A Ferocious Full-Moon night

The journey to Pilaf's castle was a short one, but to Goku it seemed to take ages when he was riding with the likes of Oolong and Chi-Chi. The shape-shifting pig was huddled beside Roshi's unconscious form, his ongoing worrying grating on the young alien's nerves, while the Ox-King's daughter clung to Goku's left arm.

Chi-Chi was shivering in fright, and Goku could easily pick up the girl's fearful whimpering even if she'd been in the cockpit of the transport.

To his right, the monkey-tailed martial artist caught Bulma quaking too, from the corner of his eye, although she seemed to be holding together just a little better than Chi-Chi; there was no whimpering coming from her corner.

Goku's musings were cut short when the young princess finally managed to speak.

"W-What do you t-think they want with us?" She stuttered, terrified for her life.

Although it wasn't as if Goku could find it in himself to blame her. The girl's father, who she'd imagined to be invincible, was laying knocked out cold right in front of her.

Add to this, that she'd been taken from her home in the middle of the night, to a strange place surrounded by strange men and women, and Goku wasn't sure what other response would be appropriate for the girl.

However, knowing this still did nothing for the boy's inability to comfort her; it just wasn't in his nature.

So instead, he told the truth. "I'd say it's pretty obvious what they want; the dragon balls. And they kidnapped all of us to make sure we didn't try and get the way of this 'Emperor Pilaf' making his wish. What happens after however, I honestly can't say."

None of this seemed to help, and Chi-Chi's shivers only seemed to worsen at the thought of what would happen to her.

Once again, Goku was silently glad it was a short ride.

After the aircraft landed, Mai had one of her men bring both Ox-King and Roshi back to the world of consciousness with a pack of smelling salts. From there the group was marched down the ramp, and it was here that Goku felt a bit impressed with Emperor Pilaf.

The large castle that greeted the young alien was huge, far bigger than that of the Ox-King, and seemed to be crawling with guards. Each body that Goku could see was equipped with much of the same uniform as those who had abducted them, and carried a weapon just like them as well.

This helped reinforce the young pre-pubescent martial artist's belief that, attempting to fight the enemy while watching out for Bulma and Chi-Chi's safety, was a terrible idea.

The band of prisoners were herded down the exit ramp, and away from the landing bay with Mai acting as their escort. On either side of their troupe Goku could easily count out at least eight men, each one tensed and ready to react to even the slightest movement.

As they were prodded along though the young boy with the monkey tail took surreptitious glances at his surroundings, in a hope to see any sort of way out, but sadly all the boy could see was the cold slabs of brick that made up the hallway walls.

However, Goku still held his head high as he was marched along. He knew of one sure way out of Pilaf's castle; all the boy needed was the right conditions. Behind him though, the pre-teen could easily make out the sound of Yamcha whispering some foolishly inept effort to comfort the fearful beauty.

"H-Hey, don't y-you worry about a thing B-Bulma, the second I g-get the chance I-I'll bust out of these chains a-and put these l-losers in their place." Yamcha choked out; his fear of beautiful women making him feel as if his tongue had lodged in his throat. Beside him, Bulma could only manage to shoot him an unconvinced look before a symphony of mocking laughter filled the hall.

It was Mai.

The female soldier only gave the slightest look over her shoulder, just enough to give Yamcha a dismissive once over, before she tore into him. "You, beat any one of my men? Not even on an off day you sad excuse for a petty thief; I've seen the way you fight. I watched your battle against this boy, Goku, and bore witness to your mediocre skills. No, you won't be going anywhere or saving anyone, so I suggest you start accepting your fate."

"Just as I suggest you don't call me 'Goku', Commander Mai." The young alien boy retorted, drawing the woman's attention to him.

He was walking ahead of the trio, falling behind only the Ox-King who stumbled along in front of him, but the wild-haired youth did offer the smallest turn of his head so as to see Mai as he spoke. Goku's onyx eyes were harsh and cold, and his face was set into a firm lock that told those that saw it just how unhappy he was to hear a total stranger refer to him with such familiarity.

