but just tell me this; the fact that you’re here and the way you came to be here, does this mean we’ve stopped the androids? Does that mean we now live in peace once again?” Gohan asked

“Yes Gohan.” Trunks replied “Yes we do.”

“Good.” Gohan said with a smile “Then that’s all that matters. Now lets continue to support your friends.”

Trunks nodded his head and they continued to watch Seira and Black’s progress.

Black halted his assault against the pile of debris, which buried Seventeen and panted heavily. Bright light beamed out from underneath the rubble and was blasted away in an impressive display. And from his newly created exit, Seventeen shot forth from the ground, and still with manhole cover in tow he charged towards Black. Black tried to form a defense against Seventeen’s rush, but it was too late and the android snapped a left uppercut into Black’s gut, causing the Z warrior to gag. Before Black could recover, Seventeen swung an underhand blow with his right hand, cracking the manhole cover under Black’s jaw, knocking his head back. Then, with a quick backhand blow, he brought the metal lid across the right side of Black’s face, and then across his left with an overhand swing. Black’s head wrenched to the right, blood and saliva flew from his mouth and Seventeen responded with a second backhand blow. With Black’s head now knocked to the left, Seventeen then brought down another overhand swing. A sharp pain shot up through Seventeen’s arm and he winced in pain; Black had sunk his teeth into Seventeen’s forearm as a counter to his attack. Seventeen threw a straight left in an attempt to break Black’s hold, but Black blocked the attack with his right forearm and then wrapped his arm around Seventeen’s, locking it under his arm. With his left, Black grabbed Seventeen by the hair and the two struggled against one another in midair.

Seira continued to rain blows down upon Eighteen, and between each strike Eighteen’s face was a mask of anger. Aggravated with Seira’s attacks Eighteen thrust her arms out to her sides and energy emanated from her body; Seira stopped mid-attack, startled by the light coming from Eighteen’s frame. Seira was covered in a red hue and in an instance she was flung high into the sky by a shield of energy that encased Eighteen in a protective dome. Eighteen stood up, her face bloodied and dirty; she wiped it clean, brushed her hair to one side with her hand, and in a blur, she disappeared. Seira was still sailing through the air when in a blur Eighteen appeared in front of her and pulled her off course by grabbing her hair. Eighteen slammed her right knee into Seira’s face causing the Z warrior to grunt in pain. Quickly, the android drove her other knee into Seira’s face causing blood to trickle from the women’s nose and mouth. Again, Eighteen thrust her knee into Seira face; quickly, Seira put her hands up and caught Eighteen’s attack midway. Seira pushed against Eighteen’s knee struggling to prevent her attack; Eighteen grew tired of her defiance and released one hand from her grasp on Seira’s hair, raised her arm into the air and hammered her elbow into the back of Seira’s head. Seira cried out in intense pain, losing her grip against Eighteen’s knee, and in response the android plowed her knee into the Z warrior’s face again, cutting off her cries. Restlessly Eighteen continued to strike her knees into Seira face.

Black pulled back on Seventeen’s hair and shook his own head ferociously, digging his teeth deeper into Seventeen’s arm, ripping into it violently. The pain caused Seventeen to drop the metal lid he held and it fell to the earth. Black’s eyes were focused on matters at hand until he heard the cries of his friend battling the other android. His eyes contracted and he saw his friends receiving a flurry of knee strikes to her face. He released his teeth from Seventeen’s arm and shoved the android aside.

“Seira!” He called out and took off to assist his ally.

Black was no more than arms length away from Seventeen when the android snapped out his arm and grabbed Black by the nape of his neck. The Z warrior gagged and a strike into the small of his back from Seventeen’s right hand put a stop to Black’s flight. Seventeen struck another blow into Black’s kidney and spun the wolf-man around holding him by the collar of his gray tank top. Seventeen sneered and growled angrily at Black. He ached his back, leaning his upper body backwards, and brought it forward with great force, head butting Black right between the eyes. Black screamed out loud with pain as the skin on his forehead split open and twin streams of blood flowed down both sides of his snout. As blood blurred Black’s vision Seventeen yelled in his face

“We’re not done yet, mutt!”

Seventeen held the exhausted body of the Z warrior aloft with his left arm and repeatedly rammed his right fist into Black’s abdomen.

Eighteen’s attack against Seira raged on, Seira tried to defend herself but Eighteen easily powered through her weak resistance. Seira could no longer cry out as Eighteen’s attacks continued and the only sounds made were the thunder like claps that echoed as each strike connected. Eighteen pulled her knee back for another battering and a sadistic smile drew across her face. An explosion rocked Eighteen’s back, seemingly out of nowhere, making the android cry out in intense pain and surprise. The blast ripped through the back of Eighteens clothes, revealing the slender, well build frame of her back, now scuffed and burned. She grit her teeth and closed her eyes tight, growling as she adjusted to the pain coursing through her body. Slowly she opened her eyes and with hatred burning in them she looked over her shoulder and turned her body for a glance at what dared to hurt her. Several meters away Trunks floated mid air, right arm outstretched, left arm across it braced against his right wrist, fresh vapors of energy were still visible from his palm. He stared at Eighteen coldly, emotionlessly only further infuriating her.

“You little…” Eighteen yelled and her words trailed off as she prepared to confront her new opponent. Before she took off she felt something against her chest. “Huh” she mumbled while looked down and saw a hand pressed against her. Eighteen looked up and saw Seira’s scowling face, blood ran from her mouth and nose, and her lip twitched.

“Disappear!” Seira screamed loudly

Eighteen’s eyes grew wide and energy pulsed from Seira’s hand, covering Eighteen and encapsulating her in a solid blue sphere flowing with energy. Seira jumped back and then floated even higher into the air. She stretched her arms above her head and a ball of blue energy formed between her hands. She took the ball and held it out in front of her at arms length; she released it and kicked it like a soccer ball. The small ball of energy sailed through the air into the larger sphere that imprisoned Eighteen. The two collided and the smaller ball drilled into the sphere creating sparks of energy. The sphere absorbed the ball of energy and began to react. It distorted vividly, expanding and shrinking rapidity, fluxuating wildly. Then the sphere collapsed in on itself and created a mighty explosion, and from the explosion Eighteen was sent hurdling out of it from the opposite direction that the small ball first entered. Seira looked up at Trunks and smiled through the pain, Trunks lowered his arm, smiled back and disappeared in a blur.

Seventeen spied an explosion not far in the distance behind his opponent. From the blast he saw his sister careening towards the earth. “Eighteen?” He said softly while she made her decent. As his attention returned to Black, Black rotated his head upwards howling into Seventeen’s face. Powerful vibrations of sound assaulted the androids head, visibly shaking Seventeen. Seventeen released his grip on Black and covered his ears; he yelled out in pain but his cries were drowned out by Black's continued howling. Seira heard the sounds of her teammate and reacted instinctively, disappearing from view in a flash. As Black prolonged his vocal attack against Seventeen, Seira reappeared to Black’s right flying into Seventeen with a straight right. Seira’s fist slammed into Seventeen’s jaw driving him down into the pavement.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Gohan watched as both androids were violently thrown towards the ground, and cringed as they made impact. In a blur Trunks reappeared next to Gohan, and the pair continued to watch the event unfold.

“Trunks, that was pretty impressive. You really hurt Eighteen with that attack, aggravated the hell out of her too.” He told him with a smile “But aren’t we supposed to be supporting your friends by watching?”

“Yea, but we also work as a team. We all need to know that when we’re together we can rely on one another.” Trunks replied.

“I can still remember what that was like. I’m glad to see you’ve found it as well.” Gohan told Trunks.

“Yeah me too.” Trunks said nostalgically and looked to his friends with a smile.

Black looked up to Seira after she cracked Seventeen in his jaw knocking him to the ground.

“Thanks Seira.” Black said through panted breaths.

“You’re welcome, Blake.” Seira said summoning up a smile through the pain

Black sighed again and lowered his head, he then quickly growled and raised his head back up. Seira was taken back by Black response; he thrust his arms underneath Seira’s and with them outstretched he unleashed rapid shots of energy behind her. Seira could feel the release of energy from Black’s arm and the light from his attacks cast sharp shadows over them, creating an almost black and white hue over them. Black’s attack came to a stop but the stern look on his face remained. Shortly Seira realized Black was looking at something behind her. She looked over her shoulder and saw Eighteen, some distance away, with her arms up defending against Blacks blasts.

“Thanks Blake.” Seira said looking back at her friend.

“Of course.” He answered.

Seira planted her hands on Black’s shoulders and jumped up, bringing her feet up to the height of Black’s chest. Seira kicked off Black’s chest, twisted mid flip and dove at Android Eighteen; Black flexed his chest to give Seira a more stable launch pad. After Seira flipped off his chest, Black rolled with the momentum and used the extra force to lunge at the earthbound Seventeen with greater speed. Black rammed into Seventeen like a train, unleashing a flurry of jabs, uppercuts, and crosses into the android’s rips and stomach. Seventeen flailed around like a rag doll with every strike, and when Black grew tried of throwing punches he spun clockwise and snapped a spinning back kick under the android’s sternum. Seventeen stumbled backward into a small blue automobile with a dome shaped top. Angrily he slammed his fist into the car and ripped the engine block out through the hood. He pitched it like a hardball at Black and Black responded by swatting it away with a fierce backhand. As the engine sailed away Black saw Seventeen appear in front of him in a blur swinging a powerful overhand right. Black raised his arms to defend but the android powered through his guard staggering the Z warrior. Seventeen dropped to one knee and then forced his whole body up, twisting his hips and leading with his left fist he threw a long and arching uppercut. Black leaned his chest back and tilted his chin up, missing Seventeen’s powerful punch by precious few centimeters. Seventeen sneered as he saw his attack miss. Black leaned back forward and gentle placed his hands on Seventeen’s chest. A warm, bright light drew upon Seventeen’s torso and ignited an impressive blast that tore through the androids clothes and sent him flying down several city blocks. After tumbling several blocks Seventeen stopped midair and regained his composure. He reached his hands to his sides and then threw them forward firing off a red blast of his own that crackled with energy. The blast hit Black, detonating in front of him, stumbling the wolf man back. While Black was stunned Seventeen rushed through the city street to meet him. He planted three quick punches into Black’s body before spinning and snapping a high back kick under Black’s chin. Seventeen’s kick sent Black high into the air, the android followed right after, and mid air the two continued to exchange blows.

Seira sprung off of her partner’s chest and flew into Eighteen. Wrapping one arm around the android’s waist she snaked her body around Eighteen’s. Behind her, Seira slid her left arm under Eighteen’s and behind her neck, holding her in a half nelson and then she clamped her right arm over Eighteen’s neck trapping her in a chokehold. Eighteen thrashed about wildly, trying to dislodge the Z warrior, in response Seira coiled her legs around Eighteen’s abdomen and held on tightly. Eighteen reached behind her and grabbed Seira by the head, she flipped forward while floating mid-air and tried to throw Seira off of her. Seira clinged tenaciously and sunk her hold in even tighter. She then thought back to Gohan’s earlier words

“The androids bodies aren’t like ours. They don’t get tired while fighting. They’re still fighting fresh.”

Seira realized she wouldn’t be able to wear out Eighteen with submission holds, but before Seira could contemplate her next move Eighteen flew backwards, slamming Seira’s back into the corner of a building. The entire construction rumbled from the impact and the stone that made up the structure cracked and crumbled as Seira was slammed into it. Eighteen was still unable to release herself from Seira’s grasp, so she flew upwards, dragging Seira against the side of the building. Seira grunted and groaned as the stone shards ripped into her shoulders and back. She could take no more and released the hold her legs had around Eighteen and used them to kick off the building, and the two warriors found themselves grappling midair again.

Trunks and Gohan’s heads swayed gently back and forth as they watched the conflict play out before them. Trunks smiled and said

“It’s time to finish this.”

Trunks brought his hands up to his mouth and yelled out loud to his friends

“Seira, Black! Plan 32X”

Gohan turned his head to Trunks and a “What?” escaped his lips. But it was to late Trunks had already disappeared.

Seira and Black both heard Trunks call and responded in turn. Black immediately broke off from Seventeen, escaping in a blur, leaving his opponent dumfounded to what just happened. And while Eighteen was struggling to break free of Seira’s hold, Seira simply released her grasp. When freed Eighteen spun around and swung the edge of her hand into her opponent. But it was too late, Seira vanished in a flash leaving the android to search for her adversary.

