A/N: Chapter 15. We in there. I see I'm still getting the same criticisms from the same people. Gohan's OOCness will be explained soon. I swear.

Disclaimer: I don't own DB/DBZ/DBGT/DBS. Please support the official release.

To say he was shocked would be an understatement. When he had left Earth seven years ago, Goku felt he and Chi-Chi had instilled the right virtues into their oldest son, values that would guide him throughout his teenage years and into adulthood. Moreover, he was certain that the son he knew was a pure hearted individual who was always concerned with protecting the people he cared about. What hurt the most was how he had been oblivious to the events of the last seven years until he had teleported to his own home and saw his wife for the first time in almost a decade and his newest son for the first time ever. This wasn't exactly how he had planned on beginning his day-long visit to Earth.

Bulma's words at the World Martial Arts Tournament were starting to click. He did admit it was a bit strange that Gohan, Piccolo, and Broly did not appear to have arrived together with everyone else. Truth be told, it was weird enough trying to figure out why Gohan had been there without his mother and brother. Goku had his own doubts but wanted to keep them to himself until he got the official story from the Ox-Princess herself, which had been a laborious process in its own right, as she had to force herself to stifle a sob at every sentence as Goten watched the entire scene unfold with a crestfallen look on his face.

The most troubling aspect of this was the radical change in behavior. Goku needed to get to the bottom of this mystery in order to better understand what he could do to help Gohan. What made things trickier was the lack of darkness he could sense from his son's energy. Could he have really developed the ability to mask his true motives, and therefore his real emotions? If he could not get a good read on his own flesh and blood, who else stood a chance? Perhaps Piccolo? The Namekian who, by the sound of it, had fallen in line with his protégé's schemes (although he was aware of how little Chi-Chi cared for that "green monster", as she called him)? Time was not on his side: he only had twenty three hours to resolve seven years of loose ends.

"Goku, what are you going to do?" a sullen voice snapped him out of his deep thoughts.

"I don't know, Chi-Chi. I will have to confront Gohan eventually, but it will have to wait until after the tournament, if we don't fight each other." Realizing the first round was about to begin he put two fingers to his forehead. "You're sure neither of you want to come and see Gohan?"

He could see the mixed looks of betrayal and fear all over their faces. The pain had accumulated over all these years and become too much of a burden to bear.

"I need to take care of Goten. Kami willing I can save him from growing up to be another demon." Goku flinched at that remark. He knew it was coming from a pained place, but he and Gohan had been through so much together, from teaming up to fight Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and everyone else, to spending a whole year in the hyperbolic time chamber, and witnessing his own son transform into a Super Saiyan before his very own eyes. He sure as hell was not ready to throw those memories, or his son's soul, away.

"Don't worry, I'll fix this," he said as he phased out of sight. I sure hope so...

The drawings had been set for the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament and the first round of matches would begin in a few minutes. Gohan looked up at the large billboard that displayed the seedings, generated by random drawings, to create the following fights:

Space Mountain v. Android 18

Gohan v. Kibito

Goku v. Jewel

Videl v. Spopovich

Krillin v. Killa

Vegeta v. Yamu

Ma Jr. v. Shin

Mr. Satan v. Mighty Mask

Interesting match-ups, but...

"Gohan, have you taken a look at your opponent yet?" Piccolo nodded in the direction of the large pigmented elder dressed in regal attire. Standing beside him was the much less imposing Shin, Piccolo's first round match-up.

"Absolutely, I think I should introduce myself." Gohan sauntered over to the mysterious pair while making an odd gesture with his hand, encircling his right thumb and index finger while keeping his other digits raised and promptly bringing the circle to his right eye.

"Can I help you?" Kibito gruffly asked. "Our fight isn't scheduled to start for anothe-"

"You guys can drop the act," Gohan bluntly cut in, dropping his hand from his face. "I know who you are and why you're here."

"Is that so?" This time it was Shin's turn to speak up. "Well what did I tell you, Kibito? This mission is full of surprises."

"It's an honor to finally meet you, Supreme Kai," Gohan held his hand out to the diminutive deity, who firmly shook it in kind. "So how is this going down? Are we letting Yamu steal my energy this time around too?" Piccolo's ears suddenly perked up at the conversation.

"How do you know about the venerable Kai's plans?!" Kibito was dumbfounded. They had not discussed their strategy with anyone besides themselves, let alone an Earthling.

