[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.
[Unknown Lab - A few days ago - Gera's POV.]
I must say watching a grown man experience soul-shattering terror is assuming! "You don't seem excited about my proposal. Why is that?"
"You insight madness!!! To even suggest I go anywhere near that family of monsters is pure insanity!"
"Aw, there's no need to be hurtful. I promise you, fulling this task will prove beneficial to our plans,"
General Tao shook his head vehemently in disapproval. "No! I will have no more talk of this foolishness. How can any good come from provoking that demon!?"
I leaned back into my chair as I wagged my finger at the paranoid man. "Haven't you heard the expression 'Anger makes you stupid." We can use the fact to make Son Gohan lose focus. He won't do anything that will endanger his loved ones. Will he stay away forever? Of course, he won't. But we can keep him away long enough for me to complete our portal frame,"
"Hmm, as long as we can keep him away from the base, your idea has some merit. I'll get my log ready,"
"There's no need to use force. I have a method to get closer without raising any suspicion," I reached into my lab coat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Is that a job application?"
"Yes, it is, I always wanted to be a tutor,"
[The next day - Son residence and Raddish farm.]
I stood at the Son residence in the traditional teacher attire. It was a quaint little spot with a scenic view of the mountain valley. I approached the door to knock - fixing my attire as I did so - and waited. A few moments later, a woman opens the door. "Oh, hello there,"
I put on my best sincere smile and answered. "Good day to you, madam. I was hoping the position for tutoring was still available,"
"Oh, yes! Come in, please! Thank you so much for applying. Would you like some tea? My name's Chi Chi by the way,"
"I am Gera, and I'd love some, thanks," Chi-Chi disappears into the kitchen as I slipped a hand into my coat and pulled out a vial. Chi Chi came back with her tea set ready. "Oh my! I love this set!"
"Thank you. It was an old keepsake of my mother. She'd serve this to new guests in the hopes of a prosperous future. We haven't had the best luck when it comes to tutors," She said, pouring me a glass.
"I can't imagine why. Is your son a handful?" I inwardly winced at my slip up. Chi-Chi gives me an odd look.
"You could say that, but how'd you know my child was a boy?"
"In my experience, boys are always the troublemakers,"
Chi Chi chuckles at the remark. "You got that right. Goten isn't a bad student, but tutors usually have trouble performing around him. Plus, we live way out here. Not many are willing to travel this far out,"
"Oh, it's no trouble. The reward for helping young aspiring minds is worth the hassles. Plus, I find the country air more pleasing than those stuffy cities,"
"I know, right! People in the cities are rude! They walk by all day - pretending to be productive - as they either look down on you or act as if you don't exist! I want my boys brought up properly, not entitled!"
"Speaking of which, where is your son?"
"Oh, that's right! Goten! Come on down and meet your new tutor!" As she turned around, I put two drops from my vial into the tea.
"Coming!" Goten said.
My eyes widened at the sight of the small boy. If I had to guess, he was about ten to eleven years old. But his most striking feature was his hair. A small smile appeared on my lips. "Hello. I'm Goten!"
I chuckle at the boy's enthusiasm. "Hello there, my name is Ms. Gera. How are you today?"
"I'm fine. You have funny hair. Our friend Mr. Yamcha had long hair like that,"
"Goten! That's very rude," Chi-Chi abolished.
I let out a smile giggle and wave Chi-Chi. "I think we're going to get along nicely. I was under the impression that you are quite the handful. Is that true?"
Goten shakes his head to the side. "No. I think the other tutors were too scared when they saw my power,"
Playing ignorance, I tilt my head to the side. "Your power?"
Goten holds up his hand and fires a blast out the window. We watched it sail into a rock, destroying upon impact. Chi-Chi looked horrified while I maintained an air of confusion. "Amazing! How did you set up a projector?"
