Then Pan was a Zombie

Chapter 12

"So, these guys were causing trouble?" Bra said, giving the offender a hearty kick. The bound man howled, screaming obscenities in protest. Since the tournament arena didn't have a prison, they stood in an apartment room converted into a makeshift holding cell. Beyond a table with a pitcher of water and some cups, the chamber stood bare.

"They were trying to force their way into the Dragonball chambers," Lila replied.

Behind her stood the East Supreme Kai, his expression serious. "That isn't the only trouble that's been happening lately. Others in the audience were trying to enter the apartments and terrorize the tournament-goers' guests. South and North is rounding them up right now."

"Though, should she really be here?" The diminutive Supreme Kai pointed a finger at Bra. "This is the business of the tournament facilitators, not one of the fighters."

"Consider it as a learning lesson. Our friend here is curious about being more proactive in defending the cosmos." At her friend's words, Bra's heart fluttered with pride, pleased someone had such confidence in her.

"Okay." But the East Supreme Kai seemed less than convinced by his colleague's words but didn't voice any further objections. "Something feels off about this. Why would these innocent audience members attempt such a stunt? It must be the Buu of Universe 4's fault! He's finally making his move!"

"I disagree," the Grand Supreme Kai said. So far, he'd been watching the scene without comment. "It isn't his style. Besides, I sense dark magic behind their minds."

"Fools!" the man Bra had kicked said. "It has already begun! Soon, Lord Babidi will be the lord of the entire cosmos!"

"Babidi?!" the East Supreme Kai said, shocked.

They watched in astonishment as a black "M" appeared on the captured man's forehead. It materialized on the other captives too. Their smiles turned sinister, dark energy flowing from them like a dark tide. With a flex of their muscles, each one broke through their restraints with ease.

The leader cracked his neck, a confident smirk on his face. "And now that we're fully empowered by Lord Babidi's magic, I think it's time for some well-deserved payback." Behind him, his goons loomed over their former captors, even their size enhanced by Babidi's evil magic.

"Don't get ahead of yourself," Bra said, a knee smashing into the leader's smug face. He collapsed in a heap, his flunkies staring in shock. She cracked her knuckles, giving a smile that made her would-be attackers flinch. "What? You're done already? Where'd that big talk go?"

"You!" The other mind-controlled audience members launched their assault, hoping their numbers would allow them to overwhelm this seemingly diminutive teenage girl.

"Some people don't learn," Bra said, stepping over her unconscious attackers. She hadn't bothered killing them. They weren't worth the effort. Besides, they weren't the real enemy.

"Impressive. Your father taught you well." But the East Supreme Kai's expression turned worried. "But I doubt these are the only ones Babidi has taken hold of. If he has control over fighters like Cell or Buu from Universe 4, we might be in serious trouble."

"Father and I can handle this, no problem," Bra said, unconcerned. But she frowned as she dashed outside, not finding the Ki signatures she'd expected. While she sensed both Gohans and Piccolos, her father's Ki was nowhere to be seen.

"I can't sense my dad!" Bra said, panic entering her voice. Had they somehow killed him?

"I don't sense any of the other tournament fighters either," the East Supreme Kai said, joining her. "This must be one of Babidi's tricks."