"Never mind that, Kibito," Supreme Kai brushed him off. "Gohan, would you be amenable to that plan? If you know this much, I can only venture to assume that you know who we are after and what we are trying to stop."

"Yeah, I think I have a solid grasp of things," Gohan idly put his hands behind his head. "Something about stopping Babidi from reviving Majin Buu, right?" Kibito's jaw dropped. How did this teenage boy know everything?

"Looks like we're on the same page then," Supreme Kai responded. "We cannot find Babidi's lair without Yamu, so unfortunately you will have to put up with this inconvenience. But with your saiyan blood the recovery shouldn't be a problem."

"True," Gohan tucked his elbows and placed his chin on his thumb, considering the contents of the conversation he had had with Goku in the alternate timeline. "I really think you should let me take control of this mission once we start pursuing Spopovich and Yamu. You see those two over there?" Gohan stuck his thumb in the direction of Piccolo and Broly. "They'll be enough to take care of your problems."

"Disrespecting the authority of the Supreme Kai? Such insolence!" Kibito screamed. Who was this child to tell a Kai what to do? However, his superior merely chuckled.

"Well Gohan, normally I'd object to such a deviation, but this day has thrown me so many curve balls that I'm just curious enough to see what you're planning. I'll allow it under one condition - you must tell us how you were able to anticipate our intentions."

Gohan was getting ready to respond when the announcement for the first match was made. "Sure thing, Supreme Kai. Let's enjoy at least one match first." He said his goodbyes and walked back to Piccolo's side.

/Is everything set, Gohan?/

/Absolutely, the real fun is about to begin soon./

/I'm still amazed the Supreme Kai of all beings yielded to you./

/You already know what it is. Game recognize game, Kais do too./

/True, true./

"Gohan," a stern yet familiar voice called out to Gohan's left.

"Ah, hey Dad. Ready for the tourna-"

"What are you trying to do, Gohan?" Goku interrupted. He wanted to hear it from his son's mouth before jumping to any conclusions. "Chi-Chi told me everything. She decided to stay home with Goten instead of coming out and cheering for us. Do you understand how badly you've hurt them?"

"Dad, this isn't the time or place for that." Gohan knew this conversation would come eventually. He had been wanting to hold it off for as long as possible, but it was only a matter of time until his mother spilled the beans to Goku, which she of course did at the first opportunity available.

"No, we need to talk now," Goku emphasized. "I did not raise my son to be a cold-hearted bastard who turned on his own family."

"Look, father," Gohan turned to face his old man and look him dead in the eye. "I understand where you're coming from, I really do. You only know what mom told you and her helicopter spin on the entire story. I promise you I will explain everything as soon as we fight each other in the quarterfinals...unless you're planning on going one and done this year?" He cocked his head back and gave Goku an inquisitive look, banking on de-fusing the tension by appealing to that basic Saiyan lust for battle.

"Alright Gohan," Goku begrudgingly replied, rewarding his son's bet. "I'm holding you to that. To be honest, I'm excited to see how much stronger you've become," he said while letting out the briefest hint of a smile.

"Great," Gohan drawled while nodding his head in an upbeat manner before turning his attention back to the ring. "I think the first match is about to start, let's see what the announcer has to say."

"It's time to begin the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament! I am your announcer and I will be looking forward to another exciting series of fights between the greatest fighters in the world! So without further ado, let the first round begin!"

"He's still as energetic as ever," Goku remarked, chuckling a few times at the Announcer's passion. "I hope he remembers to do the countdowns this time around!"

"Our first match-up will pit a newcomer with someone we all remember from the last tournament. First off, let's give it up for none other than our defending champion, Android 18!" The crowd cheered with ferocity as 18 made her way to the ring, giving a few customary waves while ignoring the catcalls.

"And now, making his World Tournament debut, a mysterious fighter adorning a name that befits his stature, give it up for Space Mountain!"

"I suppose that's my cue," Broly remarked as he glanced at Goku, Gohan, and Piccolo before giving them all one last wink and heading over to join his opponent.

"This should be good," Gohan said out loud to no one in particular, teeming with anticipation.

"Space Mountain? That's the alias he went with?" Piccolo asked, extremely confused. "Why not just stick with Broly?"

