DRAGONBALL Z: SHENLON IS LONG GONE By: L. Curtis Totty "At last, I have all of the Dragonballs in my possession. The time has come to summon Shenlon! Norrac, bring me the Dragonballs, immediately!" "Yes, Master Kaijou," said a gigantic, muscular man. He carried all seven Dragonballs in his left hand, and dumped them at Kaijou's feet. Kaijou moved over to the Dragonballs. "Where is Dr. Anigen?" asked Kaijou. "Right over here, Master Kaijou," said a woman in a lab coat. Kaijou turned around. Dr. Anigen rose out of the desert floor using a giant elevator. On the elevator was a gigantic machine. "Is the Hardware complete yet?" asked Kaijou. "Ready and awaiting your command," said Dr. Anigen. "Very good. The time has come to...make a wish," laughed Kaijou. "ARISE, SHENLON! I COME TO YOU TO MAKE MY WISH! COME OUT OF THE DRAGONBALLS CONTIGUOUSLY!" "Huh?" asked Norrac. "Look it up," said Kaijou. All of a sudden, the seven, magical Dragonballs began to gleam with a golden luminescence. Out of them flew a long, green, string of radiance. Its voice boomed. "I AM SHENLON, THE ETERNAL DRAGON! TELL ME YOUR WISH AND IT SHALL BE GRANTED!" "Shenlon, I demand that you become my slave for all eternity," said Kaijou. "INFIDEL! I REFUSE TO GRANT YOU SUCH AN INSULTING REQUEST! BEGONE!" roared Shenlon. "Oh, I don't think so," said Kaijou, smirking. "ACTIVATE THE HARDWARE!" Dr. Anigen keyed in a few commands on the Hardware, and it transformed into a gigantic laser cannon. The Hardware fired upon the Eternal Dragon! "GRRAAAWWWWRRRRR!" roared Shenlon. It fell limp to the ground, with a huge thud. "It's stunned! Immure it!" yelled Kaijou. "What?" asked Narroc. "TRAP IT, YOU VOCABULARY-CHALLENGED DUNDERHEAD!" yelled Kaijou. Dr. Anigen typed a few commands on the console of the Hardware, and it morphed into two giant machines that resembled pickle-jar lids. One of the machines scooped up the Eternal Dragon's body. The other hovered directly over the Eternal Dragon, and created a huge energy force field that linked to the other apparatus. The Eternal Dragon had become trapped! "Initialize the mind control sequence," ordered Kaijou. Suddenly, the energy force field began to glow. Shenlon was being brainwashed subconsciously. "Once I have control over the Eternal Dragon, nothing will stop me," said Kaijou. "I shall have complete control over the entire Universe! Nothing will stop me! HAHAHAHAHA... AHAHAHA...Aha...ha...ha ha ha...WHAT ARE YOU TWO LACKEYS GAWKING AT?!" "Oh uh...Nothing, Master..." said Narroc and Dr. Anigen, forcing a chuckle. "Wake him up so I can give him my first order," said Kaijou. Dr. Anigen pressed a few buttons on the Hardware's control panel, and the energy force field caused the Eternal Dragon to awaken. "All right Eternal Dragon, for my first wish, there is an incredible energy deep in space known as Dark-Power that I must have! Bring it to me now," said Kaijou. "I CANNOT GRANT THIS REQUEST BECAUSE MY POWER CANNOT SURPASS DENDE, THE KAMI-SAMA. THIS DARK-POWER IS OUT OF DENDE'S RANGE...AAAHHHRRRGGGHHH!" "So, you won't obey orders, eh?" asked Kaijou. "Dr. Anigen, bring forth our...special operative..." Dr. Anigen began to type rapidly on the Hardware, and suddenly, a new program appeared on screen. Kaijou began to type a message on the Hardware. "Can you bring forth the Dark-Power?" "WITH PLEASURE, MASTER KAIJOU," replied the computer. "This Astrocom program is perfect. Wherever Shenlon fails, we'll always have him," said Norrac. "It's a good thing we salvaged its CPU after the Z-Fighters landed back on Earth," said Dr. Anigen. "Once I have the Dark-Power, I shall become all-powerful, and my new pet will never be able to even try to oppose me," said Kaijou. "EXACTLY MASTER KAIJOU. YOU SHALL HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE UNIVERSE..." "BURNING ATTACK!" "MASENKOU!" Trunks and Son Gohan attacked their evil adversaries. The two Oozaru Saiyajin fell easily. What's more, Trunks and Gohan never even had to cut off their tails. The time had come to leave the Spirit and Time Room. "Nice job, Gohan," said Trunks as he and Gohan walked out of the Spirit and Time Room. "Thanks, Trunks," said Gohan. "Hey, where's Dende?" "I don't know," said Trunks. Suddenly, the two saw Popo-san running towards them. "Popo-san, is something wrong?" "Something's wrong with Kami-Sama!" said Popo-san. Trunks and Gohan followed Popo-san to where Dende knelt on the ground. "Dende, what's wrong?" asked Gohan. "The Dragonballs," said Dende. "I sense that the ki of Shenlon is in great turmoil." Trunks and Gohan looked at each other quizzically. Trunks reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the Dragonball Radar. He pressed the button several times. "Something's