//------------------------------// // episode 43: Evil Conspires!!! // Story: Dragonball MLP: Buu's Calamity! // by ultrapoknee //------------------------------// (New Intro!) Amidst a torn and broken landscape, Goku proceeds to walk forward with a fierce look of determination on his features. Image of his latest battles flashes above before he transforms into a Super Saiyan. Spike lands beside his master. The top portion of his Gi is gone to allow two new sets of wings to expand from his back. He is noticeably taller and more muscular than before. Images of the remaining dragons and Ember roll by in Spike's mind while his aura flares. It is now green with a shimmering gold outline. On Goku's left, an alicorn sharing some aspect of Scootaloo's features lands. She is as tall as Princess Celestia with a vibrant wingspan as long as Spike's. Flashes of the elements having a slumber party with the crusaders appear. Her aura flared out and her magic as the trio came to a stop. The trio glare into a haze as Majin Buu emerges with Cozy sitting on his shoulder and several shadow figures behind them. On The Supreme Kai planet, Gohan vigorously trains with the Z sword under the watchful eyes of Kibito and Supreme Kai. However, the sword begins to emit a bright light before the appearance of an Elder Supreme kai shocks the group. He holds his hand towards the boy as Gohan releases a bellow while his aura towers into the sky. Back on Equis, Chrysalis scoffs at the new Changeling kingdom as she starts to turn away. However, Ocellus grabs her hand and pleads with the former queen. The minor nymph points to the ominous aura in the distance. Chrysalis's features soften for a moment before she sighs and flies off. Sombra holds a box containing stone fragments from somewhere else while he stares at them. A hand grips his shoulder as he turns to his wife and daughter. He hugs them before his loving smile turns stoic at the Glow over the horizon. He breaks the hug and flies over to it. Sombra and Chrysalis land next to Goku's group as they power up. The shadows behind Buu begin to morph into a slender shape as it smiles sinisterly at our assembled heroes with red eyes. It crosses its arms as its clothes flowing in the wind with the prominent Majin insignia upon its belt shines. However, several shadows from behind our heroes as well. The first is a boy sporting a cocky smile before a golden aura forms around him. Next to him were various other creatures native to Equis. Finally, another figure with spiky hair floats to meet the other shadow. The sparkle of its earrings catches the light as the opposing forces face each other. Buu made silly gestures with his tongue while Cozy flashed a cute smile before it turned manic. Goku narrows his eyes but sports a confident smile as he becomes a Super Saiyan 3 and leads the charge. [Earth - Ruined Terrian - Third Person POV.] Buu grins down at Gohan as he begins to laugh. "Really. It is amusing how I have to stomp the same bugs many times!" Gohan remained unphased by the reminder, much to Buu's frustration. Meanwhile, the rest of our heroes look on with extreme trepidation. Scootaloo narrows her eyes on Buu's smug grin and turns to her friends. "Come on! We can't let him fight Buu on his own. We have to try and fuse again!" "But it's still too earlier!" Trunks reminded. "I don't care! I'm not letting Gohan die! He's my brother!!!!" Goten exclaims. "Darn tooting!" Applebloom supported. "Yeah!" Sweetie Belle added. "Everyone get into positions!" Scootaloo commanded. Gohan suddenly shouted as everyone began the technique and produced a smoke cloud. Buu became confused by this tactic until Gohan swiped his foot and backhanded Buu's face. The Majin stumbles back in pain as the force blows the dust away. Pressing the advantage, Gohan lands another kick across Buu's face that slides him back further. Buu became infuriated now. The blows hurt worse than when he fought the children and ponies. Buu turned to Gohan with gritted teeth while the Saiyan had his back to him. Snarling, Buu throws a punch. But Gohan quickly turns and catches it while thrusting his leg up and connecting a shot against Buu's chin. He followed this up with a strong punch right into the Majin's stomach. Buu coughs up some saliva, clutching his stomach as he retreats. "Whoa. Your brother is hurting Buu!" Gallus said in awe. "Looks like we won't need to help," Sandbar noted. "Whoo. Take that monster down!" Silverstream shouted. "Yeah! Get him, bro!" "Alright, Gohan!" Trunks added. "Come on, Mister Buu! You beat him before. you can do it again!" Cozy shouted