DRAGONBALL Z meets Sly Cooper

A COLD ALLIANCE

Sly's thoughts…

"Night after night Bentley continued rummaging through drawers and running through blue prints of Doctor M's fortress. Detailed fold outs of the defenses, armaments and landscapes were hung up all over the place as a show of what we were up against. Even Penelope found it hard to follow with what we were actually attempting to perform. This job was not going to be easy, fro all of us. With only a team of eight individuals, we needed to add another member to the group with the talents Bentley required to be able to complete the puzzle. By this, Bentley required the talents of a well trained and influenced character in the arts of field and subtle demolition skills."

"After careful analysis of Doctor's M's fortress, Bentley came to a difficult conclusion that his demolition skills were just not going to be enough. He informed us of our situation during Chinese takeout dinner. We listened in as he briefed us on this misfortune and we all agreed that we needed another team member. However, his proposed candidate came to Gohan as a shock as Bentley suggested his old enemy… the Panda King! Even I was shocked beyond belief that Bentley would bring up such a loose-cannon character, let alone suggest that he would be joining our gang!"

"Once a member of the original Fiendish Five, he played a part in taking out my dad, and stole the pages to some of the pages to the Thievius Raccoonus. Years later, we finally caught up with him and Gohan engaged the Panda King in a final show down. After a long, hard battle, Gohan eventually brought him down with his martial arts abilities and inhumane strength, and claimed back what the Panda King had stolen from me. He had his share of beatings. But there was no way I was going to let that monster on my team."

"Gohan argued over the fact of the Panda King joining the team and tried to convince Bentley that he would be able to bring down the defenses of Doctor M's fortress single-handedly. However, Bentley rebutted that a direct assault would be impossible and that any misguided attempts to try and storm the place would be out of the question. It was dangerous work, a mission that would probably insure the destruction of the entire island and everyone on it, including those stationed outside of it. The debate ended with hesitation. Bentley was firm about it. The Panda King of course was a master of demolitions and was able to create enough fire power to blow a hole, straight through to the centre of the earth. He also had subtle ways of using his fireworks for demolitions which was pure genius."

"We had recently gotten word that the Panda King had left his life of crime and was now living a life of quiet, peaceful meditation high up in the Kunlun Mountains. So, the gang whipped up some crafty disguises once more and hopped on a plane bound for our next destination. Next stop, China…"

Panda King's meditation shrine…

It was easy to say that Gohan felt right at home here. Having traveled the world and visited exotic places as well as trying unique brands of food, there was no place Gohan felt safer then in China. However, in past experiences and visits to this country, Gohan had found that not even the feeling of safety was enough to bypass the facts that there was still danger lurking around every corner. Marching for miles on end from the airport, the gang made there way up the high, vast mountains of Kunlun, heading deeper and deeper into unknown territory. The path they stuck to was a known route towards the Panda King's original hideout, things have changed.

Interpol's recent mission to this area led under the personal command of Videl had ensured a sure firm grip on the entire mountain regions. For years Interpol has scouted out the mountains and has been liberating towns and villages that have been under the Panda King's control, arresting all of his old forces. Now, all that was left of the Panda King's shattered empire was his gigantic statue and long destroyed damn. A Interpol winter base station nick-named Bravo Base has been built out here in the mountains so to provide shelter for the weary mountain officers and Interpol patrols. The Cooper gang was sure to stay out of their sight and carried on through the mountain without trouble. Fortunately, the area they were headed to was not really on the map, but after careful searching, Bentley had found the Panda King's precise location.

It was a long walk, but the Team finally managed to find out where the Panda King was hiding out. A large valley hidden in the centre of the mountain ranges. It was a massive clearing with a lot of life and warmth being brought in from the surrounding environment. It was not on the map because it was a sacred shrine set up in secret by the Panda King himself where he planned to live the rest of is life at. The area wasn't as hilly as expected and held a lot of life here. Despite the various cliffs surrounding the area, creating a large wall obstacle, it was pretty quiet and peaceful out here. A river ran through the valley, creating a mote around the actual shrine itself. Bamboo trees grew out of the frozen lakes and the river, as well as other unique vegetation. There was a large prayer building built on the central island with a giant draw bridge beyond that. it had two Tiger guards patrolling it so to stop any unwanted intruders. Also, across the river and prayer island, there was a gigantic stone pillar that stuck out of the earth, surrounded by many other pillars. At the base of these giant structures was a thin layer of cool fog while at the top of the main pillar was another sacred building. This was the main shrine the Panda King used for his meditation. It happened to be the place where the Panda King himself was already at.