wrong," said Trunks. "The Dragonball Radar isn't picking up the Dragonballs at all!" "Maybe someone summoned the Eternal Dragon," said Son Gohan. "The Dragonballs usually disappear when Shenlon appears." "Eyé," said Trunks. "The Dragonball Radar usually picks it up even when Shenlon is here. After all, the Dragonballs are Shenlon. "Maybe we should tell my Dad about thi..." "What's wrong?" asked Trunks. "I...I sense an incredible ki," said Gohan. "It seems familiar to me...We'd better find my Dad!" "Dad!" shouted Gohan. "Son Gokou!" exclaimed Trunks. Son Gokou was just where they sensed him. He was at Capsule Corp. HQ, training using Bulma's VR System. He was fighting the Android, Super 13 in Virtual Reality. After going Super Saiyajin, and using the Kamehame Ha, he made quick work of the evil Android. He deactivated the system, and greeted Gohan and Trunks. "Hey guys, what's up?" "Something has happened to Dende and the Eternal Dragon!" said Gohan. "The Dragonballs won't appear on the Dragonball Radar," said Trunks. "Hey, that is kind of stra..." "Do you sense it, too?" asked Gohan. "I remember that ki," said Gokou. "It couldn't be Dark-Power, could it?" Gokou ran out of Capsule Corp. HQ, and searched for the source of energy. "Can you locate it, Son Gokou?" asked Trunks. "I'm looking for it now..." "DAD! WATCH OUT!" cried Gohan. Gokou looked up just in time to get hit in the face by a beam of black light, knocking him into the outside wall of Capsule Corp. "Dad, are you all right?" Trunks looked to the sky to see who had attacked them. "Ah! It's an Animal Android!" Standing before him, was a gigantic robot-wolf stopping traffic at the intersection of 13th and Satan Street. A bevy of angry motorists shouted obscenities at the robot, until suddenly, a strange black aura surrounded its body, and suddenly, there was a gigantic explosion. Those air cars were tossed into the air, and reduced to ashes. "YOU SEE THAT? YOU'RE ABOUT TO SUFFER THE SAME FATE, SON GOKOU!" roared the beast-bot. "PREPARE TO DIE AT THE HANDS OF MASHER COYOTE!" Masher Coyote extended its right arm to its right, and a cluster of claws shot out of his hands. Without warning, Masher Coyote ran at Trunks with lightning speed, and hit him in the neck with his forearm, pulling the Saiyajin with him as he flew towards Gokou and Gohan. Masher Coyote kicked Gokou in the chin, just as he was getting up. Masher Coyote tossed Trunks at Gohan, pushing them both into the wall. Masher Coyote looked up at Gokou as he flew into the air. His left arm transformed into a gigantic Dark-Power Cannon. "Say goodbye!" He fired at Gokou, who fell limp to the ground. "DAD! EYÉ!" cried Gohan. "That's it, you bucket of bolts! Now you're gonna get it!" Gohan leapt towards Masher Coyote, but the huge robot caught the young boy's fist, and tossed him into a nearby air car. "Now you'll pay for attempting to attack me," said Masher Coyote. He aimed his Dark-Power cannon at Gohan. "Say goodbye." "MAKKENKOUSAPPO!" A thin beam of yellow light spiraled towards Masher Coyote, cutting its Dark-Power Cannon off of its left arm. "AHRGH!" cried Masher Coyote. He looked up and saw a green-skinned man in a purple uniform with a white cap, and a white cape. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!" "Piccolo-san!" shouted Gohan, as the Namek-jin landed on the ground, facing his opponent. "I see you've been training, Gohan," said Piccolo. "Hai," said Gohan. "ALL RIGHT, YOU! I DON'T NEED ANY BLASTER TO TAKE YOU DOWN!" yelled Masher Coyote. He flew at Piccolo, repeatedly slashing him with his claws. Piccolo blocked each attack. Piccolo attempted to punch Masher Coyote, but the robot caught Piccolo's fist, and kneed him in the stomach, then kicked him in the chin. Piccolo backed up and threw off his hat and cape. He ran at Masher Coyote and repeatedly punched it in the stomach, and finished him off by spitting a laser blast at his face. Masher Coyote fell down, but soon he got up, with a vengeance. "ALL RIGHT THAT DOES IT! NOW YOU'LL FEEL MY WRATH!" "Yeah, sure," said Piccolo. Suddenly, Masher Coyote began to energize. Rocks began to rise into the air. Sewer lids popped off, and water rocketed out like geysers. Suddenly, an enormous black flame engulfed Masher Coyote's metallic frame. Masher Coyote flew towards Piccolo, and punched him in the gut, then kicked him in the face, knocking him upward. Masher Coyote grabbed Piccolo's leg and threw him into the ground. Masher Coyote raised his claws into the air, ready to strike. "MASENKOU!" yelled Super Saiyajin Gohan. He fired his signature move at Masher Coyote, pushing him away from Piccolo. "Okay, kid! Now you're gonna get it," growled Masher Coyote. He ran at