as well. Buu gritted in pain as he flexed his muscles. Thus, healing the intentions of his body. "Stupid boy! I'll make you dead!!!" "You're off to a good start," Gohan taunted. "Buu make you dead! What Buu says, Buu do! NOW YOU DIE!!!" Majin Buu began a wild frenzy of attacks against Gohan. However, the young Saiyan remained steadfast and blocked every attempt. Buu tried to use his superior height to angle his punch downward. But, Gohan uses a cross-arm block. Buu tried to throw several rapid punches. Only for Gohan to catch them all with one hand. Even utilizing his feet did not work as Gohan expertly weaves out of harm's way. Buu was growing more and more frustrated at this upstart. He commits to a wide chop, but Gohan flips behind him. The moment he lands, Gohan charges at Buu just as he turns around and connects with a knee that slams Buu to the ground. Buu skids across the dirt as he grunts in pain. "Astonishing. I knew Gohan was among the Earth's most vigorous defenders. But I could not phantom this much power," Celestia said. "But Gohan did not possess this kind of strength before!" Twilight noted. "I suppose it doesn't matter if it works," Cadence deuced. Gohan calmly walks over to Buu's prone form. "You can get up now. We both know those levels of attacks didn't hurt you," On cue, Buu kickstands back up and wipe the purple blood from his face. "H-he was only pretending to be hurt?" Silverstream stutters. "Lousy faking jerk!" Gallus spat. "Ha! See? You're wasting your time. You can't beat Mister Buu!" Cozy Gloww Cheered. Instead of answering, Gohan begins to walk over to the Majin. Buu felt less and less confident as the boy drew closer. "Well? Let's go. What are you waiting for?" At that moment, Gohan flickers from sight and slams a kick into Buu's sternum. The shock in Buu's features was evident. He wasn't expecting such speed. Meanwhile, Gohan kicks off Buu's chest and connects with a roundhouse kick to Buu's head. Buu staggers back further before Gohan flickers to his right and lands a right cross that sends Buu flying. Grabbing the Majin's antenna, Gohan spun Buu around in several rotations before tossing his foe into a rock formation. Gohan quickly gives chase as Buu fires a blast from his mouth. Everyone panicked and ran away while Gohan gritted his teeth and swatted the attack away. It sailed in the distance before finally exploding. However, Buu emerges from the smoke in his ball form again. Gohan held out his arms and stopped the attack. But, the Majin was persistent and pushed the young Saiyan into another rock base. Buu unwrapped himself and began another furious assault. However, like before, Gohan quickly thwarted all of Buu's attempts. He caught a stray fist from the pink terror and pulled him downward. Buu glares harshly into Gohan's eyes while the young Saiyan smiles confidently. Gohan flares his Ki while tossing Buu out of their makeshift chasm. The rest of the spectators could only watch in awe as Gohan shot after Buu. They pass each other in the air before Gohan flickers again, appearing in Buu's flight path and landing a vicious backhand. Buu flails about during his plummet until he can catch himself at ground level. However, his injuries were more apparent as his purple blood dripped from his mouth. Buu looks back at the skies for another attack. But Gohan was nowhere in sight. He looked around the battlefield, frantically searching, only to come up short. Paranoia and fear were new emotions for Buu. It wasn't until Gohan called out to him that Buu finally turned around. "Hey, over here. How's it going? nice day, huh?" Gohan said with a smug smile. "Unbelievable. Gohan has the upper hand in just a few short skirmishes!" Piccolo noted. "Yeah, look at that monster. Buu is scared!" Sweetie Belle said. "Why, he's quivering more than a dragon in an ice lake," Applebloom said. "I'm telling Spike you made fun of him, but, I think this is it, girls," Scootaloo dared to hope. "Remain alert. The battle is far from won," Luna reminded. "Come on, Mister Buu. Just beat him as you did before!" Cozy shouted. "Yeah, mister Boo-Boo. Beat me as you did before. That shouldn't be a problem," Gohan taunted, incensing Buu further. "My name is Buu, not Boo-Boo! Fool! I'll kill you all!!!" Buu promised. "P-Pink creature is getting angry!" Yona stutters. "Hey! Maybe you shouldn't make the crazy monster angrier!" Smolder abolished. Buu straightens up as his skin shifts in tone from his growing rage. "You! You're dead! No one mocks me! RAAAH!!!" Buu attempts to use the same maneuver as Gohanand flickers away. However, Gohan merely