Ok!!! Well, we have so many things we would like to do over in Dragonball GT as mentioned in the Re-Write GT thread, such as getting rid of Trunks' horrible shorts, Vegeta's mustache, and Chibi Goku. Well, here is our chance to re-write GT the way it should have been done! So that's what we are going to do.

The basic idea is to write a continuous fic (I guess until it draws to a natural conclusion -- but let's at least make it long enought so that everyone has a chance to participate) with each person that posts adding the next installment to the story. Each person would write a post as long as they are inspired to write -- so, in other words, no length requirements.

There are several things that must be included in the fic such as SSJ4 for Goku and Vegeta (and perhaps the other Saiyans ;)) the removal of Trunks' horrid shorts by any means ;), and NO CHIBI GOKU. Oh and perhaps most important, NO MUSTACHE ON VEGETA!!

If anyone feels that it has been voiced enough, you can add further to the must have lists :) but I think everyone gets the idea.

Oh, another rule that should stand is that you have to work with the story as it is written, in other words, you can't negate something someone else has already written in the story -- think of it as a form of improv.

In the case of two or more people posting to the story simulataneously those authors should call a "Time Out!" and then settle it between the two of them, trying to incorporate their ideas together - perhaps it could result in a new post where all those agreed upon ideas are layed out.

If I'm missing anything here, please just bring it up. So, bare with us as the first few posts will probably have ideas that I've neglected to include at the outset.

If you are confused or have questions, maybe voice them in the other thread where we are just having a laugh on 're-writing GT." Ok?

All right, quick start since I'm a little tired so bare with the very small post:




________________________





The New Dragonball GT
by the Members of DBZ Fanfic Salon


Uub sent blasts of ki Goku's way, pummeling the Saiyan almost to the point of consciousness. Goku dug deep within him to fight back and withstand the blasts as his body hurled through several floating islands of debris.

Up above on the Look-Out, Mr. Popo's pointed shoes shook as he tried to maintain an upright position. Dende's antennae quivered as he hovered an inch off the floor.

Dende shouted, "This is crazy! They're going to destroy the Look-Out!"

Just one clarification: This is to be in story format, not role-play/dialoge format. Correct?

Right! Story format please. :)

That is actually one style of roleplay - one which we use in Legends and Vegetasei for instance.

Oh so sorry oh great Mr. Know it all. I meant story vs. dialoge format. Better?

Nothing wrong with perfectionism *smirks*

Perfectionism, or anal retentive?

Sorry Dharma. I won't say anymore. ON with the story.

Out of sight from the Earth's guardian and the round brown genie, Emperor Pilaf's crew plotted.
"... And once these black star dragonballs are ignited, I will be the ruler of the world!" The Emperor clutched his chest and his eyes blazed with hopes of fulfilling the long-denied dream.
"Whatever...." Mai closed her fan magazine. She had been browsing through pictures of Gackt and Mana and other lovely cross-dressing Japanese pop stars. What a misery it was that these boys looked better than her now; Mai had once been a beauty, but the years had not been kind. Years of service to a blue maniacal midget had taken their toll. She blew her greying bangs into the air with a deep sigh.
"Ya know," whispered Shoe, her sentient dog companion. "Pilaf's getting a little senile there. Once he summons this black star dragon, I bet if we can slide in with the wish before he's done waving his arms around and milking the moment."
Mai wasn't not impressed with the idea. "And just what would we wish for? I've seen it all these forty years. All I want to do is go home and take a hot bubblebath."
"For starters, we could wish away that ennui of yours."
Mai snorted a laugh and re-opened her fan magazine. "Maybe if one of these cutie pies were in my hot bath too, I could get back some of my enthusiasm for evil doings."
Shoe glanced at the glossy page. "Is that a CHICK? Mai, I didn't know you swung that way."
Mai rolled up the magazine and swatted Shoe on the head with it. "It's a GUY, you mangy mongrel."