"Why not just stick with Piccolo?" Gohan shot back. "Let him have his fun, Ma Jr." he sarcastically added.

"You've got jokes, Gohan," the Namekian responded in kind.

Broly had been waiting for this moment for a while. He had learned to control his rage, but his swagger was still explosive as ever, and he made sure to let the entire world know whose arena it was as he strutted onto the ring while giving a double bicep flex before extending both arms and pointing his index fingers up to the crowd in acknowledgement.

"Goodness, this place has EXPLODED into a frenzy upon Space Mountain's arrival! So much moxy and bravado on display for a newcomer. He definitely feels at home!" the announcer commented on the scene that had unfolded in front of him. Waiting a few seconds for the crowd noise to abate, he continued. "As a reminder to our contestants, once you have left the ring, have been knocked down for a ten second count, or knocked out, you have lost. Furthermore, killing your opponent or using any weapon that is not an extension of your own life force will result in a disqualification. Are we clear?"

He didn't want to fight her. Not only was he too strong for it to be an even match-up, but he would much rather do other things with her. It still blew his mind that she married a bald dwarf, and then had a kid, of all things, with that creature. There was a lot about this world that he did not understand.

"Go mommy!" Marron screamed, cheering 18 on while sitting on Krillin's lap.

"Yeah, let's go 18!" Trunks chimed in. "Kick that weirdo's butt! Broly? More like Bro-LAME!"

His ears perked up at this comment. Just as the announcer had finished his spiel, Broly immediately vanished and reappeared in position with the microphone in hand, his eyes fixated firmly on Trunks, pointing him out for the crowd.

"I will take your mother home and make a WOMAN out of her, kid," he bellowed. "You keep your mouth SHUT!"

Trunks looked around, then back at Broly, a hint of fear in his eyes. "Is he talking to me?" he asked an enraged Bulma.

"I'm talking to YOU kid, I'ma make your mother go WOO WOO WOO!" Broly continued with zero chill. He could tell he was drawing the ire of the entire world, and he LOVED it. Even if he had given up on destroying everything in sight, he still loved playing the heel. Gauging Vegeta's reaction to the entire spectacle was the best part of this entire charade. Kami knows there was nothing the Prince of all Saiyans wanted to do more than to beat Broly's head in for disrespecting his family, but he knew he was out his depth with that one. Instead, he gave his most hateful look possible and shot it in the direction of the Legend, who continued to push the envelope by now locking himself in a stare with Vegeta.

"Vegeta, if I don't see you in the finals, I'm coming to get Bulma. And if Bulma RIDES Space Mountain, I'll run the entire Capsule Corp empire. Ya got it? LEARN TO LOVE IT! WOOOOOOOO!"

"Oh Kami, would you please just shut up already?"

Broly then turned his attention to 18, who was sharing the entire arena's mixed sentiments of shock and disgust, before pointing at her and continuing. "Young lady, your MOTHER rode Space Mountain twenty years ago, girl." His grin stretched even wider as he continued. "And you may get to ride tonight."

"You are such a creep," came 18's vicious reply. "Do you use that line with every woman you meet? Hey glasses! Just start the fight already!"

The announcer, who had already found a spare mic, obliged and signaled for the monk to strike the ritualistic gong. "Space Mountain versus Android 18, begin!"

Anticipating Broly's first move, 18 assumed a defensive stance. After receiving many a beatdown from Gohan back in the day, she knew the only way she remotely stood a chance was to use the rules of the tournament to her advantage and stick to counterattacks while waiting for Broly to make any sort of mistake so that she could potentially induce a ring out.

Despite all that, she was completely unprepared for what happened next.

"Come on, ma," Broly started talking as he started to casually approach her. "We both know I don't want to fight you. I'd much rather do the other thing that starts with an F," he started rubbing his hands together and stopped 2 feet in front of 18, studying her features with extreme hunger.

"Hey bonehead," 18 snapped back. "Did you not see me earlier with my husband and daughter? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Just because there's a goalie doesn't mean you can't score," Broly shrugged her point off. "There's no need for such a tussle. I'm just saying we would look hot as a couple, because you're shaped so beautifully," the Legend paused before leaning forward and whispering into her ear "and you're almost as cute as me," causing the cyborg to blush furiously. She had never met this man before today, and yet he was sounding extremely convincing. Krillin had done a lot for her, but tall, tan, and alpha were three things he definitely was not, and although she had never acted on it, 18 always had that curiosity in the back of her mind.

