“I won’t let you win! I won’t! Never, ever!” the Buu clones said, baffling Little Pan. They stomped their feet, steam bursting from their holes. It was odd, with the frozen version of Buu standing still as statues next to them.

  “What the—?” What was happening to Buu? What the heck was this fit about? Every alarm bell rang in Little Pan’s head, warning her something terrible was going to happen.

  Instead of figuring out why Buu was throwing such a fuss, Little Pan darted toward Big Sis’s cocoon, energy gathering in her palm. One direct hit to the remaining cord holding her, and she’d be free. But Buu had sensed her attack, countless hands sprouting from the ground to send energy balls at her. Without her Super Saiyan 2 transformation, Little Pan knew she’d be useless. Yet they only stung as they struck her.

  “Huh?” That should have obliterated her. Had Buu been holding back? Why? The reason soon became apparent as the surrounding walls glowed a radiant red, the heat from their bubbling surface making her sweat buckets.

  “She’s gathering power into herself?” Then it clicked, and Little Pan became even more desperate to free her counterpart—anything to dampen the incoming destruction.

  Little Pan charged forward through Buu’s barrage of energy balls, but there were too many, almost blocking sight of the cocoons. Still, she charged through, heedless of the pain. Her grandfather wouldn’t give up in this scenario, so neither would she!

  “Gah!” she howled as a stronger blast sent her flying, hurling her to the fleshy floor. Even though Buu couldn’t waste power on her, he couldn’t afford her to rampage, either. Her eyes widened as the floor grew to consume her. Fight as she might, Little Pan didn’t have the strength to free herself.

  “You stay there,” the Buus said in unison. “You stay there and die.”

  The blue goop consumed her arms, making movement basically impossible. Only a hand remained free. Still, Little Pan’s mind racing for a possible solution. She watched as the Buus rejoined the walls until only one remained to watch her. The heat inside Buu intensified, almost suffocating her.

  “Dang it! There’s nothing I can do!” Little Pan said, fighting back despair.

  Buu had her trapped. Still, her heart flared with hope when she noticed something. While Big Sis’s cocoon was too far away, Anpan’s pod sat pretty close. With one precise blast, she just might make it. Her mind flashed with an idea, taking a page out of Uncle Yamcha’s book.

  While Buu was monitoring her, she seemed distracted—almost bored. In the monster’s mind, she had Little Pan beat. If she timed this just right… Yes! Right as Buu turned away, Little Pan launched her energy ball, guiding it with her fingers.

  “No!” Buu sensed her plan, but just missed as she tried to grow another Buu copy to block the blast.

  There was a satisfying explosion as the ball connected to the remaining web holding Anpan’s cocoon.

  “No!” Buu changed, her features becoming less demonic, the distortion around her fading like smoke. It surprised Little Pan just how much power Buu lost from losing Anpan. She watched as the cocoon rolled onto the fleshy floor before coming to a halt.

  “I…” Buu was furious, but she hesitated, unsure what to do. For whatever reason, the monster was reconsidering blowing everyone up to kingdom come. Little Pan used this hesitation, launching her next attack. Bardock’s cocoon was freed next. It didn’t cause a significant loss in power, but Buu was losing her cool as her plans crumbled before her eyes.

  But that hesitation grew to resolve, spite driving Buu’s actions. She laughed maniacally, turning radiant red like the walls. Instead of gathering more power into herself for a bigger boom, she’d just self-destruct right now.

  This was it. She just hoped her grandfather and Bra would survive the onslaught. But the boom never came—Buu howled in impotent fury as ice gathered further along Buu, freezing into an ice statue.

  “Bra must be freezing Buu to stop the explosion.” She realized. Little Pan didn’t hesitate, blasting a clear beam at the strand holding Big Sis. Part of it had already frozen, dangerously close to freezing completely. Distracted as she was, Buu wasn’t in any condition to stop her. A tearing sound echoed through the half-frozen halls within Buu as the final cord was severed.

  ---

  “Not good.” Goku sensed the power gathering within Buu, startled by how much energy she was putting into this act of spite.

  Even when Cell had tried blowing them to bits in his second form, he hadn’t gone this far, giving himself the slightest chance of regenerating from the destruction. This would destroy Buu utterly. What the heck drove her this far?

