[Intro.]
High over the horizon, a long, serpentine-like dragon, Shenron, soars through skies. Upon his head were the likes of Gohan, Goten, and Trunks enjoying the ride. Moments later, a portal opens. Flying past the dragon, Vegeta, and Piccolo enters the portal first as the trio looks on in awe. Shenron lets out a roar as he follows the two through it. The scenery quickly changes from Earth to Equis.
Celestia was enjoying a cup of tea on her balcony with her sister Luna as Shenron exits the portal in the background. Fluttershy was busy tending to the animals in her sanctuary as Angel bunny frantically points to the dragon above. The yellow pegasus looks up and gasps at the sight. Over in Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack hauling in her product before a large gust of wind from Shenron's passing blows her hat off. The farm mare puts down her produce and gives chase. In Ponyville, Pinkie gasps as she hovers in the air while Shenron passes. A moment later, the party mare disappears, leaving behind an outline of smoke. At the carousel boutique, Rarity struggling on a new line featuring the combat Gi's Spike and Scootaloo wore before Shenron passes by her window. A look of inspiration hit the fashion mare as she quickly stretches something out before running outside. Rainbow Dash was resting on a cloud when she spotted Shenron in the skies. Looking at their destination, Rainbow shot off her perch with her signature sonic rain-boom. The trios of Saiyans leap off the great dragon while landing in front of the castle. There, Twilight is standing at the entrance, waving them over. The rest of the elements of harmony, Piccolo and Vegeta were there to greet them.
Elsewhere, Dragonlord Ember was walking through a hellish landscape. The silhouette of a massive dragon was reaching toward her. She closes her eyes only to open them again as Spike looks at her with concern. In a coliseum filled with cheering spectators, Scootaloo walks in with the E.A.T. belt around her waist. Her opponent was a man in a brown and white Gi that sported an afro. She shots her opponent a confident grin as the two charges one another. A second later, Scootaloo sends her rival out of bounds as two announcers - one blond human and Earth pony of similar features - declare her the winner. High above the castle of Friendship, the Great Saiyaman floats above the structure as the sun rises. He smirks as he flies off into the rising sun.
The sunsets as the moon rising over a statue of Goku. Spike and Scootaloo stood there wearing somber expressions at the loss of their beloved mentor. However, the transparent image of Goku puts a reassuring hand on Scootaloo's and Spike's shoulders. They turn around in shock at his appearance. He smiles at his pupils before he fades away, with the two of them chasing after him. They don't get far as several figures cloaked in shadows appear before them. Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, Trunks, and Goten land beside them as they all take combat stances. There was a staredown between the two factions before they collide in an explosion of light. Finally, the ponies and dragons stand next to the Z fighters in front of the School of Friendship. Goku lands between his wife while draping his arm over Gohan's shoulder. They both share wide grins that for their friends and family.
[Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse - Third Person POV.]
"You're going back to Earth!?!?!" The girl all shouted.
Gohan rubs his head sheepishly as he responded. "The Great Saiyaman needs to start hunting down the Red Ribbon Army. I'm leaving tomorrow. The tribunal issued orders to cease all travel between our worlds. Humans have made a life here. We won't force to leave,"
"You're going up against an army? Is that safe?" Silver Spoon asks in concern. The rest of the girls sends her a flat stare. "I-I mean, for Videl, will it be safe for Videl?"
"Who cares about her!?" Diamond said in a huff. "I don't like the idea of you stying away from me - I mean - the herd for Celestia knows how long!"
"It's fine. Videl can take care of herself. I doubt the Red Ribbon Army is back to full strength anyways," Gohan said.
"Won't the students notice you be gone?" Sweetie stated.
"Yeah, if you disappear at the same time as the Great Saiyaman, then somepony is bound to notice," Scootaloo said.
"It ain't hard to put two and two together. I reckon a lot of the student body is gettin' wise to your admittance at the school," Applebloom noted.
"Actually. Pinkie said that the girls were handling that little detail," Gohan said.
"What do you think she's talking about anyway?" Sweetie Belle asks.
[Pinkie Pie's party cave.]
"Are you sure we have to do this? It takes forever to get my hair this long," Yamcha complained.