Chi-Chi quickly took the excuse I gave her and ran with it. "Goten! You know what we talk about beforehand! It's not nice to play pranks like that on our guests,"
"Sorry, mom..." Goten said dejectedly.
"Oh, it's no trouble. I can tell this little cutie is a tough customer," I said as I pinched his cheek. An adorable little blush spreads across his face.
"Hehe, hey! Quit it!"
"So, shall we all toast to our new tutorship?" I gestured to the undrunken tea in front of us. Chi-Chi pours herself and her son a glass. Holding mine up, I gave them another soft smile. "Cheers,"
"Cheers,"
"Cheers,"
All of us took a sip, and I must admit, the tea was delightful. The effect of the potion didn't work as quickly on Goten as it did on Chi-Chi. She was already showing signs of drowsiness and fatigue. I suggested Goten that we move to his room to start his tutorship. I made sure Goten lead the way while looking back at his mother. Try as she might, Chi-Chi had trouble staying awake. She would yawn and rub her eyes every so often. It was a futile effort. Chi-Chi's head fell to the side of the couch while she tried to clear the tea set. 'One down, one to go,' I thought to myself. Sadly, things didn't go as smoothly with little Goten. Saiyan biology - even half Saiyan - is stubbornly persistent. We started the mundane task of the preschool subjects. I could tell that Chi-Chi is strict with his studies. I didn't intervene in some of the topics, but I couldn't stay here all day. So I offered the boy more tea with double the dose. I got the desired result a Goten let out a wide yawn.
"I'm tired..." Goten said, rubbing his eyes.
"Now, now. We're almost through with history," I said while tapping the textbook.
Goten lays his head on his desk. "No....! I wanna sleep!"
"Here, I'll read this passage aloud, and then you can continue after," There was soft snoring coming from the desk before I started. Looking past the textbook, Goten was out like a light. It was cute save for the bit of drool and snot bubble. Regardless, my job was complete. I brought out my phone from my pocket and called the general.
"Were you successful?"
"Yes, everything went smoothly. Prepare for pick up,"
"You better be right about this course of action!"
"So much worry. I promise that Son Gohan won't think about touching after this,"
[Present time - Back at the Laboratory.]
I must that that bring Chi-Chi here was well worth it. Gohan's anger was so palpable that you could feel from here. But that paled in comparison with General Tao. He was good at keeping his composure during this little talk. I'll give him that much, but it wasn't going to last with the way his lower body was quivering. It was a smart move to show just his face. I knew General Tao history with Goku. The reaction he had the moment he saw Goten was comical. The deadliest assassin in the world pressed himself wall, shaking like a newborn. It wouldn't be a stretch of the truth to say he had a PTSD episode. Goten is the spitting image of his father, right down to the last hair follicle. I was a bit surprised when he drew a blade and held it at the boys' head, but one subtle move from Goten had the new leader of the Red Ribbon back across the room. It took an hour of convincing to make this video call and another thirty minutes for him to get ready. But here we are now with hostages.
"You monster!!!" Gohan hissed out.
"I prefer to think of myself as a realist. Your mere existence is a hindrance to us. If you agree to not meddle in our affairs, then your family will be returned to you unharmed. Do not come looking for them. We will contact you when the time is right,"
"How do we know you'll keep your word?" Dr. Briefs asks.
"You have no choice. However, even men such as myself have a code of ethics. We usually don't harm targets not under contract,"
"And you think that's going to satisfy anyone? How do we know you won't keep them indefinitely!?" Bulma sated. It was a valid point. We could hold Chi-Chi and Goten for as long as we wish.
"This conversation will be the last one for the foreseeable future. Good day," General Tao hunched over as soon as the transmission ended. He was panting heavily as if he just ran a marathon.
"A wonderful performance, general," I said while clapping. It was clear General Tao didn't appreciate the entertainment in my tone.