He'd let it slide with the Ox-King's daughter out of pure interest in having a meal in her home, but Mai was a woman who had kidnapped him, stole his dragon balls, and was keeping his only friend hostage. Familiar they were not, and as such, Goku felt it wrong to hear the name Gohan gave him come from between her lips.

And that was why the woman's response was so puzzling to him. "Oh, my apologies, then you prefer the name 'Kakarot' I assume?"

She was trying to temper it, Goku could tell, but there was a distinct desire to keep him happy laced in those words. So, instead of pondering it himself, the boy simply brought it to the female soldier's attention. "That's right; but why the sudden need to accommodate me, Commander?"

Mai stared straight at the boy walking in front of her, making sure she had perfect eye contact with the lone orb he was allowing her to see, before answering. "Because I wish for you to join me, Kakarot. I want you to stand at my side and help whip my men into shape; teach them your martial arts, the Kamehameha Wave. It has been my goal ever since Emperor Pilaf discovered you."

"Join you?" Goku stressed, giving the azure-eyed soldier a single raised brow. "Sounds a bit...personal, don't you think? Besides, what's in it for me if I do; your Emperor has already stolen my dragon balls, and imprisoned my friend for whatever purpose he has for her. Those don't sound like very nice incentives to me."

"Well, Kakarot, my Emperor has actually brought Miss Briefs here to offer her a position of employment; to be the head of his R&D department. That's why she's still here. As for the dragon balls, I'm sure he'll allow you to track them down again and make your own wish, once you've proven loyal of course."

"Of course," Goku scoffed. "Just like how I'm sure he's just brought the Ox-King and Roshi here to offer them jobs as janitors. Commander I may still be young, but I am in no way a fool. I know what you're really after, and I for one want no part in it.

Although I will give you a piece of advice to pass along to your Emperor; from what I can gather, the people of this world are content with their current ruler, so I doubt they'll take kindly to Pilaf so rudely taking the reigns. He may have his own army, but the world is a big place, and there are more people on it than there are in his pocket."

With that Goku turned his head back around and focused on trying not to trip over his bindings. In doing so however, he missed the shocked looks that Yamcha and Oolong were giving him, as well as the impressed gleam in Bulma's eye as she let that feeling quell a great amount of her fear. If Goku could still be so calm, then there was nothing to worry about.

Beside her though, Mai was having a very different train of thought run through her head. She needed Kakarot to accept her proposal, or else Pilaf was just going to kill him along with the others!

But the monkey-tailed martial artist seemed adamant about wanting nothing to do with her, or her military might, which put Mai in-between a rock and a hard place; if the boy had been older, she was sure there was another way to convince him, but as it stood the young commander looked to be out of options.

'Perhaps, if I'm careful, I can smuggle him out of the chamber before sunrise and hide him away.' The young woman fret internally. 'Just long enough so that I can convince him, that joining me is for the best, and then I can present him to the Emperor. Yes, that's my best move for now...I only hope it works.'

The group didn't travel much further before they came to a thick, iron door. Mai stepped ahead of them then, and after letting the palm reader scan her hand she ushered the prisoners into the surprisingly large but empty room. However, the woman put her hand on Goku's shoulder to stop him. After the rest of them passed by she spoke, quietly, so as not to draw attention to her pleading tone.

"Kakarot, please, this is your last chance. Join me, help train my army; if you do you'll be able to get your hands on whatever you want in this world. Please."

His answer confused, as much as worried her. "You know Commander, if I remember right it's supposed to be a full moon tonight. I hope you get to see it"

That line haunted Mai long after she closed the door on him, and lingered in the back of her brain as she turned and began to make her way to her Emperor's throne room. He would want to know about her success as soon as possible, while she tried to shake off the shivers that Goku's words sent up her spine.

xXx

Walking up to the large, thick oaken doors Mai steeled her nerve so as not to draw Pilaf's curiosity. She couldn't have him thinking she was weak, so easily frightened by the words of a simple boy, after all.