Instantly after Black disappeared from Seventeen’s sight Trunks reappeared in his place, surprising the android greatly. The android jerked his head back in shock, and with a quick swing of his arm Trunks sent Seventeen soaring backwards into his sister. The twins collided back to back, and as surprised as Eighteen was to find her brother crashed into her, she was even more so when she turned forward to find Trunks standing in front of the pair. Before the androids could react Trunks threw a flurry of strikes upon the duo. Seventeen and Eighteen tried to defend but blow after blow passed through their resistance and struck true.  While Trunks handled the siblings, Seira and Black landed some distance between each other and the battle taking place above them. Both Z warriors stood in deep, wide stances; they threw their arms to their side and an intense light shown from their bodies. They both growled and roared as their energy burned brighter, and an amazing glow radiated from their palms.

Trunks fought viciously with the androids driving numerous attacks into their bodies. He could feel the energy of his friends growing and when it reached its goal Trunks acted

“Now!” He yelled out at the top of his lungs

Trunks disappeared from sight and reappeared several meters away from the twins. Seira and Black replied to Trunks command by firing off shots of incredible energy in succession by thrusting their hands forward. Seventeen and Eighteen never had a moment to respond and the attacks of the Z warriors plowed into them one after another. Each blast illuminated the cityscape with a pale yellow hue. Trunks watched as blast followed blast causing shadows to dance wildly across his face. Seira and Black continued to fire until they became exhausted; they dropped their arms to their sides and breathed heavily, the blazing aura surrounding them subsiding. The three Z Warriors watched from their perspective vantage points as the world returned to normal.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Trunks spied the scene closely and intensely, the smoke and dust slowly started to settle. From within the clouds two silhouettes began to form. From the settling dust the forms of Seventeen and Eighteen emerged, although much worse for ware. They were bloodied and bruised, their clothes torn and disheveled. Angrily they eyed Trunks, growling between painful, panted breaths. Trunks was more then a little taken back when he saw the androids still standing, and they capitalized on this fact quickly. Seventeen and Eighteen fought through the pain and rushed Trunks, slamming their left and right elbow, respectively, into Trunks abdomen. Trunks gasped for air and in his stunned moment the androids each thrust their knee up into his stomach, they then clasped their hands high above their head and smashed their forearms down across Trunks back causing him to double over. Both brother and sister grabbed the Z warrior by a wrist and twisted his arms backwards, keeping him bent over. They dug their free elbows into his back the drove him downwards into earth. The androids held tight and with great force planted Trunks chest first into the payment, cracking the ground around him. They released their hold on the young man and started to float back up into the air, circling above him like vultures.

Trunks pushed himself up to his knees, and looked skywards. Above him he saw the androids had reached their apex. They looked down on him unsympathetically and pointed their palms down at him. Trunks saw their familiar pose and memories from his youth flashed in his mind. He saw himself, nearly ten year younger, looking up at the same scene. The androids emotionless eyes looking down at him, their palms aimed at him, releasing rapid shots of energy, burning, breaking, bruising, and ripping into his body. Trunks shook off such unpleasant thoughts and returned his mind to matters at hand. The androids looking down at Trunks allowed cold, cruel smiles to draw across their faces, Trunks returned their glares with an angry snarl and disappeared completely from sight. Confused the twins look towards each other but found their views blocked; Trunks had appeared between them. His arms were crossed against his chest; he threw them out to his sides at Seventeen and Eighteen, and in a brilliant display of power and energy Trunks was changed.

Like his mentor before him Trunks transformed; his hair flared up and spiked to the sides, shifting instantly to a golden blond. Trunks soft blue eyes became green and intense, full of strength and determination. His muscular structure became more prominent and well defined, and his body glowed with golden energy. Trunk also had the power Super Saiyan; he too was a Saiyan.

“I said never again!” he roared at his enemies.

Seven and Eighteen were both shocked, and when Trunks arms went out to full-length waves of force sent the androids flying. Backwards they tumbled, head over heels at dizzying speeds, completely unable to control their course. In a flash Black appeared behind Seventeen and slid his arms under Seventeen’s locking them behind his head in a full nelson. Holding on tightly Black flipped upside-down backwards and rushed himself and Seventeen headfirst into the earth. In the same amazing fashion Seira appeared next to Eighteen grapping her by the collar of the shirt and by waist of her pants. Using all the strength in her body Seira launched herself downward feet first holding the android upside-down. With only precious few feet away from the ground Black released his hold around Seventeen, planted his hands on the pavement, and escaped with a handspring. Seventeen landed neck first into the ground with tremendous force, his legs folded into his chest, and a loud crash like a thunderclap rang across the battlefield as his impact created an impressive crater. Likewise Seira dropped feet first to the earth and at the same moment of touch down she drove Eighteen down head first into the asphalt. Seira jumped away safely while Eighteen’s body folded in on itself as her head smashed into the ground creating an impressive crater not unlike her bother.

Waves of force fanned out in all directions knocking dust, dirt, and debris down the city streets. Both androids lay in heaps, their bodies mangled, nearly unable to move. Between their respective craters the metal manhole cover Seventeen was wielding, only now returned to the streets below and a metallic clang resounded as it bounced and rolled flat on the ground. With what little strength Seventeen and Eighteen could summon they looked towards the sky and saw Trunks in his transformed state looking down upon them, no hate, no remorse, and no fear. Seira and Black slowly floated to Trunks side, Seira on his right, Black to the left. The trio pointed their palms down at the androids, the same pose Seventeen and Eighteen struck so many times before. No words were exchanged; the Z warriors only unleashed shot after shot of energy on the androids. Each beam reflected in their eyes as Seventeen and Eight were ripped, burnt, and broke until the storm of energy completely obscured them.

Seira, Black, and Trunks stopped their attack and surveyed the battlefield. Throughout the wreckage the only remains of the androids were their tattered clothes, each embroider with a red ribbon and two white R’s. Trunks took a heavy breath and looked to his battered friends, he smiled and said

“You did it. Congratulations.”

“Yeah!” Seira screamed out loud and jumped on Trunks and Black hugging them tightly. Black smiled at his companions and whipped the blood and sweat from his brow. He didn’t like such displays, but he understood the importance of what happened. He and Seira not only faced and stood up to their fears, they overcame them. Seira released her friends as Gohan flew up to join them.

“Trunks, Seira, Black!” Gohan called out to them “That was amazing, you stopped the androids.”

“So what now Trunks?” Black asked.

“Now we go home. Thanks for everything Gohan.” Trunks told his former master appreciatively.

“No problem.” Gohan responded likewise.

“But Trunks, what will happen to Gohan if we leave?” Seira asked sadly.

Before Trunks could answer Gohan interrupted

“Seira that doesn’t matter.” He told her reassuringly “You all let me see the world at peace again, so what ever happens next can happen.”

The sadness in Seira’s eyes was replaced with appreciation; they both smiled at each other and understood what was going to happen.

“How do we get home Trunks?” Seira addressed her trainer.

“Both of you just close your eyes and focus on your breathing.” Trunks instructed them “Slowly think back to the Lookout. Remember the Pendulum Room. Think of the stone floors, the dark room, and the pendulum swinging back and forth. And slowly let your consciousness pull back like waking from a dream.”

Seira and Black followed Trunks directions and closed their eyes. Their breathing slowed and their thoughts drifted to home. They remembered the Lookout and how long it served as a home for them. The many meals they shared around their makeshift dinning room and hours of intense training they spent. Their bodies felt strange, a tingling sensation fell over them, and they began to feel as if waking from a dream. Right before Trunks and Gohan, Seira and Black gradually faded from sight.

Mentor and pupil exchanged glances one last time

“Goodbye Gohan.” Trunks told his friend for the final time

“Goodbye Trunks. I’m very proud of you” Gohan commended his student

“Thank you, Gohan.” Trunks said as his eyes began to water

Trunks closed his eyes and vanished from view like his friends before him. Gohan smiled and looked towards the sun. He outstretched his arm to his side and bathed in the suns warm glow as he and the world around him faded from existence.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Seira and Black’s eyes snapped open as if roused from a daydream. In front of them a truly huge pendulum swayed back and forth. They realized the dark room they found themselves in was the Pendulum Room in the Lookout. Trunks stood next to them, in his normal state, his eyes already open alert to his surroundings. They were no longer bloody or bruised; their clothes no longer torn or dirtied.

“So how was that?” Trunks asked his friends

Seira and Black both drew quick breaths and stumbled backwards as if surprised. They both dropped to the ground, Seira sitting on the floor and Black fell to one knee. Both of them panted heavily and looked exhausted.

“Trunks, that was intense.” Black exclaimed

“Yeah Trunks, fighting for our lives is much different then training. But you were right, we were ready it.” Seira interjected

“You should both be very proud of yourselves. You trained hard and didn’t back down when confronted. You fought with everything you had and watched out for one another.” Trunks praised his fellow Z warriors. “But there is something very important you both need to know.”

Seira and Black listened intently as Trunks explained the situation to them.

“Neither of you were truly in any danger.” Trunks confessed

Seira and Black both looked confused, but before either of them could say a word, Trunks continued.

“I lied to you about the power of the Pendulum Room. You can’t die or even get hurt when using it. I’m sorry to have deceived you, but if I told you, you wouldn’t have fought with all you had.” Trunks told them.

“Sure felt real, but we’re fine now.” Seira said to Trunks.

“Hey Seira.” Black called to her.

“Yes, Blake?” she responded.

“My android hit the ground first when I Dragon Suplexed him. That means you get to start lunch.” Black said with a sly smile.

“That’s not fair!” She scolded him “All of us defeated the androids!”

“Now Seira hold on.” Trunks told her “Black has a point. The slams the two of you used took the androids out of commission and Black’s attack landed first.”

“Ok.” She conceded, “I’ll go get lunch started.”

Seira and Black slowly stood up, still weary of the trip. They began to walk away from Trunks, and before they got too far, he called out to them.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked them.

“Into the Lookout to have lunch Trunks.” Black said.

“No you’re not. It’s still too early for lunch.” Trunks informed them.

“What do you mean? We were in the Pendulum Room for hours.” Black reminded him.

“No. In reality we only spent a few seconds here, there’s still plenty of time for more training.” Trunk said smiling.

“What?” Seira and Black said tiredly.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Hours passed and morning faded into noon. The Z warriors had finished their training and retired to their makeshift living room. The table at which they ate breakfast was now being prepared for their lunch. Seira stood in front of the countertops, expertly chopping various large vegetables on a cutting board, while Trunks and Black both rested on the nearby couch. They both held complex looking controls that attached underneath the television in front of them by lengths of wire. On the TV screen fantastic looking warriors battled before them responding to the commands Black and Trunks dictated through their controls. Black and Trunks focused on their game, tapping away at the buttons on the remotes until one of the virtual combatants yelled in defeat. Trunks slumped his shoulders and sighed, apparently he wasn’t the victor. Trunks stood up and placed his control down on the couch; Black remained sitting waiting for his next challenger.

“Seira you’re up.” Trunks called to her walking away from the television

Seira stopped cutting away at the produce and place her knife gently on the cutting board. She wiped her hands on the white apron she wore, it was embroidered with the head of a cartoon styled cow making the victory symbol with it hooves, complete with the word “Beef” written across it. She undid the apron as Trunks walked next to her, took it off and handed it to him. Seira moved next to the couch, took the control, and sat next to Black.

“You ready to go Blake?” Seira asked

Black growled playfully “Let’s go.” He answered

Seira and Black started their game, feverishly tapping away at the buttons on the controls. Trunks slipped the apron over his head, reached behind his back and tied it. He stepped up to the countertop and began to start cutting vegetables. Before he could make his first cut a loud scream broke the relative silence.

“YEAH!” Seira screamed

Trunks jumped in surprise, he lost his grip on the knife and it juggled back and forth in the air as he tried to grab it. Trunks looked over his shoulder and saw Seira as she jumped out of her seat. She stood up from the couch and thrust her fist into the air several times.

“Yea, Yea, Yeah!” she shouted pumping her fist upwards.

Seira started thrusting her hips toward Black, gloating over her victory. Black was looking up at her from his seat, one eyebrow raised startled and perplexed, his ears pinned back against his head. Seira raised her hands above her head and swayed her hips side to side dancing in triumph. Even Trunks was taken back, twitching slightly, by Seira’s blunt display.