But still, he was friends with the boy who had turned her life into a living hell. Even if she entertained his offer, she could not bear to suffer that pain all over again. Besides, what if this was just a trap that had been laid out by Gohan? No, she wasn't ready to risk it all for a fling.

"Hey Broly..." 18 looked up at the curious Saiyan, carefully considering her next words.

"Eat shit."

"Gohan, how long is he going to continue this?" Piccolo had had enough. He was here to fight and watch fights, and this dog and pony show was not what he had signed up for.

"Let him cook, Piccolo. This will be the only real fight of the day, remember? Might as well get some entertainment value while we can, because the fight itself isn't going to last long," Gohan was thoroughly amused by the display Broly had put on. He knew what a little bit of pop culture infused with the Legend's natural ego would result in, and this sight was a manifestation of Broly's last three years on Earth. Watching the maniac convert his murderous ways into an over-the-top swagger was a privilege reserved for only Piccolo and himself. While his Namekian comrade did not care much for the demeanor, he tolerated and accepted it as a much more desirable alternative.

"What do you mean, only real fight of the day?" Goku asked them, his mood darkening. "You made a promise to me, Gohan. Are you backing out already?"

"I'm sorry Goku," Piccolo interrupted. "There are larger forces at work here. It will all make sense soon, just please be patient and you will understand."

"Well ok then," Goku sighed. "I'll just stand here waiting for this fight to start..." he commented idly while Broly was busy hitting on 18.

18 launched a barrage of attacks on Broly, opting for an all-out assault as a way of rebuffing his advances. When none of her physical combat was forcing Broly to block or even dodge her hits, she rose in the air and unleashed wave after wave of ki blasts. She knew this was not the way to win, but she didn't care any more. He had rattled her enough to force her to abandon all reasoning.

After she was completely spent, a large cloud of smoke was all that was left in the wake of all the explosions. As the dust settled, she noticed that Broly was nowhere to be found and started frantically scanning the area for his life force.

"Can I hit it from the back?" came a voice from behind her.

"NO!" before she could turn around, she felt a hard elbow on her spine that sent her crashing into the stands.

Broly landed back on the ring and looked expectantly at the announcer.

"I cannot believe what I just saw! 18 has been knocked out of the ring, which means Space Mountain wins! There will be a new champion this year! What a time to be alive!"

Making his way back to his team, Broly ventured one last look at where he had thrown his opponent. He'd been generous enough to deposit 18 near her friends and family, and in doing so got a chance to soak in their reactions. Of course, 18 had survived with nary a scratch so all eyes were on him once again. He gladly took the time to wag his tongue out at them and give one last "WOO!" before leaving the ring.

"Wow Broly, just ten minutes in the limelight and they already hate you," Gohan chuckled as he bumped fists with the Legend. "And your thirst knows no bounds. 18? Really?"

"I mean, have you looked at her? That's one bad bitch," Broly shot back. "Just the thought of getting inside those sugar walls has me working up a sweat. I had to cut the fight short because I was starting to get ROCK HARD out there."

"She's a cyborg, man. Get a hold of yourself," Gohan responded, his incredulity betrayed by his expression.

"Let's agree to disagree," Broly said while shaking his head at his friend's lack of appreciation. "I think you're up next too. This Kibito guy should be a walkover to the quarterfinals for you."

/I hope you're ready for what's next, Piccolo/

/Don't worry about me, Gohan. Just do what you have to do/

The half-Saiyan nodded at Piccolo before meeting up with Kibito as they walked over to the ring, both understanding what was in store for them. Gohan was determined to make sure his timeline proceeded in a different direction from the one he had witnessed. He would be the game changer this universe needed.

"Gohan versus Kibito, begin!"

A/N: We're getting closer to solving Gohan's OOCness! WOW! Such plot device! Much suspense!

Also, I'm going to start replying to all of your reviews, so leave them for me. Hate it or love it, it's Broly's squad on top.

Something to consider: Should I upgrade this this story to an M rating? What are the pros and cons? Let me know. I think it could go in either category but I know some people don't even read M rated stories due to the way the filters are set up.

Something else to consider: Should I re-name this story to Dragonball GT (Gohan Trump)? Let me know in your review. Either way, we're ready to #MakeDragonballGreatAgain