chuckles and slams his elbow against Buu's face the moment he reappears. Then, Gohan follows up with another hook to Buu's jaw, sending him flying into the landscape again. Buu sends several jagged rocks toward Gohan's position in a furious bellow. Gohan punched through the hailstorm of stone. But, Buu had an altieror plan. He grabs onto one of the stones and flies directly into Gohan's face. The move caught everyone off guard as Buu gathered Ki in his maw. Gohan quickly reacted and slammed his plan against the beam, preventing it from exiting Buu's body. The result was Buu imploding from his attack. The damage to Buu's form was far more extensive than before. Besides several deep tissue scaring, Buu had some new holes while smoke poured from each spot on his body. His entire stature trembles as his face adorn a pained smile. Gohan calmly walks up to Buu again and drives his fist into Buu's stomach. He follows up with three devasting elbows to the back of the Majin's neck. Thus, bringing the once fear and seemingly unbeatable pink menace to his knees. "Whoa!" Goten said. "He's doing it! He's got Buu on the ropes!" Trunks exclaimed. "I don't believe it," Piccolo said in shock. "Give it up! you can't win!" Gohan said sternly. "You big meanie!" Cozy suddenly said, rushing in between Buu and Gohan. "YOu leave mister Buu alone!" "Kid, you need to get back," Thrusting her arms out in a protective manner, Cozy held her ground. "No!" "Hehe..." Buu laughs. Although the pain was still present, the pink menace managed to smile. He returns to his feet while dusting himself off. "Yes, so it is you after all..." "Hmm?" Gohan said. "Mister Buu?" Cozy tentatively asks. "I have known about you all along," Buu continues. "What?" Scootaloo said in alarm. "But, how? None was sure Gohan was even alive!" Twilight reminded. "Is this some kind of ploy?" Celestia ponders. "Perhaps a stalling tactic?" Luna offers. "Hey! What are you talking about?" Gohan demands. "I mean, I've been expecting you. Ever since I started fighting those brats over there," Buu clarifies. "Even while I was fighting, I could sense your power in a faraway place. I could feel it growing. I knew you'd be coming here. opposites attract one another," "Okay, that's freaky," Sandbar said. "So, what, he wasn't taking our fight seriously?" Gallus said, greatly offended. "That pink jerk!" Smolder growled. "Well, I bet he's regretting it now," Silverstream said. "He doesn't look like it," Ocellus noted. "Yona doesn't like that smile on the pink creature's face," Yona said with concern. "Hmm-hmm-hmm, yes! I've been waiting for you the whole time. I can't let a power greater than mine exist!" Buu stated a matter of factly. "Oh yeah? Well, I understand your feelings are hurt. But, I don't think you have much choice," Gohan replied. "it would seem the scales are tipping in my favor," "...I'm not liking this..." Sweetie Belle said. "Yeah, he's got a crazier look in his eyes," Applebloom said. "Maybe Gohan hit him too hard on the noggin," "Wait, if he'd known about Gohan this entire time, what if he's hiding more of his power?" Cadence asks, much to everyone's horror. "Goodbye! Enough is enough!" Buu's face morphs into an angry scowl. "Now you'll see what happens to those I hate! Stupid boy! You're going to pay for everything you did to me!!!" Buu's expression turned manic as the wind began to pick up. Even Cozy Glow was taken aback by this sudden change. Twilight erects a shield over the others as the area takes on a pink hue. Gohan even grabs Cozy Glow while Buu's Ki continues to lash out. Soon, a tsunami of Ki and electricity engulfs the area. Instead of fearing the implications, Gohan remains confident. "Go ahead and make me pay. but if that's all the power you got, you're going have a lot of trouble collecting," With the same manic grin, Buu turns to Gohan. "You're missing the point, stupid boy!" Now Gohan became perplexed. Buu said nothing further besides his manic laughter. Several veins pulsated over his body while Buu's pupils dilated. "Mister Buu!" Cozy found it hard to yell over the harsh winds. "What's happening to you? You can tell me. I-It's okay. You haven't lost!" "No, I've won...!" It was at this moment that Scootaloo caught on to Buu's plan. "Gohan! GET OUT OF THERE!!!" "Oh no!!!" Gohan exclaim, holding onto Cozy Glow tightly before rushing over to the others. "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Buu hollers as his power reached its apex and a pink light shrouded the area. The explosion faded as quickly as it came. Gohan made it just in time to shield everyone from