Shoe wondered... there had to be something else to wish for besides Pilaf's supremacy over all the land. That would just mean--what? More years of service for him and Mai. Now... what could he wish for?

Mai went back to leafing through her magazine. Shoe put his head on her shoulder and looked on with her. Mai's mind wandered as the words on the page ran together.

"All these years we have followed Emporer Pilaf, and to what avail? He has never been nice to us. Maybe it is time for me to retire. If only there was someone who would take over for me so that I could bow out gracefully...."

"THAT'S IT!" squealed Mai with great delight. "We can wish for someone to help Emporer Pilaf with his lifelong quest!" Mai could barely contain her excitement and almost knocked poor Shoe on the floor.

Shoe was silent for a moment, taking the information in, then he too became excited. "It is brilliant! We wish for someone strong...like Goku!"

"Yes," replied Mai, "Just like Goku, except not as nice as Goku."

"An evil version of Goku!"

The pair hugged each other as they hatched their plan.


(Author's note: Do you get where I am going with this? :raditz: )

:rocking: Carry on!!!

The sounds of battle stopped, as did the shaking of the Look-Out. Mr. Popo and Dende glanced at each other in question. Before long, a click was heard and the door to the lower rooms of the Look Out opened. Goku and Uub emerged, each looking a fright.

Goku was his usual cheerful self. "Wow, that was some training!"

Uub just smirked at his teacher, who held him upright. Uub was thankful for the physical support because otherwise Uub would have hit the ground already.

Mr. Popo and Dende ran over to the pair. Dende asked, "Are you done with your training?"

Goku nodded, "Uh huh. And boy, it's a good thing. I don't think I could have taken any more from this guy." Goku gave Uub an affectionate squeeze. Uub turned green.

"Not so hard Goku. Ow."

Mr. Popo, finally smiling now that the Look-Out looked like it would remain intact, asked Uub, "So, do you think you've benefitted from your training?"

Uub nodded, "Yeah, I owe Goku so much. I learned more than I ever could have hoped to..." Uub's green color intensified. "Excuse me, I think I'm going to faint."

And the young man promptly did so, in Goku's arms. Goku scratched the back of his head as he gently laid Uub down on the floor. Dende didn't waste any time in using his healing technique on Uub's body. Dende looked up at Goku to smile and reassure him that Uub would be fine, when he saw Goku's eyes spiral up into his head just before the large warrior fell onto his back in a similar faint.

"Good gracious!" screamed Mr. Popo. "Hurry Dende, he's fainted."

"I'm almost done! There!"

As Uub sat up, a tentative look to his face as he clutched his forehead, Dende ran over to Goku's prostrate figure.

* * *

Mai's and Shoe's attention was snapped to attention at the words spiraling out of Emperor Pilaf, who stood triumphantly over the group of seven dragonballs at his feet.

"Eternal Dragon, arise!!"

Lighting streaked through the sky and then a defeaning crack shook the already shaken Look-Out. Shoe and Mai crouched as if they could ward off the very elements stirring the wind around them. Before too long, they could see the moving scales of the large red dragon through the windows of the room.

Mai glanced at Shoe, just as the Dragon asked the question, "What is your wish?"

Mai nodded at Shoe. The look between them said, "NO MORE!"

Just as Mai was about to interupt Pilaf's wish, a revived Goku walked into the room, looking at the scene before him in shock.

Mr. Popo and Dende ran in just behind him. Uub had already taken off for his village just before the Eternal Dragon had been summoned.

"What's going on here?" Goku demanded, sensing something amiss in the group of people standing before him. Goku couldn't place them, but they all looked familiar.

Mai and Shoe squealed in fear, recognizing Goku immediately. Emperor Pilaf stared at the man, sensing he knew him but still not quite recognzing the large man.

"Hey!" Goku sounded excited, as if he had discovered a bag of candy. "You're Emperor Pilaf, right?"

Emperor Pilaf gasped, recognition finally hitting him. Pilaf turned to Mai and Shoe about to bark an order for them to get back into their mecha's when he was interupted by the booming voice of the Eternal Dragon.