“You’re next Trunks.” Black said while casually getting up from his seat.

Trunks nodded and placed his knife down carefully. He undid the apron as Black stepped next to him. Trunks handed Black the apron and walked away. Black simply looked at the apron he held in his hand, he shook his head and reached for the knife. Black stood still for a moment, unmoving, waiting. And then he heard Seira cries of successful triumph again. Trunk slowly paced up to Black in defeat, Black held out the apron and knife to Trunks. Trunk took the knife and apron and Black left to face his fate. Trunks didn’t even bother to tie the apron; he slung it over his shoulder and began to slice the vegetables before Seira earned her next victory.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

The Z warriors eventually finished their lunch and returned to the Lookout’s grounds to continue training. The Lookout was a beautiful bowl shaped construction, intricately craved from stone and dotted with trees. Seira was stretching her legs from side to side, angling one knee out and extending her opposite leg across the ground, slowly moving from one leg to the other. Black rolled his shoulders in wide, deliberate circles watching Trunks as he walked out of the Lookout’s main building. Trunks was carrying two plain looking gray packs with him. As Trunks made his way past Black they locked eyes and Trunk threw him one of the packs. Black snatched it out of the air and looked down at the pack, puzzled. Trunks walked out further and called out to Seira

“Catch!” he said tossing her the remaining pack

Holding her stretched position caught the pack and then stood up.

“What’s this Trunks?” Seira asked

“A change of clothes.” Trunks responded as he walked toward the edge of the lookout.

Trunks looked down over the side of the lookout, which curved away giving him a look at the ground far below. Through the sparse clouds he saw the lush forests and the clearings that separated them. He though of the people who used to live there and how they could live there again. Trunks turned with a smile to his friends

“We’re done with training for today.” He told them “You’ve earned some time off. So let’s head into the city and spend some time with our loved ones.”

“Fine.” Black answered indifferently and slung the pack over one shoulder.

Seira’s eyes shined happily as she absorbed the news.

“It’s been so long since I saw my family, I can’t wait to see them.” Seira said while placing her pack on her back.

“Well then let’s not wait any longer.” Trunks told his friends as he stepped away from the edge of the lookout.

Trunks took a few more steps and then stopped. A wicked smile drew across his face and he bolted for the rim of the lookout. He reached the end and dived off the edge like an Olympic athlete.

“Come on Blake, this will be fun.” Seira said before she took off herself.

Seira ran to the end of the lookout and sprung up into the air over the edge. She flipped backwards mid-air until she was upside down; she outstretched her arms and dived to the clouds below.

“Sure.” Black replied walking to the edge himself.

Black casually walked towards the end of the lookout as if he was walking down the street. He took one step off the edge and plunged downwards through the clouds. He fell a distance before an aura of energy appeared around him and he shot through the sky like a bullet. Within a moment he was back along side his friends, flying off to their destination.

Black and Trunks flew almost in formation, arms tucked against their side, faces focused forwards, and flying straight to their targets like arrows. But Seira was different, her arms where out to her side, she was spinning and twirling through the air, laughing and smiling all the while. Even after being taught by Trunks to channel the energy in her body to allow her flight, Seira still loved the freedom that it allowed her even after all these years. Seira's carefree attitude even seemed to have a positive effect on Trunks and Black as they watched her joyful display. Seira rested her hands behind her head and began to fly backwards looking at her friends.

“I can wait to get home and see my brothers and sister.” Seira mused out loud “My parents are going to be so surprised.”

“Hey Blake!” She called out to her friend.

Black raised his brow, shifting his attention to her.

“What are you going to do after we get to the city?” Seira asked him.

“Wait until we start training again.” He answered plainly.

“You’re no fun. Isn’t there anything you want to do or anyone you want to see?” she asked him genuinely.

“No.” Black replied surly.

“Sourpuss.” Seira teased him.

Black only growled a sigh in response. Trunks laughed to himself before he looked over his shoulder to speak with his bickering companions.

“Before we head off on our separate ways for the day, we should stop by the reconstruction site.” Trunks told them “I’d like to pay a visit to our sponsors at Capsule Corp.”

“Still need to keep up appearances, Ey Trunks.” Black quipped.

“Something like that.” Trunks responded, and the trio blasted off over the horizon at an incredible speed.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

The Z warrior trio now found themselves walking busy city streets. Tall towers, large domes, complex and incredible structures adorned the cityscape’s skyline. Rebuilding and refurbished constructs could be seen off in the distance, as the world recovered its wounds from seven years ago. While Trunks walked down the streets wearing his normal garb, Seira and Black had changed their outfits. Seira was out of her purple gi, now wearing a pair of jeans and an orange t-shirt with a familiar, stylized red Z on the chest. Black simply wore a dark jacket with a blue pattern that curved from the collar to the shoulders over his grayed tank top.

They continued walking, Seira slurping a cup of soda through a straw; the trio occasionally earned a look from other pedestrians. Trunks team wasn’t much of an unusual sight, but some onlookers recognized them as the new Z warriors; Capsule Corps. special forces especially trained to handle android level threats. And it wasn’t long before word of the Z warriors spread through the city.

The Z warriors had come to a stop, they had reached their destination. They were at a particular part of town where reconstruction was still at a brisk pace. The three of them scanned the crowds of construction workers for a single person.

“Do you see her, Trunks?” Seira asked softly as if her voice would disrupt the workers over the loud sounds of construction.

“Not yet.” Was Trunks reply as he continued to survey the area.

Trunks eyes darted from person to person, scanning the area for a particular person. He didn’t have to search to long, the woman he looked for was good at standing out in a crowd when she wanted too. And sure enough he found her, shouting orders through a blue and white handheld Megaphone. An orange vest and helmet protected her pretty head of blue hair, button down blouse and formfitting slacks. And almost as if on command her deep blue eyes met with Trunks and a bright, loving smile appeared on her face.

“Trunks!” She shouted through her megaphone unaware it was still in her hands.

She dropped the megaphone and ran across the construction site. She quickly closed the gap between her and Trunks, she leapt into the Z warrior staggering him back a step and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

“Hi Mom, It’s nice to see you too.” Trunks said hugging his mother warmly.

After a moment they released each other and Trunks looked down on his mother’s face. Age had done little wear to her, only filling her eyes with more love and wisdom; she was still as lovely as she had ever been.

“Hi Bulma.” Seira called out, while forcing her drink into Trunks hands.

“Oh Seira.” Bulma responded.

The two of them hug and kissed one another on the cheek, Trunks only looked at the beverage that had been forced into his hands. The two of them stood in front of each other holding the others hands, Bulma looking Seira over.

“Seira sweetie it’s good to see you again” Bulma told her “Has my boy Trunks been taking good care of you?”

“Of course.” Trunks chimed in.

“Yeah Bulma. Trunks has been training us really hard, we’ve improved a great deal.” Seira said happily.

“That’s not what I meant.” Bulma said wagging her finger. “I want to know how serious you two are. Living together in that lookout, I want to know if I’ll have a daughter-in-law any time soon?”

“Mom it’s not like that!” Trunks exclaimed, choking on his words.

“Bulma, we’re not interested in each other like that.” Seira responded seemingly embarrassed.

“Is that so?” Bulma said, “Then I wonder who you are interested in.” She said walking between the pair up to Black.

“Maybe it’s you Black.” She said laughingly while rubbing her finger against his chest.

“Hello Mrs. Briefs.” Black responded.

“Hello Mrs. Briefs” Bulma mimicked him “Black, how many time do I have to tell you, call me Bulma.” She told him forcefully.

“I’d rather not, thank you.” Black answered.

“Black you of all people should be able to appreciate someone asking you what to call them.” She seemed to scold him.

“You go on and on about wanting to be called Black, and if anyone calls you Blake you get all ruffled and aggravated.” Bulma reminded him.

Even Bulma’s passing mention of Black’s first name seemed to bother him.

“I don’t ask for much Mrs. Briefs, please grant me this.” Black asked.

“Alright fine, you big crybaby.” Bulma teased him and began to laugh lightly.

Bulma’s teasing also made Seira start laughing, Trunks only shook his head. Black sighed tiredly and looked to Trunks.

“Why is it that the Women around me find it necessary to taunt me?” Black asked Trunks.

“Your animal magnetism?” Trunks said with a smile.

Black didn’t say a word, he only stared at Trunks making his fellow Z warrior noticeably uncomfortable. Trunks seemed to squirm under Black’s unnerving gaze, but Bulma didn’t miss a beat and steered the conversation back to a comfortable course.

“So Trunks, what brings you and your friends to the city today?” she inquired.

“Seira and Black have earned themselves a break for all their hard work.” Trunks told her “Also I though it was important for people to see us; so they know we’re still here for them.”

“Trunks you don’t need to that.” Bulma reassured him.

“After the Androids; yes we do. This isn’t like Goku’s time anymore, people are starting to understand the dangers they face, and they deserve to be protected.” Trunks replied.

Bulma sighed a little and smiled at her son.

“Trunks you have a good heart. But should get to live your life the way you want.” She told him lovingly.

“This is the way I want to live my life mom.” He assured her.

“And us as well, Mrs. Briefs.” Black chimed in.

Seira nodded her head in agreement. Bulma reached up and kissed her son on the cheek.

“I think your plan worked a little to well.” She told Trunks with a smirk.

Trunks and his troupe surveyed the area and noticed a small growing crowd.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Word of the Z warriors was spreading quickly, soon reaching a small cafeteria. A young man ran in to tell his friends the news. He and his friends, men and women both, appeared to be high school or collage students; evident from the uniforms they wore. The new arrival, a young man dressed in a dark blue uniform, with glasses and short cropped hair, ran to the table his friends sat around and told them the news.

“Hey everybody! You’ll never guess what’s happening!” the youth exclaimed while adjusting his glasses.

“What’s got you so excited?” a male student with short, spiked back hair asked while his arm was draped over the girl he was sitting next to.

“Those Capsule Corp. Special Forces people are here in town. You know, with the guy that stopped the Androids!” Glasses said excitedly.

“Oh yeah, that Trunks Briefs guy, Right?” Spike replied.

As soon as he mentioned Trunks name another student perked up after hearing it. He sat up straight in his chair and leaned slightly back, angling himself to better hear their conversation.

“Yea, that’s right.” Glasses answered, “He’s over by the construction site.”

“He’s so cute, we should go see him.” The girl at the table suggested.

“Wha… hey what about me?” Spike asked turning to look at her.

“His hair is so long and pretty, I just love the color.” Girl said and started laughing.

Girl and Glasses started laughing while Spike sat there looking grumpy. The student that was eavesdropping leaned his chair back and then stood up. He stuck his hands into the pockets of his lighter blue uniform and walked towards the trio. When he made his way to the table the group looked up and Glasses said

“Hey Brannan, what up?”

Brannan smiled and his soft blue eyes reflected a mischievous intent.

“Where did you say the Special Forces were?” he inquired.

“They’re over by the construction site.” Glasses said.

“Thanks.” Brannan replied and began walking towards the door.

“Hey are you going to see them too?” Spike asked before Brannan could leave.

“Something like that.” He said with a smirk.

Brannan left the cafeteria and for a moment there was a pause.

“He has nice hair too.” Girl said, referring to Brannan’s head of nicely combed blond hair, breaking the silence.

“What’s wrong with brown!” Spike yelled out loud.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Trunks, his friends, and his mother all realized a small group of people gathering in hopes of catching a glimpse of the celebrities. Their growing numbers were little cause for concern, and even under these circumstances the crowd was little more then a bother. It was apparent though that Trunks and his team’s presents was affecting the pace of construction.

“Alright I think its time we get going before we slowdown work any further.” Trunks told his team; they both nodded in agreement.

Trunks leaned forward and kissed his mother on the cheek

“I’ll see you later Mom.” He told her.

“Take care Trunks.” She said as he walked away.

“Goodbye Bulma” “Goodbye Mrs. Briefs” Seira and Black both said and then followed Trunks as he walked towards the crowd.

Bulma watched as they walked away and after a moment she snapped back into foreman mode.

“Alright everyone! Back to work!” She called across the construction site, and workers scrambled back to their jobs.

Trunks and Seira went to greet their fans with smiles, but Black seemed indifferent to the whole prospect. A dozen or so men and women summoned up the courage to approach the Z warriors, while a number watched or cheered from the sidelines. Trunks exchanged hellos and handshakes with the crowd of fans and Seira also greeted them warmly, all the while being showered with praise and complements.