Silhouetted against the blue sky and white clouds stood the Panda King. Dressed in a respective, sacred, pure white outfit consisting of a robe with green dragon symbols and the spirits of the Chinese spiritual realm, the Panda King was unrecognizable. For starters, he had grown white hair tied back into a pony tail, had a beard and a mustache. Some would say this was not the actual Panda King, but underneath all his sacred robe attires and old appearances, this was definitely the once ruthless and powerful tyrant in his most weakened state.

Deeply caught up in his meditation, he was completely oblivious to everything going on around him. His guards were left with the orders to keep watch of the place and of course, dispose of any intruders. The Panda King had very little to fear of any intruders, but was to get the biggest shock of his life when the Cooper gang showed up on his door step.

Emerging from a cave in the side of the cliff face beyond the reach of the Panda King in his shrine on the other side of the river dividing the valley was the entire Cooper gang. A path led down from the entrance to the cave that also served as the exit out onto the sacred land. The first to emerge from the cave was Sly Cooper, accompanied by Gohan, Videl and Carmelita. Following shortly afterwards were Bentley, Murray, the Guru and Penelope. The group deposited themselves out onto the dirt ridden path before stopping side by side, amassed on the narrow path of earth. Immediately after sprinting out of the cave and stopping where they stood, they began looking out and around them at the clearing around them. They took in the magnificent sights laid out before them before turning to Gohan. The young Saiyan was weary, sensing the Panda King close by. He had a right to be cautious.

"Stay sharp team, for all we know, the Panda King is as dangerous as ever", Gohan warned, aware of the old martial artists abilities and strength. Bu despite the danger the Panda King posed before, Gohan sensed that the Panda King has really let himself go. The guy's power level had dropped dramatically and was incredibly low, but he was still quite strong. He was just lying to make sure that the team was alert and ready for action.

Bentley, looking straight ahead towards the pillars in front of them managed to spot the Panda King far away in the distance. He stared with a bit of admiration before pointing out towards the Panda King. "How can you say that Gohan, just look at him", Bentley exclaimed, drawing everyone attention towards the Panda King standing atop of the pillar encased by the wooden shrine. They were all surprised by the fact that Bentley had managed to spot him. The turtle smiled proudly and shrugged. "Have you ever seen anyone more at peace with the world?"

Videl placed her hands on her hips as she looked out towards the towering pillars, impressed by the way the Panda King had set up this entire area to suit his purposes. He definitely made sure that he wasn't interrupted by anyone or anything if he had built a large draw bridge to prevent anyone from getting up to him. "I have to admit, he does look a bit 'zenned-out'", Videl commented, crossing her arms. She no longer was armed with her new plasma-bolt Desert Eagles but with her old, familiar fire arms, as well as her Shotgun and belts of ammo.

Carmelita looked about the area one last time before crossing her arms, looking at it with a bit of perspective. Sure, it was nice, but it was too quiet for her taste. "Well, there aren't many guards hanging about, why don't we just get over there and get this over and done with. If we came here to get the Panda King onto our team, then I suggest we deal with this decisively", said Carmelita. Penelope looked over at the fox with a perplexed look on her face before pointing out the river and guards.

"Are you kidding?! We can't storm this place, the foundations don't look to good for us to walk over and the guards are sure to spot us and sound the alarm", Penelope exclaimed. Bentley nodded in agreement while Murray and the Guru listened in on the group debating among themselves. It was so much easier before when it was just the four of them, Sly, Gohan, Murray and Bentley. What happened to those days?

"Yes, but those guards can be dispensed with easily, but there is the problem with the river crossing. We may need to find an alternative way up to the Panda King's shrine. Murray nodded affirmatively.

"Alright…great! The walk up here tired me out! I don't want to turn around now! Man…I miss the van. We never had to walk anywhere back then", Murray sighed in disappointment and upset. Gohan gritted his teeth and looked back at the team nervously, worried that they would break out into another unnecessary resolve that he sure didn't want to get involved with. When Murray was upset it was hard to cheer him up again.

"OK…OK, let's not get too mixed up here! Let's just get the job done", Gohan stated. With simultaneous nods, the entire team headed back onto the path, sprinting down towards the bridge that crossed the first river and onto the island where the prayer building was and the draw bridge was build that would lead them up to the towering shrine. Their shadows followed them across the ground before vanishing into the mist that hung in the air. The mists were created by some nearby waterfalls and by the humidity the entire clearing absorbed. Of course, it was of no never kind to the Cooper gang as together, in a line, sprinted towards the sacred structures belonging to the Panda King.

Crossing the red, arch bridge that was built over the river, the gang split up around the area, working their way around the big building. The two Tiger guards were on the other side, changing shifts with each other. The gang was able to take alternative routes around the building so to ambush the guards. While Bentley, Penelope and Murray headed left, The Guru, Sly and Gohan went right. Carmelita and Videl however took a different path, leaping on top of the building and sprinting across it, getting into their planned positions. The two of them stopped on the ledge, the draw bridge pulled up in front of the two girls and the guards stationed on the stone path below. From the looks of it, they were caught up in an inaudible conversation between them. They were too caught up in their own business that they failed to notice the approaching threats around them.