"Hold on, just one more snip..." Pinkie replied as she finished cutting another lock from his hair. "Perfect!!!" The party mare back off of the disgruntled human as she pulls a mirror from her mane. "Here, take I look, I should consider moonlighting as a barber!"
Yamcha squinks his eyes as he flicks his hair. Pinkie managed to copy Gohan's hairstyle to the exact strand. "That's amazing, Pinkie. I look like Gohan!"
"That's the idea. Now to hide those scars..." Applying the make-up, Pinkie covered up all of Yamcha's facial scars. "Now all we need to do is schedule bleaching at the spa and, presto0change-o, we have an instant Gohan stunt double. Fair warning, though, it's not in your contact to flirt with the other actors!"
"Wait! I thought you needed me for a play or something. I can't fill in for Gohan at school! I hate school! Why do you think I became the desert wolf bandit!"
"Because you had zero charisma as a kid and you tried to ask out the prettiest girl to the dance only to get rejected. Unable to handle the sham, you left society, never to be seen again. You later resurfaced as the Desert wolf bandit, with a completely new self-image and self-worth. But your rejection at a young age still haunts you, and that's why you wanted Shenron to give you a girlfriend. That way, you could show her off to all those who teased you for not living up to their shallow standard. This mindset is also detrimental and easily manipulated. That's why it was hard for you to get over Chrysalis because you'd do anything to keep a hot girlfriend, even degrade yourself," Pinkie ended her critical rant with a wide smile.
"...Oh..." Yamcha lamented.
Pinkie went over gave Yamcha a comforting hug. "Aw, don't be sad. Think of it this way; this moment is the most relevant you've been both in and outside the main canon. You don't want to end up like Chaoztsu. And Launch - Pfft - forget about it," Yamcha was about to ask what she meant by that, but Pinkie continued. "Anywho-- we need to get to the spa, but before that, let's fix that voice of yours, stand up for me and cover your eyes,"
"Uh, ok..." Yamcha complied and covered his eyes.
"Now don't move ok..." Yamcha could hear Pinkie shuffle something around, along with some clanking. "Alright, all set. Now, you're going to feel a stinging sensation in the groin, but we'll pick up some ice on the way,"
"Huh?" Yamcha moves his hand away to see Pinkie rear her left foot back until it's was high in the air. The gleam from the steel-hoof boot Pinkie was wearing filled him with dread. Then, she brings her leg down and launches it forward between his legs.
Applebloom's ears twitch in the direction of Ponyville. She looks over to the town and sees several birds flying overhead, followed by a distant squeal. "Y'all hear something?"
"Kind of, it sounded like a little filly shrieking," Scootaloo said.
"It doesn't matter," Diamond said as she crosses her arms. "What does matter is that none of us can go see you or visit the Earth,"
"That's right. We need to plan a date there. It's been a while since we've spoken with your mother," Sweetie said.
"Yeah, I want to meet your little brother from those pictures you showed us," Scootaloo chuckles as she shakes her head. "I can't believe how much he takes after Goku,"
"Once this whole thing blows over, I'm sure mom and Goten will be happy to see you all," Gohan said with a smile.
"Still, we can't trust leaving you alone with Videl," Diamond Tiara practically leered.
"You honestly think she interested me?" Gohan asks. "I think she more interested in exposing some big conspiracy. That, and fight Great Saiyaman,"
"Exactly. One way or the other, she wants something from you. We can't trust her to do her duty when's she fixated on both aspects of your life," Silver Spoon argued.
"I think you girls might be blowing this a little out of proportion," Gohan replies.
Diamond and Silver Spoon sigh as Sweetie pats Gohan's head. "It's ok, Gohan. One day you'll learn how a mare's mind works,"
"Wouldn't it be a woman's mind since she's human?' Applebloom reminded.
"Eh, same thing. Besides, I'll keep you safe and sound," Scootaloo said with a puff of her chest.
"Uh, what--" Gohan began, but Scootaloo continued.
"So we're heading to Earth tomorrow. Should I pack anything?"
"I don't-"
"You're right. It shouldn't take too long to hunt down these Red Ribbon goons. My Gi is plenty,"
"But what about my---"
"Your secret? I don't know Great Saiyaman, and Videl doesn't know I know who he is, you know,"
Gohan sighs in resignation as there was no changing her mind. 'Bullheaded. Just like Rainbow...' He smiles at his lead mare as he spoke. "Glad to have you along,"
[The Next Day - Capsule Corporation.]