Everyone in the room twitched in fear. The Dragon did not sound pleased for having to ask a second time.

Emperor Pilaf was about to make his wish, forgetting Mai and Shoe and even Goku, the Dragon's voice prompting him back to what this was all about.

Mai, staring at Goku, was about to interupt Pilaf, but Shoe in his fear and excitement, interupted her!

Shoe screamed, "Make Goku evil so that he can fight by Emperor Pilaf's side!"

Goku gasped in fear.

Pilaf stuttered.

Dende and Popo looked screamed.

Mai swatted Shoe with her magazine, "That was not the wish, Dummy!"

Everyone trembled as the Dragon remained silent for a few moments. When he spoke again, they all jumped.

"I cannot grant that wish. There is no evil in Goku's heart. I cannot make him evil."

Mai, sensing her moment, "Then someone like him -- his brother!" Mai had no idea if Goku had a brother or not, but she wanted someone just as strong as Goku, and if Goku had a brother, well, it stood to reason that he would be just as powerful as Goku, Goku being the strongest person she had ever had the misfortune of knowing.

Goku was still recovering in relief from hearing that he could not be turned evil by the wish. He just managed to process Mai's wish when the Dragon answered her, "He has no living brother. His brother, evil as you wished for, died many years ago. Do you want him brought back to life?"

Goku, was about to scream, "NO!" but Mai beat him to it, with her loud and firm, "YES!!!"

"No!" Goku tried to cry out.

"Yes!" Mai interrupted him.

Shenlong's magenta eyes glowed softly and a unbelievable power swelled around him. His eyes glinted with what could be called mischeviousness.

"Your wish has been granted!"

A blinding flash, brighter than Vegeta-sei's suns begun to envelope the area, and a humanoid shape appeared in the bright light. As the mystical aura died down they could clearly see the new comer.

Goku gasped. One of his oldest enemies ressurected-his own damn brother!

Radditsu looked around curiously and wondered what happened. One moment he was fighting his father in hell, then he was back on...Earth?! He took in the sights of the beautiful planet, that he could of destroyed.

Radditsu's black eyes narrowed. Then the Namek-sei-jin Piccolo and his little brother help sent him on his way to HELL.

He growled, the sound reverbrating deeply through his chest. He would take vengeance on the stupid Namek-sei-jin and his soft-hearted baby brother.

"Radditsu..." Goku took a step forward involuntarily. This was his family, a murderous planet purger.

Radditsu's head turned around at the deep tenor, so like his father's. His eyes widened fractionally. A saiya-jin warrior was taught not to reveal his emotions.

"Kakarotto, it's you!" Radditsu snarled. He cracked his knuckles and smirked. This was going to be fun.

"Get ready to die Kakarotto!" With that said Radditsu powered up and charged at Goku. Before Goku could react, a deep voice penetrated the air.

"Halt, in the name of the Saiya-jin No Ouji, third class!" stated the Saiya-jin prince holding, an odd looking, blue-haired woman in his arms.

-Ok guys take it from here. You can explain why Vegeta has Bulma in his arms *grins* I had to include Vegeta and Bulma! I just had too! As for why Vegeta stops Radditsu ...you figure it out...lol :SSVegeta:

Bura/Tara

Vegeta landed and set Bulma down who immediately started to survey the scene.

"What's going on here, Goku?" Bulma glanced nervously at Raditz, having remembered their first encounter with him. Even with Goku and Vegeta nearby, the presence of a cold-hearted Saiyajin still unnerved her. "I noticed the sky suddenly got dark, and we both know when is the only time that ever happens."

"And of course she demands that I bring her out here. Interrupting my training, if I may add," Vegeta scoffed in annoyance as he glared at his mate.

Goku never diverted his eyes away from his brother.

"Emperor Pilaf and his friends decided to wish Raditz back to life."

Dende dropped his face in his hands and shook his head.