  “It looks like I’ll have to teleport her away like Cell.” But then Goku realized that wouldn’t work. He didn’t know anyone in Universe 0, so there wasn’t anyone’s ki he could home in on to teleport to. Should he use his last remaining ki to risk trying to destroy the monster? Even if it got everyone on the tournament planet killed, it’d at least save everyone else in the galaxy.

  Libra also dithered for a second before her resolve hardened. He sensed her ki spike as she gathered the energy for one final desperate attack. They shared a look, both knowing they’d only have one shot. They had precious moments until the end.

  Before they could strike, however, they gasped as Buu’s ki dropped to a startling level. A third of her power just vanished in a flash. Her whole visage changed, the sickly aura and distortion she naturally exhibited vanishing.

  Instead of exploding, Buu stared at her changed appearance in utter shock. Then, her ki dropped again, though not as dramatically.

  Goku pumped a fist, pleased. “I knew you could do it, Pan.”

  “Uh.” Buu dithered, lost what to do now. With her current level of power, she’d only destroy a solar system or two at most.

  Not that Libra would give her the chance. She struck like a viper, Buu’s body freezing further as her blow struck. While not as dramatic as her last attack, it thoroughly disabled Buu. Only about her head remained unfrozen. In her state, the Majin warrior wasn’t in any condition to self-destruct.

  “No!” Buu flailed, but it was useless.

  “Now it’s time to finish this,” Libra said, arm raised.

  “Don’t. It’s over. We’ve won,” Goku said, catching her arm.

  “What? You’re giving it mercy?” Libra said, disgusted. “That mercy almost got us killed. We can’t afford to give it any chance to try again. Forget Pan. We’ll wish her back.”

  “It’s unnecessary. There’s no need for anyone else to die.”

  The point became moot as Buu transformed again, reverting to her old, fat self. The creature only bawled, frustrated with its loss. Buu was really only a child, wasn’t she? Or he? This changing of gender confused him.

  “That’s idiotic,” Libra said, crossing her arms. She gave a nasty smile. “What makes you so sure she’s even alive in there? Buu might have killed her in retaliation.”

  But moments later, a miniature Pan flew from a pore in Buu’s head. Three cocoons were in her grasp, and they enlarged as they entered the real world again. The goop around the other Pan, Anpan, and Bardock disappeared as they landed.

  “Great work, Pan!” Goku gave his granddaughter a thumbs-up. He gave Libra a smug, satisfied smile. Like Vegeta, she snorted and turned away. She sure inherited much from that part of her fused parent. No, wait—West Supreme Kai was part of her too. Now he was just confusing himself.

  “It was close, but we made it,” Pan said, undoing her transformation.

  “Okay, now we destroy Buu.”

  Before Goku could stop her, Libra obliterated the frozen Buu.

  Goku flinched. “What’s with this girl?” He didn’t have the power to stop her destroying Buu’s other half with a beam attack.

  “What the—?” Pan said, shocked.

  “There. Now justice has been done.” Libra gave Goku a smug smile. “You’re not happy I avenged Gohan? My brother died too.”

  “Killing’s never necessary.” Buu had been a good opponent, pushing them all to their limit. Goku had a nasty feeling Libra would insist on not reviving him with the Dragonballs. Killing him was a waste. He prayed Buu would return as a good person, like Uub.

  “What happened?” the other Pan said, clutching her head with her remaining arm. She seemed disoriented and confused. Goku tensed, remembering how both Bra and West Supreme Kai had hated the zombified girl. This wouldn’t end well.

  “We’re safe?” Bardock, his father from another world, said, amazed.

  “That was fun!” Anpan’s eyes goggled in delighted amazement as she saw the surrounding destruction. “Buu did this?”

  “No.” Pan of Universe 16 said, downcast. Tears specked her eyes. “I did this. I messed up, and Buu absorbed me to do this.”

  “Yes, yes, it was your fault,” Libra said, her voice utterly pitiless. “This is your power, zombie. It is destructive and evil.”

  “I…” Pan of Universe 16 said, distraught.

  “That’s enough,” Goku said. “It wasn’t your fault, Pan. Buu did this. Power is only evil when used for evil.”

  While not completely convinced, Pan of Universe 16 nodded.

  “Grandpa’s right, Big Sis! You can’t blame yourself for Buu’s bad deeds. Besides, she’s more at fault than you are.” Pan pointed at Anpan. “She’s the source of that dark power!”

  “You got me there,” Anpan said without shame.

  “What? She is?” Libra said, her tone doubtful.