the blast as they recovered. "Alright, it looks like the worst is over," Gohan said. "Whoa! Check it out!" Gallous pointed at the landscape. There was nothing left where Buu stood as a giant gaping hole rest where Buu once stood. "It's like an Ursa Major took a bite out of the Earth," "Does that mean Pink creature is gone?" Yona asks. "I don't see him anywhere," Ocellus asks. "That's good, right?" Sandbar asks. "Yeah, I can't believe he exploded!" Silverstream said. "And, after all the training we did, he goes and does the job himself. What a joke," Smolder said. "SHUT UP!!!" Cozy Glow shrieked. "None of you get to bad mouth, Mister Buu. You were all weak. Nothing but newborn foals and hatchlings compared to him! And, you!!!" Cozy glared up at Gohan, who was still holding onto her with utter contempt. "You. You! You cheated! I don't know how but you cheated, Mister Buu! He beat you before. But, then you come back and win!? No! It's not fair. All you so-called heroes did was wear him down! Mister Buu was no shape to fight by the time you showed up!" "Cozy Glow. Please. That's enough. It's over!" Twilight said softly. "Don't waste your breath on the foolish, Young Twilight. You will only suffocate," Luna said. Cozy Glow quiets down after that as tears threaten to spill. "So, what now?" Goten asks. "Now we sync back up with Dende and the others. We can plan our next move before Buu comes back," Gohan stated, much to everyone's bewilderment. "What do you mean 'before Buu comes back?' We all saw him explode," Cadence said. "I have my doubt about Buu's apparent death as well. It can't be as simple as him getting frustrated enough to self-destruct. It was likely a ploy to recover on his own. But, Gohan, the others were with Buu before we escaped and you arrived. There's no way he'd let them go," Gohan smiles in response. "Try sensing them again. I'm detecting several Ki signatures in West city and two more near the mountains," Everyone did as instructed and tried to feel out for any signs of life. It was Twilight who broke the silence with a tearful exclamation. "I-It's true. I can feel the girls, Spike! All of them!" "Flurry! She's okay," Cadence said, equally as weepy. "How did we miss this?" Celestia asks. "Buu must've been blocking our sense since he was so strong," Scootaloo deduced. "Well? What are we waiting for anyway? I want to see mah sister!" Applebloom said. "Yeah, Rarity is probably a mess right now," Sweetie added. "We'll split up from here then. I'll pick up those stranded signatures. While you all get Dende and meet up with me," Gohan said. He handed off Cozy Glow to the Princess as she struggled anew. "Wait, I want to stay with you," Goten said. "Yeah!" Trunks said. "Don't forget about us," Gallus pointed to himself and the juniors. "I'll stay with you as well. Someone has to keep these kids under control," Piccolo said. "Alright, meet up as soon as you have the others," Gohan said. "You better stay out of trouble!" Scootaloo stated. She went over to the rest of the Equestrians and put two fingers to her forehead. The ponies flicker away as Gohan's party takes the skies. "Say, Gohan, how did you get so strong?" Goten asks. "Yeah, is there any way we could get the same training?" Trunks ask. "I'll have to talk to the Supreme Kai. He's the one that helped me," Gohan said. [Land of the Kai - A few hours earlier - Third Person POV.] Gohan groaned in frustration as he sat in place. The elder supreme Kai had finished prancing around him for ten hours straight. And, now, he was sitting in front of the boy with rather adult reading material. Over to his left, He could hear how the battle against Buu was going on Earth. The struggle to stay in place was nerve-racking, but Piccolo lured Buu into the time chamber, and no one knew what to expect. However, that uncertainty turned into a nightmare as Buu somehow escaped. Gohan almost leaped out of his skin when he heard Buu turn everyone into candy. He owed Spike an insurmountable debt for getting everyone to safety. Unfortunately, that was at the same time that Buu turned the entire population into treats. Gotenks group escaped from the time chamber the same way Buu did. Thus, the battle resumed. "Why is there another alicorn there? I never saw her before, yet I feel like I should despise her," Chrysalis sneers at the crystal ball. "Hey, she does seem familiar. And, everyone else has fused again...." Goku squints at the crystal before realization strikes. "Yes. Yes! It has to be Scoootalo and the others. I don't see Applebloom or Sweetie there. Amazing. I didn't think three people could