[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.
[North City - Destroyed Secret Lab - Third Person POV.]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6a9nenzLUE
Gohan and Scootaloo stood perfectly still-- unable to speak at Videl's shocking discovery. Gohan had sweat trailing down his head while Scootaloo slumps forward as her eye twitches. Videl still looks at the unmasked Saiyaman with bafflement. "It all makes sense now!" Videl said. "Canterlot gets robbed, you show up and stop them, then disappear - and Great Saiyaman appears shortly after! No wonder the princesses vouched for you. So how did they do it?"
Gohan's eyes shifted side to side in nervousness. "Um, do what?"
"How'd they give you magic? Was it a ritual or a transplant?" Gohan tried to speak, but Videl continued. "Or maybe you're not human at all-- You're one of those changelings in disguise!"
Scootaloo features widen in realization as she spoke telepathically. 'Hey, let's use that excuse,'
'What? You can't be serious! I can't lie about what I am?' Gohan said indignantly.
'Hey, she's giving us an out, I'd say we take it. It's either that or you tell her you're half-alien. Besides, you're already technically lying, Mr. Great Saiyaman!'
Gohan internally sighs as he looks over to Videl. "Listen, you're right. I am a changeling. The princess wanted desperately to help the humans anyway they could. King Thorax was kind enough to offer my services. But this conversation stays between us,"
Videl places her hands to her hips while shaking her head. She then glances at Scootaloo while narrowing her eyes. "You knew about this, didn't you? Why else would the princesses send you? Do they have so little confidence in my abilities?"
Scootaloo shrugs, ignoring the accusation. "Sorry. That's top-secret, classified info. But, I can tell you this much, you might want to think about what happened here today,"
Videl frowns at that. "And what does that mean?"
"You might be able to handle humans, but we're not fighting just humans,"
"They could be rabbits harvesting marshmallows on the moon for all I care. I won't let some stupid tricks stop me from bringing that Gera to justice!"
Scootaloo folds her arms and sighs. "Did you see our fight?"
"No, but you all disappeared--"
"Did you feel that heat coming from that attack? Was that some trick?" Scootaloo asked, cutting her off.
"Yeah! An illusion of some kind that Gera made. This whole lab was probably a trap from the start!"
"Ok, how about your fight with Gera? Did you even land a hit?"
"..Tsk..."
Scootaloo noted the defiance in Videl's eyes, yet her voice and tone were hesitant. With a sigh, Scootaloo stood before Videl. "Ok, let's try this; hit me!"
Videl arches a brow at the request. "Excuse me?"
Gohan guessed what Scootaloo's plan was and intervened. "Scootaloo now is not the time for this!"
"It's the only way she'll get it!" Turning back to Videl, Scootaloo straightens up. "How about it, daddy's girl? You wanted to sock me in the muzzle from day one. Now's as good a time as any,"
Feed up with the barbs at her father from everyone to her allies and enemies, Videll rears back her right fist. "...Fine...!" Videl thrust her arm forward with all the strength she could muster. Her frustrations from her fight with Gera - coupled with being treated as an afterthought - guided her strike. The impact with Scootaloo's face and her fist was incredibly satisfying, for about one second. "Aah!" Videl hollers at her reinjured hand. Gripping it tightly, she hisses at the throbbing. 'What the heck!? It's like punching that android again!' Videl looks back at Scootaloo - who watches her with a flat expression - unfazed by her attack. 'What!? How can she stand there as if nothing happens? I put most of my weight behind that punch!!!'
"Do you get it now? That busted hand is proof that you're out of your league here. These guys aren't you're everyday humans. And apparently, neither was Gera. You're lucky she didn't kill you, especially when she could've," Scootaloo goes to give Videl another Senzu bean. "Here, take this and head home. It'll be safer that way,"
To Gohan's and Scootaloo's shock, Videl slaps the bean out of her hand. "Don't think you can talk down to me like I'm a child! What, you're saying I'm weak, that'll slow you down, or I'm in over my head? I've faced the most dangerous criminals in my world. A mad scientist and her pet robots won't scare me off!"
Gohan walks up and grabs her shoulder, but Videl shrugs him off. "Videl, we're only thinking of your wellbeing. Part of being a martial artist is knowing how to pick your battles,"
"You're right, and I'm far from done with this battle! As for my wellbeing..." Videl turns away to the lab's exit. "I think I was well off doing things on my own!!!" With that bitter remark, Videl leaves the lab.
Scootaloo shakes her head in disappointment. "I guess some people can't take a hint," Scootaloo looks back to Gohan, who was sending her a disapproving glare. "What?"