"Enough! I want updates on any progress you make toward the portal's completion!" General Tao moved over to the intercom. "Attention all personnel. The base is now on red alert. You are to keep a constant vigil on all scanners and proximity alarms. Notify me every thirty minutes for any changes. Also, I want that brat under surveillance round the clock. If he so much as twitches up the dosage on his sedatives!"
"Someone's paranoid,"
General Tao turned to me with a snarl. "You are far too relaxed to the impending doom over the horizon!" He wipes his while shaking his head. "How are we supposed to stop Son Gohan from coming here? I recall from our last encounter that he can sense where we are right now! How can we prevent this!?"
I shrug my shoulders at this. "We can't. There's no way to prevent any of our enemies from sensing Chi-Chi or Goten. So, I say we let them,"
General Tao arches a brow at this. "Elaborate!"
"My work with the portal frame has lead to the development of a short-range teleporter. I've already tuned in to the other abandon labs and outposts. Whenever we see Son Gohan and his friends get close, we teleport the two of them the moment they get close," I got up to the intercom for an announcement. "Attention all personnel: bring our two guests to the laboratory please," After I finished, I walked out of the room. Tao followed quickly behind me. Our walk was silent until we reached the lab. Inside, Goten and Chi-Chi slept atop a specialized pad with four posts lining the circle. In the background was a monitor displaying the same pad.
"What are you playing, Doctor?"
"The device before is work as the portal frame does, only at a smaller scale. In theory, it can only teleport from one pad to another in this world instead of across star systems,"
"In theory? You haven't tested this device yet?"
I shot the general a smile that seems to unnerve him. "No time like the present~," I flicked the switch before the general could protest. The four posts started spinning rapidly as the pad emitted a soft white glow. In a bright flash, Goten and Chi-Chi disappeared before us and reappearing on the duplicate pad unscathed. I clapped my hands in a giddy fashion. "Aw, the field test was a success," I looked back to General Tao who stared back at me with a horrified expression. "What?"
"A-Are you mad!?"
I turned my nose upwards at him. "I figured this was the best way to test the effects matter displacement without consequence. Would you rather I use our personnel for the test?"
"Soldiers are always expendable. These two are not! You are tempting fate enough as it is already!" To my surprise, General Tao raised a bladed hand to my face. "The Red Ribbon has returned to its former glory, and I will not see it burnt down again! Do you understand?"
The murderous gleam in General Tao's eyes told me he was serious. I shook my head at the foolish man as I frowned. "Honestly, General, you must not overreact like this. It's unbecoming of a leader. We both know that there is not a single person here that matches my intellect," I crossed my arms while donning a confident smirk. "Unless, of course, you're confident you can replace me,"
General Tao snarls as he lowers his blade. "No more unnecessary risk, doctor!"
"By your word, General Tao," I play up my compliance with a respectful bow. General Tao grumbles as he left the lab, leaving to stare at the monitor. Crossing my arms and smiling at the successful test, I whispered. "Poor little man. Taking risks is how science evolves," I took out my holographic computer from my bracelets - displaying the portal frame that's long been operational. What General Tao fails to realize is that in the game of chess, the king is a mere figurehead. And the queen holds reign over the board. Now that I know it's possible to travel via teleportation, I needed to add more pawns to the board. Soon, an image appeared on the screen, showing a region of Equis. Specifically, the Dragonlands egg nursey. "I always wanted a pet dragon,"
[Capsule Corporation - Bulma's office - Scootaloo POV.]
The tv monitor went black. That General Tao guy and Gera had gone back into hiding. I looked at everyone in the room, and all of us were feeling angry. But Gohan was the worst. He stood there trembling while glaring at the tv. He bit down on his teeth so hard that I thought they were going to break. There was even some blood on the palm of his gloves from clenching his fist. I could feel his Ki raising higher and higher while he grunted. I doubt Bulma would like it if Gohan blows up her home, so I went over to him. I hooked my arms around his neck and wrapped my wings over his back. Pegasi always gave the best hugs. Nothing calms down a raging colt friend than smoothing feathers on his back. But joking aside, Gohan needs this - and thankfully - he started to calm down.