You’re a hero, Thank you for everything, Trunks you’re so cool, Seira’s so cute, was just some of the praise levied upon them, even Black earned kind words, “Wow he so tough looking” among them.

While the rest of his team happily engaged the crowd, Black simply stood there doing little other than existing. He didn’t care for such fanfare; he thought to himself how much he world rather be training, it would be a much better expenditure of time. Black felt a pulling to his side; someone was tugging on his jacket. He looked down to his side and saw a little bear-boy. The child was grabbed in shorts, suspenders, and a t-shirt; brown fur covered his frame. The kid was nervous, shaking all over, and mumbling his words.

“Umm… Mi…. ah… pl…pl…” The child desperately tried to speak.

Black saw that the child held in his trembling hands a pen and sheet of some sorts; and he quickly deduced what the ursine child wanted. Black reached out and took the items from the child surprising the young boy somewhat. The sheet was actually a picture and Black recognized it quickly. It was a picture of him from the Worlds Martial Arts Tournament, he was even wearing his old blue gi. It was a candid shot, Black was standing against a wall looking at something other then the camera, he was unaware this picture was even taken until this moment. Black scribbled something on the picture and handed it and the pen back to the child, much too the young bear-boy’s delight.

“Th… Thank you, Mister Black.” The child was able to stammer out and then run off.

Black watched the ursine kid run to opposite sidewalk to the awaiting arms of his father. Papa bear scoped up his son and held him in one arm, while the child shouted out loud with glee.

“Dad, dad look! Mister Black signed my picture!” Child bear exclaimed happily.

“That’s wonderful.” Papa bear replied, “Lets go home and show mama.”

“Yeah!” the child bear shouted.

Papa bear hoisted his son onto his shoulder, and the child laughed happily as they walked away. Black watched the happy family walk away as if nothing else existed in the world.

“Black.” A voice called out to him, he ignored it.

Again the voice called him; this time louder, deliberate, and he realized it was Trunks calling him.

“Black.” Trunks said trying to get his attention.

“Yea.” Black replied half-heartily.

“Let’s get going, if we keep moving it will help disperse the crowd.” Trunks suggested.

“Sure.” Black responded snapping back to reality.

So the trio again walked the city streets, Trunks and Seira still greeting fans and passersby, while Black only marched in step. As the crowds and spectators dispersed the Z warriors discussed their plans for the remainder of the day while strolling the street.

“Alright, the rest of the day is all yours. Feel free to spend it how ever you like.” Trunks gladly informed his team.

“I can’t wait to get home, everyone’s going to be so surprised.” Seira told them with a smile.

“When are we going to meet back up, so we can start training seriously again?” Black inquired.

Trunks began to answer Black’s question.

“Well tomorrow evening we’ll meet at the Capsule Corp. building, and then we can all go out for dinner-”

“Wait! Tomorrow evening?” Black cut Trunks off.

Black came to a complete stop and Trunks turned to face him.

“How long are we going to have to wait before we resume training?” Black asked bluntly.

“Black if you want to keep training feel free, but me and Trunks are going to enjoy our time off.” Seira interjected.

“Yeah Black, take it easy. You both made an amazing achievement today. Take a break and reflect on what you’ve accomplished, you’ve earned it.” Trunks explained.

“That’s my point Trunks; we past an exceptional goal and we should keep moving forward, not slowing down.” Black countered.

“A day of rest will not undo all the progress we’ve made. Remember it’s also important to take time to recover.” Trunks interjected.

Seira watched half-heartedly as the two of them argued, terribly uninterested. And as her friends bantered something caught her attention from the corner of her eye. She turned and glanced down the street and in a moment she recognized what was coming.

An “Uh, oh.” Escaped her lips, and caught her friends attention.

“What’s the matter?” Trunks asked.

Black looked up and past Trunks and saw what was troubling Seira.

“Oh no.” he said with a sigh and lowered his head.

“What?” Trunks asked again realizing he should turnaround.

Trunks looked down the block and realized what had captured his friends attention. A single person, blond haired, dressed in a blue school uniform with his hands tucked into the pockets, flashing a smile and blue eyes that displayed a wicked intent. Trunks only said one thing “Brannan”.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

“Hello Trunks.” Brannan said with a sly smile “It’s been a long time.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while.” Trunks replied hoping for a way out of this situation.

“Hey Trunks, have you heard the news? I won the last Worlds Martial Arts Tournament.” Brannan boasted.

“Congratulations.” Trunks responded while Brannan smirked proudly.

Trunks mind was filing through options to end this confrontation before it escalated as fast a possible. He hoped to miss Brannan and his particular brand of nonsense, but that moment had since past, now he wanted to escape before something happened to worsen it.

“Only because we weren’t in it.” Seira mumbled under her breath.

Black smirked at Seira’s comment, and then it happened.

“Hey! You got lucky last time!” Brannan snapped angrily.

“I didn’t know throwing you out of the ring counted as lucky.” She quickly countered.

“Yeah, but I was ready to keep fighting! You won on a technicality.” He argued.

“Both of you stop it.” Trunks reprimanded them tiredly. “What do you want Brannan?”

Seira still shot Brannan a sour glance, but he shrugged off her comments at Trunks request and addressed the leader of the Z warriors.

“I want to join your team Trunks.” He said more as an order then a request.

“We’ve been over this Brannan.” Trunks started.

“No, we haven’t.” Brannan interrupted “You just keep dismissing me, saying how I’m not ready.”

“That’s because you’re not.” Trunks explained.

“How would you know? It’s not like you tested me or anything!” He snapped furiously

“And you would have, if he didn’t pull that trick during the Semi-finales!” Brannan barked while motioning towards Black accusingly.

“You couldn’t answer the ten count, that was no trick.” Black defended himself.

“I couldn’t hear the ten count, let alone answer it after the stunt you pulled.” Brannan countered. “And if we kept fighting, I would’ve won.”

Black shrugged off Brannan’s comments with a sigh; he knew Trunks wouldn’t want him to carry on with Brannan over semantics.

“Brannan you don’t seem to understand -” Trunks started before Brannan quickly interrupted.

“No! You don’t understand how strong and capable I really am. But this time I’m going to show you and then you will understand how good I am.”

Brannan stepped back on his right foot into a deep rooted fighting stance. He chambered his right hand against his side; his hand clenched tight into a fist, while he held up his left hand defensively in front in front of himself.

“Brannan we don’t need to do this.” Trunks tried to convince him.

“Yes we do, and you’re gonna see how strong I’ve become.” Brannan replied.

Every muscle in Brannan’s body seemed to flex as he twisted his hips with tremendous force, and his right fist flew out with exceptional speed towards Trunks face. The Z warrior did not blink, flinch, nor move; in fact Trunks seemed fed up with the whole affair. Brannan’s attack never reached its target; in a blur Black appeared in front of Brannan and grabbed his fist mid-flight. He didn’t even have the time to be surprised. Black twisted Brannan’s fist and threw him to ground by the shoulder. Brannan flipped over onto his back and hit the city sidewalk hard. He made no sound but grimaced noticeably on impact. Shortly after landing Brannan twisted back up to his feet, snapped into a fighting position, and bobbed ever so lightly on the balls of his feet.

“So, Fancy a go, huh Dog!” he challenged his attacker.

Black was in little mood for games, and even more so after that last slur. He snarled viciously and balled his fists, ready to humble the braggart before him.

“Enough!” Trunks shouted audible enough for anyone within ear shot too take notice.

Black composed himself and stepped back, but Brannan just gazed around like a confused child.

“That’s exactly what I mean Brannan! You have no discipline or self-control!” Trunks scolded him.

“But Trunks, he-” Brannan started.

“But nothing! Brannan you continue to make excuse after excuse, all the while refusing to take responsibility for your actions. You’re brash, oblivious, self-centered, and arrogant. We’re not a club to join for social status. This isn’t a game Brannan and we don’t need someone like that as part of our team.” Trunks finished berating him.

Brannan had already steeped out of his fighting stance and seemed to be somewhere between insulted and mortified. He was breathing heavy and out of rhythm, and shaking just enough to bother him.

“So that’s how it is.” He said taking a steep back.

He backed up against a shoulder height stone wall that was situated between two tall buildings. He planted his right hand firmly atop the wall and spoke to Trunks one more time.

“But just you wait, soon I’ll prove to you how good I am.”

And in one quick fluid motion Brannan vaulted over the wall and disappeared down the alleyway behind it. The Z warriors stood in silent for a moment after Brannan’s demonstration, each taking a moment to process the event. Trunks shook his head and then addressed his team.

“It’s sad really, if he could just let go of his arrogance and anger he would be a much better martial artist.” He mused.

Seira nodded her head and Black grunted in agreement.

“Any rate lets try not to let this affect the rest of our day.” Trunks remarked trying to lighten the mood. “So enjoy your time off, and we’ll meet up tomorrow evening at the Capsule Corp. building. Alright?”

“Sure.” Black replied hardly excited.

“Alright Trunks, we’ll see you tomorrow.” Seira said with her usual smile.

The two of them turned away from Trunks ready to go on their own ways when Trunks called out to them one more time.

“Just don’t go around-”

But it was to late to finish, both Seira and Black bolted off the ground into the air, flying off to their destinations.

“- Showing off your powers.” Trunks said with a sigh, slumping his shoulders.

Trunks shook his head and took a long sip thought the straw of the cup of soda he had for so long held. He smiled as his friends flew off, but then began to cock one eye as he realized what he was doing. He gagged and coughed looking back and forth between the cup of soda and Seira as she flew off.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Dusk was settling in and Brannan was not happy. Walking down a dirty, dusty road with his hands tucked into his pockets Brannan was visibly upset by the day’s outing. Muttering under his breath Brannan made his way down the road to a large scrap yard. Over the years since the end of the Android’s attacks waste sites and recycling facilities became more commonplace and open to the public to speed up reconstruction and renewal. This one was no different.

Brannan made his way through the large metal gates that allowed entrance through the tall stonewalls that surrounded the yard. He walked down a worn dirt path towards a large clearing by the back of the lot, all the while talking out loud, angrily to himself.

“A game!” he almost yelled “Does he really think I treat this like a game!”

Scattered around the clearing were various pieces of makeshift equipment designed by Brannan from the scrap and debris. Thick metal beams bored through crushed cars to fashion crud barbells and dumbbells, compressed cubes of steel attached to pulleys, all kinds of wasted metal and stone formed into simple but imposing workout equipment.

But most impressive of all was the large industrial tank rigged by thick heavy chains, to a frame of metal girders expertly wielded together to create an imposing mockery of a punching bag. Still mumbling to himself Brannan undid the buttons to the top of his uniform and removed it, displaying his strong well-muscled torso, now only covered by a sleeveless thin undershirt. He draped his uniform over some workout equipment and approached the metal monstrosity.

“Just wait.” He mumbled to himself.

He snapped a straight right into the metal structure, the chains went taut in protest to the violent swing of the tank, and a thick dull thud reverberated around the area. As quickly as the tank swayed one direction it rushed back the opposite, threatening to plow over Brannan. With another quick jab Brannan stopped the rush of the metal cylinder and sent it flying in the other direction. Again the chains snapped desperate to hold against the powerful swaying of the heavy container. Bounding around the metal construct ever so lightly Brannan threw lefts and rights into his target, all the while his face a mask of intensity and anger.

“I’ll show them.” He seemed to snarl.

With that he swung his right leg into a round kick connecting with the length of his shin against the industrial tank. A loud crack shot throughout the area as the entire structure responded to Brannan’s might blow. His left leg followed suit and so did the construct as the strike landed. Soon a volley of punches and kicks, from various angles and styles landed upon makeshift training device, and the entire frame groaned from the impact. Brannan snarled loudly and thrust a straight right kick into makeshift exercise device, the Bag shot backwards and the entire frame lifted off the ground momentarily and slammed back down hard, kicking up dust and shaking the nearby area.

“Just how strong-” he roared over the sounds his workout equipment caused.

Brannan stepped back with his right leg into a deep strong stance and chambered his hands, palms up against his sides.

“I really am!”

With that he thrust his arms forward, his palms slamming into the tank, and at the moment of impact his entire body pulsed with strength and a powerful wave of force rushed through metal construction. The tanks exploded backwards, ripping open across the middle and erupting in a storm of dust and debris. The frame became bent and mangled, the chains that held the tank aloft snapped dropping both halves to the ground, and broken chunks of concrete tumbled out onto the ground. Brannan breathed heavily his angry gaze slowly relaxing as he looked upon the damage he caused.