Gohan, and attempted to slash him with his claws. Gohan quickly ducked down and punched Masher Coyote in the stomach, then kicked him in the chin. Masher Coyote went flying away, and fell on top of another air car. After a few seconds, Masher Coyote rose to its feet. "All right, you bunch of organic life forms. Now it's time for you to feel my true power!" Masher Coyote squatted down low and soon the Dark-Power engulfed his body. His power level rose to astronomical heights. "Shiné!" Masher Coyote flew at Gohan, kneeing him in the stomach. Masher Coyote followed up with a slash on the back of the head. Gohan fell to the ground, and Masher Coyote picked him up. Masher Coyote tossed Gohan into the air, and focused Dark-Power on its claws. Masher Coyote tossed a black energy ball up at Gohan, causing a big, black energy explosion, and soon he fell to the ground. "KIAIHO!" Masher Coyote sensed Trunks' attack coming a mile away. The giant robot reared back his right arm, and backhanded the huge energy ball back at Trunks. Trunks leapt into the air to avoid the energy sphere, and pulled out his sword in midair. He came down ready to strike. Masher Coyote grinned, and let out a explosion of Dark-Power, knocking the Super Saiyajin into a streetlight. "Is there no one here that can provide an adequate challenge?" asked Masher Coyote. "RIGHT OVER HERE!" "What?" asked Masher Coyote. "I thought I got rid of you already! No matter...YOU'RE MINE!" Gokou simply stood there, ready to fight. "Why don't you just go ahead and transform yourself?" said Masher Coyote. "I'm looking for a challenge!" "I don't think so," said Gokou. "I don't need to transform to defeat the likes of you!" "Foolish Saiyajin! Your arrogance shall be your downfall," said Masher Coyote. He began to power up his Dark-Power, and flew at Gokou. Gokou stared at his worthy foe, and suddenly disappeared. "Hey, where'd he go?" asked Masher Coyote. "OVER HERE!" yelled Gokou. "Nani?" asked Masher Coyote. "Oh, a speedy little gnat, eh? Well, I guess it's time to squash this bug!" Masher Coyote suddenly disappeared, and reappeared right behind Gokou. Masher Coyote swung his claw at Gokou, who jumped up, and turned around in midair. The Saiyajin leapt over Masher Coyote's head, and landed behind him. Gokou and Masher Coyote faced opposite directions, and the robot had no time to react. Gokou leaned backward and grabbed Masher Coyote by the waist. Gokou leaned forward, and slammed Masher Coyote into the sidewalk. Masher Coyote energized its Dark-Power, and leapt into the sky. He flew down like a meteor. "NOW YOU'RE GOING TO PAY!" Gokou jumped backward, and Masher Coyote flew into the ground. "Have you had enough yet?" asked Gokou. Masher Coyote slowly rose to its feet. "GRROOOAAARRRRHHHHH!" roared Masher Coyote. The Dark-Power exploded out of its body. Air cars were thrown into the sky, and buildings were completely demolished. Piccolo, Gohan, and Trunks were all tossed into the sky. Gokou stood his ground. Masher Coyote flew at Gokou with incredible speed. He threw his claw at Gokou's face. The Saiyajin simply caught the fist. "KAIOUHKEN x 10!" yelled Gokou. The explosion of energy pushed Masher Coyote backward. Gokou ran towards the evil robot and began to rapidly punch and kick him. Masher Coyote could do nothing but block each attack. Gokou finally managed to score a kick to Masher Coyote's jaw. Masher Coyote careened to the side, and Gokou punched it in the stomach. The evil robot was shoved away. It rolled on the ground before coming to a complete stop. Soon, Masher Coyote stood up, and recharged its Dark-Power. The robot focused its energy to its claw and fired a huge energy blast at Gokou. Gokou continued to power up the Kaiouhken Attack. "KAMEHAME HA!" yelled Gokou. His power blast flew towards Masher Coyote's Dark-Power beam, pushing it backwards. Masher Coyote pushed its Dark-Power output to maximum. His Dark-Power beam grew in power. "KAIOUHKEN x 20!" yelled Gokou. Gokou's beam overpowered Masher Coyote's attack. "AHHRRRGGGGHHHHH!" Masher Coyote was easily destroyed. "Son Gokou is stronger than I ever believed," thought Trunks. "Dad beat that guy without even turning Super Saiyajin," thought Son Gohan. Gokou ran over to Gohan and Trunks. "Are you guys all right?" "We've been better," said Trunks. Gokou turned to see if Piccolo was all right. He was already at his feet. "I can't believe this," thought Gokou. "One of Astrocom's Animal Androids...using Dark-Power? How is that possible?" "This Son Gokou could be a threat to my plans," thought Kaijou as he watched from his hidden camera. "He was even able to defeat the Animal Android I sent without even transforming into a Super Saiyajin!" "Shenlon! This Son Gokou is a serious threat to my plans!" said Kaijou, to Shenlon. "Therefore, I wish to become ten times as powerful as I am now!" "YOUR WISH IS GRANTED..." said the Eternal Dragon. Soon, Kaijou was covered in a fantastic energy. He had been granted incredible power! Shenlon was very weak. He needed to return to the Dragonballs and disappear for a year, so that he could rejuvenate. But because of Kaijou's Hardware, he could not escape. "For my next wish," continued Kaijou. "I need to become completely indestructible! Give me immortal life!" "Your wish...is granted..." said an even weaker Eternal Dragon. Soon, Kaijou felt an even stronger energy than before. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" laughed Kaijou. "Now, Eternal Dragon! Why don't you make a ham sandwich for me? HAHAHAHAHAHA!" "Whoever sent that Dark-Powered Animal Android must have something to do with the Dragonball Radar's inability to pick up the Eternal Dragon's energy signature," said Trunks. "I don't believe it," said Gokou. "How could the Dark-Power have returned like this? I remember it all vividly..." "The Sun, the planets, satellites, and asteroids! All things that make up the Solar System! GIVE ME STRENGTH!" yelled Gokou. Gokou sensed the energy drawing towards him. He felt the amazing power of Piccolo, Son Gohan, Hiryuu, and all the living things on Planet Earth. He felt the energy of the Sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. Surprisingly, he could even feel the power of Vegeta! Most importantly, he felt the horrible Dark-Power heading towards them. "GENKIDAMA!" Gokou hurled the Spirit Bomb through the hole in the spaceship. The Bomb flew straight at Avisha's Dark-Power beam, and pushed it back up towards her. Finally, Avisha was hit with the Spirit Bomb, which divided upon impact to separate the Dark-Power from her ki. Avisha and her Dark-Power were completely blown away into deep space. "Son, you did it," said Piccolo. "Great job, Dad!" said Gohan. Hiryuu squealed. "Thanks, guys! I owe a lot to you, Hiryuu!" said Gokou. Hiryuu licked his face. "What about the Animal Android?" asked Trunks. "Animal Androids like that were only created by Astrocom! I can only fathom how another Animal Android could have resurfaced like that! I thought for sure that Son Gokou got rid of him good..." "KAIOUHKEN x 80! KAMEHAME HA!" yelled Gokou. Gokou's ki blast met with Astrocom's. They were locked in a vicious blast duel. Astrocom began to power up, thus allowing it to win the duel. But Gokou wouldn't let that happen. "KAIOUHKEN...x 100!" yelled Gokou. The incredible increase of ki was still not enough to beat Astrocom's blast. "HAH! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?! YOU CAN NEVER WIN AGAINST A PERFECT MACHINE!...HUH?! MY POWER! I FEEL WEAK!" Gokou's ascent of power was not enough to beat Astrocom's beam at first, but the energy was enough to disintegrate the Astrocom Computer Tower piece by piece. "Astrocom's source of power still comes from that tremendous processor..." groaned Trunks. "Kakarotto's energy is destroying Astrocom's source of strength," moaned Vegeta. Gokou's beam soon pushed Astrocom through the wall of its spaceship. "Hold it! I think I can sense Shenlon's ki. But it's very weak," said Gokou. "I think I can also sense a huge ki. It's one of the highest I've ever felt!" Gokou put his middle and index fingers on his forehead, and focused on the ki of the huge power level. "SHUNKANIDOU!" Gokou transported to the location of the large ki. The Saiyajin found himself standing before a huge machine, housing the Eternal Dragon! "Shenlon?" asked Gokou. "What happened to you?" Gokou ran towards the electronic cage. He tried to touch it, but his finger was singed by an energy force field. He tried to punch the metal force field generator, but it was made of an impenetrable metal. "How am I going to get you out of here?" asked Gokou. He looked into Shenlon's deep red eyes. He could sense the pain that Shenlon was going through. The Eternal Dragon was once a majestic, omnipotent, figure of power and wisdom. Now, Shenlon was reduced to a confined animal, waiting for a bone to be tossed at him. Shenlon lay coiled up like a snake, his eyes drooping low. His long body moved slowly, churning with indescribable pain. "Who did this to you?" Gokou suddenly sensed a powerful ki behind him. He quickly turned to face his opponent. Before him was a tall, muscular, mountain of a man. He wore a pair of work gloves, blue jeans, hard boots, and a sleeveless purple turtleneck. He had a scar on his right eye, and had long blonde hair. "Another Super Saiyajin?" asked Gokou. "No, I'm no Saiyajin," said the warrior. "I'm at least ten times as strong! Now, who