Bentley wheeled out from around the building with Murray and Penelope hiding behind it. On the other side of the building from them, Sly, Gohan and the Guru were set up and waiting for the next move. Bentley took a quick look at both the Tier guards. They were dressed in respectful, Chinese body armor usually reserved for Samurai warriors but they didn't wear helmets and were armed with Kwan Do's, the same type the Panda King used against Gohan in the previous battle years before. Their armor colors were green, black and cold with their orange and black striped fur adding color to them.

Ignoring the looks, Bentley drew his Kar98 sniper rifle and, taking aim with the Tiger's back turned to him, fired. The bullet shot through the air and embedded itself in the back of the Tiger's head, blowing a hole straight through him and killing the guy instantly. Before the Tiger could drop to the floor and the other Tiger guard could recover from his shock, Videl leaned over the edge a bit on the building above the Tiger and drew her shot gun, cocking it and firing a lethal blast of pellets. The shot sent the Tiger staggering back before he collapsed in a pool of blood on the ground, dead.

With both guards incapacitated, Gohan, Sly, Guru, Murray, Penelope and Bentley moved in with Videl jumping off of the building above. Bentley had already unloaded the empty round from his rifle while Videl swung her shotgun onto her shoulder holster again. When they were all stationed under the building, Bentley turned to Murray and pointed out the two support beams set up one either side of the bridge. Murray turned two them with a curious expression on his face. Clearly he did not know what Bentley was trying to point out to him.

"Knock the support pillars on the draw bridge", Bentley instructed. Murray looked at him in surprise, raising an eyebrow.

"Really?!" Bentley scowled at him, laying his rifle onto his lap. Even Penelope looked over at Murray with a rather odd look on her face. Wasn't it obvious?

"Draw bridge destabilization is the quarter stone of this plan. Use your fists to knock them out of place", Bentley stated. The Guru nodded and briefly made one of his silently spoken, powerful comments. Whenever it came to these situations, he was always there to give his student some advice. This of course was one of those times where Murray was reluctant to use violence as a key point to his life.

"Listen Murray, you must not be afraid to show true strength as it is sometimes a person's strongest trait. Use it wisely and with control great control, only then will you achieve success and victory over your adversaries", the Guru stated. Murray grinned and cracked his knuckles, performing one of his heroic poses. Yes, maybe the Guru's words were a big spur of the moment.

"OK master…obstacles, pillars, walkways, bridges… PIECE OF CAKE", the hippo exclaimed, walking forward towards the closest of the poles that held the bridge in place. The Guru chuckled and shook his head while Videl and Gohan crossed their arms, amused looks on their faces. Bentley looked over at the Guru and shrugged.

"I know, sometimes you've just got to be firm", the turtle added.

Without a second to waste, Murray set to work. Cranking back his right fist, the hippo sent it into the wooden pillar, knocking it out of place as well as turning it into a pile of splitters. His punch was stronger then the team had expected, sending the piece of wood flying across the river where it struck the stone pillar the Panda King was stationed on. Unfortunately it had done nothing to shake the stone structure. Swiftly, Murray moved to the next one on the right side of the ramp. Performing the same warming up motion, the hippo pulled back his left fist, and with a growl, sent it at the pole. The same effects happened as its predecessor and without a second glance the pole was turned into a flying hail storm of wooden pins and splinters. It landed some distance away. With that accomplished, the bridge wobbled at the loss of balance but failed to fall. Murray however found a lot of enthusiasm out of that and yelled victoriously.

"Oh yeah, take that support beams. The Murray has broken you! Let that be a lesson to all poles, I will not be trifled with", the hippo exclaimed. Bentley smiled, seeing his friend act. Penelope however was a little freaked out by Murray's energetic behavior, but she guessed she would have to get used to it from now on. It was the task at hand that brought her back into the real world. Turning around, Penelope called up to Carmelita and directed her attention to the unstable draw bridge.

"Alright Carmelita, use your shock pistol and blast that bridge down. The explosive effects of your pistol's blast should be enough to knock it over, but be sure not to destroy it completely", Penelope called. Carmelita smiled and pulled out her pistol, twirling it in her right hand before aiming the sights directly towards the pinnacle of the still standing obstacle. The fox smirked deviously.