  “No, she’s right. She’s the source of that distortion power.” Goku had seen it through Pan’s eyes after reading her memories. It was quite the unique ability, well-suited to the chaotic girl.

  “Yeah! And it’s about time you came clean!” Pan said, glaring at her fake counterpart.

  “Okay,” Anpan replied.

  “Really?” Pan said, blinking.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  Anpan threw both arms behind her head. “Sure. There’s no point in hiding anymore. And you saved me, so why not?”

  “I don’t get you at all!” Pan said, exasperated. She paused, staring at Libra, just realizing she was there. “Wait, what? Bra? You fused with someone, after all?”

  “Huh?” Pan of Universe 16 also goggled at the fused warrior.

  “Yes, with West Supreme Kai. Call me Libra.”

  “Grandpa’s going to flip about this!” Pan of Universe 16 said, amazed.

  As if summoned by his name, several warriors appeared from nowhere. It was everyone Babidi had teleported away what seemed like years ago.

  “Huh?” Vegito gaped as he saw the destruction wrought on the tournament planet. Then he goggled at Libra. He squinted, not understanding what he was seeing. “B-Bra?”

  Goku sighed. This would take a lot of explanation.

  ---

  “That’s some story,” Pan replied as Goku and Little Pan explained the whole situation. The other tournament fighters muttered to themselves, amazed they’d missed such a climactic conflict. “We only survived this by the skin of our teeth! And what about you, Bra? Are you okay with being fused?”

  “A truly epic battle! Full of twists and turns! Well done, young warriors, defeating my alternate, less handsome self!” Buu of Universe 4 said, hands spread wide. As usual, he needed to comment on everything.

  Her grandfathers scowled, displeased by this development. He stared at his fused daughter, unsure what to make of her. In some ways, Pan supposed, Bra was dead. “What a bother. Stupid child. You saw Goku had returned, so you must have known I’d return soon enough. Now you’re fused with that inferior Kai. You’ve gimped yourself for nothing.”

  “I don’t expect you to understand,” Libra replied, her smile mocking. This earned a scowl of displeasure from her grandfathers.

  “Still, how do we fix this?” Trunks of Universe 12 asked, eyeing the utter devastation of the tournament planet. He was right. The damage and loss of life were beyond appalling. Pan stretched out her senses, but found nothing. Babidi’s invasion attempt had left the tournament planet a dead world. Did the Dragon Balls even survive to fix the damage?

  “Let’s find the Dragon Balls first,” Gast said, practical as ever.

  “How? They’re buried through all this,” Goten said, gesturing at the rubble everywhere. “It’ll take forever!”

  “As if that’s necessary. Leave it to me.” Buu from Universe 4 snapped his fingers, and Pan gasped as she suddenly stood on a flat concrete surface. She tapped her shoe on the ground, making sure she wasn’t just seeing things. Sure enough, somehow the tournament grounds had been restored to their original, undamaged state. What the heck kind of magic did Buu have at his disposal?

  “Ah, it was better before! It’s too tidy now!” Anpan complained, earning her strange looks.

  “Uh, Pan. I really don’t think we’re going to fight a tournament on broken cobblestone,” Goten replied, his smile strained.

  “I don’t know. It sounds kinda fun,” Goku said.

  “You’re ready for a fight anywhere, aren’t you, Kakarot,” Vegeta said disparagingly. This earned a self-deprecating laugh from Goku.

  “And now for the Dragon Balls.” With a click of his fingers, seven familiar orange orbs appeared floating next to Buu from Universe 4.

  “You can summon them, just like that?” Little Pan said, alarmed. The other tournament fighters seemed just as aghast—except Gast, of course. The Namekian eyed the Majin creature with narrowed eyes, studying him.

  “That means he could have stolen wishes for himself whenever he wanted,” Vegeta said.

  “I’m a genie. What do I need with wishes?” Buu from Universe 4 replied. This made Pan even more afraid. They’d nearly lost everything trying to defeat the other Buu. She feared what it’d take to defeat this one.

  “Tsk.” Libra scowled in displeasure. She didn’t seem happy about Buu’s display of power either, but Pan noticed the calculation behind her eyes. “Gast, make the wishes. But one alteration. Wish everyone back—but not Babidi or Buu.”

  “Huh?” Goten said, gasping in surprise. This earned other alarmed looks from the others.