"What's wrong Dende?" asked Mr. Popo, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Dende momentarily picked his head up and looked around at the group. "As if having Goku's evil brother back wasn't bad enough, the wish was made with the black star dragonballs!" He placed his head back in his hands and continued to shake it back and forth.

"What the hell are black star dragonballs!" shouted an annoyed Bulma. "I've never heard of them."

In the mean time, the dark sky attracted several others who knew it could only mean one thing: A wish with the dragonballs. Since the demise of Kid Buu, no one had bothered to gather them and make a wish. Soon the rest of the Z force appeared on the lookout, one by one: Krillin, 18, Gohan, Goten, Trunks and Bra.

Raditz continued to stare down his little brother. "You seem to have developed some muscles since the last time we fought." He then turned to face Vegeta. "Well, what do we have here? Has the mightly prince gone soft and mated with these pathetic creatures?" He let out a chilling laugh.

Vegeta, agitated, yet slightly embarassed, did not answer. He simply stared with his arms crossed.

"Shut up Raditz!" shouted Goku. "A lot has changed since you were sent to HFIL. We are so much more stronger than you could ever imagine, so don't even try to start anything."

Emporer Pilaf, assuming Raditz would not question his authority, decided to use this to his advantage. "Kill that brat!" he shouted looking at Raditz and pointing to Goku. "I wished you back, so you must now do my bidding."

"Yeah, he wished him back," whispered Mai to her trusty compantion.


(OMG you guys! This is so much fun!!!!!)

Raditz only chuckled with amuzement at the small being's statement.

"I work for no one now. You do have my gratitude for bringin me back to life, but I owe you nothing."

Emperor stomped his feet like a child with a tantrum.

"Owe me nothing?! How dare you?! You were brought back to life to follow my every command!"

Radditz casually flicked his hair over his shoulder as he stared the enraged Pilaf in his face. "I think you've got things mixed up here short stuff. Now that I've been brought back to life," he paused, smirking as he gazed into the eyes of his brother as he finished his statement "You and every other being on this despicable excuse of a planet will follow my orders."

"You've got to be kidding me," Bulma muttered under her breath to no one in particular. Both Vegeta and Goku shot her a warning glance and she promptly shut up.

The newly resurrected Saiyan chuckled softly. "Skeptical? I can't say I blame you. Admittedly, the last time we met, I was in bad form. But let's just say that now, I'm new and improved." He turned and slowly outstretched a hand before him. "Perhaps a demonstration is in order to make believers of you all..."

Raditz laughed as he fired a ki blast meant to wipe out more than a few mountain ranges. He was about to open his mouth again when the prince jumped in front of it, swatting it into the stratosphere as if it were a fly.

“Well Raditz, I admit that was definitely an improvement for you. But, once again, you have grossly overestimated your abilities. You’ll have to do much better than that. Even your brother’s children could have taken care of that.”

Raditz flinched slightly. He remembered Kakarrot’s son. He remembered the power that rolled off the boy during that single attack. He looked at the assembled crowd, at the smirk that had always been Vegeta’s hallmark, at the face of his brother with its narrowed eyes and taught jaw. Then he saw it, felt it. Both men had gained not only size but power as well. Power he could actually feel as it crashed over him. How had this happened and what had he just done?

Suddenly, he felt the need for escape. His eyes fell to the blue midget, still fuming over its loss of authority. Well, the blue thing had brought him back; the blue thing could tell him what the HFIL was going on. Before anyone could stop him, he grabbed the back of its robe and hefted it up. Instantly, he saw the reaction on his brothers face turn from battle ready to concerned.

Ah yes, this was something he remembered. Little brother didn’t like to see others get hurt. “Follow me and this thing dies.” As he lifted into the air, he watched the anger gather in Vegeta’s eyes as he moved to intercept. Kakarrot reached out to stop him. Seeing his chance, Raditz gave his prince a mocking salute and took off for safer pastures.