"You know, I get that you might feel territorial towards others, but you could've handled that better than pointing out her shortcoming,"
"Wha- oh, come on, Gohan! We both know this isn't the place for humans like her! Even Krillin can't fight the androids we faced!"
"True. But Videl doesn't seem like the type to accept her limitations. She reminds me of this mare I know,"
Scootaloo bristles as a blush form on her features. "Let's head back to Bulma's..."
"Yeah, let me get my helmet too. Bulma built in a communicator. So maybe it picked up what Gera told us,"
"Yeah,"
It didn't take long for the duo to find Gohan's helmet in the tundra. Thankfully, it only suffered a cracked visor. Gohan dons it on his head once more, and almost immediately, Bulma's voice was back. "Gohan! Do you read me? Is everything alright!?"
"Yes, Bulma, I can hear you. Thanks for that warning earlier,"
"A lot of good it did. Dr. Gera planned for everything leading up to this point,"
"Yeah, we got that impression..."
"It can't be helped right now. You three head back here asap. we have to start our next move,"
"actually. It's just two of us now,"
"What? What happened to Videl?" There was a pause that fulled Bulma with dread. "Don't tell me she's-"
"No, no! Nothing like that. But you know how these situations are to normal people. It's not safe for her,"
"Hmm, let's discuss this more at my lab,"
[Unkown Location.]
Dr. Gera sat humming in front of a computer screen. From behind her, a door opens as footsteps entered the room. "Hello, good doctor, I trust your mission was a success?"
"Hmm, moderate. I discovered more data, but it's turning out to be unsalvagable for the project,"
The voice grew angry as it spoke. "What do you mean 'unsalvagable?' You blew a prominent position as a mole within Capsule Corp to get to this secret lab, and now the data is useless!"
"My cover eventually would've been exposed by Bulma or her father. Being a mole on the inside was never going to be a long term role,"
A growl leaves the man's voice. "And how will we proceed with the next phase? If you can't use that computer data, then how will we create an army of androids?"
"I'm afraid that creating more androids is not possible. All the materials I've found were enough to reconstruct you and you alone. The rest are all discarded failures the doctor had not to time anymore,"
"Hmm, I suppose it's for the best. I don't want any insubordination from the personal!" The figure chuckles as it paces behind Gera. "I am quite pleased with your due diligence in my reconstruction. I never tire or require constant maintenance for any of my parts. My old state was not as aesthetically pleasing,"
"Yes, infighting would put a damper on the next stages," Gera stated, ignoring that line of vanity. "But I don't anyone would have the gall to challenge the former deadliest assassin,"
A chuckle went off behind her. " Former? I assure you I am even more deadly than ever! I shall once again strike fear into the hearts of many! But what about phase two?"
Gera spins around as she intertwines her fingers. "The completion of our privately owned portal frame is nearly complete. But, I must ask, why should we leave planet Earth in favor of Equis?"
"it's not an act of retreat if that's what you are hinting at, dear doctor. There's been far more complication the Red Ribbon faced while on the Earth. We must take a step back and re-establish ourselves. Equis offers new opportunities for us. We can have an assortment of the most fearsome creatures on our side. Average humans are not enough to conquer the world!"'
"What of the perils on Equis? The princesses? The other nations?"
"As I said, that holds many fearsome creatures, but that are just that - creatures! They cannot hope to match our kin instinct for war and bloodshed,"
"Hmm, if that's the case, then I may know some areas that have some promising candidates. However, will we be getting into contact with the repo gang?"
"No, let them continue as they have been - their general chaotic behaviors will keep the attention off of us,"
"What about the disappearances? We wouldn't want our soldiers getting taken away from us,"
"We'll find the ones responsible and cut a deal, if not, we'll deal with them all the same,"
"One last issue to address. It seems the rulers of Equis sent a small task force to circumvent our plans. They consist of the current martial arts champion daughter, Videl. The current E.A.T..A.T. champion, Scoootaloo. And a masked superhero by the name of Great Saiyaman,"
"I'm surprised that oaf managed to reproduce. Regardless, I am sure she is just as inept as her father. The E.A.T..A.T. champion?" Gera nods in confirmation. "I'm not going to dignify her existence with my presence. And a grown adult playing pretend. I assume he has some mental disorder?"
Gera smiles softly at her next reveal. "While I might agree - given his choice of attire and name - the mental patient is none other than Son Gohan; the son of Son Goku," Gera brings her hand to cover her mouth as all the color drains from her associates face. "I presume you two met before?"
Instead of responding, the man levels a dagger at Gera's face. Gera frowns as the man sets his icy glare at her. "Why are you only just now telling me this! The one thing worse than that insufferable brat that ruins my schemes time and again is his progeny!!!"