"You can't go blow up your friends' house, you dummy. Now calm down, or else I'll tell Pinkie when we get back!"
Pinkie's version of smoothing hugs usually leads to a trip to a chiropractor. But, it gets the result as Gohan returns the hug and chills out. "Thanks, Scoots..."
A loud cough got my notice as I realized we weren't alone. "That's very sweet you two, but we still have a situation,"
"No problem! I can feel Chi-Chi and Goten's Ki from here. Those Red Ribbon dorks made a big mistake in foal-napping them!"
"Yeah, but they must've known you could find them,"
"Indeed. You're both most likely heading into a trap," Dr. Briefs stated.
"It's nothing we can't handle!" I said confidently.
"Even so, they're right. I don't want to take any risk with my family at stake," Gohan said. That took the wind from my wings as I nodded. "We should get in contact with the others,"
"I have Krillin and Yamcha on speed dial. However, you'll have Tien and Piccolo yourselves," Bulma said, getting a phone out.
"Alright, I think I know where Piccolo is right now. We can pick up Tien along the way," Gohan said.
"Done!" I said with a wide grin. Piccolo, Tien, Yamcha, and Tien's little body - I forget his name - was standing next to me. "Instant transmission is the only way to travel!"
"You mind explaining what's going? Base on our sudden relocation, I'd say it's urgent," Tien gathered.
"Yeah! Your girlfriend here just took me from a hot date!" Yamcha complained.
"A hot date, huh?" Bulma asks, not believing him for a second.
"He's not lying. He's with some blue-haired woman. Now that I think about - she looked a lot like you, Bulma - only more, you know..." I made a swiping motion over my teats, and Bulma got the message. Her face went bright red as she scowls at Yamcha.
"Wait, you were dating Marrion!" Krillin said.
Yamcha started to sweat as Bulma glared at him. This drama would be the kind of thing Sweetie, Diamond, and Silvie would like to hear about, but we were getting off track. Thankfully, Piccolo thought the same thing.
"Can we skip the trashy romance and go straight into the reason of us being here?" It didn't take long to recap everything so far. Krillin, Yamcha, Tien all were scowling at the news. Piccolo wore that a frown, but it was deeper than usual. But Tien's friend was looking lost.
"Man, this is a bummer. The Red Ribbon is back and up to no good," Yamcha said.
"And being lead by General Tao no less. It makes sense they want revenge on Goku given that he defeated them, but I never General Tao would stoop this low," Tien said.
"You know him?" I asked.
"He was someone I once idolized before I knew him to be a monster,"
"Do you think Master Crane is back as well?" Tien's little friend said.
"Doubtful, Chaoztu. Our old master was never one for humility. We would've heard from him by now,"
"We're in a situation none of are accustom too, but it doesn't change the fact that we must act!" Piccolo stated.
"Good, then let's go!" A familiar voice said. All of us turned to find Videl standing in the doorway. Her eyes were wide as she stares at Piccolo, but it was only for a second. It's a good thing Gohan has his helmet back on, but how long was Videl there? She can be sneaky when she wants. "Who are they? My replacements?"
"Just some guys who have experience with these kinds of problems," I said.
Videl focuses on me with a glare. She was still fuming from our talk at the secret lab. Walking fully into the room, she stops in front of me. "That's not what he said just now," She pointed to Piccolo who grumbles in response. "Luckily, I dealt with hostage situations before,"
"So, you're coming?" I knew the answer, but I was hoping she would say no. "I won't be playing foal sitter if you get hurt again,"
"You won't have to worry. I have a better understanding of the situation then I did before,"
For some reason, I didn't like the way she said that. "We appreciate all the aid you can give us, Ms. Videl," Gohan said.