Vegeta growled and flung Goku’s arm away from him. “Kakarrot!?!”

“He’ll keep Vegeta.” Goku turned toward Dende. “We have more pressing matters.”

“Really? And what would that be?”

Piccolo scoffed. He already knew where this conversation was going. “I’ll follow Raditz. Don’t worry Son. I know how to keep out of sight and he’s doing a very bad job at masking his ki.”

Goku nodded at Piccolo in understanding as the Namek took off after the other Saiyan and his hostage. He then returned his attention back to Dende. “What are Black Star Dragonballs?”

Gohan stepped forward, "Hey Dad, I'm going to follow Piccolo. I don't trust Radditz. I want to make sure Piccolo will be fine, ok?"

Goku turned from Dende for a moment to nod to his eldest and give him a warm smile. He would have added a "Be careful," if it weren't for Vegeta barking rudely to Gohan, "Oh leave already!"

Then Vegeta snarled at Dende, "What about these Dragonballs?"

Bulma rolled her eyes, "Boy, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today!"

Goku was a little startled by Vegeta's behavior himself. The Saiyan Prince seemed to have mellowed a bit over the years, and his current behavior harked back to a time when they first knew each other. Goku wondered if Radditz' appearance triggered old reactions in Vegeta. Although it was strange, Goku knew that now wasn't the time to ponder it. They had to know what using the black star dragon balls meant. Goku turned his attention back to Dende.

I'm really enjoying this. Much better start than the original...............carry on!!

The usually so calm guardian did not answer the saiyan's question right away. How could this have happened? How did Pilaf even know about the dragonballs? They were supposed to be kept hidden just because of the danger that lied within. Nothing in life came for free and as wonderous gift as the dragonballs were, even for good its magic didn't come without a price. However, to this day the young namekian had chosen to keep it to himself. Why? In all honesty, he never thought there would come a day he'd be faced with this situation, but suppose there was never guarantees of anything. Still...it did not explain how Pilaf got wind of them.

His body was tense and eyes held a glint of worry as he turned to face him. Goku was still expecting an answer - looking as calm and carefree as always with the exception of the slight confusion in his eyes. "I have not told you all about the dragonballs Goku...for that I am sorry, but I never thought I'd have to." he shifted his eyes away. Vegeta furrowed his brow - watching the namek thoughtfully, yet chose not to break the silence just yet. Goku however scratched the back of his head.

"What do you mean Dende? We've been using them for years and there's never been any problems before. It's not Shenron, is it? But...that red dragon didn't look like Shenron," he got a somewhat confused look on his face now, thinking back to the gigantic creature that had appeared mere moments ago. "Wait a..." Suddenly Goku's eyes grew wide and he gasped. "Oh my god! Shenron's not dead, is he?! Don't tell me you just got a new dragon to cover the old one!"

This time both Dende and Mr.Popo blinked - merely staring at the nearly hysterical saiyan before them. Eventually Dende cleared his throat. "Uhm...Goku..." he sweatdropped and waited for the saiyan to calm down. "If I'd wanted and could do that, I'd at least gone with a green dragon you know..."

"Maybe he didn't rely on Kakarrot noticing." Vegeta smirked.

"Hey! I'm not that stupid." Goku retorted. "Everyone knows Shenron has red eyes while this dragon's were...err...hm..."

"Take your time." he rolled his eyes. Goku shot him a look. "I'll get it in a minute! I just saw the belly of it, you know. Doesn't mean I don't notice things."

"Well as long as it doesn't involve food or fighting, I wouldn't hold my breath." the Prince shot back and shifted his now annoyed gaze back to Dende. "Enough of this useless bickering. Start talking namek." he snorted lightly. Goku was about to say something, but this time he was more interested in hearing about the problem at hand. Dende nodded his head slightly and turned to look at everyone.