“Impressive.” Brannan heard a soft voice say.

“Huh” He breathed softly and turned while looking over his shoulder. Behind him was a strange little purple man sitting on the hood of a scrapped automobile. He was dressed in gaudy blue clothes that reminded Brannan of some form of old nobility. He wore his hair in a spiked Mohawk, which was white and held to one side, and his ears came to a point.

“What are you doing here?” Brannan asked unfazed by his appearance.

“I felt you training, and came to see what was happening.” The strange purple man responded.

“Felt it?” Brannan though out loud “Yeah, I guess I was hitting the bag pretty hard. I wouldn’t be surprised if you could feel the rumbling some distance away.”

“Tell me, are you a particularly strong warrior?” The purple visitor queried.

“Are you kidding? I’m the World Martial Arts Champion. I’m the strongest person in the whole world.” Brannan bragged.

“I see.” Brannan’s guest chimed.

“Yeah, there’s maybe only one other person in the whole word I would consider my rival. And he not brave enough too accept my challenges.” He further claimed.

Brannan turned away from his visitor and grabbed the top to his uniform. He slipped his arms into the sleeves and began to button it up.

“Is that so? Well thank you for your time.” The Purple person said genuinely grateful.

“Yeah no problem. Say who are you… anyways?”

But as Brannan turned to finish his sentence and look at his guest, he saw the strange purple man had disappeared completely. After a moment he shrugged his shoulders and made his way out the yard.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Night fell on the city and the surrounding countryside, and the Z warriors each found themselves somewhere different. Seira was fast asleep in a familiar bed she had not seen in sometime. Again her long hair was tied into a bun, as she often did while she slept. Seira was back at her childhood home in her old room, where her personality shown throughout it. Posters and pictures adorned her walls, ranging from films to professional athletes. Stuffed animals of different shapes and sizes dotted the room, including a plush Smilodon resting on a nearby writing desk. Awards, ribbons, and trophies were mounted and arranged over a nearby dresser. She was not alone while she slept, two small children with the same dark hair as her shared the bed. A little girl curled up next to her under the sheets and a young boy sprawled over the bed, mouth agape breathing loudly. And the three of them slept soundly if not awkwardly together.

While Black did not find his accommodations nearly as luxurious as Seira’s they were more then adequacy sufficient. Black found himself asleep high up in a tall tree across a large branch. Using his backpack for a pillow he rested quietly with his hands folded behind his head. A warm light from a nearby home cast a gentle glow over the area, and a number of small children sharing bunk beds could be seen sleeping inside. And as peacefully as they slept in their beds, so did Black in his tree outside their home.

Like Seira Trunks found himself in his old bedroom at the Capsule Corp. building. It was a beautiful room larger then was he had become accustom to in the lookout. A single long window stretched the length of the room displaying a beautiful view of the cityscape and allowing the night-light to bathe the room in a blue hue. Trunks stood by the window resting his head in his arm against the glass looking at the city as it as it stretched out before him. The city had come so far in a short time and he was proud to have been a part of it. He walked away from the widow and towards his bed. His jacket was draped over a nearby chair and his sword was resting on a stand next to the bed’s nightstand. Trunks stopped by the bedside his eyes fixed on a framed picture sitting on his nightstand. He picked it up and gazed at it for a moment. It’s was a picture of him several years younger and with much longer hair. There was another man in the picture with sharp strong features, a prominent widows peak, and noticeably shorter then Trunks if not for the tall pointed head of hair, with a permanent scowl etched on his face. Both he and Trunks were in matching blue uniforms and protective vests. And this particular man seemed completely uninterested in being in this picture. Trunks smiled and returned the picture to the stand. He retired for the night content that in another place, another time he was able to meet his father.

Even Brannan found himself home, but he was little ready for rest. He was in his bedroom, which stood as a testament to his accomplishments. Trophies and awards adorned what would otherwise in a comfortable room, while workout equipment littered the floor. He wasn’t exactly in his bedroom; rather he was in the doorway to the room, hanging upside-down. His ankles were fastened by leather straps to the doorframe allowing him to hang comfortably. Bare-chested and wearing a pair of black training pants Brannan slowly and deliberately pulled his upper body towards his legs and then returned to his hanging position. And he continued these reps until he was ready for rest.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

High in orbit over the planet two figure gazed down upon the earth. One was tall, devilish, and strong, while the other was small, frail, and repulsive. And they both eyed the world with sinister intent.

“Here it is, the Planet were my father’s ultimate weapon is hidden.” The repulsive imp-like figure spoke.

“Huh.” The devilish man responded. “This primitive little planet? No wonder it was hidden here this world seems half dead. I doubt anything other then your magic’s could have found it.”

“Lets begin perpetrations. Send some soldiers to collect the energy we need, while we reclaim my fathers lost legacy.” The imp commanded.

“Of course, but do you really think this dying world has the energy you need, and what of the Kai?” The devil questioned.

“Against you the Kai is a minor concern. And worry not about the lack of life on this planet, we still have all that energy from the Kai’s men.” The wicked imp spoke with a sinister smile. “Now go! And remember that I am counting on you, Dabura.”

The devil bowed in response and spoke “Yes, Master Babidi.”

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

It was day on the part of earth the Z warriors called home and the planet was playing host to a pair of visitors not of this world. And from a grass covered hilly area the two spied a large city slowly recovering from the ravages of the past. Of these two the first was Voulge. Overall she resembled a human if not for some very noticeable features. Her skin was a dark green; she was visibly taller then an average person, and her skull was somewhat elongated although difficult to notice because of the odd helmet she wore. She had no nose and her lips were full and unusually round. She wore blue and white body armor complete with shoulder and hip guards. On both the belt about her waist and long white bandanna around her helm a stylized “M” was etched. 

The second was Pike. And if Voulge resembled a human, then Pike resembled a nightmare. Tall and huge he carried himself like some great ape, hunched over with long arms that almost reached the ground, but his legs were long and strong and unlike an ape he had a thick tail that ended in the shape of a spade. His entire body was some form of segmented chitin armor, like some sort of insect. His head resembled a human skull except where the nasal cavity would have been was smooth and flat, and the jaw looked more like a steel trap. His eye sockets were empty hollow pits of pitch darkness. And above those vacant pits a pair of horns shot out and curved back only intensifying his monstrous appearance. The same stylized “M” was seemingly etched into his skull.

The two of them continued eyeing the city, Pike’s tail swaying gently in the breeze likewise so did Voulge’s bandanna and the duo thought back to their briefing before arriving here. Hand selected by Dabura from all of Babidi’s soldiers they were charged with the task of collecting the energy necessary for their master’s schemes. Before setting off Dabura explained their mission.

“You are being sent to a large city where the greatest amount of life has been detected. You will go there and challenge their strongest warriors and any who would get in your way. You have been enchanted by Master Babidi so that any force brought against you will be collected for his needs. So feel free to drag out any encounters to your hearts content. Now go! And remember we will be watching you.” Were the demon’s commands.

Voulge sneered and returned to the matters at hand, in response Pike growled and slapped his spade-like tail against the ground displacing and cracking the soil upon impact. Voulge then spoke to her companion in a strong, calm voice that complimented her appearance

“I’m going straight up through the south. You circle around and come in through the east.”

“Right.” Pike answered his voice resembling the rumbling of rocks.

And the two of them disappeared off to their destination.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

It was a pleasant enough day and Trunks was offering his talents at the same construction site where he had met his mother half a day earlier. Dressed for the occasion complete with hardhat and orange vest he looked hardly out of place among the other workers. He helped speed along the process in whatever capacity they needed, from carrying supplies to working machinery Trunks was glad to help. And all the while he worked there Bulma carried an extra bright smile.

With Trunks assistance as well as the moral boost his presence brought, the crew he was working with was able to finish their morning’s project with time to spare and everyone was enjoying a well-earned break. The crew enjoyed their break with drinks and an early lunch and Trunks sipped away at some bottled water. After drinking nearly his entire bottle Trunks leaned his head forward and poured the remainder through his hair washing away the sweat and dirt. He shook the water from his hair and then ran his fingers through it to remove any excess, unbeknownst to him much to the delight of the ladies in the crew. And not far off in the distance something sinister was spying the scene.

Neatly folded and draped on a handrail connected to a set of stairs that led into a nearby trailer was Trunks blue Capsule Corp. jacket and leaning against that trailer was also his European style sword. A burly middle-aged worker with a thick grayed mustache clad in blue overalls and green flannel took an interest in Trunks effects.

“Hey Trunks.” The grayed man called out to him, “That sword of yours, is that part of your special forces equipment?”

“Something like that.” He replied still drying out his hair.

“Could I take I closer look at it?” Gray asked.

“I rather if you didn’t.” he politely responded.

“So why a sword anyways? I mean don’t get me wrong, we all know you’re really strong and don’t think I’ve forgotten how easily you plowed through the competition at the World Martial Arts Tournament a few years ago. Only two people even seemed to have a chance against you and now their part of your special forces.” Gray spoke.

And these were the words that caught the interest of the observer surveying the event.

“But I remember the Androids; they could blow buildings up by pointing at them, bullets and missiles seemed meaningless to them. So what good would a sword do in stopping them anyways?” Gray questioned.

Now from his vantage point atop a skyscraper the watcher became quite intent on their conversation.

“Trust me. It took a lot more then a sword to stop the androids, a whole lot more.” After his response Trunks thought of everything it took to overcome the androids and the threats attached to them. The loss of life, the pain, the hardships, the friends and family he could never see again.

“More then you could ever imagine.” He thought out loud.

“So tell us about it! I want to know about what kinds of cool special forces weapons and gadgets you get to use!” Trunks heard one of the women call out.

“Forget about the gadgets I want to hear about Seira!” One of the men at the site yelled and half of the crew laughed or shouted in agreement.

“Hey!” Bulma shouted across the lot as she appeared on the scene “If you’ve got enough energy to harass my son then you have energy to get back to work!”

The entire crew scrambled back to their posts desperate to avoid further scolding from their foreman. Trunks smiled and laughed to himself as the crew bolted away, his mother had not lost her touch.

“You too young man!” Bulma shouted causing Trunks to jump “Get going!”

“Yes Ma’am.” He answered hastily donning his hardhat and rushing back to work.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

The next task for the day was to add additional steel girders to the top of the existing skeleton of girders that stood before them. The assembled frame was already many stories tall and to further add to it required the use of special equipment, in this case a crane to raise the girders high into the air. Trunks helped his team secure two steel cables to the next girder and then stood clear of it as it was lifted into the air.

The watchers eyes slowly followed the girder as it ascended into the sky, and as it reached high into the heavens it was decided to test the little warrior in the lot below. It’s thickly armored hand and pointed fingers began to radiate an orange energy. The energy burned brighter and brighter and then with a quick palm thrust was shot through the air at amazing speed.

Trunks felt it, like a sharp cut through his senses. A familiar feeling he had hoped to never experience in a way like this again. With disbelief he looked to the sky and through his heightened senses saw what he feared, a bolt of raw energy shooting through the sky. It slammed into the girder with great force snapping the steel cables that held it aloft and sent it spiraling downwards out of control. For everyone there the moment happened in a flash, much to fast for anyone to react. Most people ducked for cover, a woman screamed terrified as the girder sailed towards her, and the grayed man in flannel rushed to save her, but he would not be able to make it in time. But for Trunks the moment seemed to happed in slow motion, and while the world slowed down he acted at a quickened pace. He vaulted into the air and casually coasted by the girder grabbing the steel cables, he flipped forward slinging the cables and girder over his shoulder. Then slowly he touched back down on the dirt, slowly by his standards anyways.

There was no loud crash, nothing was damaged, no one was hurt, and Gray had ended up with a young woman in his arms who was just as confused as everyone else.

“What… what happened?” the woman asked aloud.

“I’m not sure.” Gray replied releasing the lady from his hold.

But everyone present quickly realized what happened as they noticed Trunks with the fallen girder hanging lazily over his shoulder by a length of steel cable. Everyone cheered loudly shouting Trunks name, some even applauded and whistled. Even Bulma sighed aloud placing her hand against her heart relieved that no one was hurt. But Trunks was not relieved he knew a storm was coming and desperately tried to act in time.

“Everyone Run!” He yelled loud enough to be heard blocks away.