fuse!" "Urgh! So, all three pony traits smashed together," Chrysalis complained. Gohan grew tense as he heard this. Now his mares friends were fighting a desperate battle against a monster. All because he was too weak to stop Babadi and his goons. All because Majin Buu made him look like an amateur during their fight. He turned back to the elder Kai, about to inquire if he could speed things along, only to find the Kai with a perverted smile. "Excuse me, sir. But, how much longer is, this going to take?" Gohan asked. "Ah-hehehehe~," The Kai giggles, seemingly ignoring Gohan. "Sir!" "Hehehe!" "SIR!!!" "Hmm? You have to concentrate, son. That means staying quiet," "I only wanted to know how much time is left," "That is none of your concern, young man. Focusing on time will only delay the process. But, it should be a few more hours at best," "A few hours!?" "Uh, bop. Patience--" "I AM TIRED OF YOUR GAMES, KAI!!!" Gohan shot to his feet as his aura exploded with his anger. Purple electricity danced around the area while Goku and the others shielded themselves. "Do you realize what you've done!? How much time..." Gohan paused in his rant as he felt the surge of his Ki. "Hey, it working?" "Of course, it's working. What do you take me for, an amateur? You kids today are much too short-sighted," Gohan sat back down with a more remorseful expression. "...I'm sorry I yelled at you," "As you should be! Don't forget I am going out of my way to help you. Do you have any idea how many rules we're breaking here?" "I said I was sorry," Elder Kai's stern gaze softens at Gohan's sincere words. "That's fine. The ritual is complete," "What? But, I thought there was a few hours left?" "We already reached the ritual requirement. I was going to tell you that until you questioned me. Another thing you should know is that time moves differently here," "So, what do I do now?" "Do that Super Saiyan thing you do all the time. It will happen as long as you let it," With newfound determination, Gohan clenches his fist. "All I have to do is become a Super Saiyan and believe...!" Sensing the oncoming storm, Elder Kai attempted to plead with Gohan. "Try believing someplace else!" "Haaa-Haaa-RAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!" Gohan ignored Elder Kai's request as a shockwave erupted from Gohan's feet. The old Kai found himself sent skyward from the force. Goku felt his entire body tilt back as the violent winds push his hair back. A shocked expression was adorning his features. Chrysalis fare no better. The first shockwave swept her off her feet. Before settling on the former dragon lord, she transformed into several flight base creatures. Even then, she could still feel the maelstrom of Ki energy threatening to overtake her. Kibito and the Supreme Kai were in a similar state as Goku. The former's mouth was wide in shock. At the same time, the latter gritted his teeth with wide eyes. Gohan's aura was like a wild bonfire, threatening to engulf everything in its wake. The ground became smooth and coarse like sand. The trees bent away from the boy as if trying to escape while the waves cascaded over the water. "HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!" Finally, Gohan's incredible display of power faded. For a moment, Gohan stared into nothing while catching his breath. He looked down at his hand and watched as the electricity danced in his palm. "Now, this is awesome! Hey, dad! Are you checking this out?" "I sure am! I'm proud of you, son!" Goku replied. "Tch." Chrysalis sucks her teeth as she transforms back. "Now the welp is a monster again!" "Excellent. Gohan has surpassed his previous limitations," Kibito observed. "Yeah, but look at him. He's stronger than he ever was as a Super Saiyan. But, he looks completely normal," Goku comments. "Who knew there is some merit to sitting around all day," Chrysalis stated with her arms crossed. The group approached Gohan while Chrysalis's frown turned into a smirk. "But, the results are very enticing~," Gohan shudders briefly before walking to his father. Goku looks back at his son with a proud smile. "Well, I guess it's time to get going," Gohan said dejectedly. "I guess it is. The Earth is in your hands now, son," Goku replies before resting his hand on Gohan's shoulder and chuckling. "Man, look at you. I can barely fit my hand on your shoulder anymore. You've grown into a fine warrior," "Thanks, dad. I had a lot of good teachers," Gohan walks up and hugs his father for what he knew was the last time. Goku returned the hug without hesitation. However, the tender moment fell into confusion when both men felt another pair of arms join the hug. Gohan pulls back in shock to see his mother smiling at him. "Mom?!?" "Oh! It's so good to see my baby go off and save the world! Be sure to see that Videl girl and give me many foals!" 