"As I was trying to say before, I never thought I'd have to tell you about this, but..." he took a moment to gather his thoughts. There wasn't exactly a way to put it lightly what he was about to say, so suppose he should just say it. "The Black Star Dragonballs are different than the ones you've used to this day. For everything there's always a price and that goes for the wishes granted by the Black Star dragon as well. It was because of that why I never told you about them. It was just too high for a wish, no matter what that wish might be."

Goku raised a brow in thought. "Too high? How can that be? Even if it's for good?" Dende nodded his head regretfully. "Yes...the price of the wish is that In one year from now, the planet where the dragonballs were used on will be destroyed."

"WHAT?!" Goku's eyes grew wide as silver dollars. "I got my evil brother back only for us all to be destroyed one year from now?! Man..." he took a breath and ran a hand thru his black spikes. "I know I wanted to get to know him better and solve some old family differencies, but this is ridiculous."

This was stupid...

Then why was it that yet again anything and everything seemed to be going wrong because of an old grudge that just happened to be Kakarrot's fault, hm? Vegeta shifted his ebony gaze to his fellow saiyan. It was because of his carefree attitude and light heart that he'd let that blue shortie live in the first place, was it not? And just look what it cost them now.

"Déjà vu..." he muttered bitterly under his breath. A certain android problem came into his mind at least of the last time Kakarrot had screwed them all because of his soft and forgiving nature. What happened? Well if his son wasn't a liar then they all died, that's what happened!

Vegeta's eyes narrowed. "You better tell me there's a way out of this one, because I sure as hell refuse to pay the price for Kakarrot being a soft baka when he should know better." he grunted. Goku gave him a dry look. "You weren't complaining about it when we first met..." he muttered under his breath. Vegeta growled low. "Shut up Kakarrot and let the namek speak!"

Dende sighed and once again turned to the bickering saiyan duo. "There is one way..."

Dende paused, "It is a bit gruesome."

"Tell us!" Vegeta's brow knitted with a bulging vein.

Dende frowned in sympathy, paying special attention to the fighters gathered in the group.

"For each Dragonball, a sacrifice of negative energy must be made. Once this is done, the negative energy that has collected in the dragonballs themselves will dissipate, and the danger to the earth will be eliminated. It must be done for all seven balls or it won't work. You see, each dragon ball corresponds to a different part of the earth, or continent. For instance, the four-star dragonball corresponds to Asia, the three-star to Europe, the one-star to both polar land masses, etc. If a ball is not seen to within a year's time, then it's corresponding land mass, or continent will implode on itself."

Goku's brow was furrowed as he scratched his chin with his index finger. "I think I need a map."

Vegeta groaned, "Later for the geography lesson. How do we sacrifice the negative energy for each ball?"

Dende looked very nervous as he hesitated, "You're not going to like this."

Bulma was the next to become impatient, "Dende! What does it matter at this point! Spill it!!!"

"Well, a negative life force, or, someone evil, must be brought back to this plane of existence. They must be brought back to life, somehow. One life force for each ball -- they have to be really evil to sustain the ball, because the ball somehow incorporates or becomes part of their body... someone weak and it won't work. You have 3 wishes on the regular dragonballs, so there's a way right there -- perhaps wishing back everyone evil you fought during the World Martial Arts Tournament, or something like the entire red ribbon army. The more evil, the better. Then the negative energy is transferred from each ball, into the "host." Then, you have to defeat, or, erm, kill the evil life force, and thus destroy both them and the ball."

(( Speaking of maps! :rotflmao:))

They'd been flying through the air for what seemed like an inordinately long time, and quite frankly, the little blue mand was catching a chill and he was sick of it. His overly puffed-out ego overrode the fear he was feeling.

"You don't even know where you're going, do you?"

His captor slowed their pace slightly and looked down, features drawn in a grimace to sneer at him.

"Actually, no. Since you bring it up... you must have a suggestion?"

Arrrg!! Pilaf struggled in the large man's grip out of total frustration. For Kami's sake. Why was it that he was constantly surrounded by total idiots!? Even in the very midst of what he was nearly positive was his impending doom!!!

