Bringer of Death

World Championships Saga, Part 1: The Old Stomping Grounds

World Championships Saga, Part 1: The Old Stomping Grounds

All around the world, the Earth's strongest fighters completed their final preparations. The morning of the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament had finally arrived. But one handful of old friends far outstripped all the rest.

The Z Fighters gathered early that morning, enjoying a large breakfast at Capsule Corporation before boarding Bulma's yellow jet and heading to the island. Spirits were high, not only because of the impending battles, but because of the promise of seeing an old friend back from the dead...if only for a single day. Even the typically unemotional Vegeta was visibly eager. May 7th was an ordinary date, but one that held much excitement for so many...

Hercule was first off his large private hoverjet, nodding and raising the victory sign to the paparazzi. An immediate forest of microphones was thrust into his face, with question after question shouted by reporters. Videl followed behind, hoping to slip by unnoticed.

"Mr. Satan, can you tell us about the new tattoo on your forehead?"

"What do you think your chances are of winning again this year?"

"Do you have any new techniques you're planning to demonstrate?"

Usually, he reveled in a clamoring audience, but now they seemed annoying, meaningless. Yet, as he turned away, something in his head made him pause. This was his role, wasn't it? Yes, of course. How had he forgotten? The champ found himself smiling sincerely, even though he didn't feel particularly pleasant.

"I'm glad to see you all came out to witness my domination of the competition," he shot back, immediately channeling his usual persona. "I guarantee today's going to be a show like you've never seen before! Just wait and see!"

The reporters oohh'd and aahhh'd, taking notes breathlessly as he fed them one-liners. One of the stragglers accidentally noticed the champ's daughter in the back.

"Oh, Videl! Good luck competing in the adult division this time. Have you considered what you'll do if you get paired up against your father today?" the reporter asked.

The girl brushed her long black hair over and behind her ear. "Good question. Honestly, I don't know!" Twisting away, she darted back toward the contestants' area.

The thought continued to plague her. Now that she had worked so hard and achieved so much, she was at once happier and sadder than she'd been in a long time. Her friendship with Gohan was everything she'd hoped and more, but she could plainly see the toll it had taken on her relationship with her dad. If she revealed any of the new techniques she'd learned during a match, it would all but confirm her training with Gohan—and end whatever semblance of a bond she and her father shared.

He just hadn't been the same. Her father bashed Gohan incessantly, even when there seemed to be no reason why he would even think of the teen. He was rude to their staff, scarcely spoke to her, and spent long hours in their basement mumbling, apparently to himself. For a few weeks, Videl had considered dropping out of the tournament altogether in the hopes it would help put their relationship back on the right track. But their shared love of martial arts had always brought them together before, so she had decided participating was her best chance of restoring their connection. Maybe, just maybe, seeing Gohan in action would change her father's mind. If he only saw how strong and smart and good Gohan was, surely something would be different!

Slipping behind a tent, she rose off the ground and began scanning the area for any sight of her teenage tutor.

As thousands congregated around the sacred fighting grounds, taking in the sights, eating decadent ice cream creations and scrumptious stadium foods, a special group of contestants approached. Almost all were former competitors in the World Martial Arts tournament. The air was salty, but cool, with a gentle breeze every few minutes, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Gohan was the first to spot his old mentor Piccolo as he quietly waited in the shade of a cluster of palm trees. The others were not far behind him—his mother and brother, his grandfather the Ox-King, Krillin, 18 and Marron, Master Roshi, Oolong, Puar and Yamcha, Bulma, Trunks, and of course the Prince of All Saiyans.