Once she reached the entrance Pilaf's guards stood stiff at attention, snapping off salutes before she let them be at ease. Telling them she had important business with Pilaf pertaining to her mission the guards quickly let her pass, opening the grandiose doors for her as she went.

Upon entering the throne room Mai was once again amused by its simplicity. There were no great works of art hanging from the walls, nor opulent chandlers or bobbles hanging about. No, there was simply a long and lush red carpet that stretched from the entry all the way up and over a small series of steps, that ended at the one singular statement of Pilaf's status.

A throne. One with high, gracefully arched backrest and plated in a brilliant gold with luxurious and rich purple cushioning. The arm rests were etched with a highly-detailed mural on their sides, depicting images of a short goblin-like creature standing before a large and imposing dragon. The same creature that was currently sitting in the throne.

Emperor Pilaf was a short, vicious looking thing. He stood no taller than Goku, even though he was most definitely older than the boy, with a wiry build that was hidden beneath a large robe. The top was made from Chinese silk, and a deep lime-green color; there was a stretch of inky black down the center though, with the symbol for 'Power' boldly printed across the chest. Around the neckline was a pompous amount of snow-white ruffles.

Almost hidden by the billowing robe was a pair of jet-black pants, which ended at Pilaf's imp feet that he kept bare. The creatures fingers and toes ended in razor-like claws, and fit well on his tapered digits. A glint of light drew Mai's attention to the Emperor's face, and to his jagged fangs; ones which, she knew, could easily shred the chords of a grown man's throat.

Above that gross smirk was a gnarled, pointed nose and a set of large but beady eyes. The imp's frightful face was framed by a pair of pointed ears, while his tuft of oily black hair was covered by a ridiculous cap. And, to top it all off, the imp's skin was a the same pastel blue as the sky.

All in all, Emperor Pilaf by himself was nothing to look at, but when his enemies pushed him into a corner Mai knew the ugly little creature could be deadly. And that was before he brought the weight of his army down on you.

Shaking off that thought, Mai bowed deep at the waist before rising to speak.

"Emperor Pilaf, I bring great news. As when I called from the transport I've successfully retrieved the remaining six dragon balls for you, as well as brought all prisoners you requested to the castle. They now await you in the 'Fryer', whenever you're ready to address them."

"Good," Pilaf breathed. "I knew once I separated you from Shu, that your productivity would increase, you've done splendidly Mai. Speaking of which, I have that fool outside preparing the alter where I'll be summoning the dragon, I don't very well want the thing destroying my palace once he's released you know."

"Of course not, sire." Mai nodded in affirmation. On the outside she was perfectly calm, but internally the commander could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as she thought about the summoning ceremony.

It made her think back to Kakarot's warning, of how the people of Earth would mutiny against Pilaf.

Unfortunately the woman knew there was little she could do about it; there was no way Pilaf would listen to her on such a matter. Not when his wish was practically in his lap.

A brief motion brought the beautiful soldier's attention back to the imp on the throne, and her azure eyes watched as Pilaf brought down the monitor that connected with the dungeon. There was a brief bit of static, and then Mai could see the faces of the prisoners on the screen.

xXx

It was probably not more than fifteen or twenty minutes before Goku was watching a panel of wall slide away, and reveal a television screen like he'd seen in Bulma's capsule home. The monitor buzzed with static for a moment before the monkey-tailed youth was looking into the face of a hideous little blue creature.

'Emperor Pilaf I suppose,' Goku thought dryly. 'The fool doesn't look like much, he must use his wealth to make up for his weakness.'

As if to confirm the boy's guess, Pilaf quickly introduced himself once he noticed everyone was looking at him. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am Emperor Pilaf. Now I know some of you are wondering what you're doing here, since I've clearly gotten my hands on all seven dragon balls, so I feel it's only fare to explain and then give each of you a chance to save yourselves."