By then they had slowed to a stop. Raditz set his teeth and ever so slowly began increasing the pressure of the grip he had on the stupid looking little blue creature's neck.

"Where.?"

"K-k-k...keep going w-west" Pillaf choked, his ego suddenly taking a powder. HIs captor's grip eased, just a little bit. "I'll let you know when to stop."

It wasn't a long time before they arrived at the ruins of Pilaf's former palace. He had built bunkers underneath the place, only one of which remained intact. Perhaps he would find a way to sneak off and wait there until he could regroup and formulate another plan to gather and wish on the dragonballs...

"What is this place?" Raditz demanded, sweeping his gaze over the ruins. As he did he noticed a huge telltale depresion in the shape of a foot at the edge of the rubble.

His lips unconciously twitched into a half-grin. Not exactly thorough and efficient, but effective, he mused. At least Kakarott hadn't had his proverbial thumb up his @ss the eintire time he'd been on this dustball.

"Well," Pilaf declared, dusting himself off and straightening, the haughty ego having returned full force. "It was a spectacular palace, mine of course, but Goku had to flatten the place. I bet you didn't even realize that you were absconding with the rightful ruler of the world, something else that your brother saw fit to completely ruin over and over!!!" He was stopmping about now, his hands over his head tearing at non-existant hair. "Kami! I hate that guy!"

He abruptly stopped his ranting when he noticed the hard sardonic stare his captor was giving him. A bead of sweat suddenly ran from his temple. "Anyway there's a bunker, with provisions, that sort of thing. By all means, help yourself."

**

The bunker was cramped, little more than a hole in the ground. He didn't like it. And he hardly would describe the paltry collection of canned goods 'provisions." He was suddenly reminded that he was terribly hungry, he had been dead after all. He looked over the blue thing. It looked like the kind of creature that would yield more gristle and fat than meat. He sighed inwardly and decided he had better press the thing for information before resorting to consuming it.

"What is it that was so pressing you would deign to tear me from the underworld?" He turned ubruptly on the creature to punctuate his intent. The thing cringed in the corner for a moment then attempted to compose itself.

"Well, you'll have to ask Mai that. You weren't my wish. I was going to wish for..." He was cut off by a big hand encircling his neck.

"I don't give a $hit what you would wish for. Who is this Mai?"

"O-one of m-my assistants. I can have her over here and sort all of this out for you right away." He gestured to a shortwave radio on a small rickety table.

**

The earbud crackled with sudden static, drawing her attention to the group she was trying to eavesdrop on. She was particularly intent on keeping out of the notice of the Briefs woman's little boyfriend. She got the feeling he would squash her like a bug just for the heck of it. She thought she could actually see Shoe pale beneath his fur everytime it looked like the guy might have noticed them. They both jumped at the unexpected comunique, Pilaf's voice screeching from the other end of the connection.

"Mai, Shoe! This is a fine mess you've gotten us into, now get over here and fix it! I'm at the old base of operations. And make it quick!"

**

It was hardly 'right away' before he made out the subtle vibration of something landing in the rubble above them. He was just about to abandon the blue thing. He'd seen some settlements on the way over. He could just busy himself with some gratuitous carnage until his soft little brother decided to show up and try and stop him... and then they'd have it out one on one like it should have been in the first place...

Something moved in the entryway behind him as though trying to unobtrusively make its way past him. His tail whipped out and slung what turned out to be a furry fox like creature to the other side of the room where the blue thing cowered. Hmmm... this one looked somewhat more promising though it might be gamey.

He finished the arc of the motion be rounding on the female that had hung a couple steps behind and shot her a chilling gaze.

"Well, now that dinner has seen fit to arrive, what do you have to offer me?"

***

((k, there's my 2cents - now you guys can send that careening off into whatever direction you like. er, dont knw why the text is centered. forgive me I'm html/ubb deficient.))

:thumbsup:

mod's note: I'm moving comments on the story and plot discussions to the "Rewrite GT" thread so this thread can be mostly story, ok? Comments may be necessary from time to time, though...