But it was too late. What he feared appeared before him in an instance.

The nightmare had arrived.

Pike was here.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

It was another part of town and people were casually strolling the streets. Some were going to and from work or school; others were simply enjoying the walk as they headed to their destinations. But their attention shifted and most had stopped to watch the new visitor who was likewise casually strolling the streets. It was Voulge, and she was walking down the road, unconcerned by the vehicles speeding by her. As she made her way further, an automobile came to a screeching halt moments before crashing into her. The dark haired driver stuck his head out the window; his eyes hidden behind equally dark shades he berated Voulge as she looked on without concern.

“What the Hell’s the matter with you Lady! Get outta the road!” The motorist bellowed.

For a moment she stared coldly at the motorist and then casually pushed the offending automobile way with a single hand and continued on her way, much to the amazement of the motorist who now fell silent. Voulge sneered in disgust at the offering of people around her, none of these people were warriors; none of them could provide what her masters needed.

“What small meaningless little animals litter this world.” She thought to herself.

She scanned the pedestrians around her, some watched in disbelief at her previous display of strength while most couldn’t be bothered to notice her actions. She noticed an elderly man with little hair and an apron sweeping the walk in front of a small convenience store. For reasons know only to herself Voulge decided this man would be the outlet for her frustrations and she made her way to his storefront.

“You there, old man!” she spoke strongly as she towered over him.

“Huh, what’s the matter Miss?” he answered, his voice tired and shaky.

“Tell me where are your warriors.” Voulge commanded.

“Warriors?” the shop keep replied, “I’m not sure what you mean.”

Gently Voulge extended her hand and gripped the old man by the shirt and effortlessly lifted him from the ground. Weakly he cried as his feet left the ground but he could do little else to protest. Now holding the senior in the air at arms length Voulge made her demand again.

“I will not suffer any more ignorance, tell me where to find your strongest fighters!”

“Please, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The man pleaded.

Angrily she glared and in an instance she had the clerk pinned against stonewalls of his convenience store. He yelped aloud as a sharp pain shot through his back and he begged his attacker for mercy.

“Please don’t hurt me! I’m begging you!” the shop keep cried.

Voulge pulled her free arm back and then slammed her fist into the stonewall beside the old man’s head. Her fist ripped through the stone as if it was Styrofoam. The old man whimpered in fear.

“Last chance! Your strongest citizens, most powerful warriors, greatest champions, where are they!” Voulge barked one last time.

“Ah… Police… there’s a police station not far, and a… Military base outside the city.” The senior tried to choke up “And yesterday the Capsule Corp. Special Forces were here.”

Those words caught Voulge’s interest and she decided to press the subject further.

“Tell me more about the Special Forces.” She said sternly.

“How could you not know about them? They’re led by the guy who stopped the Androids a few years back. His name is Trunks Briefs; he saved the world.” The old man said though fear soaked words.

“Trunks Briefs.” The words rolled off her lips “So he is the strongest here, he’s the one I need to find.”

“Don’t bother.” A voice called out casually “He would just ignore you anyways, more importantly he not the strongest person in the world, I am.”

The elder continued cowering in fear and pain in her grip as Voulge turned her head over her shoulder to see the new speaker. And a handful of meters away stood Brannan, his hands tucked into the pockets of his blue school uniform and a smug smirk on his face.

“And by what right do you make that claim?” Voulge grunted unimpressed.

“I’m the Worlds Martial Arts champion and that means there is no one in the world stronger then me.” Brannan boasted removing his hands from his pockets and brushing them against the hem of his jacket.

Voulge turned her head back to the senior who shudder when her attention returned to him.

“Is there any validity to his statement?” She asked dryly.

“Ye… Yes. His name is Brannan and he won this year’s Worlds Martial Arts Tournament.” The shop keep confirmed.

Voulge drop the senior unceremonious to the ground as she turn to face Brannan. The elder landed with a grunt of pain. Now released he scrambled to his feet as quickly as his tired, pain filled body could muster and retreated to his store. He slammed and bolted the door desperate to escape events he feared would occur.

Voulge took as few steeps forward her eyes burning into the world champ who continued smiling arrogantly. The crowds were growing and automobiles stopped to catch a glimpse of what was happening between the Martial Arts champion and the mysterious woman. The tension between the two of them seemed palpable, almost as if it was building up, and even though they stared at each other for no more then a moment to every onlooker it felt like an hour. Brannan was the first to break the silence.

“So lady you’ve found me and now that you’re done picking on old men, what do you want?”

“Now that I’ve found this worlds strongest, you’re what I want World Champion. Defend yourself.” Voulge threatened venomly.

“This world?” Brannan mused momentarily.

“Whatever!” he quipped “Let’s go!”

Brannan snapped into a fighting form while Voulge rushed him with a leading right seemingly gliding over the pavement.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

The little girl was thrown high up into the air well above the height of her single story home below her, laughing and giggling happily the entire time. And the moment the child reached her apex Seira appeared next to her in the air, held onto the girl playfully and the pair laughed delighted as they descended to the ground. Seira landed softly and laid the dark-haired, kimono clad girl on the soft grass in the front yard of the house just in time to notice a young boy with similarly dark hair wearing a tee shirt and shorts running towards her. Seira rolled forward away from both children and quickly stood up, she glanced over at the children with smile and then bolted across the lawn. The young boy continued his charge while the small girl climbed to her feet and then waddled after them. Seira continued her simple stride heading towards the house’s garage that jutted out from around one side. She closed in on the corner of the building and as easily as she ran across the ground she ran up the wall in few easy steps, gently hopping on roof of the single story structure she perched on the corner looking down at the children below her.

“Seira!” The little girl cried out “That’s not fair!”

“Yeah Seira, we can’t run up walls.” The boy protested as well.

“Maybe you should learn.” Seira quipped casually while hanging lazily off the edge of the roof, her right arm swaying just out of the children’s reach.

“Kim! Make Seira get off the roof.” The girl pleaded.

Sitting at a collapsible table in front of the garage was Kim, Seira’s elder brother. Like Seira and the other siblings he also had the same dark hair; unlike his other siblings a pair of glasses covered his eyes and he kept a well-trimmed mustache and goatee, all of which added to his mature appearance. He sighed almost contently and turned away from what appeared to be a boat motor he was working on.

“Seira will you please get off the roof and play with Sara and Kenji.” Kim asked of his sister.

“If you insist.” She replied pulling herself up from her lazily hung position.

Seira stood up and leapt from her perch while her older brother returned to his project. Before Kim could touch a single tool Seira landed ever so lightly on his table with a soft thud. Settling on one hand and knee for only a moment Seira leapt away from Kim’s table disturbing all his equipment. Kim sighed and shook his head with a smile while the younger siblings ran off behind him. Kim turned up volume on a nearby portable TV then grabbed one of his tools and returned to work.

Seira continued her dash over the lawn with the children following behind. Instantly Seira changed direction and ran towards her younger siblings. And as soon as she threatened to overrun them she leapt above them with an aerial flip landing safely behind the pair. Seira turned quickly and dropped to one knee, and with her arms open the two children ran to their sister and they fell to the ground laughing happily.

Laying on the grass laughing happily with her family, her own hair obscuring her face, Seira couldn’t have seemed more content. But in an instance all that changed. She felt it slice through her senses and instinctively her demeanor changed to serious and for a moment she held her siblings tightly.

“Seira, what’s wrong?” Sara asked as her older sister released her warm embrace.

Seira stood up with an uncharacteristically stern look about her. Off in the distance she could feel strong forces that she was unfamiliar with clashing with one another.

“Seira.” Kim called out.

“What?” She responded as if interrupted.

“I think you should see this.” The elder sibling suggested motioning towards the television and increasing its volume.

Seira watched the portable television; it was displaying a live news report from the nearby city. A traffic jam of noticeable magnitude was more than apparent by the unmoving automobiles although a reporter was soon to mention it. A feminine voice, even-toned and professional, was commenting on the scene from the vantage point of a helicopter.

“Strangely enough the cause of this Jam seems to be two people fighting in the streets.” The voice reported, “We’re having trouble making out the fighters, but the fighting must be fierce as people are abandoning their vehicles and fleeing.”

And while the fighters moved like blurs to other watchers Seira, with her heightened senses, saw the scene clearly. A tall green woman she did not recognize garbed in some form of armor was battling; perhaps overpowering would be a better description, a young blond-haired man who Seira instantly recognize.

“Brannan.” She said aloud.

“Who?” Kim inquired.

“I’ve got to go.” Seira answered.

“How bad is this?” Kim responded, indicating an understanding that would likely be unknown to any other.

“I’m not sure yet.” She replied watching Brannan receive the edge of the green woman’s open hand against his jaw.

Seira knew what she had to do. She turned to her younger siblings to say her quick farewells. The children were nervous. It was a rare sight to see their elders so serious. And while they didn’t completely understand the scope of Seira’s work as a Z warrior they did understand that if often took her away from them for extended periods of time and that it was dangerous. Kenji was the first to chime in

“What’s going on Seira?”

Seira knelt down on one knee and place a hand on each child’s shoulder. She spoke to them sincerely and lovingly.

“I’ve got to go now. I want you both to behave and listen to your big brother, Alright?”

Seira smiled warmly but tears were welling up in her youngest sibling’s eyes. Sara couldn’t bring herself to look up from the ground and Kenji only nodded through his sad expression.

“Why Seira? Why do you have to go? We want you to stay were with us.” Sara pleaded with her sister.

Seira continued smiling and fought back her own swelling tears.

“I want to stay too, but I’ve got to go. I’m one of the only people strong enough to go.”

Seira drew her little sister in close and stood up with Sara in her arms hugging her tightly.

“I love you all.” Seira said aloud and handed Sara over to Kim.

With a deep breath Seira took her first few steeps away from her family. She hadn’t even reached the edge of the lawn before Kim called out to her

“Be careful Seira!” he said showing that he was still every ounce a big brother.

“Oh and one more thing!” Kim called to her as she took another step.

Seira turned and took one more look at her family.

“Good Luck!” he said with a reassured smile and gave his sister the thumbs up with his free hand.

Seira returned her brother’s gesture with a smile and a thumbs up of her own. Seira then ran off towards her destination again and when she was only a few feet away from her home she leapt into the air and rocketed away in a blue trail of energy.

The three siblings watched their sister fly off for as long as they could perceive the brief trail of energy she left in her wake. Little Sara she the first to chime in.

“Hey Kim, why does Seira have to be so strong?”

“The reason Seira is so strong is so the rest of us don’t have to be.” Kim answered.

The younger children may not have completely understood what their elder brother meant but they understood what Seira did was important and they hoped she would return to them again safely.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

From his vantage point high up in a tree Black stood on a thick strong branch, one hand placed against the tree’s trunk, spying the busy scene below. Black was watching a sizable yard fenced by a stone wall surrounding a large three story house. A number of children played cheerfully in the yard engaging in various activities. Mostly he saw little human children running about, but also noticed a little bunny girl in a pink dress playing among flowers with some other girls and an older bear boy in overalls wheeling around some younger children in a wheelbarrow.

Black focused in on two children standing by the front entrance of the beautiful Victorian styled home. They were both boys; a dark haired boy dressed casually ready for play and a blond boy dressed for school in his light colored uniform. Although he was quite far perched up in his tree Black was easily able to discern everything they said. The dark haired boy was harassing his blond counterpart with a bright goofy smile.

“C’mon, Jamie. Lets go.”

“No, I’m not going with you Thomson. And stop calling me Jamie you’re suppose to call me Smith.” Jamie Smith corrected him.

“Oh don’t start with that last name garbage again Jamie.” Thomson said with sarcastic emphasis, “Since old lady Weatherby isn’t around I can you what ever I want.”

Black growled a little bit with that comment but remained in his perch watching as events unfolded.

“Now c’mon, you’re slowing us down.” Thomson directed.

“Will you leave Smith alone, Thomson!” a girls voice yelled out.

A causally dressed girl with her hair tied in straight pigtails arrived to defend the boy. She stood besides Smith, her hands in fists against her hips shooting Thomson an irritated glance.

“Well its little Mimi, come to defend her boyfriend.” Thomson teased.

“Mimimoto, Thomson.” She corrected, “You don’t get to call me Mimi.”

“Whatever Mimi. You and Jamie can whine about names all you want.” The little scamp taunted, “But without that old crow around it doesn’t matter. Now come on! Everyone’s waiting by the back door.”