  Only Gast seemed composed. “Another stipulation of who can be wished back?”

  “You saw the damage the pair made. If they return to life, what’s stopping them from trying again? Besides, they broke the tournament rules. They’ve forfeited any right to life.”

  “That’s rather harsh, isn’t it, Libra?” Goku said.

  “Oh ho! So evil-doers must be punished,” Buu from Universe 4 said, a hint of sarcasm in his words. “What happened to forgiveness and the power of friendship? It always worked out for Goku.”

  “Goku’s a fool,” Libra replied, her tone biting.

  “Ouch,” Goku said, wincing.

  “Now that’s hard to argue,” Vegeta said, somewhat smug.

  “Except you wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for him,” Little Pan said pointedly. They’d both heard the stories about how he’d been a villain once. Pan marveled how Aunt Bulma had changed him into a better person. Her heart ached, wondering if she’d even experience a pure love like that.

  “This doesn’t sit well with me, but she has a point,” the future Trunks sighed, shaking his head. “I’ve seen for myself how dangerous that pair is.” The others muttered to themselves, trying to come to a decision.

  As usual, her grandfather took charge. He didn’t seem pleased with what he was about to say. “Bra’s right. There’s no reason to wish them back. They’ll only hurt more people. I’m dead in their universe, so there’s no hope of anyone stopping them.”

  “That was a wise decision, Father. And it’s Libra, if you please,” the fused girl said.

  Her grandfather rubbed his temple. “This won’t be easy to get used to.”

  Buu from Universe 4 clapped his hands together, levitating the Dragon Balls over to Gast. “If you would be so pleased. My Namekian is somewhat rusty.”

  “Somehow, I doubt that,” Gast said, but did as instructed. Pan marveled as the Holy Dragon of Namek appeared before them, glowing in resplendent glory.

  The Namekian tongue spilled from Gast’s mouth as he made his wish.

  “Your wish shall be granted,” Porunga said, his eyes glowing.

  “Pan!” Green arms scooped her into a tight hug, laughter bubbling up with joy. Tears stained his eyes as he whirled her around.

  “Huh? Uncle P-Piccolo?” Pan stared at her Namekian friend in utter bafflement. This was so unlike the stoic, distant Piccolo she’d grown up with.

  All around them, tearful reunions unfolded as friends and loved ones embraced after the ordeal. Goku slapped Uub on the back and gave a hearty, pleased smile.

  “Mom! Dad!” Little Pan threw herself into her parents’ arms, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. It was a tender hug, not unlike the one Pan had gotten from Uncle Piccolo.

  “There. It’s done,” Gast said, arms crossed. “Everyone but Babidi and Buu has been resurrected.” The Dragonball thudded against the tiled floor as the might dragon returned to his slumber, returned to stone.

  “You did the right thing,” Libra said, nodding respectfully. But Gast only offered a grimace.

  “Come now! No need for that!” Buu from Universe 4 said, slapping Gast’s back. “It’s time for celebration!”

  “You will not believe this, Mom! I became not only a Super Saiyan, but a Super Saiyan 2!” Pan declared proudly to her parents.

  “Really?” Videl said, delighted.

  “You should have seen it. Quite a sight,” her alternate father added, standing proud.

  Pan pulled away from the tearful Uncle Piccolo. Oddly, it seemed to pain him. “No way!”

  “Yep! I sure showed that Kakarot guy!” Little Pan said, beaming. She cast a sinister smile at the evil clone of her grandfather. Kakarot flinched and slipped into the crowd. Whatever she’d done to him had left a serious impression.

  “Hey, I can’t find Daddy!” a Cell Jr. cried out, frantic. Its siblings quickly joined in, equally distraught.

  “Really? That’s surprising,” Goku said.

  Vegeta snorted. “After getting killed, he must have slunk off somewhere.”

  “What? Daddy wouldn’t just leave us!” the Cell Jrs said—though doubt crept into their voices.

  “Hey, if he abandoned you, you can stay with us!” Goku said, grinning.

  “Really?” The Cell Jrs’ eyes widened in amazement.

  “Sure! Everyone deserves a place to stay.” Goku extended a hand.

  “Thank you.” A Cell Jr. took his hand and shook it.

  “That’s Dad for you,” Piccolo—standing beside Pan—said. “His ability to forgive always amazes me. Vegito wouldn’t have been so merciful.” Oddly, a Cell Jr. on the sidelines gave a knowing smile.