'Chi-Chi' said. "Foals!?! Wait! Chrysalis! Don't take the form of my mother!!!" "Wow. You had us going there for a minute. You got way better at that, huh?" Goku chirped. Chrysalis turns back as she licks her fingers. "Hmm~. Can you blame me when you were offering such sweet love and affection? I knew adding your mother to the mix would make things far more tasty~," "Gohan. It is time," Kibito said a little impatiently. Gohan grumbles as he moves next to Kibito. With one last wave of goodbye, the two vanish from the land of the Kais. And, moments later, reappeared on Earth. "Here we are," "Thank you, Kibito. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask a favor. My father is the greatest warrior in the universe. I would like to wear something to honor him," "Of course. For a protector of a universe, it will be a privilege. Noiw, do you have any distinct specifications?" "Hmm, how about the one he is currently wearing?" Kibito nods and holds out his hand. Sparkling particles wash over Gohan's form before a familiar orange Gi forms. Gohan looks himself over as a big smile adorns his features. "Awesome! Thanks, Kibito," "It is of no trouble. Good luck, Gohan. We're expecting great things from you," Kibito, in a rare form of expression, gives Gohan a thumbs up. Gohan gladly returns it as Kibito flickers back to the Land of the Kais. Gohan spoke, looking out into the horizon with a fierce determination. "Alright, let's go!" [Smokey Mountains.] "And, you know the rest," Gohan finished his tale. "So, sitting around actually helped?" Trunks asked. "It sure did," "It sounds boring," Goten said. "Regardless, you can't argue with the results. But, back to the matter at hand. I find it hard to believe there would be anyone left alive after Buu's attack," Piccolo stated. "It looks like we're about to find out. We're coming up on those power levels now," Gohan said. Our heroes landed in an almost barren landscape save for a few boulders. "Um, are you sure there's someone here?" Goten asks. "Yeah, I think I recognize them now," Gohan walks over to the rock formation as he calls out. "Hey, it's safe. You both can come out now," Instead of coming out, our heroes heard a pair of people begin bickering. "Gah! What do we do?" "Why are you asking me!? You're the Earth's champion! You deal with this!" "Y-Yeah. You're right! I'm stronger than anything in this magic school book, Lala land! But, you know. You being a prince and all, this situation might call for some diplomacy," Piccolo, having recognized the voices himself, facepalms. "...Of all the beings on both worlds, why it half to be these two...?" "Okay, let's both go out there. You do the talking, and I'll provide the intimidation factor!" Gohan sheepishly scratches the side of his head as the pair comes out from hiding. "Well, at least their in good spirits," "Wasn't that guy at the tournament?" Goten asks, pointing to Hercule. "Yeah, I remember fighting him. I guess strong if he survived out here," Trunks said. Hearing this, Hercule straightens up with a confident facade. "Oh, yeah. Huffing it in the wilderness and desolate wastelands is a part of my rigorous training regiment. I see you boys have an eye for talent," "Urgh! It is about time you got here. Do you know what is out in this cloggy, dirt-riddled environment has done to my suit? And, what took you so long to get here anyway? You must be the worst rescue operative in my aunt's employ!" Prince Blueblood scolded. "For your information, we were busy trying to stop Majin Buu. We didn't have time to go looking for a stuck prince!" Trunks abolished. "What? How dare you!" "Hold on. Did you say you saw Buu? Where is he? Did he mention me - uh - us?" Hercule asked desperately. "A lot has happened with Buu. But, right now, we should get you two out of here," Gohan said. "Now hold on, I remember you!" You were the one that ran off with my daughter! Where is she?!" A grim look adorns Gohan's face at that question. "She's--" But, before he could answer, Scootaloo reappears with the lookout survivors. Diamond and Silverspoon immediately ran to Gohan and embraced him in a hug. "Don't you ever scare us like that again!" Diamond stated. "If you do, you'll be sleeping on the ugliest lumpiest couch we can find!" Silverspoon promised. " I'm sorry you all had to worry. I'm not going anywhere. I promise," Gohan said. "We'll