“Waiting for what, Thompson?” a ladies voice said sternly.

All three children jumped to attention and turned to face their speaker. Lady Weatherby was standing in the doorframe and then steeped out on to the porch, all the while looking at the children. Lady Weatherby wore a blue dress with white trim, which looked as eloquent as her home. Her faded brown hair was held up in an Edwardian style, and while time and age had worn her features she retained an air of refined dignity and nobility about her.

“You don’t mean to be playing around the cellar again, do you Thompson?” Lady Weatherby inquired.

“Na… No. Mrs… Mrs. Weatherby.” The young boy stammered while trying to present himself as well mannered. “Not at all.”

“As I thought.” The Lady Weatherby states. “While your inquisitive nature does not go unappreciated Thompson, there are good reasons I do not want you or any of the other children playing around there.”

Lady Weatherby paused for moment and then addressed all three children with the same authoritative tone.

“Also when you speak to one another you are expected to address each other with respect. The same respect you would show to me or any of the instructors here. Do I make my self clear?”

The three children understood the Lady Weatherby perfectly when she used that phrase. They all looked of to her and responded solemnly at the same time.

“Yes, Mrs. Weatherby.”

Thompson, Smith, and Mimimoto all replied. Even Black away up in his tree seemed to mouth the same response.

“Good.” Lady Weatherby declared “Now I believe the three of you should be heading inside, recess is about to end.”

As the three children walked inside the Lady Weatherby reached out to a small bell affixed to the side of the house’s entrance. Grabbing a length of twine attached to the clapper inside the bell she sounded the toll for all in the yard to hear. All the children responded quickly either dropping what they were doing completely or politely disengaging from their activity. Even Black pinned his ears back against his head smiled sheepishly as the bell rang.

Then it sliced through Black’s senses, his ears perked up and quickly glanced towards the city. Trunks was fighting, fighting something he couldn’t recognize, and fighting in earnest. Black knew what he had to do, but he stole one last glance at the home and yard behind him before leaping from his tree and disappearing in an instance.

Lady Weatherby watched as the children raced into the building and as she finished ringing the bell she momentarily glanced over at the large tree overlooking her property. She then turned her attention to her home when she noticed the metal postage box hanging next to the door. A small plastic flag on it was raised signifying a delivery was made. Curiously she opened it and retrieved a brown paper bag from within. The bag was light but well stuffed, and the top was rolled closed. She unfurled the bag, reached in and removed a thick stack of zenny bills in one hundred denominations. Several similar such stacks also rested within the container.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Brannan staggered away wildly as the edge of Voulge’s open hand slammed against his jaw, causing him spin in a complete 360°. Tiredly he threw up his arms and balled his hands into fists determined to defend himself against the powerful woman. He shook off the dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him as he watched her advance steadily towards him; arms at her side as if she was unconcerned by any action he could take.

“How could she be so strong.” He thought painfully to himself.

Then quickly Voulge rushed him at a speed he could hardly follow. She loaded back her right hand and slammed the same fist straight into Brannan’s body. Brannan crossed his arms and absorbed her attack into his limbs. Her attack was too powerful for Brannan to deflect with his weakening defense and was pushed further backed. Voulge pressed her advantage swinging a fierce right cross at Brannan’s exposed head. Forcing through the pain Brannan demanded his legs to bob downwards, avoiding Voulge’s attack by precious few inches. With all the strength he could muster he flexed his legs, snapped his hips, and plowed his fist underneath Voulge’s armored ribs with a right hook. Again and again he fought against exhaustion and struck Voulge against the same spot on her body.

She tired of his flailings quickly and finished them with a snapping front kick. He was struck solid in the chest knocking him to the ground and expelling the air from his lunges. The force behind Voulge’s kick sent Brannan sliding several feet away on his back. Through teary eyes and painfully labored breaths he tried to sit up. Making it to his knees he pushed his fists into the pavement desperately trying to stand. And again he saw the tall alien woman casually strolling towards him.

“NO!” He cried internally “She cannot be that strong.”

“It’s got to be that damnable armor she wearing.” He convinced himself as she approached.

“I didn’t… want… to do this…” He whispered between agonizing gasps for air.

“Saving this… for… for Trunks.”

Brannan climbed up to his feet, arms hanging limply as Voulge stopped before him with a sneer. She raised one hand tucked into a tight fist and drove it down upon Brannan’s wretched figure.

Through fierce determination he snapped into a deep strong stance his right leg behind and his palms up chambered against his side, immediately he thrust his arms forward palms slamming into Voulge’s abdomen and at the moment of impact his entire body pulsed with strength and a powerful wave of force ripped through her body.

A cloud of dirt and debris shot up behind her and with a look a surprise Voulge was sent tumbling through the air by the wave of force, striking a blue automobile and flipping it over as she was flung to the opposite side of the road. The painted concrete of a blue building put an end to her travel.

With a stuttered sigh Brannan allowed his body to loosen and grimaced as he adjusted to the pain coursing through his body. Eventually he stood tall and watched as the dust settled around him. On the opposite side of the road Voulge easily stood up, bits of rock and concrete falling from her clothing. Brannan stared in disbelief, mouth agape, as the extraterrestrial woman simply rose to her feet. His entire body gave out and the world champion fell to his knees completely unable to comprehend to sigh before him.

Voulge looked towards her opponent with a smile.

“So it seems this world’s champion is capable of some real fighting.”

She raised her hand towards Brannan and flexed her fingers like a claw.

“Let me show you my fireworks.”

A point of light appeared in her hand and soon bright energy covered her palm. Her arm cocked slightly upwards as a single bolt of raw energy fired from her hand. The energy traveled quickly and cast a pale light over Brannan. Brannan sat there unable to move recalling the last time he saw such a sight. It was the New World’s Martial Arts Tournament and it was the same attack Trunks used on Black to send him sailing out of the ring.

Brannan closed his eyes and gritted his teeth in an attempt to prepare his weakened body for the blow. He never felt it. In fact he felt the rush of energy and a whistle of wind shot away from him. Slowly he opened his eyes and noticed a feminine form before him, with long dark hair and a familiar orange shirt with a stylized red Z. Seira had come to his rescue.

In a flash she appeared before him and with a backhanded swat of her hand Seira sent the bolt of energy arching off into the atmosphere. It detonated in the ether creating an explosion for the entire city to see. With steely resolve both women unnerving eyed each other.

“Seira! What are you doing here?” Brannan barked over his panted breath.

She didn’t respond. Seira remained unflinchingly focused on the new opponent before her. After a moment she spoke aloud to Brannan without averting her gaze.

“Brannan, get out of here, quickly.”

With that she started towards the Alien woman.

“Hey!” Brannan yelled out, his breath slowly returning “This is my Fight!”

“It’s mine now.” Seira thought to herself.

As Seira approached, Voulge smirked clearly in anticipation of meeting her new opponent. The world champion had left her bored and she was eager for a new challenge.

“So the world champion was less then truthful when he claimed to be the strongest in the world.”

“Who are you, and what do you want.” Was Seira’s only response.

Seira spoke sternly and strongly, she remembered Trunks training clearly. Keep your opponents talking, keep them distracted. Draw out the encounter to better gauge their strength and give bystanders the much-needed time to escape. But Voulge was in little mood for conversation.

“If you earn the privilege of my name only then will you hear it.” Voulge spoke with thick condescension.

“And there is only one thing I want.”

With two quick steps Voulge closed the distance between her and Seira, and threw a fast powerful straight right. With quick foot work Seira slipped underneath Voulge’s swing and slid behind her opponent. Voulge was not to be outdone, she slid her right foot back twisted her hips and torso and, much to Seira’s surprise, aimed the edge of her hand at Seira’s head with speed greater then before displayed. Seira adjusted quickly to match the extraterrestrial’s speed and ducked out of the attacks path allowing Voulge’s strike only to connect with few stray strands of hair.

Seira dropped downwards and slammed her fists into the pavement. With grace and balance she swept her right foot out and then around at Voulge’s leading foot. In response Voulge swiftly stepped off her left foot shifting her weight to the right foot avoiding Seira’s kick altogether. For a moment Voulge stood tall on one-foot, her left knee up, and arms forward in defensive stance like some unwavering sentinel. Voulge stomped her raised foot down on the still prone Seira, who evaded the blow by rolling clockwise and springing to her feet. Voulge’s attack continued as she threw a quick right follow by a powerful straight left. Seira twisted her torso to the right and swept away Voulge’s first blow with her left hand. And as Voulge’s powerful left was delivered Seira slid her own right hand up and against the inside of her attackers arm deflecting the blow off to the side; exposing an opening to the Alien’s chest and abdomen.

Three quick jabs from Seira snapped into Voulge’s stomach and sternum, staggering her back a step. Voulge held her abdomen and glared at Seira, she then threw a quick roundhouse with her left foot targeted at Seira’s head. Through quick reflexes Seira ducked under the wide sweeping attack. Voulge spun with her kick and when she planted her left foot the right flew up into a spinning hook kick. Seira bridged backwards, her torso becoming almost parallel to the ground, allowing Voulge’s kick to harmlessly pass over her. Seira arched her back up to standing just as Voulge’s foot came back to the ground. Immediately Voulge swung her left foot upwards and around in a crescent motion. Seira stepped into and underneath the attack hooking her right arm under Voulge’s knee and then reaching her left arm up and over the alien’s right shoulder. Try as she might Voulge was much too tall for Seira’s reach; so the Z warrior adjusted her technique instead wrapping her arm around Voulge's right side pinning the woman’s right arm. Seira clasped her hands behind the small of her opponent’s back and with great power and force threw Voulge over her head as she bridged backwards to the ground. Voulge slammed into the ground across her right shoulder and side of her head; the force of which rolled her away onto her chest.

Brannon’s breath slowly began to return to normal and with each gasp of fresh air the pain in his body ebbed away. He watched as Seira and Voulge shared words but after that their exchanged was a blur. He thought he saw Voulge throw a punch or maybe a strike with the edge of her hand but it was much faster then before.

Angrily he thought to himself “Is she getting faster? She was holding back against me!”

Brannon glimpsed Seira on the ground when Voulge tried to stomp on her but before he could register any other movements he watched as Voulge staggered back holding her chest. The last thing he saw was Voulge throw some kind of spin kick before she somehow ended up sprawled on the ground and Seira bridging backwards as if she just threw the alien woman over her head. As the combatants rose to their feet and again traded words Brannon adapted to his pain and weariness and waited for the right moment.

In one smooth easy motion Seira arched back up to standing and turned to face her adversary. Voulge sneered almost happily as she pushed herself off the ground. She pushed herself up into a push-up position, kicked her feet up behind her hands and stood up tall and strong. Voulge stretched her neck and then rolled her right shoulder several times.

“You’re much stronger then that one.” Voulge said referring to Brannon.

“Does that mean you’re going to tell me who you are or what you’re going here?” Seira barbed back with a smirk.

“Not quite.”

With that Voulge rushed Seira with speed yet unseen. Before Seira could mount a defense Voulge was upon her in a flash unloading a number of rights and lefts on her face and body. Voulge ended the barrage with a left hook causing the Z warrior to spin and stagger down to her hands. Doubled over by the last attack, her hands flat on the ground, Seira snapped out her left foot backwards into the approaching alien. The strike slammed into Voulge’s armored abdomen causing her to recoil with a grunt of pain. Seira chamber her left leg towards her hip and kicked off the ground into a handstand with the right. As she came to her apex she thrust out her left foot hitting her heel underneath Voulge’s chin. Voulge’s head snapped backwards and likewise so did the bandanna around her helmet. Seira at a full tall handstand twisted off one hand until she was facing the opposite direction and returned to standing with a slow smooth back walkover. Both warriors stepped back into fighting stances with their hands up glaring at each other.

Again what happened before Brannon was like a quick flash. The two warriors were talking and standing a distance apart. But then they were upon each other in an instance. Brannon could hardly follow a single movement and as quickly as their attacks occurred they halted. Now the women stood glaring at each other only few meters distance between them. And as the two of them reignited their clash, their exchange of blows like a blur to him, Brannon felt something different as he watched them and his pain seemed to fade into the back of his mind.