Pilaf first turned his eyes on Bulma, the imp's lewd stare and grimy smile enough to make the blue-haired beauty sick.

"Miss Briefs, or perhaps you prefer Bulma, I've invited you here to offer you a place in my employ. Once my wish is granted and I become ruler of the world, I'll need a brilliant mind such as yours to help me in creating weapons that'll keep the less...malleable minds in their place. I would ask your father, but I'm sure the men in your group can figure out why such an arrangement just wouldn't be as rewarding for me."

"There not the only ones," Bulma seethed in disgust. "It's pretty obvious what my role would be you little freak, and I'll tell you right now that it's definitely not gonna happen. I'd rather stay locked up in here forever than have anything to do with an animal like you."

Pilaf's already blue face turned a deep, plum-like purple as he grit his fangs in rage. Snorting a breath of indignation from his nostrils the portentous creature growled in response. "We'll see just how defiant you are when I'm through with you, wench." But then, before the imp could say anymore, Ox-King's deep voice filled the air.

"You tried this with me once before, Pilaf. You threatened my home with destruction if I didn't lend my vast wealth to your schemes, and I'm sure you remember how that went, so why don't you do the smart thing and let us all go?"

"Oh I would," the self-proclaimed emperor waved dismissively. Then his face twisted into a sneer as he leaned in close to the screen. "Except this time I'm not going to ask; I'll simply raid your castle once you're good and dead Ox-king!"

This bit of news shocked the large man, and he couldn't help taking a step back as he stared at the blue monster on screen. "W-What!? Are you crazy, who do you think you are!?"

"I think I'm about to become Emperor of the World!" Pilaf shouted back in spiteful glee. "You had your chance to join me Ox, but now both you and your daughter will pay for your insolence! Once morning comes, I'll televise your demise as warning to all those who contend my rightful place as ruler!" It was here that Pilaf broke out into a grotesque laugh; sounding like a mix between a frog's ribbit and hyena's cackle.

At least, until Goku's chill voice sifted into the conversation. "So I was right; you really are nothing but a coward. How...disappointing."

Pilaf's barking halted immediately, and his face screwed into a sour look as he peered down his crooked nose at the boy who'd spoken. Attempting to seem nonplussed, the little imp lifted a single eyebrow as he responded.

"And you are the little circus freak they call Goku; a ridiculous name if I've ever heard one. And don't even think about trying to threaten me about calling you 'Carrot' or whatever it is you go by, because in a few hours you'll just be another name crossed off the list."

Before Goku could reply however, Roshi's voice cut him off. "And you're okay with that; killing children? What sort of monster are you, Chi-Chi and Kakarot have done you no wrong, let them go!"

The ear-splitting laugh was back again, only this time there was a malicious undertone before Pilaf finally calmed himself enough to reply.

"You ask if I'm alright with it, old man, yet you just answered your own question. I'm a monster, we're free from such foolish notions like guilt and humanity. And it's not about what they've done but what they could do in the future; I can't have any threats to my conquest, no matter how small."

"And that's where I get my curiosity," Goku speared in. "How exactly do you intend to rid yourself of the competition Pilaf? I can tell, from your attitude, that it's going to be something showy so how about letting us in on it?"

"If you're really so eager to know, then fine, I'll tell you." Pilaf glared, agitated that such a small child was speaking to him in such a rude way.

"You see that I've given you all a lovely view of the night sky correct? Well, that's because the ceiling is made from an inverted magnifying glass. While this may mean nothing to any of you right now, once the sun rises you're all going to starting feeling a bit...cooked. And then, once noon hits and the sun centers in the sky, you'll all be turned into baked to perfection for my coronation lunch!"

As the villainous little monster broke out into another peal of hideous laughter each prisoner had their own thoughts about the revelation of their fate.