"I've perfected myself with over fifty weapons, I'm sure I can handle knocking down a bridge to cross", Carmelita replied. Clicking back the firing pin of her weapon and adjusting her scope, she fired her weapon. There was a loud boom and a giant ball of electricity escaped the muzzle of her weapon. The blast struck the bridge, disintegrating on impact but the shock wave caused by the impact was enough to knock the bridge over. The bridge fell down with amazing speed and crashed at the entrance point to the shrine atop of the standing pillar. The Panda King was alright, and from the look of it, hadn't noticed a thing.

Once the bridge had stabilized and the dust had cleared, Gohan, Sly, the Guru and Bentley took that as their queue. With Gohan at the front of the pack, he sprinted up the long bridge across the river upwards towards the shrine, the young Saiyan stopping in front of the Panda King. Sly stood on his left and a bit further away then hoped while the Guru stood at Gohan's right along with Bentley. The four examined the Panda King's peaceful state, his eyes closed and a relaxed expression drawn over his usual, enraged self. The Guru rubbed his chin, sensing a strange dream time connection.

"My…it appears that this meditation is deep. The abysses of darkness extend further then I imagine", the Guru said. Bentley looked between the two and nodded, looking over the Panda King more thoroughly.

"I agree. It appears that the Panda King has subjected himself to a real deep meditation. It would be hard to wake him", Bentley informed. Sly shrugged indifferently while Gohan merely glared up at his old enemy. Even though he was aware of the Panda King's lack of strength, he knew that he was still a dangerous foe who was hard to beat. The Panda King's endurance made up for his slow attacks and overdone combinations.

"So let's just shout in his ear", Sly suggested. Bentley shook his head, looking rather annoyed.

"No! To break him out of this trance, we'll need to delve into his mind", the turtle responded. Gohan shrugged in a suggestive way.

"A hack saw then?" Bentley shook his head more and more, this time more fiercely to emphasize his point.

"No, this will require channeling. Gohan, sit in front of the Panda King! Guru, I'll need you to bridge their minds. Just make sure you convince the Panda King to get out of his dream world and back into reality", Bentley explained, pointing at Gohan and bidding him to be seated. Gohan, aware of the transmission effects of meditation sat cross-legged before the Panda King and closed his eyes, folding his arms over his chest as he always did. With Gohan in position, the Guru began twirling his cane, the moonstone spinning round and generating a purple-pink glow that filled the air, accompanied by mystical energies and sparks.

Visually, energy began to pass between the mind of the Panda King and Gohan. Slowly, the young Saiyan was pulled deep into a dark abyss as his mind traveled towards the Panda King's. Before long, Gohan had entered the dream world, a world beyond the physical world and spirit world itself…

Panda King Flashback scenario…

The mind was a powerful thing, especially if you connected between the channeling of both Gohan's mind and the Panda King's dream world. It was here where things could go astray and could change rapidly. However, the world Gohan had been pulled into was all to familiar to him and was quite indifferent from the original dimension he had just come and crossed to here. it was a Flashback world, where old history was looked upon and the world as we know was black and white. Gohan could feel and sense it all around him, the mystical ki energies of a different world that was not his.

Around him, he stood in a very familiar place. it was the same place he had fought the Panda King before. Surrounded by the pillars supporting the ancient roof of the Panda King's temple, which was built on top of the giant statue Gohan had traveled to years before. Swords and other weapons were hung up on the surrounding pillars with many that were recognizable to the young Saiyan's eyes. This was the very centre of the Panda King's fire works operation, but yet it was a mere memory long remembered.

Just like how Gohan remembered it, he stood at the base of a series of progressing stone platforms that stood centered of the giant room. Pots, statues and other objects made up these platforms, creating the sacred training space the Panda King used. However, as Gohan looked about, he noticed that he retained his present form. He still wore the black and red gi, black mask, red pouch worn on the leg and twin swords flung onto his back. Everything from what he remembered wearing seconds ago was still on him. But when he looked up, he immediately saw the owner and source of this dream world. His eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the giant form of the old Panda King standing atop of the platforms, skipping on the spot and hands at his sides in a respectful fighting stance.

Upon seeing his opponent look up, the Panda King glared down at the young Saiyan with hatred seen many times before. Like before, Gohan sensed a powerful ki emitting off of the figure before him. It was different from a regular ki level but higher then normal, filled with the burning fires of hate. "I see you are a member of the notorious Cooper thief gang…Gohan. Have you come here to reclaim possession of the Thievius Raccoonus and avenge the death of your friend's father?" asked the Panda King in a deep, sort of slow voice. Gohan, fully coming to a complete understanding of his surroundings shook off his surprise and smiled, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow towards his adversary.

"Whoa, this is just like the time I beat the stuffing out of you", Gohan commented, making sure to drive some sense into the Panda King's mind. However, as it turned out, the Panda King was completely ignoring what the young Saiyan was saying and went on with his rambling.

