Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 8: The Threat from Space

The ring of bullies tightened around Goku, their sneers almost comical against the backdrop of cherry blossoms drifting lazily through the schoolyard. She rolled her shoulders, pink spikes of hair catching the sunlight as her eyes darted from face to face, cataloging weaknesses.

"Look at the new girl, thinking she's tough," one of them spat.

Goku's lips twitched. Amusement battled with a familiar itch in her fists.

"Bet she can't even throw a punch," another chimed in.

She remained silent, mind racing back to the gravity chamber. Vegeta's voice, gruff and demanding. "Again, Kakarot! You're holding back!"

The phantom weight of her old power pressed down, a reminder of what she'd lost. What she'd become.

"What's wrong, pinky? Cat got your tongue?"

Goku's eyes snapped back to the present. Her stance shifted imperceptibly, muscle memory kicking in despite her smaller frame.

*I may not have my full strength,* she thought, *but I'm far from helpless.*

"You guys really want to do this?" Goku asked, voice steady.

The lead bully cracked his knuckles. "Oh, we insist."

Goku's resolve crystallized. She might not be able to go Super Saiyan anymore, but she was still Son Goku. Still a warrior.

"Your funeral," she muttered, dropping into a fighting stance.

----

The lead bully lunged, his fist a clumsy meteor aimed at Goku's face. Time seemed to slow. She saw every twitch of his muscles, every flaw in his form.

*Too easy,* she thought, a thrill of excitement coursing through her veins.

Goku pivoted, her body moving on pure instinct. The punch whistled past her ear, close enough to ruffle her pink hair. She grinned, savoring the familiar rush of combat.

"What the—" the bully sputtered, stumbling past her.

"My turn," Goku said, her voice low and eager.

She spun, channeling her energy into a precise strike. Her palm connected with the bully's solar plexus, a fraction of her old strength behind it. Still, it was enough. He flew backward, arms pinwheeling, before crashing to the ground in a heap.

The schoolyard fell silent. Goku straightened, brushing imaginary dust from her uniform.

"Anyone else?" she asked, cocking an eyebrow at the remaining bullies.

They backed away, eyes wide with shock and newfound respect.

*I've still got it,* Goku thought, a mix of pride and relief washing over her. *Different body, same spirit.*

"Where'd you learn to fight like that?" one of the bullies asked, a tremor in his voice.

Goku's mind flashed to countless battles, to friends and foes who had pushed her to her limits. She smiled, a hint of her old confidence returning.

"Let's just say I've had a lot of practice."

----

A blur of motion caught Goku's eye. She turned to see Bardock Jr. sprinting across the schoolyard, his wild black hair bouncing with each step. His face was a mask of concern, eyes wide and searching.

"Sis!" he called out, skidding to a stop beside her. "Are you okay? What happened?"

Goku's lips twitched, suppressing a chuckle at being called 'sis' by someone who looked older than her current form. She ruffled Bardock Jr.'s hair affectionately.