hold you to that, darling," Rarity said as she and the elements joined the hog. "You're already on thin ice for sitting out this long, partner," Applejack comments. "Yeah, you got to pay for all the times you made our sisters cry," Rainbow teased. "What? Saving the universe doesn't count?" Gohan shot back. "Oh. That's a good start," Fluttershy said. "That's right. A herd stallion can't make the herd worry let that. You need to Pinkie promise!" Pinkie said. Gohan smiled and made the motion as Pinkie smiled brightly. "By the way, why didn't you girls return to Equis?" Gohan asks. "That dreadful Buu monster pelleted us with that awful candy ray. It destroyed the teleporter when we shielded ourselves," Rarity explained. "The damage isn't as extensive. I have studied the portal and its functions for years now. I might be able to get it working again," Twilight said. "I reckon if anypony can get that doohickey working again, it's you, Twilight," Applejack said. "Umm-hmm," The elements supported. Twilight beamed and teared up at the praise as she brought her friends into another hug. "You've no idea how much I missed you girls," "Urgh!" Ember said. "Yeah, urgh!" Smolder agreed. "Come on, it's sweet," Spike said. "I guess," "And, you did a good job holding your own," Smolder looks in surprise to see a genuine smile from Spike. She turns away with a blush. "Yeah, well, some dragon had to pick up the slack," "I can tell," Spike notices the princesses approaching him. Spike's smile morphs into a frown. "So, Spi-Roh?" "We are sorry you had to find out like that," Celestia said solemnly. "We thought it best to remove all traces of the vile dragon when the elements reverted him. There were a lot of leaders at the time that wanted Spi-Roh's - No - your egg smashed," Luna confessed. "...What stopped you?" Spike asks after a long pause. "The same tenants we hold dear were the same that saved you that day. Even Spi-Roh deserved a chance at redemption," Celestia stated firmly. "But, Spi-Roh isn't gone. He's still here. In many ways, I am Spi-Roh, and he is me. Two halves of the same dragon. Does that change anything? Will there be other things I have to find out?" Spike said with more bite than he wanted. The two princesses flinched but shook their heads. "It would that always keeping secrets isn't the best way to protect. Therefore, we will strive to be truthful in the future. And, know that nothing will change between us," Celestia affirms. "Verily," Luna agrees. Spike nods and pulls them both into a hug. Ember and Smolder both roll their eyes in mock disgust. "Enough with the hugging already!" Ember said. "Aunties!" Prince Blueblood said, breaking up the moment. "Blueblood? You're alive?" Celestia gasped. "A joyous occasion," Luna said flatly. "Yes, but only by the grace of Harmony and Faust. You would not believe the time I've had. But, I must speak to you about your rescue operatives," Prince Blueblood complained. Piccolo smiles at the scene as he feels a weight on his left shoulder. "Mister Piccolo!" The youngest alicorn smiles down at him. "I thought it was master, Flurry?" "It was, but after I hit the pink monster with your strongest technique! I think I can graduate as your student!" "Good. That means I can finally get some peace," Flurry made a cute pout. "Are you saying you wouldn't miss me?" "Who could ever forget about you," "Mister Piccolo!" "Flurry! It would help if you didn't bug your teacher," Cadence lightly scolded. "It's fine. Having the little Princess at the lookout is quite refreshing," Dende said, walking up with Mr. Popo. "It's good to see you, Dende," Piccolo said. "You as well. It's a shame things didn't go as planned," Dende laments. "Well, you know the old saying: everyone has a plan until an ultra-powerful villain appears," Mr. Popo joked. "Speaking of villains," Sombra suddenly interrupted, walking up with his family. "What of Majin Buu? Is he finally dealt with?" "That's the thing," Gohan said, joining the conversation with the others. "We can't say for sure. Buu blew himself up. But, I doubt it was that easy to win," "How do you come back from self-detonation?" Hope asks. "Believe it or not, we fought against someone not too long ago that did that same thing. The result increased Cell's power beyond measure," "And I thought our world was weird," Rainbow comments. "Hey!!!" Hercule shouted, gaining everyone's attention. "I hate to break up this little reunion here, but you didn't explain what happened to my daughter!" Gohan steps forward, but Scootaloo shakes her head. Instead, she turns to Hercule with a look of deep