The Panda King looked skeptical. "Why should you care if I bury a few worthless villages in the snow? You are a thief, just like me!" proclaimed the Panda King. Gohan stared at him oddly and looked left and right. No one else was here, but the Panda King was acting as if this was their first meeting and he was using the same lines that didn't make sense at all to the words Gohan was using. This was starting to freak Gohan out and he looked back at the Panda King with perspective of the situation.

"Umm, yeah are you even listening to what I'm saying", asked Gohan, a little worried. The Panda King scowled and clenched his fists, tightening them before unclenching them. He continued to hop on the spot, glaring his opponent down with seriousness and with a fighter's sense of sight. The fire burned deeply in his eyes and his ki took a dramatic shoot up.

The Panda King looked outraged, the same look he had many years before. "Insolent child, you shall pay dearly for your disrespect! Still, to honor you and your warrior like ancestry, I will send you to your doom with the beauty of my new fire work technique…FLAME FU!" The Panda King suddenly took a fighting stance and with a burst of power, a fire ball appeared in both his hands, lighting up the entire area in a deadly display of lights. Gohan's eyes widened at this and he took a step back. Just like before, all recited and the Panda King looked as dangerous as ever. Gohan had a feeling this was not going to end well.

"O-Oh…"

Scowling, Gohan took a stance and powered up, his aura fluctuating around him. iof the Panda King wanted to do this the hard way, then so be it. Just like before, Gohan knew he would win, but he had to get the Panda King out of this dream before his defeat, otherwise he would destroy the Panda King's already infuriated mind. If any of the Panda King's senses were to be thrown off then this entire world will be destroyed along with him. Gohan will not let it come to this point. Without the mind, the body will cease to exist. So, Gohan decided to do what he had done before, while trying to get the Panda King out of this mind fight.

"I may have to repeat history, just to prove to him that I have beaten him before…"

Bending low on his knees, the Panda King leapt into the air, at the same time, cranking both arms back and, one after the other, threw both fire balls straight at Gohan. The balls of flame shot straight at Gohan like bullets and, reacting quickly, Gohan leapt to the side, avoiding the blasts that exploded where he used to be standing. The explosive forces of the fire balls formed small, smoking craters. Gohan was relieved he avoided them but returned to the fight.

Rolling across the floor, Gohan positioned himself in a fighting stance and skidded slightly to a stop, keeping his eyes on the Panda King who landed back onto the centre platform and took his own fighting stance. Both fighters stared angrily at each other for a moment, the fighting sense in the air becoming intense. In a split second, Gohan shot straight for the Panda King, soaring across the ground and making his way level by level up to the Panda King standing at the top of the stair way platform in front of him. Cranking back his fist, Gohan prepared to punch his opponent, and with his momentum, he was expecting an amazing result.

The Panda King, seeing Gohan attacking did an amazing back flip and once he had backed off, through both his hands back then through them forward, both palms connecting as they slammed together, unleashing a powerful beam of flaming energy. The blast of fire shot straight at Gohan, the young Saiyan gasping in shock and, making a sharp change of course, vanished into super speed, appearing above the trailing beam of fire before diving down at the panda King who was still pouring fire energy into the beam, not noticing Gohan's disappearance.

Hearing and sensing Gohan coming from above, the Panda King looked up, only to get rammed in the face by a side kick initiated by Son Gohan. The Panda King immediately ceased his outpour of fire energy and staggered back from the kick, his face bruised up a bit and a look of surprise written on his face. Gohan landed after hitting the Panda King and, the instant he landed, shot forward, pulling back his fist. At this close range, he was bound to hit his opponent. However, just as he was about to strike at the Panda King, the fire works artist had managed to recover just enough from Gohan's kick and was able to send an attack of his own, A ki enflamed fist of fire straight at Gohan's face.

Gohan was caught completely off guard at the speed and strength of the Panda King and got himself hit big time by the attack. The blow was enough to send Gohan flying back in the opposite direction and, once he had lost a bit of his momentum from the blow, went skidding across the top platform, coming to a stop at the edge with a slightly burnt and bruised face. The Panda King grinned and dropped into a attack stance, balling both his fists and brandishing them in a threatening manner. He waited as Gohan dragged himself to his feet, shaking his head and rubbing his bruised face.

Looking up, Gohan growled and staggered to his feet. This was going exactly like before but Gohan knew he was stronger then this. He would not let the Panda King continue without getting at least some questions answered. He needed to achieve results and fast before this fight was pulled into a climax. He glared down at the Panda King and pointed at him. "Snap out of it, this fight is all in your head!" Gohan shouted. The Panda King hopped on the spot but stopped a second later, taking a much more firm stance. His fists balled at his sides and he glared hotly towards his opponent, determination written on his face.