Behind us, I saw Yamcha lean into Krillin's ear. "Hey, who's the kid?"
Krillin shrugs at the question. "I think she's one of Gohan classmates. But I'm guessing she's the girl they told us about - Hercule's daughter," The rest of the group recoils at that.
Videl glance back at them, making the conversation stop. I think we waited long enough, so I called out to everyone. "Alright. Everyone stay close to me," I said, placing two fingers to my forehead. I felt out Goten's Ki since he was more potent, and all of flickered to his location.
[third Person POV.]
Scootaloo's instant transmission worked, teleporting the group right in front of the captured Son family. Videl stumbles forward, not used to that method of travel, as everyone looks around. "There they are!" Chaoztu said. Gohan instantly ran to his family - his arm outstretched, mere meters away - only for them to disappear.
"No!" Gohan shouted.
"What the heck happened?" Yamcha asked.
"Were they--"
Videl recovered enough to speak, but Piccolo cut her off. "No, Someone moved them! I feel their presence somewhere in the east,"
"I got 'em!" Scootaloo alerted. Our heroes soon teleported again to the new location. Much like before, the Z warriors appear before Goten and Chi-chi, but they would vanish before any of them got close. The game of cat mouth would continue for several minutes before Scootaloo felt her energy reserve start to decline. All the consecutive teleporting - combine with the number of people she transported - finally took its toll as Scootaloo collapses to knees the moment they appeared in another lab. Gohan took a moment to check on his mare friend while his mother and brother vanished again. "I-I'm sorry. I'm not used to doing that move so o much with so many people..."
"It's not your fault," Gohan replies softly.
"We're running around in circles!" Videl grunted out.
"It doesn't matter! We have to save those two!" Scootaloo panted out.
"Someone watching us. There is no other explanation," Tien stated.
"More like someone is toying with us," Piccolo growls.
Before anyone could say another word, Gohan gets a call from Capsule Corp. "Gohan! You and the others need to head back right now!"
"Why? What's happening now!?" Gohan asks.
"The portal frame activated from Equis, and several dragons came through it. They wouldn't listen to me, saying they were here to reclaim what belongs to them! They said it would be a war if we try and stop them!!!"
"What!? Who came through? The Dragonlord wouldn't let something like this happen. Nevermind any of the princesses!!!"
"The Dragonlord told me in person! They're here right now!" Suddenly, everyone became quiet as a sense of dread filled the air.
"Ok, I'm not the only one that feels that right?" Yamcha said nervously.
"I'm starting to wish you were...!" Krillin stuttered.
"I never felt such a malicious presence!" Tien said, disbelief carrying his tone.
"T-Tien...!" Chaoztu quivers.
Piccolo grits his teeth as he looks to the far off wall. "It's coming from the direction where Bulma is at the moment, but..."
"That can't be right! I-I feel Ember, but this Ki signature is right next to her! It can be--"
"It is..." A grim tone escapes Gohan's lips.
Videl looks at everyone in confusion. "Ok, evil presence, Dragonlords. What's happening!?"
[Capsule Corporation - Front entrance.]
Ember walks out of the building with a stoic expression. She stops before the small entourage of dragons waiting for her command. "I don't think your friend likes our unannounced visit," Smolder said.
"It doesn't matter if she likes it or not! Heck, she's lucky we don't burn this pile of bricks down right now! She could be working with those thieves!"
Smolder sighs as she looks up at her brother. "Garble, that's just dumb,"
"Bulma didn't do this. Her scent wasn't anywhere near the nursery - indirect or otherwise," Spike said, taking drawn sniffs of the air. "I got the scent of the eggs and the culprit!"
"Stretch those wings! We're hitting the skies!" Ember orders as the bloodstone specter glow brightly.
As the dragons took off, Smolder looks at her two mentors with unease. "So, how are we going to handle this?"
Spike leers back at Smolder, making her flinch from his glare. "Scorched Earth!!!"