The portal frame glowed brightly as Scootaloo, Videl, and the Great Saiyaman stepped through it. The orange pegasus looks around in wonder, being that this was her first time on Earth. "Why are you here again?" Videl asks.
"The princesses thought that there should be someone representing Equis. We can't let some jerks think they can push us around! And what better pony than the E.A.T. champ!!!" Scootaloo proudly stated.
Videl rolls her eye as a new woman approaches them. She had long spiky - yet well-groom brown hair - that traveled down to her lower back. Videl quirks a brow at her shirt as it was a large plaid design that alternated from red and blue. She also wore long black stockings and a white lab coat. The mystery woman graces the new arrivals with a soft smirk as she adjusts her glasses. She rests her right elbow over her left forearm while tapping her. Slowly, she walks up to the trio, eyeing the Great Saiyaman specifically.
"So these are the two heroes that come from Equis. I heard quite a few things about you, Mr. Great Saiyaman. You appear to be human, but if the reports are true, you are well above the norm. It's fascinating. I'd love a chance to dissect you and learn what makes you tick,"
Gohan straightens up as he replies. "Thank you, madam, but I must decline your offer. There is work do, after all,"
Turning to Scootaloo, the woman gasps. "And you're the E.A.T. champ I've heard about in the news feeds. I wasn't expecting a pony to come as well,"
"Orders by the princesses. You know how it goes. Always nice to meet a fan, though," Scootaloo said.
"Hm...!" Videl let out an annoyed growl.
The woman smiles at the disgruntled teen in good nature. "Relax. Your reputation proceeds you as well, Miss Videl. Daughter of the current martial arts champion and hero of Hercule city. Not many can make those claims,"
"You know who we are, but who are you?" Videl asks, taking an aggressive step forward.
The woman hums into consideration before speaking. ". Despite how quiet it is now, you never know who might be listening. For now, Dr. Gera will suffice. Now follow me while I update you on our progress,"
As the group walked, Gohan looks around the halls. "This facility seems to be lacking any personal. Where are they at the moment?"
Scootaloo shot her colt friend a blank look. 'Do you have to talk like that the whole time? It starting to sound lame,' She said telepathically.
'Hey! It's not lame! I think I sound very heroic, plus, it doesn't raise any suspicions,' Gohan replied indignantly.
"Bulma called all the staff together to address the security issues for obvious reasons. I was getting my notes together when she asked me to wait for you three," Dr. Gera said.
"Can you tell anything about this spy's motive? Has anything other than espionage happened? Anyone hurt?" Videl asks.
"There are no reports of anyone on this side of the portal getting hurt. Whoever this spy is, they seem to be interested in establishing a foothold on Equis. The new restrictions put our little saboteur at a disadvantage. They won't make a move without tipping their hand. This lull in the action is the opportunity you both need to find their base of operations,"
"I'm assuming you have a few leads to start?" Great Saiyaman asks.
"Yeah, the sooner we nail these chumps, the better!" Scootaloo said.
"I do. Not many know this, but the Red Ribbon had many secret laboratories scattered across the globe. I have reason to suspect that the Red Ribbon Army is using one of them as a base of operations," The trio enters a small room with a desk and computer. Dr. Gera goes over to the computer and begins typing. She turns the screen to Videl and Great Saiyaman. "What does this image look like to you?"
"Um, a metal fishbowl...?" Scootaloo suggests weakly.
"What is that?" Videl asks.
"Hmm, unless I miss my guess, this photograph dictates a supercomputer. The dome on top is the motherboard, or brain if you will," The masked hero stated.
"Correct. But, more specifically, this is a fully automatic replica of Dr. Gero's mind," Dr. Gera said. Gohan was thankful his helmet hid his eyes going wide. "A few years ago, Ms. Bulma found the schematic to a superweapon that the doctor was building. But Dr. Gero was well past his prime, so he programmed a computer to house his Brillant mind in the event of his death,"
"Who is Dr. Gero, and what does he have to do with the Red Ribbon Army?" Videl inquires.