"My mind is clear, focused on your destruction!!" The Panda King growled. Gohan shook his head and thought up something that might help him. The Panda King was tough, but he was even tougher. He had gotten much stronger since their last encounter, and if he was able to try and different matter then he might be able to snap him out of it.

In Gohan's head, he came up with a list of ways that would help convince the Panda King to stop this fight. He scratched his chin in thought, completely oblivious to everything else around him. The world wavered as time and paradox illusions crossed. "I have to snap him out of his state of mind. I could try threatening him, but that might spur on the fight as he is too arrogant to admit his weaknesses. I could upset him, but that might result to an even more dangerous fight. Saying something from the past isn't going to help much, but maybe if I mess about with the fight a bit, I could come up with something. By choosing a different route, I could achieve different results. Man, why is it that the Guru's wisdom is still plastered in my mind? That guy is good…"

Scowling, Gohan turned back to the Panda King. He decided to test his theory a bit and perhaps get the Panda King's attention through ways of kindness. However, Gohan retained his hardened glare. "Look, I'm here to help you, to get your mind out of this rut", Gohan explained. The Panda King snorted and dropped into another stance, a ball of fire appearing in both his palms and a gust of wind generated at his feet that circulated around him and engulfed him in a force field of power.

"If you truly wish to aid me…STAND STILL, and let my fire balls cook your flesh!!" Gohan growled in frustration at his efforts and powered up again, his aura flaring and blowing his gi about. A gust of wind blew outwards, messing up everything and creating a far greater hurricane force then what the Panda King could generate in their fight. The Panda King was unfazed, but when Gohan reached back and drew his swords, he became more concerned. Gohan spun the swords he held firmly and took a sword fighting stance, his eyes still locked with the Panda King's.

"If that's the way you want it, FINE! Let's change a few things", Gohan shouted. The Panda King grinned and in turn, powered up even more. His arms were consumed by fire and his eyes turned bright orange, filling with the flames that symbolized the use of his Flame Fu technique. He was confused with hateful power as his energy fluctuated, creating an equally strong wind to Gohan's. it was when the flames engulfed his arms and hands did he take an even more complicated stance to suit his new state.

"We'll see who can change what! I will defeat you Son Gohan!" The Panda King declared. With a loud yell, Gohan flung himself at the Panda King, his aura bursting outwards as he launched himself with a great force. Wind sent dust into the air and in his flight, Gohan held his swords up in a rage, his eyes burning into the Panda King's. He didn't know what has gotten over him, but from what he knew, it was not good. Perhaps his mind was fusing with the depths of the Panda King's mind. He didn't know. But what he truly felt was power, something that he was all too familiar with, as well as the desire to beat his opponent. Nothing would stop him from achieving his goal.

The Panda King stepped forward, throwing a flamed fist directly at his opponent. Gohan responded by throwing a right slash strike with his sword at the incoming attack. The young Saiyan let out a yell in earnest. The two attacks connected with each other, canceling each other out because of the same strengths. All that happened was the sound of a loud thud and slice sound before both fist and sword were brought back to their positions in the stances the two fighters took. Gohan remained floating in mid-air and, following through with his attack, began attacking with both his swords in hand. Slashing out and upward with his left, Gohan attacked by first bringing it back and sending it out. Coming in for another Gohan attacked with a right sword jab then bringing it round and striking outwards with the same side. The Panda King however, with the same look of anger on his face and same ferocity edged in his retaliation parried and knocked away Gohan's attacks, yelling at the top of his lungs. Both combatants exchanged attacks, the Panda King having to back up because of Gohan continuous assault.

Gohan shouted louder, striking out more fiercely. Despite his rage, he was able to keep control over his attacks and paid good attention to the Panda King's use of defense. While jabbing out a couple of strikes with his left, Gohan pulled his right, curved sword over his left shoulder before slashing out, knocking down the panda King's hand with a side sword slap. The Panda King yelled in pain when the blade of Gohan's sword sliced across his left shoulder, forcing him to reach up and grip the wound to ease the pain. Biting back the pain, the Panda King came back at Gohan with an attack of his own, cranking back his left fist and sending it at his hovering opponent. Gohan reacted to this quickly, performing an X block with his sword and stopping the punch. The force was neutralized by an equalized strength put into Gohan's defense and while the Panda King was pulling back his fist, he came out with a right hook. Both Gohan's white, fluctuating aura remained up and so did the Panda King's Flame Fu technique, both of them throwing whatever they had at the other.