are you?" "I am Son Gokou, Saiyajin! I have come to liberate the Eternal Dragon," said Gokou. "You are wrong to imprison him like this!" "Master Kaijou captured him, and belongs to him now," said the soldier. "He has sent me, Narroc, to do away with anyone who dares to steal his possessions! Prepare yourself!" Narroc lunged at Son Gokou, rearing back his right fist for the initial strike. The giant threw his fist down at Gokou, planting it into the ground. Son Gokou had dodged the attack just in time, and grabbed Narroc's outstretched arm. He knew that he couldn't toss his opponent on his own. "TRIPLE KAIOUHKEN!" yelled Gokou. A giant red flame engulfed Gokou's body, and he gained the strength to pull a giant Sequoia out of its roots. But that wasn't enough to throw Narroc. The evil warrior smirked and backhanded Gokou into the force field that held Shenlon. "YAARRRGGGGHHHHH!" cried Gokou. His body fell limp to the ground, as the pounding feet of Narroc approached him. Son Gokou could feel the tremendous tremors of each of Narroc's footsteps. Narroc lifted Gokou by the throat. Suddenly, Gokou was tossed into the force field again. "AHHRRRGGGGHHHHH!" screamed Gokou. Finally, Gokou snapped out of it. He jumped into the sky, and began to focus his energy. "KAIOUHKEN x 5!" yelled Gokou as he landed behind Narroc. He charged at Narroc, but suddenly felt a foot to his jaw. Gokou was knocked away. "That's it!" "KAIOUHKEN x 10!" yelled Gokou. He dashed at Narroc at threw his left fist at him, but Narroc caught Gokou's fist with his right hand. Gokou swung his right fist across Narroc's jaw. Narroc still kept his silly smile, even as blood trickled from his lip. "This Kaiouhken Attack of yours," began Narroc. "Is it the same that took down Masher Coyote?" "Hai," said Gokou. "You don't stand a chance," chuckled Narroc. Son Gokou growled, as Narroc released the Saiyajin's fist from his powerful hold. Narroc suddenly kneed Gokou in the chin. Gokou backed up, as his opponent laughed. His opponent was formidable indeed. Perhaps the strongest he had ever faced, and it was possible that Master Kaijou was even more powerful. "KAIOUHKEN x 15!" yelled Gokou. He rushed at Narroc and repeatedly punched and kicked him. Narroc dodged each attack. "KAIOUHKEN x 20!" yelled Gokou. Narroc was no longer quick enough to dodge each attack. Narroc blocked and parried each blow with his hands. "KAIOUHKEN x 25!" yelled Gokou. He began to land a few hits on Narroc. Finally, Narroc unleashed his full power. He created a gigantic explosion of light, pushing Gokou away from him. Gokou looked up at his adversary, and saw a black aura around his body. "You've got Dark-Power, too? Eyé!" "And now to finish you off," said Narroc. "HYAH!" The massive warrior ran towards Gokou energizing his evil Dark-Power. Gokou slowly rose to his feet, and jumped into the sky. Narroc quickly jumped up to follow. "KAIOUHKEN...x 40!" yelled Gokou just as Narroc reached him. Gokou put his hands together to form an ax-handle attack, slamming Narroc on the head. The enormous fighter fell to the ground. Gokou quickly appeared beneath him, and punched him in the back. Narroc fell to the ground. Gokou landed in front of Narroc, as he slowly rose to his feet. "Had enough yet?" asked the Saiyajin. Narroc stared at Gokou, growling to himself. He powered up his Dark-Power once again, at rushed towards Gokou. "KAIOUHKEN x 50! KAMEHAME HA!" yelled Gokou. He fired a gigantic beam of light at Narroc, knocking him into the Hardware that held Shenlon. He flew into the energy force field, and let out a blood-curdling cry of pain. Narroc fell lifeless to the ground, after losing to his powerful opponent. Suddenly, Gokou heard a strange, loud, metallic grating sound. He looked back and saw a huge robot coming out of the ground. It appeared humanoid, but its hands were like two giant claws, and it had no head. There was only a cockpit with a woman in a lab coat and glasses, applauding him. "That's exactly what I would expect from a man like you, the legendary Son Gokou," said Dr. Anigen. "Do you even care that your comrade has just been killed?" asked Son Gokou. "I never liked Norrac much anyway," said Dr. Anigen. "And I think it's time to end Son Gokou's legendary reign, once and for all!" Dr. Anigen sat down in the cockpit, and a large glass dome closed over her head. The huge robot came to life. Gokou took a step back. The giant left claw suddenly began to spin at hyper speed in its place. Dr. Anigen's robotic arm suddenly began flew down at Gokou. The Saiyajin jumped out of the way. He knew that it would take more than the Kaiouhken Attack to take down an adversary as powerful as this. Gokou began to energize. His eyes