remorse. She pulls a candy bar from her Gi. Hercule looked confused as she placed the candy in his hand. Hercule blinks a couple of times, trying to understand the meaning. Then, as he gazes into the chocolate's oddly familiar features, it hits him. The candy looked the same as Videl. Hercule dropped to his knees, holding the sweets with the same care as If it was a newborn baby. "But, why? My baby girl. Buu, h-he promised he wouldn't do this anymore! You got to take me to him. We can still reach him!" "It's worth a try, aunties. This little miscreant drove him to evil," Prince Blueblood gestures to Cozy, who is unresponsive. "Wake up! But isn't the same one you two befriended! You saw it for yourselves. The outward manifestation of good and evil, and the evil side of Buu won!" Piccolo said firmly. "Well, I don't believe that! If that were true, it would've killed us when he changed! So, I am not giving up!" Hercule said with determination. "As shall I!" Prince Blueblood said with a dramatic flair. "As a noble myself, only I can reach the valiant and noble side of Majin Buu," Everyone groaned in response until a massive Ki signature made itself known. "It's Majin Buu! He's coming here!" Twilight exclaimed, pointing in the direction the energy was radiating. "Well, that didn't take long," Scootaloo groaned. "But, why? I thought he turned tail and ran away!" Gallus stated. "Big deal! Gohan will just beat him down again!" Diamond said. "I wonder what could've changed to spark such a bold ploy," Celestia ponders. "It does not matter," Luna resolved. "It merely gives us another chance to finish the beast," "You all stand ready. I'll end it this time!" Gohan said as he met with Buu halfway. The Majin landed on a stone peak that stood above everyone else. He was much more relaxed. However, Buu chuckled now and then. At seeing her friend return. Cozy Glow brightened up. "Mister Buu! You came back! Quick, you got to help--" Before Cozy could finish, Hercule interrupted. "Buu! How dare you do this to my daughter! You promised you wouldn't hurt anyone anymore!!!" Instead of the response he was hoping for, Hercule went pale as Buu licks his chops. "Ah. The ones that got away; thank you for returning them," "Hey, did you hear what I said? Don't you remember me?" Buu merely chuckles again as he disregards Hercule's pleas. At that time, Prince Blueblood steps up. "Surely, you remember me and our lessons? I tend to have a lasting effect on many creatures," Blueblood smiles as he adjusts his culture. The smile quickly faded, however, as Buu did not respond. But, an even wider grin appeared on his face. "You do remember them, r-right?" "Hehehe..." Not wanting to give up yet, Hercule holds up the baby timberwolf. "You remember this little guy, right? You can't forget about Pine. Buu?" Again, Buu only laughs, eliciting a whine from the pup. "That's not your friend anymore," Sombra said. "You can never say you two didn't give Buu a chance. But, I am afraid. He is beyond words now," Celestia said in a foreboding tone. Hercule Blueblood finally as Gohan stares down the pink menace. 'I don't get it. There is a difference in his power. What is the end game here?' He thought. "Buu's bluffing. I bet ten to one that he runs away again," Trunks said confidently. Buu smiles wider as his eyes land on the juniors. "Is that right? Come on, then! Little worms! I want to fight you now!" Our heroes gasped at the declaration as Buu continued. "What you say!" Applebloom said indignantly. "Yeah! You forget how bad we had you reeling!" Sweetie Belle reminded. "No way! I'm your opponent now! You're not the one making the rule!" Gohan asserts. "I have a score to settle with them. After that, you're next, stupid boy!" Buu replies. "Sweetie. We really should let Gohan handle things from here," Rarity said. "There's no need for Y'all to get involved no more," Applejack said. "Hey, you weren't here when we were fighting. We had Buu on the ropes!" Smolder said her piece. "Even so, I don't like this," Spike said. "It's more like a ploy to try and regain his wounded pride," Ember suggests. "We practically had beat ourselves!" Goten stated. "I don't know. Gohan is doing well," Ocellus said. "Yeah, I rather not butt in if we don't have to now," Silverstream said. "I'm with you on that, Silver," Sandbar agrees. "No! Yona want to fight! No creature call Yaks cowards!" "Come on! You were all itching to fight me before he showed up. Now you hide like cowards!" Buu taunted. However, as our heroes argue, globs of Buu's flesh left from his backside and slithered down the terrain completely unseen.