Chi-Chi broke out into another fit of heavy crying, burying herself in Ox-King's arms as she pleaded with him to do something, while both Yamcha and Oolong howled in fear. Bulma made like she was about to shriek in fear, but then she noticed that Goku hadn't reacted to the threat at all.

He simply stood there, staring impassively at the imp on the screen.

Pilaf didn't seem to take notice of this however, and instead turned his beady black eye on her one last time. "Now that you know what awaits these other fools, have you changed your mind about joining me Bulma? It'd be such a waste to see such a lovely specimen, with a brilliant mind to match, charred by the harsh rays of the sun. Surely you can see that standing with me is the smart thing to do?"

Bulma's answer was to scoff, folding her arms as she shot Pilaf a stinging glare. "No, I don't think that it is, and any way I'd rather fry in here than be turned into your little play thing. So no thanks."

"You say that now," the little imp foamed with vexation. "But just you wait Bulma, when that sun rises and you start to feel the heat seer that perfect skin of yours, I guarantee you'll be begging to work for me. Until then, I hope you and the rest of these fools enjoy watching the clouds!"

With that Pilaf shut off the link and the television screen was once again covered by a thick slab of brick wall. From there it was silent for only a moment before Oolong's fearful bellowing filled the chamber. The talking pig turned toward Roshi and cried, "Well don't just stand there, use that Kamehameha thing from earlier to get us outta here!"

This seemed to click the memory on for many of the other prisoners too, who turned their now hopeful eyes on the elderly martial arts master. Only to have them crushed by what he had to say.

"If this was at least five years ago I could, but I'm out of practice and just don't have the energy to do more than one max power Kamehameha a day anymore. If I tried, even a small one right now, it could kill me. And unfortunately by the time I'm fully charged again it'll be too late; I'm sorry everybody."

This wasn't what Oolong wanted to hear. The shape-shifting porker nibbled fearfully on his fingertips for a moment before remembering something else; Kakarot knew the Kamehameha Wave too!

However when he brought it up to the boy, the idea was shot down a second time, although for different reasons.

"If I did that we'd still need to get past all of Pilaf's guards; something that'll be that much harder after I expend energy to do the technique. And like Mai mentioned before, even between Roshi, the Ox-King and myself there's still just no way of making sure all the non-fighters in our group made it out safely. It just isn't a good idea Oolong."

"Well then what else are we supposed to do, sit here and wait to be turned into crispy bacon!?" Oolong shouted; his fear mixing with anger at this point. "Because I don't know about you kid, but I for one don't wanna die tomorrow, so how about you make with the fancy moves and get me outta here!"

There was another stretch of silence at after this, broken only by the sound of the talking pig huffing through his nose in an effort to draw in precious oxygen that he'd lost during his tirade.

But that was soon forgotten about when Bulma's soft voice filled the air instead.

"You won't do it will you Goku; because you've already figured out a way to get us out of here, haven't you?"

The boy in question looked to Bulma for a moment, a bit of disbelief clouding his eyes. She couldn't have really figured it out, could she? But seeing the earnest look she gave him made Goku feel as if telling the truth was the only option. "I do, but I'll need the clouds to part first."

Yamcha snorted at this. "Pft, what are you, a werewolf?"

"No...a giant ape." Goku corrected. "I realized I could transform a while ago, after Gohan warned me about the full moon and tried to keep me away from it. With my tail, and the knowledge that the monster only came out one night a month, it was easy to figure out."

As he spoke Goku watched for each occupants reaction to his revelation. It was obvious most of them found it hard, almost impossible to believe, but seeing both Bulma as well as Chi-Chi look at him with concern in their eyes made the boy wary. Could he trust them with the truth; the story of Gohan's death?

It was a painful memory for the hardhearted warrior even now, so many weeks later, but one that Goku was sure he would never truly forget. He had snuck out of the house after dark, once Gohan was good and asleep, to partake in some extra training; the old man pushed him, sure, but the wild-haired youth found himself constantly unsatisfied with his workouts.