"He was the leading scientist in the R&D department. If General Red was the muscle, then he was undoubtedly the mind,"
"Evil egghead got it!" Scootaloo said curtly.
"I have reason to believe that this computer is still operational. If this new Red Ribbon has slowly established itself, then the computer has intel on them. The problem is finding the whereabouts. But I may have an idea," Dr. Gera stands up while fixing watch to her wrist. "This device should help us locate secret laboratories, in theory anyway,"
"In theory?" Videl asks.
"We need a starting point. Thankfully, I know a location to one lab in North City. We should move now while there's still daylight,"
"You're coming with us?"
"It would take to long to explain over the phone,"
"I see no problem with that. Just be sure to stand back at the first sign of trouble. You never know what surprises the late doctor has left behind," Great Saiyaman stated.
The group then ventured outside the building as Dr. Gera pulls out a capsule case. She throws the capsule to the ground, and a plane appears. Videl and Gera step inside while Scootaloo and Great Saiyaman hover in the air. "If we hurry, we can reach the location before nightfall. Follow me!" Great Saiyaman said.
The Great Saiyaman shot off as Scootaloo, and the two humans follow. Meanwhile, Bulma comes through the door with a coffee in her hand. She looks to the portal frame that was still active. She takes a sip as she looks at the time. "It's already ten after one. Gohan should've been on this side of the portal by now. Hmm, I'll give him after more minutes before contacting him," She lets out a yawn as she exits the room. "I guess I should do another security check,"
[South City - Mountain Valley - Scootaloo POV.]
We've been flying for a few hours now. But only because Gohan was taking his take so that clunker could keep up. Gohan flew down to this mountain formation next to someplace called South City. And humans say pony cities names have no creativity, pfft. Anyway, here we are, standing in a barren rock field, doing nothing. "So, what are you looking for exactly?"
"Particles," I arched my eyebrows at that. "Sorry. Dr. Gero used specific isotope to mark his laboratories. It's also the reason no one's ever found them. They provided the perfect cover to block any tracking equipment. Quite ingenious. But someone destroyed this lab and scattered the isotopes. However, the good doctor always had a lower level to his labs,"
I couldn't help but frown as I turned to Gohan and spoke with my thoughts. 'So we're at a secret lab looking for a secret basement for an evil egghead. When did we step into a comic book?'
'I wouldn't say that...'
'You're dress as a Super Hero, Mr. Great Saiyaman,'
'Well, you got me there...'
"Here it is, right here!" Dr. Gera exclaims. She was standing in front of a huge boulder. "This boulder is blocking the passage to the lower level. Would the Great Saiyaman display his talents for us?"
I couldn't help but notice that her tone was a little too friendly. Don't get me wrong; I'm not worried about her stealing my stallion. She's way too old. And Gohan's got five sexy mares to himself. Why would he be interested in one old hag? Sure. She's smarting than all of us put together, but we snagged Gohan first. Narrowing my eyes on her, Gohan got to work moving the boulder with ease. I glance toward Videl, seeing her glaring at the woman was weird. Maybe she was a spy or something. I wouldn't put it past any human these days. I shouldn't think like that. Otherwise, I'll be proving the chancellor jerk right. Under the boulder was a ladder and not much else. The lab looks like Celestia went supernova in here. That supercomputer Gohan mentioned was in pieces. I doubt even Bulma could fix it. Looking at Dr. Gera, I could tell she's not happy.
"Tch. There's nothing of use here..." I heard her mutter. She sounded disappointed and frustrated at our discovery. If that's not a clue for trouble, then I'll hang up my wings for good.
"What was that?" Videl asked before I could. I smiled at that. Now we'll know if this doctor is up to no good.
"I said there's nothing of use here. We could've repurposed this lab to help so many people instead of hurting them. It could've been better," Dr. Gera said solemnly. Well, now I feel like a flank hole. It's a good thing my don't work. "It doesn't matter. I'm picking up the isotope readings. I can find the nearest laboratory with the sample I have now," There was a series of beeping before a circle appears over a graph. "Hmm, the next lab is near the arctic wastes by North City,"
"Wonderful, I forgot to pack my snow gear," Videl said dryly.
"You could always head back home. I know how the cold effects frail, human skin. Score one fur!" I couldn't resist annoying Videl, sue me.