  “Dad?” Pan asked, confused.

  “You still haven’t figured it out yet?” Uncle Piccolo’ replied, his voice oddly familiar. Then it clicked.

  “Dad?” she gasped, eyes wide.

  “I knew you’d get it in the end.” Not-Piccolo pointed at the odd Cell Jr. “That one’s the real Piccolo.”

  “But... how?”

  “It’s a long story. Have you found him yet? I know you’ve been looking.”

  “No,” the Not-Cell Jr. replied. “I think Ginyu slinked off somewhere with your body.”

  “What?!” Not-Piccolo exclaimed. “We have to find him! Otherwise, I might never get my body back!” He, Little Pan, Goku, and Not-Cell Jr. rushed off in pursuit.

  ---

  “Back to life? The Dragonballs are truly remarkable.” Frieza stretched his fingers, amazed. “And annoyingly out of my grasp.” The Vargas’ security was top-notch, well beyond anything his current forces could contend with. And that didn’t include annoying do-gooders like Goku and his buddies.

  “What a charming sight,” Cooler said sarcastically, as people cried while reuniting with their loved ones.

  Frieza, however, was only annoyed. It galled him that Babidi had so easily taken over his mind. And he’d welcomed it, too — anything for easy power. How pitiful. It was just a further example of how outclassed he was.

  When he’d first entered the tournament, he’d assumed he’d be top dog, like in his home universe. But Vegito had quickly disabused him of this notion. His fight with Goku had been a further humiliation, even with his cunning tricks.

  But Frieza wouldn’t let this stand. Somehow, he’d show them all the terror of the Frost Demon race.

  “Lord Frieza!” a voice called out.

  Frieza blinked when he saw the caller’s origin. “Goku’s little pup? And what do you want with me?”

  “There’s no time to explain, Lord Frieza. We must leave this universe at once. If we’re quick, we can steal a dimension hopper. With the general chaos, it’ll be easy.”

  “What are you talking about?” Cooler asked, puzzled. “You’re turning on your family?”

  But something about Gohan’s tone was familiar, and he stared into the Saiyan boy’s eyes. Then it all clicked into place.

  “I see. I understand now.” Pieces started clicking into place, Frieza chiding himself for his carelessness. How had he allowed such a detail to escape his attention?

  “It’s nice to see you again, Captain Ginyu,” Frieza said.

  “That’s right, sir. Captain Ginyu at your service!” Then Gohan enacted a pose that made Frieza release an inward sigh. Yep, this was the Ginyu Force’s leader.

  “Captain?” Jeice said, tears pricking his eyes. The other members of the Ginyu Force went misty-eyed.

  “Hello, Jeice,” Gohan Ginyu said. “It’s been too long. You’ve done well leading the Ginyu Force in my absence.”

  “Captain!” The Ginyu Force shared an enormous hug, not a dry eye anywhere. Frieza fought the urge to vomit.

  “Is he really Captain Ginyu?” Cooler asked, leaning over.

  “Yes, he was hiding in our father’s body until he stole this one.” Frieza replied.

  “We should do the dance of joy to celebrate this momentous occasion!” Gohan Ginyu said, earning eager nods from his teammates.

  Frieza coughed into his fist. “But shouldn’t we get going? Your body’s owner will likely want his body back.”

  “Right!” Gohan Ginyu said, standing to attention. “This way!”

  They followed Gohan Ginyu to a nearby hangar. The former leader had done his homework, already knowing where they might steal a ready vehicle.

  “Hey, you’re not allowed in here!” a Vargas said before howling in pain as a beam sliced through his chest. Frieza’s finger sizzled as he lowered it.

  “Do you know how to pilot one of these things?” Frieza asked, following his former captain into the spider-like, pod-shaped craft.

  “Seems easy enough.” Gohan Ginyu replied as he plopped into the pilot’s seat. With deft fingers, he started the startup sequence.

  “Are you sure you’re happy with leaving like this?” Cooler crossed his arms as he sat down.

  “Yes, this tournament has been quite profitable,” Frieza replied.

  Ginyu had stolen a very powerful body. And this ship’s technology would help the Frieza Force spread across the multiverse. And not only that — Frieza swore he’d train and grow more powerful. If Saiyans could learn new forms, so could he. Frieza, son of King Cold, wouldn’t settle until he was the most powerful being in the multiverse. Then he’d show both Goku and Vegito what true power was.