"But Dende," Mr Popo butted in, "The dragon balls can only wish back someone who's been dead a year or less."

Dende counted on his fingers, trying to remember when the last villian the Z Fighters fought had died. "No," he whispered, "Twenty years ago. And Buu's been reincarnated." He crumpled to the floor. "I'm sorry everybody. I forgot. I'm a bad Kami. I'm not worthy."

"It's okay," Goku said cheerfully. "There must be *something* we can do."

Mr. Popo helped Dende up, and the Namek regained his composure before speaking. "Actually, we do have a few options. I can plead to King Yemma on behalf of the Earth to bring the evil souls back. I'm not sure how well that'd go, though." He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "I can send Baba to bring them back, but that means you'll have to defeat them in a day. Or I can destroy these dragon balls and make some new, much stronger ones. I'm not nearly strong enough, but Piccolo is, so I'll have to fuse with him before I can make them. But Piccolo might not want to merge, and I don't know what they consequences will be for using a set that powerful; it may destroy the Earth instantly. I'll wait for Piccolo's input before I decide anything. I'll call you back when he returns. In the meantime, why don't you go back to your lives?"

Dende arrived back on the lookout morose. It wasn't right or fair. He had a chance, and he blew it.

He shuffled along the corridors thinking about what they might possibly be able to do to get out of this dire situation his pride had landed them in. He paid so much attention to his own internal monologue that he failed to notice Mr Popo walk up behind him. He started when addressed.

"Dende-sama, is there something wrong? Was that wish evil?"

Dende sagged in defeat. "Yes and no, Mr. Popo. The wish is not really the problem. It was made on the Black Star Dragon Balls and I know of no way to counteract them or destroy them. Will you tell me when Piccolo gets back? I could use his input. "

"I will." Mr. Popo turned away then stopped. "Kami-sama used to consult with the King of the Worlds when he was troubled."

Dende stood there long after His companion had left. Did he really want to announce his incompetence that way? Did he have any other choice? Pulling in a deep breath to calm his nerves, Dende wandered out to the edge of the lookout and stretched his mind. He had to call out a few times before receiving a response.

"Dende, haven't heard much from Earth in a while. How is everything?"

"Actually, we are in a little bit of a bind. I could use your advice."

"Then you need to tell me a joke first."

Dende mentally cringed. He hated this pert of talking to King Kai. He stretched his brain looking for something. He had learned to keep a few jokes filed away just for these little talks, but it had been so long. "Have you heard about the new corduroy pillows? They're making headlines!"

Dende heard the laughter in his head and knew that he could now proceed with his tale of the day’s events, their consequences, the scrapped solutions, and the current dilemma. King Kai was silent for a time.

"There might be a way," he said finally. "When Freiza died, his army broke up into a number of different factions controlled by different warlords. Some are just as evil as Freiza. All have armies at their command. The only thing that has kept these factions away from Earth is the rumor that the entire Cold family died there, as well as rumors of Saiyans. Without conformation, the Lords are beginning to get antsy. Some even believe that if they were to take Earth they would gain control over the other factions. Since none is willing to give up power, they watch each other closely. If one went to Earth, the others would follow. You could bind the balls to these warlords."

"Dozens."

"Then how do we know we are using the right ones?"

Dende jumped again as Piccolo's darker voice entered the conversation. "We attach the balls to the seven greatest threats to the earth. But if we do that, we run the risk of making our enemies stronger and more evil as they absorb the powers of the balls."

Dende had not thought of that aspect and was glad, once again, that Piccolo was a member of the Dragon Clan (vol 7 pg 9). "If they have been avoiding Earth, how do we know they will come here?"

"We can give them a nudge in that direction. It won't take much. Let me know when you've made your decision." With that said, King Kai was gone, leaving Dende alone with Piccolo. How did he know anyway?

"I was monitoring the conversation from the beginning, kid."