began to flicker a green color. His hair began to stand on end, and glow. He transformed into a Super Saiyajin! Son Gokou ran towards the giant robot, ready to strike. Dr. Anigen suddenly fired an energy blast at Gokou, who jumped out of the way just in time. Gokou knew it was time to get serious. "KAIOUHKEN x 60!" yelled Gokou. He flew up into the air to attack Dr. Anigen directly. Suddenly, a giant claw closed around Gokou's body. He couldn't move a muscle. "Now you're mine," laughed Dr. Anigen. "You won't escape me now!" "Great! How am I supposed to get out of this?" thought Gokou. "I can't gather enough energy to use the Shunkanidou!" "Say goodbye, Son Gokou! I'll see to it that you go out with a..." "BIG BANG ATTACK!" A huge energy blast came out of nowhere, and cut off the robotic arm clutching Son Gokou. Gokou and the arm fell to the ground, but Gokou was still unable to escape. He looked up and saw who had rescued him. "VEGETA!" "You're slacking, Kakarotto," said Vegeta. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS, WHOEVER YOU ARE!" yelled Dr. Anigen. "I am Vegeta! Prince of the Saiyajin! Memorize this name, for it will be the last one that you'll ever hear!" said Vegeta. "Put up, or shut up!" yelled Dr. Anigen. With her robot's remaining arm, she fired a barrage of homing missiles at Vegeta. Vegeta energized the Golden Power of the Super Saiyajin. He tore a hole through the stomach of Dr. Anigen's robot. The homing missiles tried to follow him through the narrow hole, but they instead caused Dr. Anigen's robot to completely explode. Gokou was in mortal danger. He had to quickly escape. He realized that Vegeta would not help him this time. Technically, Vegeta would have killed him. "KAIOUHKEN x 70!" yelled Gokou. The explosion freed him from the broken claw of Dr. Anigen's robot. He quickly jumped into the air. He looked down at the wreckage below. Soon, he landed on the ground. Crawling out of the wreckage was Dr. Anigen. Her glasses were completely shattered. Vegeta landed in front of her, and pointed his palm at her. "VEGETA! YOU WOULDN'T!" cried Gokou. "Try me... BAKUHATSU HA!" yelled Vegeta. Dr. Anigen was completely destroyed. "Vegeta, you..." growled Gokou. "Are you finally ready to fight me, Kakarotto?" asked Vegeta, smirking. "Please, gentlemen, save your rage for a truly powerful opponent..." Gokou and Vegeta suddenly turned to see a weak-looking opponent. "Who are you?" asked Vegeta. "I am Kaijou...your worst nightmare!" said the warrior. The two Super Saiyajin could sense the awesome ki of their opponent. Kaijou flew towards Gokou and Vegeta, and punched them both in the stomach. They were knocked backwards into the energy force field of the Hardware that held Shenlon in place. "So you're the one who kidnapped the Eternal Dragon," said Gokou. "That's right! Now I have unlimited wishes," said Kaijou. "Don't you see that you're draining it's power?" asked Gokou. "It can only use one wish at a time because each wish drains its energy! It needs a year to recharge!" "Do you think I care? Now I have an unlimited source of power!" said Kaijou. "Whatever, its time for you to say goodbye!" said Vegeta. "FINAL FLASH!" yelled Vegeta. His gigantic energy blast flew at Kaijou. The warrior didn't even flinch. There was a huge explosion after the beam connected with Kaijou. Vegeta waited for the smoke to clear then gasped in horror. "How can he still be alive?" "Oh, nothing special. I just wished for immortality is all," said Kaijou. "IMMORTALITY?" cried Gokou. "That's right!" said Kaijou. "Now, the time has come to dispose of you two once and for all!" Kaijou suddenly began to energize his Dark-Power. Vegeta and Gokou looked on in horror. Gokou finally snapped out of his daze and began to power up. "KAIOUHKEN x 80!" yelled Gokou. "Kakarotto? What are you doing?" asked Vegeta. "We may not be able to kill him, but we can still destroy his body and leave him unable to fight," said Gokou. Vegeta began to charge up the Golden Power of the Super Saiyajin again. Kaijou flew towards the two Super Saiyajin. Gokou and Vegeta lunged at Kaijou. The three warriors were locked in a vicious rage of rapid punches, kicks, and blocks. Gokou and Vegeta weren't landing any blows. "What's the matter? Can't you move any faster than that?" "KAIOUHKEN...x 90!" yelled Gokou. He began to rapidly punch and kick Kaijou. The evil fighter had no time to react! Kaijou fell under Gokou's lightning-fast onslaught. He ended his assault with a kick to the stomach, knocking the evil fighter away. Vegeta appeared behind Kaijou, and punched him in the back. He then kicked him into the air. Gokou appeared above Kaijou and kicked him into the ground. "KAMEHAME HA!" "FINAL