Gohan began to back off as the Panda King began sending powerful blows directly towards him, sounds of flame whooshing through the air and heating up the place. With each blow thrown, sparks of flame were released, and wherever they landed, they lit up, causing a fire to burst up and around them. Gohan, unaffected by this continued blocking the Panda King's flame engulfed attacks. Holding up his swords and blocking out the Panda King's attacks from his front, left and right, at the same time, backing up in mid-air. In turn to the Panda King's assault while the fighter was pulling back his left fist, Gohan sent a downward slash at him. The Panda King blocked by raising his right hand above his head, catching the blade with his fore arm before throwing it back, sending a left, swift punch at his opponent, yelling at the top of his lungs. In avoidance, Gohan immediately dropped altitude, dropping to the central platform. All around them, the fires of Panda King's attacks raged on, encircling the battling fighters.

Twirling his swords in both his hands and approaching, Gohan slashed out with vicious attacks. His blades were seen as blurs shooting through the air as he swiped with his left and right, performing strikes that were far too fast for any normal person to see. But whenever he attacked, the Panda King would always avoid his strikes or block them with his flame enhanced arms. The contact of the blade with the panda King's parries sounded a loud slicing noise that echoed all around, just like every other sword would sound like when connecting with another blade. Whatever the case, Gohan followed through his attacks, before moving onto the defensive when the Panda King began attacking him. The fury was seen burning in the Panda's eyes as he struck out with punches and hooks, Gohan forces to hold his swords up to block them. How Gohan managed to keep his defenses stable and up was amazing, but as the fight carried on, Gohan was forced to strengthen himself to his limits.

Spinning his swords while throwing the Panda King's fist off of his sword, Gohan spun around slashing outwards, his blades flashing through the air like a whirlwind. He struck out at his opponent who backed off further to stay out of reach of the young Saiyan's attacks. By the time Gohan had finished, he had struck out with his right, his blade being caught by the Panda King raising his left arm in defense. The blade and arm connected, both opponents gritting their teeth to hold up their limbs. Their arms shook as they retained that position, glaring daggers towards each other. it was obvious they hated each other, but Gohan has come to respect his foe over time, meaning he didn't posses the same amount of hatred the Panda King did. In their staring contest, Gohan spoke up.

"You know how this will end, I'll beat you and in the time that passed between us, you'll continue to hate me as long as you defeat me", Gohan stated. The Panda King growled, keeping his arm up to hold back Gohan's sword. He stared down at the young Saiyan with hatred never seen by Gohan before. It was as if the Panda King was biting back intense waves of bad memories.

"I have never known defeat! I AM UNBEATABLE", the Panda King yelled. Gohan sighed, tired of the Panda King's arrogance. With a swift slice, Gohan ducked Panda King's right hook and shifted to the side, attacking out with another slash attack. The Panda King knocked his sword away and instantly upon this new engagement the two began circulating each other in the centre, surrounded by blazing fire and light. The pair exchanged devastating blows that were all blocked or avoided, the two of them showing skills that any person would desire to posses. Strength matched strength as the two competitors fought evenly. Gohan's strength in his normal form had increased enough for him to match his opponent even at his strongest, meaning the young Saiyan had a distinctive advantage in this battle. If he wasn't careful, he would beat the Panda King too quickly and therefore, kill them both.

Gohan attacked out with ferocity, only to have his attacks blocked and sent away, neutralized by even force. The Panda King, having parried his opponent's attacks, punched out with a small combination, only to have them avoided or blocked away. Sending a right hook at his opponent, Gohan blocked it, sliding his blades across his arm before jabbing out with his right. The Panda King knocked it away by changing position, pivoting and driving his left out and knocking Gohan's blade away while cranking back his right fist. Gohan in turn slashed out with a spin attack, twirling his blade in his hand before bringing his right sword down onto the Panda King's outstretched fist. The Panda King pulled back and leaned back enough to avoid a spinning blade jump attack which Gohan performed by leaping in the air towards his opponent and spinning the swords towards his opponent. When that failed, Gohan sent both his swords in a downward strike at the Panda King standing below him. The Panda King was quicker then he had anticipated and with swiftness unlike any Gohan had encountered with another, the Panda King grabbed the Saiyan's swords with his large hands, keeping Gohan suspended in mid-flight. Growling, Gohan pulled his swords downwards and landed, attempting to yank his swords from the Panda King's grip. But with both fighters possessing even amounts of strength, it seemed impossible for Gohan to pull his swords away. So, he moved for another move.