"You believe him to be a threat?" Gera asks calmly.
"Of course! That freak of nature destroyed an entire shelter with a wave of his hand as a child. But, as an adult-- he must be stronger than his father at this point!!!"
"You're in luck. The boy isn't nearly as powerful as he was when he was a child,"
The man lowers the blade as he visibly relaxes. "You know this information for a fact? We can defeat him?"
"Oh, there's no way for you to defeat him, even with his decline in power. But there are other methods of fighting a powerful opponent. You merely need to find their weaknesses,"
"Tsk. I am hard-pressed to believe monsters like Son Goku and his spawn have any weaknesses at all,"
"You'd be surprised. Tell me: why do superheroes wear a mask?"
"To play with that silly motif of secret identities,"
"Correct. And what is the purpose of a secret identity besides hiding one's face?"
"Urgh! I feel like I am pitching for a screenplay. To protect their friends and families from the villain-- No...!" The man whispered, catching Gera's intentions.
Gera smiles wickedly. "Yes,"
[Hercule Mansion - Videl POV.]
I step out of the bathroom after fixing the bandage on my hand. The bones weren't fractured, but I did break the skin and caused some swelling. It was nothing out of my regular training regimen. But my mind kept going back to that pegasus. Sure, I'll admit she's strong, but what kind of magic can turn someone into a brick wall? Too much happened today, and I need to blow off this frustration. I went to our private gym and set up a punching bag. Dad always has the latest and best equipment. I knock the bag around for a few minutes as it swings back and forth. I was putting my all into this session as I launched several combinations. But, I went too far and punched the bag with my injured hand too hard. The bag flew off the hook while my hand throbs something fierce. I was so busy nursing that I didn't notice my father rushing over to me.
"Ah, Videl! Are you ok, baby girl? Did you hurt your hand? Hitting the training bag too hard again, I see. Ah haha. I expect nothing less from my daughter! Although. You should settle down a bit. You don't want to go too hard on those chumps that challenge you to a fight. Ah haha!"
I smile at my dad's words. He's always a worry wort though. "Relax, Dad, I'm fine. But I got this injury while working on a case,"
My father goes over to the bag and reaches it to the hooks. He gets behind it to steady it while I resume my session. "Oh, yeah? So when can I expect the front page news of my daughter cracking some skulls?"
"It's not that simple, dad. The prep got away. I came back for some time to think. My partners also grating,"
"Hold on, you mean you got paired up with some goofballs. Did they sit there and do nothing while you did all the heavy lifting!?" I could tell my dad was annoyed.
"No, I--" I thought about explaining everything. But, I knew my dad wouldn't have it, and I got a big enough headache right now. "It's nothing I can't handle,"
"Aha! That's my baby girl. Of course, you got this! You're the daughter of the champ! You'll crack this case and bust those thugs before the week is out. How about I get dinner started?"
"You mean you'll have the butler tell the chiefs to get dinner started. Sorry, dad, but you still can't cook in the kitchen after the pot roast incident,"
Dad moves from behind the punching bag as he grumbles. "It's not my fault those instruction were in a different language,"
"They were in English dad,"
"Bah! Not any English I know,"
Before he could leave the gym, I called out to him. "Hey, dad. Can you tell me how you beat Cell again?" I asked this question many times before. The reaction is always the same. My dad would freeze up, got all nervous, and respond vaguely. This time was no different.
"Oh, come on now, pumpkin. If I keep telling the same story over and over again, it'll get stale. Besides, those documentaries cover everything you need to know about my finest hour!"
With that said, dad left the gym. I sat down on the nearby couch while staring at my hand. Scootaloo's words kept replaying in my head like a broken record. 'Maybe it's more than a simple trick..." I got up and went to my room where my computer was-- typing in a specific name I heard Gera mention. "...Son Goku..." As the information appeared on screen, I felt myself back away from a video depicting the twenty-third world martial tournament. The things the video showed were exactly like what happened in the Cell games! "No way!" The same green man from the group of mystery fighters fought this Son Goku. Although his hair was black back then instead of gold, he's wearing the same Gi. Going back further, I found out that Son Goku made it to the finals two times prior as a kid! It's completely insane! Why didn't anyone know about this?
"I guess when a monster like Cell appears - hosting the biggest tournament the world's ever known - everything before that seems trivial..."
I brought up footage of the Cell games for a cross-reference. Something was bugging about another fighter that was there. Sure enough, there was a boy. People mistook him for a delivery boy, yet he ended fighting Cell too. The boy's face was so familiar that I knew I saw it after this video. I did another search on Son Goku, remembering he proposed to another fighter during the tournament. Chi Chi was the name that came up. From there, I looked up other family ties and found out they had a son. I slammed my hands against the desk while standing straight up. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen, staring at the picture in front of me. It all came together like a crossword puzzle. "You were right in plain sight all along, huh?"