  ---

  Despite their extensive searching, Ginyu couldn’t be found. Worse still, neither Frieza nor the Ginyu Force could be located either.

  “Wonderful,” Not-Piccolo muttered, sighing. “Another thing to fix with the Dragonballs. Gast?”

  Before the Namekian could respond, a Vargas spoke up. “Sorry, but the Dragonballs aren’t for such frivolous wishes.”

  “Frivolous?!” Pan repeated in disbelief.

  “If you want their bodies restored, you’ll need to win the tournament,” the Vargas said. “No such thing as a free lunch.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Pan grumbled. More rule lawyering. She was really starting to dislike the Vargas.

  “All the more reason to fight harder,” Goku said, encouraged. For him, this was just further motivation.

  “Fine,” Not-Piccolo said, sighing. “Good luck, Dad. Good luck, Pan.”

  “Yeah...” Pan muttered. If she won the tournament, all her wishes would be spent fixing things: restoring her to life, getting her dad and Piccolo back to normal, and fixing the Heliorians’ planet. Nothing left for herself. Not that she wanted anything, but still.

  “Alright, everyone, it’s been a strange day,” a Vargas announced over the speakers. “Time for the after-tournament break!”

  “Good. I’m starving!” Goku said.

  “I need a nap,” Pan muttered. But as a zombie, that was impossible. She sighed in frustration. Then she remembered something she’d nearly forgotten.

  “And you!” Pan pointed at Anpan, who had been trailing them this whole time. “Isn’t it about time you explained yourself?”

  “Yes! The big reveal—finally!” Buu from Universe 4 said gleefully. Where had he come from?

  “What are you talking about?” Vegito said, irritated. “She’s Pan. What else is there to say?”

  “You’re a little slow, aren’t you? Everyone knew something was off with Anpan a dozen chapters ago. Try to keep up!” Buu replied condescendingly.

  “Why you—!” As usual, Vegito let Buu get under his skin.

  “Yes, you should,” Gohan said, placing a supportive hand on Pan’s shoulder. He’d never questioned her identity. “No more lies, whoever you are.”

  “I guess so,” Anpan said, throwing her arms behind her head.

  “I’d like some answers too.” Libra said, arms crossed.

  “Huh? Who are you?” Not-Piccolo asked, his eyes squinted. “Something about you seems familiar.”

  “It’s a long story.” Pan said, releasing a long-suffering sigh.

  Before she could explain further, a familiar voice called out. “So, I see everything is finally fixed.”

  “My love, you’re safe!” Trunks said, practically floating. Mary Sue’s arrival changed the atmosphere instantly. Everyone fawned over her like love-struck puppies.

  “Oh, brother,” Pan muttered. Mary Sue’s dream powers had strange effects, but it wasn’t her fault. “Anyway—where have you been?”

  “You know. Around,” Mary Sue replied vaguely. “But hey, it seems everything worked out!”

  “You!” In stark contrast to everyone else, grandpas glared at Mary Sue with open hostility. Everyone turned on him instantly, bristling with outrage.

  Pan tensed, sensing a potential riot.

  “Why did you get Goku instead of me?” Her grandfathers growled.

  “Huh?” Mary Sue blinked. “Why wouldn’t I? He’s Goku, the greatest hero in the multiverse!”

  “I’m the greatest being in the multiverse!” Her grandfathers snapped. “Obviously!”

  “Poor Vegito,” Buu from Universe 4 said with a chuckle. “Feeling unappreciated?”

  That only made him angrier. Pan winced. The other fighters looked ready to lynch her grandfathers.

  Before things could spiral, Mary Sue pointed at Anpan. “You? What are you doing here?!”

  “You know Anpan?” Pan asked, surprised.

  “Huh? You’re here?” Anpan said, equally surprised.

  “Yeah, I do.” Mary Sue’s expression darkened. “Things are becoming clearer. Anpan, as you call her, is a nightmare from my world. She’s a living terror born of darkness.”

  ---

  Author’s note:

  Sorry, but the fight with Vegeta is delayed until the next chapter. 22 was running long, and I didn’t want this chapter to be 10,000 words long. Writing all the after battle events took much longer than I expected.

  Next time!

  Anpan the Nightmare, her origin revealed. Further investigations of Buu from Universe 4. Libra has a chat with her dad. The tournament restarts, Vegeta vs Pan!