With the Panda King gripping his swords' blades too tightly with his attention full focused on them, Gohan released his grip and ducked under the Panda King's arms, hammering away at the Panda King's exposed stomach with straight punches. He managed to throw ten punches into his opponent stomach before finishing with a struck out left elbow and a right upper cut into his chin. The Panda King had the wind knocked out of him by the attack and released his hold on the swords, stepping back from the pain and shock. It was the release of Gohan's swords was the young Saiyan able to reacquire them. Gripping them while they were falling, Gohan spun around and struck out at the Panda King again, intent on wounding the Panda. The Panda was quick to react and knocked the blades away before they made contact, attacking with two straight punches. Gohan twirled his swords around both fists as they flew at him one by one, managing to slow them down and knock them away before they hit him. When the Panda King brought back his fists, he held his right hand up and produced a ball of fire, throwing it down in a slam attack at his opponent. Gohan leapt into the air and spun around, avoiding the downward slap. In return, while he was spinning and coming down, Gohan attacked with a right slash attack. The slice was sent across the left arm held up in defense by the Panda King, another slice noise being made.

The Panda King let out a yell and cupped his hands behind him as if powering up a Kamehameha wave. Following up with this position, he threw both hands forward, unleashing a torrent of flames that shot forth from his palms. The blasts missed Gohan when the Saiyan avoided them, the Panda King relinquishing his hold on the blast before returning to the fight. Performing a new move, the Panda King held his left hand up in a chop move and with a growl, sent a massive attack down at Gohan. He yelled at the top of his lungs, "Booming chop", before his attack slammed on the ground, forming a shock wave and creating a crater where his opponent was supposed to be standing. Gohan had managed to leap into the air just in time and flip over his opponent, kicking him in the back and sending the Panda King onto his knees before Gohan landed behind him, turning around and dropping into another fighting stance.

The Panda King, now on his knees let out a inaudible growl of rage and looked over his shoulder, his eyes still burning with fire. He glared hotly at his opponent before slowly standing up. Balling his fiery fists at his sides, the Panda King glared directly at his opponent standing in that fighting stance away from him. Gohan was still surrounded by his white aura. "I see that you have improved greatly since our last fight, Gohan. Unfortunately, my strength has left me, and I am no longer the powerful Panda King you fought before. I let go of my hatred of power long ago…" the Panda King said in disappointment. Gohan stared his opponent down thoughtfully for a moment but then stood up. With his swords still in hand, he stood, still at the ready but dropping his guard a little to allow a more descent mood to fill him. The background and his surroundings were still illuminated by the walls of fire surrounding the two.

Dishing out his last remarks in an attempt to get the Panda King out of this rabbit hole Gohan hit on home. "We both know why you're here: you're fixated on the moment of your greatest defeat. I beat you, and forever you have wondered how it all fell apart", Gohan stated, pointing one of his swords directly at the giant warrior. The Panda King scowled, his eyes watering but still showing the flames of hate buried deep within him. He balled his fists tighter and cracked them where he held them.

"I hate you Gohan Son, you've ruined me…RUINED THE PANDA KING!" the warrior yelled, practically trying to reach the spirits around them. Gohan shook his head, aware that the ghosts of the past would not hear.

"And I have hated you for what you have done, but that doesn't make any of this real. Years have passed and we've both changed, you've said so yourself. Come out of this trance, lets meet each other for who we are today and let go of whatever we felt when this fight occurred", Gohan said. The Panda King let out a vicious growl and took another fighting stance, as if he were preparing to strike out again.

"YOU ARE… correct, forgive me…my mind is not always my own", he suddenly said in a calmer, more eased voice. Dropping out of his transformed state and bowing to his opponent, the Panda King showed the respect any other fighter would show. The fire was gone from his eyes and his hateful energy left him. With his power down, the firewall around the pair vanished, the feeling and sight making Gohan smile. In turn, the young Saiyan pushed his swords back into his scabbards and bowed to his opponent. With that, the world went black and the two were pulled out of the dream time world…

Sly Cooper: 1,500

Murray: 1,950

Bentley: 325

Carmelita Fox: 1,100

Videl Satan: 1,200

Penelope: 300

Guru: 200

Gohan: 210,000,000

Super Saiyan Gohan: 420,000,000

Super Saiyan 2 Gohan: 650,000,000

Super Saiyan 3: 2,800,000,000

Super villains:

Octavio: 2,100

Octavio (sonic waves): 1,000

Mask of Dark Earth: 5,000

Mask of Dark Earth (dingo miner): 300,000,000

Black Baron: 1,000

Muggshot: 100,000,000

Panda King (present): 2,000

Panda King (Dream): 150,000,000

Panda King (Flame Fu): 210,000,000

Other:

Octavio's spotlight guards: 250

Octavio's pigeon guards: 150

Octavio's riot guards: 160

Vincinette gang members (each): 1,000

Australian Army Mercenary's: 300

Miner spotlight guards: 260

Miner dingo guards: 200

Miner kangaroo guards: 210

Tiger guards (Panda King guard): 230

Interpol:

Lt Gronk: 550

Mercenary apes (each): 400

Interpol officers: 215

Interpol cops: 200

Interpol Riot police: 350

TO BE CONTINUED…