The warriors burned their gazes into one another before snapping at each other like whips. Both women slammed their right forearms together and pushed against the other with great strength. When neither would give an inch both pulled back and threw fast powerful rounds kicks that connected across their shins. Unflinchingly both drew back their legs and returned with fierce right hooks. Their fists collided and clapped like thunder. Seira and Voulge smirked at one another ready to unleash their next assault. A flurry of blows came from each combatant; punches, kicks, chops, elbows, knees.

A left hook from Seira staggered Voulge to the right. The alien returned the favor by twisting into Seira’s stomach with a low left uppercut causing the terrestrial woman to pop off her feet. A right cross knocked Seira back and then a front snap kick sent her sailing away, plowing the asphalt up underneath her feet. Then Brannon saw it, clear as day. Voulge knocked Seira away and now was his chance to strike. He charged off the ground like a sprinter and leapt at Voulge with his right fist chamber up ready to strike her with all his weight. Voulge’s left hand snapped out a grabbed Brannon by his disheveled uniform coat without even the courtesy of a glance. He slammed his elbow and then his knee into the outstretched limb of his opponent. Voulge paid no mind to his flailings. With a quick twist of her torso she flung him away, throwing him at the same blue automobile and causing it to spin wildly.

She returned her attention to the Z warrior and ran towards her real adversary. Seira had already regained her composure as Voulge bore down upon her. She duck underneath Voulge’s wide sweeping right hook and unleashed a rapid-fire torrent of punches into the abdomen of her opponent. Voulge was thrashed about by Seira’s attacks and grimaced with each blow. She then threw a left uppercut under Voulge’s chin snapping back the fighter’s head. Seira with her already extended left hand grasped the collar of Voulge’s armored vest and with her right hand grabbed the belt around Voulge’s waist. She twisted her hips, pulling the taller woman off balance, and threw her over her shoulder to the opposite side of the road. Voulge sneered in anger as she found herself on the ground again.

Voulge’s anger turned to surprise as she rolled away and up to her feet just as Seira dropped from the air, slamming her first into the ground and smashing apart the concrete once under Voulge’s head. Voulge rolled up just in time to receive a rush of strikes from Seira. She twisted left and right swaying her hands to parry Seira’s blows, but Seira pressed her advantage pushing Voulge further and further back. The alien parried and counter attacked with diminishing success, but wouldn’t back down. The pair soon found themselves trading blow for blow and block for block. As the exchanged continued Seira felt something in the corner of her senses and she leapt away from her opponent. Voulge did not have much time to be perplexed by Seira’s actions.

Pushing that same blue automobile across the ground Brannon rammed into Voulge with a loud crash, pinning her against the adjacent building. He jumped up onto the side of the car crouching down and struck Voulge across the face over and over again with right and left hooks, growling loudly. Voulge’s head turned with each blow her face a growing mask of anger. Fed up with Brannon’s attacks she flipped away the vehicle with a quick flip of her arms, and while Brannon was still midair she spun a back kick into his chest. Brannon flew backwards through the air, landing on the ground with enough force to skid across the ground and roll over onto his chest. He pushed himself up with his hands to see Voulge glaring at him with hatred.

“I’ve had enough of you world champion.” Voulge roared with venomous disdain.

Voulge rolled her arms over her hand and then thrust them out forward. A beam of bright white energy issued forth from both of Voulge’s hands and rushed towards Brannon ripping apart everything in its way. Before Brannon could be overrun by the blast Seira appeared parallel to the beam and fired her own beam of blue energy into its path. The two beams intersected and with a twist of her arms Seira was able to redirect both streams into the air. The beams flew off into the atmosphere, harmlessly flying off into space and two groups of eyes watched the event. The warriors stared fiercely at one another and Seira decided to address her adversary with a new approach.

“If you want to fight like that let’s take this battle some place else.”

“No. We’ll fight here and now.” Voulge retorted.

The Alien women snapped into a fighting form ready to continue the conflict but a voice only she could hear called out to command her. The voice of that repulsive imp, her master Babidi spoke directly to her mind through his arcane magics.

“Wait Voulge!” The wizard commanded, “This woman is obviously holding back with the misguided intent to prevent anyone from being hurt. Take up her offer to battle elsewhere and this way you could fight wholeheartedly, collecting the energy I need much more quickly.”

“I understand.” Voulge answered aloud.

She relaxed her stance, cracked her neck to the right, and rephrased her answer to Seira.

“Fine then. Let us away to whatever battlefield you prefer.”

“Alright then follow me. I know where we can continue this undisturbed.” Seira instructed.

“Wait a minute!” Brannon demanded already up to his feet. “This fight isn’t going anywhere with out me.”

“You’re not coming with us.” Seira answered.

“This was my fight and I’m going to see it through.” was Brannon’s reply to that.

“I don’t care what you do World Champion, your presents is meaningless.” The alien snapped.

“You miserable…”

But before Brannon could finish his thought Seira interrupted.

“That doesn’t matter, let’s just go.”

Auras of energy exploded around both women, Seira leapt into the air followed by Voulge and the pair rocketed off into distance. Brannon glanced angrily at the duo and rummaged around in his pockets.

“Going to leave without me… I don’t think so.” He stammered aloud.

Brannon produced an orange and white capsule. He pressed down on the button on the top of the capsule and flicked it into the air. With a soft pop the capsule disappeared in a white puff of smoke and in its place a blue and black jet ski-like vehicle appeared. He hopped on to it and revved one of the handles. The vehicle roared to life and began to lift off the ground. Brannon twisted the handle again, pushed forward on the handle pole, and shot off after the other warriors.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

For everyone else it was like the space of a moment. But for Trunks it was like a long stare between two predators. Trunks tried to take command of the situation by yelling out at the alien intruder.

“Who are you? What do you want!”

Pike growled threateningly his utterance like the rumbling of rocks. He made no response other then snapping towards Trunks swiping his large right hand at him. Trunks skipped backward to avoid the attack, but Pike’s arm was deceptively long and his fingers clawed through Trunks orange work vest.

A number of people screamed and scrambled to escape the worksite. Bulma did her best to direct the workers to safety and even under the circumstance she could be quite commanding. She was able to maintain some semblance of order as the panicked people ran from the scene but her attention always returned to her son; the only person here that could truly deal with this dangerous matter.

As the tatters of his vest floated downward Trunks dropped the steel girder draped over his shoulder and addressed Pike in earnest. Again the alien growled deeply throwing his hand overhead with great force. Trunks leapt upwards rocketing through the heights and Pike’s hand meet only with earth and soil. The monster shot his glance upwards, pushed off the ground with its powerful legs, and lunged with arms outstretched. Trunks glided backwards out of Pike’s attack and into the metal framework of the building behind him. Pike’s attack missed and he began to fall earthwards. His hand reached out grabbing onto a girder and the great beast pulled himself upon it; squatting on it as if a perch.

The two warriors glared at one another, Pike from his perch and Trunks floating between the metal frames. Trunks glided effortlessly between the girders at great speed away from the alien monsters, Pike giving chase by swinging from metal beam to metal beam like a wild animal. Trunks zipped from different levels and sections, angering Pike who growled aggressively while following behind. He shot up and out through the top of the structure and drifted in the air just above it. Pike pulled up on the top most girder, kicking his legs up and over into a handstand, his spade like tail curving upwards toward Trunks like an uppercut. Seeing the attack coming Trunks leaned back and tilted his head upwards, allowing the strike to pass harmlessly in front of him. Noticing his attack miss Pike snapped his tail and brought it down towards Trunks. Trunks leaned further back until he became upside down in midair and then dropped downwards propelling himself through the girders once more. Again Pike’s attack failed and the chase continued.

Zipping and zagging through the unfinished building was buying Trunks some time but did little to help gauge his opponent. He decided it was time to modify his tactics. He sped through the corridors of girded steel aggravating Pike who raced to keep pace with him. Trunks shot out through one side of the build, floating high above the ground, and turned to face his pursuer. Pike was already at the outer most girders and pushed off with his powerful legs lunging at Trunks. Trunks pushed himself backwards as Pike’s long arms threaten to encircle him. The alien monster found only air. Trunks had avoided Pike’s grasp and was still gliding away from the beast.

Trunks had expected to see the monster plummet down to the ground but instead found Pike hovering in the air of his own accord only a hand full of meters away.

“So you can fly.” He remarked, “Were you swinging through the building for your own amusement?”

Pike only responded with a low growl.

Trunks lowered to the ground and land with a soft dull sound. Pike followed his example and joined him on the ground. Trunks had bought himself some time and better yet was able to gauge his opponent’s speed and even learned that it could fly. Now it was a matter to discern it’s strength and durability and luckily he wouldn’t have to do it alone. He felt it through his heightened senses and appearing next to him in an instant was Black.

“So what’s this?” Black asked of his fellow Z warrior.

“Not sure.” Trunks answered. “But it’s certainly looking for a fight.”

Again Pike growl but this time he also spoke.

“I am Pike, I am here to crush your strongest fighters.”

“So you can speak.” Responded Trunks “And why would you be attacking strong fighters?”

“No more words!” Pike roared before renewing his attack.

The Alien warrior struck out with both hands, but Trunks and Black spun down the outsides of Pike’s arms each connecting with a back fist to a different side of his head. Angrily he twisted body towards Trunks in an effort to plow into him with his clawed hands; but the Z warrior was already gone. Going with the momentum, using his tail and arms for counterbalance, he brought his back foot up into a spin to strike Black. Throwing his arms up Black skipped backward just out of range of the kick. Knowing his attack missed Pike brought his tail around to strike. Black was just able to bob under blow and escaped from Pike’s range with a back handspring.

Pike roared loudly after his attacks missed their marks. He swiped forward with both his hands; Black blocked them off with his forearms and then stepped into his attacker striking with a jumping back kick. Black’s attack swayed Pike’s upper body but the alien returned with a snarl and a powerful thrust of his ram like horns. Black absorbed the blow against his arms but was still staggered back by the force. Pike attempted to charge down the Z warrior but after a few steps found Trunks obstructing his path. A quick powerful uppercut to his trap like jaw stopped his momentum. The blow was harder then he expected but Pike would not yield. Pike again rushed forward but was met by a thrust side kick to the chest. Trunks then leapt up and connected with a spinning back hook kick which sprawled the alien to his knees.

Pike was not happy with the turn of events; he snarled lowly and swept his arm towards Trunks. A blast of energy ushered forth from his hand and slammed into Trunks with a powerful explosion. The Z warrior was hardly taken aback by the attack but Pike used the distraction to continue his offensive. He assaulted Trunks with a number attacks from his open hands and balled fists, Trunks doing the best he could to parry and block the blows. Pike reared back ready to crash his strong horns against Trunks frame, but as he lunged forward Black vaulted over his shoulder grabbing the alien by his offending horns. Black wrestled Pike down to the ground and pinned Pike’s head underneath his body. Pike roared kicking, pushing, and thrashing about trying to escape Black’s hold.

Pike worked his arms against Black’s ribs and forced himself free of the hold. Black was pushed away from Pike’s reach and then the nightmarish creature expelled a beam of energy from its maw. Black was struck with great force sending him sailing backwards, his course toward Bulma and some of the workers. They screamed in panic, Bulma closed her eyes and braced herself. Trunks appeared in Black path, intercepting his friend before flying any further. Bulma opened her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Alright, enough!” Trunks yelled while his teammate regained himself “If you really want to fight like this lets take this somewhere else!”

“No. We will fight here and now.”

Pike was ready to continue his assault but he heard a voice speak directly to his mind, the voice of his master Babidi.

“Wait Pike, do as they say. They tried the same tactic with Voulge. The two of you can reconvene and fight these warriors together.”

“I understand.” Pike spoke aloud and then addressed Trunks and Black.

“Fine. I will follow you to another battleground.”

“Good.” Trunks responded “I know exactly where to take this. Just follow us.”

Black was first to go, as if he was in a rush to continue this encounter. Immediately following was Pike and then Trunks. They floated off the ground and rocked skywards, but before Trunks could away the voice of his mother called out to him.

“Trunks wait!” Bulma cried out.

Floating several feet above the ground Trunks turned to face his mother. Bulma was holding on to his swords wrapped in his jacket. She threw both items to him which he easily caught. Bulma smiled as bravely as she could through her concern but she knew how dangerous what her son was doing.

“Be careful and good luck Trunks!” She yelled out to him.

Trunks smiled warmly and in one quick motion he donned his trademark jacket and then slung his sword across his back. Trunks nodded at his mother one last time before he disappeared over the horizon in a streak of colorless energy.

*                      *                      *                      *                      *