As such his nightly escapades began. However, Goku lost track of just what day it was, and left during a full moon. The forms he practiced didn't give him any real time to notice it, but after wearing himself out the boy dropped to the grassy field in exhaustion and stared up into the sky...into the full moon.

It was here Goku's memory began to fail him.

Everything got hazy and there was only the sounds of something animalistic roaring in his ears, but right before that, in the split second before the transformation began Goku was sure of one thing. There was a voice. It was deep, and rumbled with a primitive sort of power the likes of which Goku had never known, and it spoke just one word...

Conquer!

From there Goku only remembers waking to the bright light of the sun, and then finding Gohan's crushed corpse a few yards from their home. The sight of the elderly man's mutilated body churned something within the boy's stomach, something unpleasant, but he couldn't identify what it was. All he knew was that he never wanted to feel it again.

And yet now, in order to save Bulma and keep Chi-Chi from dying at such a young age, Goku was going to have to risk that loss of control again. It angered him, not knowing and not being able to remember, it felt like his body wasn't his own. It sickened him, and it caused Goku to scorn his transformed state.

Something that Bulma seemed to take note of.

"You don't wanna do it though, do you? There's something about the transformation that bothers you and so you don't really want to use it to get us out of here." Bulma stepped just a little closer to Goku as she spoke, careful not to spook him.

"Goku, it's okay, you can say it-"

"I only hate that I don't remember anything after it happens, that's all." The monkey-tailed martial artist exclaimed in a half truth.

"What good is the form if I can't even use the power for myself? But, that's not important right now, you—you all need my help so I'm going to do it. Just be sure to stay back while it happens; I don't wanna crush any of you."

The others didn't hear his slip, but Bulma did, and it filled her with a joy she hadn't felt since she'd built her first robot when she was five years old. She eyed the young boy with clear emotion in her crystal-blue eyes before backing into the corner with the others.

With the rest of the prisoners now at a safe distance Goku closed his eyes and took a long, deep breath.

His heart thudded with anxious energy, and he could feel the light of the full moon as it was finally revealed from behind dark clouds.

The ethereal light shone down on him and the pure energy he felt came in waves; a tingling sensation washed over his furry appendage, making it squirm and whip about in an almost euphoric frenzy.

What felt like an electric tingle started to arc its way through the tail after a few seconds; starting from the base against his lower-back, and running up to spark at the tip. These sensation gave Goku goosebumps, and his breathing grew heavier with each passing moment, but still he stood there, letting the pulsating energy of the moon lap away at his body and fill him with power.

The worry that had settled into his chest during the beginning was quickly being washed away with every burst of that delicious feeling coursing through his tail, until finally, Goku couldn't take it anymore and he threw his head up to stare at the full moon.

Oddly enough the transformation didn't come as immediately as before.

This time there seemed to be a delay, one where Goku was able to feel the moment it began. There was that voice again, deep and primal like he remembered, but this time it started as a whisper as deep thrums of power began to beat through him like those of his heart.

'Conquer...'

Goku could feel his heart stop a moment, and with it a pulsation stronger than any before shook his body.

'Conquer...'

The voice was louder now, and it continued to grow in strength and volume with every beat of Goku's heart. There were three more times that his heart pounded in his chest, three more pulsations that made every muscle in his body ache...three more pulsations before finally...

'CONQUER!'

Pain. Immeasurable, indescribable pain the likes of which Goku had never experienced tore through his body; the alien child lurched forward, his head snapping and eyes focusing on the floor.

Goku's mind filled with that same ferocious roar from his memories, and unintentionally the young fighter copied it with a snarl twisting at his lips. His muscles tore themselves apart while his bones snapped to pieces, the sounds echoing around the room and filling everyone's ears as the boy spasmed under the weight of such terrible agony.