FLASH!" yelled Gokou and Vegeta. Their energy blasts flew down at Kaijou, causing a gigantic explosion. The two Super Saiyajin landed on the ground, to see if Kaijou was still able to fight. Soon, they could see through the cloud of smoke that Kaijou was still standing! "Great! He took a licking and kept on ticking!" snarled Vegeta. Kaijou no longer had the same smile on his face. His clothes were reduced to rags, and his left eye was twitching. "So, you want to play hardball, eh?" Gokou shifted to his battle position. "ETERNAL DRAGON! QUADRUPLE MY POWER!" yelled Kaijou in anger. He activated his Dark-Power again. "Your wish...is granted..." groaned Shenlon. Kaijou could feel the incredible power growing inside of him. "YAARRRGGGGHHHHH!" yelled Kaijou. He created a tremendous explosion. Soon, there was nothing left but a huge crater, and Gokou and Vegeta were nowhere to be found. Kaijou focused on their energy signatures, and saw them flying high in the sky. "Why won't you die?" asked Kaijou as he powered up his Dark-Power again. He fired two beams of Dark-Power up at them. The blasts moved so quickly, that Vegeta and Gokou were not fast enough to get out of the way. The two Super Saiyajin felt the full force of Kaijou's rage. They fell to the ground, having very little consciousness left. They reverted to their normal forms. "You two were foolish to try and oppose me, you mere Saiyajin. Now you will understand why you can't win." Kaijou suddenly began to activate Dark-Power on his right hand. "Now you shall pay for ever even thinking about attacking me. With my new pet I shall rule the entire Universe! GOODBYE!" "KAMEHAME HA!" A huge energy shaft knocked Kaijou away from Gokou and Vegeta. He rolled away from them before coming to a stop near the Hardware that imprisoned Shenlon. "KIAIHO!" A tremendous laser orb hit Kaijou's body. The explosion tossed him into the air. Trunks suddenly smacked Kaijou with his sword, and Gohan punched him in the stomach. He fell to the ground in terrible pain. Trunks and Gohan reverted to their normal forms and rushed to the aid of Vegeta and Gokou. Each was fed a Senzu Bean. Vegeta and Gokou jumped up, totally refreshed. "Gohan? Trunks? Arigato!" "Are you OK, Father?" asked Trunks. "Leave me alone!" snarled Vegeta. Gokou looked at Kaijou's unconscious body. He walked towards him, and knelt down. "You need a few years to cool off. Maybe then I'll let you go." The Saiyajin raised his right hand and put his middle and index fingers on his forehead. He put his left hand on Kaijou's forehead. "Dad? What are you doing?" asked Gohan. "Don't worry, son. I'll be right back!" said Gokou. Suddenly, Gokou and Kaijou disappeared. "Dad!" said Gohan. A second later, Gokou reappeared alone. "Where did you take him?" "I decided he should spend a few years in the Dead Zone!" said Gokou. "Since he is immortal, he cannot ever go to the Next Dimension, so I simply took him someplace else!" "Now, I think it's time we let Shenlon out!" said Trunks. All of a sudden, the Hardware began to glow. The energy force field surrounding Shenlon changed color, and the Eternal Dragon was no longer visible from inside. "What's going on here?" "I CAN EXPLAIN!" "Nani?" asked Gohan. "I know that voice!" said Vegeta. "THAT'S RIGHT! IT IS I, ASTROCOM!" "HOW DID YOU GET BACK HERE?" yelled Gokou. "VERY SIMPLE," said Astrocom. "MY KIND COLLEAGUE, KAIJOU, WAS IN THE RANGE OF MY VIRUS INFECTION! HIS HARDWARE WAS THE PERFECT BODY FOR ME! AFTER YOU DESTROYED ME, MY PROGRAM WAS AUTOMATICALLY BACKED UP INTO THE HARDWARE! KAIJOU WAS HAPPY TO HAVE ME, AFTER I EXPLAINED HOW I WOULD BE AN ASSET TO HIM!" "What are you doing with Shenlon?" asked Gohan. "THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE PROCESS ACTUALLY," said Astrocom. "YOU SEE, RIGHT NOW, SHENLON'S BODY IS BEING MECHANIZED! ONCE I'M DONE WITH HIM, HE'LL BE ONE OF MY ANIMAL ANDROIDS! AS MY SLAVE, HE SHALL BECOME MY ULTIMATE WEAPON, AND I SHALL RULE THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE!" "Not if I have anything to say about it!" yelled Vegeta. He went Super Saiyajin again and flew towards the Hardware. "VEGETA, WAIT!" yelled Gokou, but it was too late. Vegeta tried to destroy the Hardware before Shenlon could be completely mechanized, but his attack was useless. His fist couldn't break the gargantuan metal of Astrocom's new body. Suddenly, a giant laser cannon appeared out of the side of the Hardware and shot Vegeta. The Prince of the Saiyajin was tossed back towards the other Saiyajin. "YOU ARE ALL TOO LATE!" said Astrocom. "THE PROCESS IS COMPLETE! SAY KONNICHIWA TO SHINING SHENLON!" The energy force field was lowered, and before them was a gigantic robotic beast. It looked just like