That taunt got the response I wanted as Videl gritted her teeth. "The cold doesn't bother me one bit, furball!!"
I dropped my smile at that. "Who you calling furball!?"
"Relax, ladies. The vehicle is well insulated. There's no need for any strife," Gohan said.
Unfortunately for my colt friend, neither of us needed a referee. "Stay out of this!!!" We both said, making Gohan flinch.
As everyone climbed back up the ladder, something caught my eye. It was a metal tube that looked like it was holding something. At the center was something I didn't recognize. I think it was a creature of some kind, but the thing was extra crispy. There was something else bothering me too. I felt a cold chill run up my spine. It was as if this thing was dangerous despite being dead. Now I seen enough movies to know that you do not want to be the last one standing in a creepy place is a death sentence. So I flew up the ladder, and we went to the new lab.
[A few hours later - Dr. Gero Secert Lab No. 2]
"This is perfect!!!!" Dr. Gera exclaims. "This laboratory is completely intact. Give me a moment while I access the mainframe,"
Videl did decide to come with us. That girl could match Applebloom in stubbornness. Dr. Gera got to work, typing away on the keyboard. The lights on the supercomputer thingy started flashing while Gohan and Videl walk around the room. I hovered in the air, bored out of my mind. I thought coming to Earth would be more exciting. Boy, was I wrong? I wish something cool would happen right about now.
"What!? Are you sure?" Gohan suddenly shouted. He was holding his left hand to his helmet.
"What's wrong with you all of a sudden?" Videl asks.
"Great Saiyaman?" I asked.
Gohan said nothing as he turns to Dr. Gera, his cape flaps from how swift he moved. Even without that lame helmet, I could tell Gohan's eyes were honing in on the doctor. Videl and I each flanked his side as we watched. Dr. Gear didn't seem to notice his approach and kept typing. "I received a new call from the C.E.O. of Capsule Corporation. It would appear as though that there was not a security detail meeting,"
"What?" Videl said in disbelief.
"There wasn't a meeting?" I asked as he nods. I felt my body tense up. Why did the lab feel colder all of a sudden?
"..." Dr. Gera aid nothing.
"What's more is the fact that Bulma said she was expecting our arrival much earlier. That means that someone has tampered with the system to get us to arrive at a specific time,"
"..." Gera stayed quiet. The only sound was her typing on the computer.
Gohan frown deepens as he took a step closer. Videl was quick on the uptake and took a combat stance. "You're the spy, huh? What's the real reason you got us here!?"
Gera finally stops typing as she looks at us. The smile she had earlier never left her face. "I believe I already told you. It's for the good of everyone,"
"When the Red Ribbon Army controls everything, right?" Gohan seethes.
This lady had the nerve to nod like it was nothing. "It's a shame Bulma caught on, but I knew she would eventually. It doesn't matter. I got what I needed from her. Now we must part ways,"
"How are you going to do that? You're' outnumbered!" I said.
Gera taps her chin while tilting her head. "Hmm, that is true. Let's fix that. Computer! Activate chambers thirteen through fifteen,"
There was the sound of steam hissing as three metal doors came into view. They all had the numbers 13, 14, and 15 stamped on them. The doors slip open, and three pairs of glowing red eyes glared at us. Instinctively, all of us went back to back. Gera crosses her arms against her stomach as a sadistic grin replaces the fake smile she was wearing. One of the new creeps steps out of the shadow. He was wearing a yellow spender vest attached to green pants. A red ribbon rested over his left side as a long grey mane drapes over his shoulders. This new guy was busy dusting off a bold and dark blue cap with the same red ribbon stamp on it. He looked at us and spoke in a southern accent that I'm sure Applebloom would cringe at if she was here.
"Well, well, where are my manners? You'll excuse the mess, won't you? It's been quite some time since we had guests around these parts..." The man steps fully out of the shadows, and I had to hold back barf. His left eye had no skin over it. But instead of flesh and bone, it was metal and wires.
[This image as an example.]
"Hehe, Name's Android 13. Welcome to our humble abode,"
Gohan instantly flares his aura as he took a combat stance. He gritted his teeth as he snarls at the android. "This fight could be trouble...!"