Over in their corner the rest of the prisoners watched, with varying thoughts and expressions as they watched the youngest member of their group undergo what clearly looked like a hideously awful transformation.

And all in an effort to secure their freedom.

For Yamcha it was truly terrifying. As the desert bandit hugged the wall, his dark eyes stared wide in transfixed horror as Kakarot slowly seemed to change right in front of him.

The once pint-sized child was gradually gaining in height as well as muscle, to the point where his clothes could no longer stand the strain and tore at the seams. The sound of shredding clothe mingled with the nauseating echoes of bones breaking to create a symphony of disgusting music; it quickly became too much to handle, and the older boy began to puke while Puar fainted.

Beside him Roshi watched behind his glasses with stern calculation. He'd been afraid, like the others at first, but after watching the boy begin to change he managed to settle himself. The martial arts master traced his eyes over every inch of Kakarot's body as he twisted and jerked in obvious pain.

He could see the kid's eyes shrink until only the whites remained, and even those began to bleed a hellish red; like blood rubies from the pits of the underworld. Tufts of thick, russet fur began to sprout up across Kakarot's growing frame, until his entire body was covered in the stuff; by this time the once small child easily stood as tall as the Ox-King, if not larger.

Bulma and Chi-Chi both watched with hands over their hearts, although the princess was being kept back by her father while Bulma stood front and center.

The two ladies looked on as the boy who changed both their lives grew to the size of a small tree, his body expanding with furry mounds of muscle while his face contorted and shifted into a snarling snout; complete with dagger like fangs and dollops of drool drizzling from his mouth. Each girl tried their best to send their feelings to him through their thoughts, hoping that somehow he'd hear them.

'Oh Goku...'

'Oh Kishi-kun...'

'Please be careful'

It wasn't long before Goku's other worldly transformation came to a head, as his head speared through the glass ceiling and lifted into the air.

The great ape's large fists swung with defiance, as their owner grew angry with it's cramped living space. Powerful blows shook the dungeon and litters of debris fell under gravity's command, narrowly missing the handful of people below, but the transformed Goku gave no concern to such things. Instead, he threw back his head, and let out a mighty roar.

xXx

Emperor Pilaf stood in awe of the magnificence that was the wish-granting Shenron; the Eternal Dragon of Legend.

The serpentine mthyos coiled across the pitch-black sky like the longest of winding roads; his tail being so long, that it disappeared into the brilliant glow of the very orbs that housed the creature.

His body was covered in vibrant, lime-green scales with a rich tan underbelly and deep emerald trim. Shenron's long snout sported two long, thin whiskers that waved gently in a non-existent breeze and patches of thick patches of hair lined his sharp cheeks. Finally, the dragon's eyes were large crimson gems that glowed with a mystical energy.

They were also staring right at Pilaf.

"While I have enjoyed the fresh air, I do not wish to float here all day. Speak your wish now, or if you have forgotten it then simply wish for nothing, so that I may go."

That seemed to do the trick, because Pilaf soon sputtered out of his stupor and managed to address the great dragon. "O-Oh, yes of course, my apologies Eternal Dragon. You see, I've been looking forward to this day since I was a boy, and now that it's finally here I-"

"SPEAK!" The agitated dragon interrupted, his eyes burning with his growing displeasure.

"Right, sorry!" Pilaf bowed hastily before drawing in a deep breath. This was it, this was his moment. Pilaf turned his beady black eyes to Shenron and finally found his voice. "Oh, mighty and magnificent Eternal Dragon, grant my wish; make me, Pilaf, the ruler of the-!"

"ROOOOOAAAAWWWWWRRRRR!"

Mai was the first to turn her eyes to the vicious howl, but both Pilaf and Shu followed immediately, and what they saw had the little blue imp dropping to his knees. His breath came up short, and he felt his hands tremble as the scene before him unfolded.

Pilaf's castle, his home, was being torn apart by an Oozaru.

xXx