[Capsule Corporation - Gohan's POV.]
Scootaloo and I sat in Bulma's office while she and her father worked on my helmet."I must give the departed doctor some credit. Masking his laboratories with radioactive isotopes was a stroke of genius. You'd never find any of them if you were going at it blind," Dr. Briefs comments.
"Let's not go praises mad scientist dad. Regardless, we've isolated the wavelengths of the particles," Bulma says.
"Great! Now we can track Gera, clean her clock, and head back in time for supper," Scootaloo stated confidently.
With a frown, I shook my head. "No, we won't. Think about it, Gera was the spy, and she made the chip. She's been one step ahead of us this whole time. Any lab we go to now would only be a trap!"
Bulma agrees with me. "Gera's been one step ahead of us this whole. The isotopes that clung to your bodies are also on Gera. I can make a device that isolated the ones on Gera. Of course, she will be expecting you both, so be ready,"
"Ha. Ready is my middle name!" Scootaloo exclaims.
"I thought it was dangerous like Rainbow Dash," I said cheekily. That quip earned me a tailwhip.
"Hush, you!"
Before Bulma or her father could get started, Dr. Briefs' phone went off. "Hmm, that peculiar. I asked the secretary to screen all my video calls. It must be important,"
Dr. Briefs pushes a button on a remote to allow a screen to come from the ceiling. However, all of us went on alert when Gera's face appears. "Good evening, everyone. You're looking a lot better after our last encounter. Although, you seem to be missing your third,"
Scootaloo zoomed over to the screen with a frown on her face. "You got a lot of nerve showing your face to us!"
"I assure you I won't take much of your time,"
"Then, I suggest you start talking. 'doctor!'" Bulma hissed out that last word. I guess she's still angry about getting tricked.
"Hello, Bulma, you're in good spirits. I want to thank you for the opportunity for your company. The experience was invaluable," Gera said with a coy smile.
Bulma was unamused. "Dad, hang up!"
Dr. Briefs nods and started to reach for his remote. However, he stops when Gera spoke again. "Hmm, I guess you don't care about the hostages' wellbeing,"
That got all our attention. "What hostages!?"
"I'm glad you asked, Son Gohan. My employer has a special interest in you. He would like a word,"
Gera left the screen, and a man took her place. He wore a pink robe over his black sheet and pants. A long and braided ponytail draped over his right shoulder. He looked to be in his fifties, but somehow, that felt wrong. I knew this guy was bad news on account of his grin that screams arrogant and maliciousness.
"It's been a long time, boy. Seven years too long! What a joy it is to see you again, even if your outfits ridiculous,"
"You know this guy?" Scootaloo asks.
I stood up straight and looked this man dead in his eyes. My frown was ever-present as I spoke. "I'm sorry, who are you again?"
The man suddenly fell on his back while laughter went off from both sides of the screen. He shot back up with an irritated look on his face. "It's General Tao, you Buffon!!! The world's deadliest assassin! I was the Red Ribbon's top mercenary!"
"Oh, good for you,"
"You've forgotten me entirely, haven't you? I am the man that nearly ended your father's life! Surely, he's spoken of me with fear in his heart!"
"Nope, not a word," I kind of feel bad. This guy seems like he wants someone to recognize him.
"Wait, you fought Goku and nearly killed him?" General Tao straightens up as he beams with pride. That is until Scootaloo shatters it completely. "Hmm, I guess even Goku had to deal with villains back in the day,"
"You impudent--" The general restrains himself as he recomposes himself. "I suppose there is no helping it. The Red Ribbon Army utterly decimated by the hands of a mere child! It is quite pathetic. Yet, I alone remain-- I alone have survived! I will rebuild the Red Ribbon better than it ever was previously. All that leaves is to deal with you lot,"
"You already failed before. What makes now any different?" Dr. Briefs asked.
"Simple. I have leverage. As of today, you will no longer interfere with Red Ribbon affairs!"
"And if we refuse?" Bulma asks.
General Tao steps to the side to reveal the hostage. All at once, my heart stops. It was my mom and baby brother. They were unconscious on the ground as General Tao stands in front of them. "Should you act foolishly and come after us, I will personally reunite these two with your father! I'm sure he'll be happy to see them again,"
Bulma and Scootaloo gasp out in shock while Dr. Briefs' mouth fell agape. Me? I felt my anger swell up again. Electricity sparks around my body as I growled out. "You monster...!"