the real Eternal Dragon, but its green skin had become a bright green metallic chassis. His two brown horns had become two golden electrodes. His eyes maintained the same ruby red color. Shining Shenlon's horns suddenly began to glow. He began to gather energy and allocate it to his eyes. Shining Shenlon fired two red laser beams at the Z-Fighters. They managed to escape just in time. "I'll handle this!" said Trunks as he transformed into a Super Saiyajin again. He leapt into the sky and unsheathed his sword. He prepared to strike, but Shining Shenlon struck down the teenager with its massive tail. "Whoah!" exclaimed Vegeta. "I've never seen its tail before!" Undaunted, Trunks tried to use Shining Shenlon's long body to his advantage. He jumped onto Shining Shenlon and ran on its body, attempting to reach his comparably minuscule arms. From there he could locate the heart of the beast! "TRUNKS, EYÉ!" cried Gohan. "DON'T KILL HIM!" It was too late, Trunks drove his sword into the heart of Shining Shenlon, only to find that he could not pierce the monster's indestructible scales. Trunks immediately jumped off of Shining Shenlon's body. The giant robot-monster fired another energy blast. Trunks was taken down. "I've got an idea," said Gohan. He went Super Saiyajin once again and jumped on Shining Shenlon's body. "HEY, YOU BIG OLD BUCKET OF BOLTS! WHY DON'T YOU COME AND GET ME?" Shining Shenlon knew Son Gohan's game. Instead of firing a laser at Gohan, and thus shooting himself, Shining Shenlon swung his titanic tail at Gohan and almost swatted him when all of a sudden Shining Shenlon's tail was stopped in place. "PICCOLO-SAN!" cried Gohan. "Gohan, get out of here!" said Piccolo. Son Gohan jumped off of Shining Shenlon and watched Piccolo. Abruptly, Gohan could hear Piccolo say something in Namek-jin. Suddenly, Shining Shenlon answered to Piccolo in Namek-jin. Piccolo released Shining Shenlon, and the giant robot was at ease. "HOW CAN THIS BE?" yelled Astrocom. "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS? SHINING SHENLON IS MY GREATEST WEAPON EVER! LOOKS LIKE ITS TIME TO TAKE MATTERS INTO MY OWN HANDS!" "GRROOOAAAARRRRR!" Suddenly, Shining Shenlon became overwhelmed by a strange energy. "Now what are you doing?" yelled Trunks. "ONCE I DOWNLOAD MYSELF INTO SHINING SHENLON, I WILL ASSUME MY MOST PERFECT FORM YET!" Shining Shenlon stopped its roaring, and Astrocom's voice was heard from Shining Shenlon. "NOW YOU WILL ALL BE DELETED FROM MY MEMORY!" Gokou realized that he now had no other choice. "The Sun, the planets, satellites, and asteroids! All things that make up the Solar System! GIVE ME STRENGTH!" Piccolo realized what Gokou was doing. "Vegeta! We have to stall Shining Shenlon long enough for Son to form a Spirit Bomb!" "Whatever..." replied the Super Saiyajin. Piccolo jumped towards the face of Shining Shenlon. Piccolo fired two small laser blasts at the eyes of the giant robot. Shining Shenlon retaliated with a laser blast from its mouth. "MAKKENKOUSAPPO!" yelled Piccolo. His trademark technique was fired into the mouth of Shining Shenlon to block the other laser beam. "YOU CAN'T HOPE TO DEFEAT A FLAWLESS MACHINE!" yelled Shining Shenlon. Its blast easily overpowered Piccolo's, pushing him backwards, into the ground. "All right, Astrocom!" yelled Vegeta. "Now it's time for me to finally finish you off!" The Super Saiyajin began to gather energy. "GALACTIC GUN: FIRE!" yelled Vegeta. His ultimate attack went flying at Shining Shenlon, hitting it squarely in the jaw. Shining Shenlon was down. It slowly sat up after recovering. It looked up just in time to catch a glimpse of the last thing he'd ever see, hear, or feel. "GENKIDAMA!" Gokou tossed the Spirit Bomb at Shining Shenlon. He sensed that the moment was right, and the big blue ball struck the machine down. There was a gigantic explosion, and a bright light hindered the Z-Fighters' vision. Soon, it was safe to look again, instead of seeing Shining Shenlon before them, the real Eternal Dragon floated before them. "THANK YOU FOR FREEING ME FROM THE CONTROL OF THAT DREADFUL EVIL!" With that, the Eternal Dragon disappeared and the seven Dragonballs flew off in opposite directions. "You did it, Dad!" laughed Gohan. "Arigato!" said Gokou. "Hey, I wonder where Vegeta and Piccolo went!" "I don't know," said Gohan. "Maybe, they want to continue to train!" "Probably," said Trunks. "But there is one thing that still bothers me..." "Huh? What is it?" asked Son Gokou. "After all the trouble we went through to rescue Shenlon, we didn't get to make one stinking wish!" said Trunks. Gohan and Gokou exploded into laughter. Trunks simply stood there, wondering why they were both laughing so hard. THE END