The hideout buzzed with quiet activity. Jay leaned against the pool table, spinning a cue in his hand. Bull and Johnny sat at the table, locked in a heated card game. Shotzi was on the couch, tinkering with a gadget sparking every few seconds.

Super walked in, clapping his hands once.

Super: Alright, listen up!

Everyone turned. Bull raised an eyebrow, Johnny stopped mid-drink, and Shotzi paused her tinkering.

Jay: What’s up now, big guy?

Super: Do you even know what day it is?

Jay: uh... Tuesday?

Super: No, it's Monday. Whatever. It’s our one-year anniversary! One year since we kicked off this whole... escapade. (Pun Absolutely Intended)

Shotzi: Has it really been a year?

Super: Yeah. One year of saving worlds, fighting galactic threats, and somehow not getting ourselves killed.

Bull: Barely.

Jay: A year, huh? Guess we’re a pretty big deal.

Super: And what better way to celebrate than by taking down our biggest threat yet?

The room fell silent.

Super: Jordi Dynamite.

Bull: The newspaper guy?

Johnny: The one who keeps trashing us in every issue?

Shotzi: That guy’s an asshole.

Super: More than that. He’s dangerous.

Jay: Dangerous how? The dude runs a print media business. His weapon is bad press.

Super: And he’s been using it to turn people against us. We don’t know how much pull he’s got, but anyone with that much hate and reach is a problem.

Bull: So what do we actually know about him?

Super: Not much. Except that he’s obsessed with talking about us.

Johnny: Great. So we’re about to take down a loudmouth with a grudge. Sounds thrilling.

Shotzi: If he’s been talking bad about us this much, there’s gotta be more to him. Nobody’s that petty for no reason.

Jay: Petty or not, he’s calling us out. Fine. Let’s go shut him up.

Super: Glad you’re on board. Get ready. We’re heading out tonight.

The Crew exchanged glances, a mix of annoyance and curiosity. They didn’t know what Dynamite’s deal was, but they were about to find out.

[TITLE CARD: JAY’S ESCAPADE: 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!]

The Crew is about to head out, when suddenly a familiar alien steps in their way. The lights in the hideout flickered, cutting off any further banter. The alien's voice rang out, dripping with mockery.

Frieza: Hmm... I figured you guys would've gotten better security after all this time.

Jay: I am the security... (random callback lol)

Frieza: *shrugging* Then again, what should I expect from a group of idiotic monkeys.

Jay finally looked toward where the voice was coming from when he finished his dramatic posing.

Jay: Oh, great. You again.

Frieza and Seraphina stepped out of the shadows, their presence immediately throwing the room into tension.

Super: Didn’t we kill you?

Seraphina shrugged nonchalantly, brushing a hand through her hair.

Seraphina: You did. But Doomsday—sorry, Cronus—brought us back. Something about unfinished business.

Frieza: And lucky us, that business is you monkeys.

Jay: If you came to talk trash, save it. We’ve got a schedule to keep.

Frieza: Oh no, monkey. We’re not here to talk.

Seraphina: We’re here to fight. Right here. Right now.

Bull stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.

Bull: You sure about that? You two barely survived the last time.

Frieza: Bold words for someone who’ll be begging for mercy soon.

Shotzi: You’re really trying this here? In our hideout?

Seraphina smirked.

Seraphina: What can I say? I like to keep things interesting.

Jay: Fine. If you want to get your asses handed to you again, I’m happy to oblige.

Super: You sure about this? They came back from the dead. Might have a few new tricks.

Jay: Don’t care.

Frieza launched forward without warning, aiming straight for Jay. He dodged, countering with a swift kick that sent Frieza stumbling back.

Frieza: You’re still as annoying as ever, monkey.

Bull charged at Seraphina, but she flipped over him effortlessly, landing with a smirk.

Seraphina: Guess you still haven't learned that brute force doesn't work.

The room erupted into chaos as the fight began, the Crew matching blow for blow with their resurrected foes. Sparks flew as Shotzi’s gadget exploded mid-toss, sending Frieza into a temporary retreat.

Super: Happy anniversary, everyone.

Jay: Yeah, best gift ever. Now let’s finish this.

...

The hideout shook as the brawl erupted, the confined space barely holding up under the chaos.

Shotzi was the first to charge Seraphina, a makeshift weapon—a reinforced crowbar—in her hand. She swung with a fury, aiming for Seraphina’s side. The strike landed clean, or so it seemed, but Seraphina didn’t budge.

Seraphina: Cute. Try again.

Before Shotzi could react, Seraphina backhanded her with enough force to send her skidding into the pool table. Johnny and Bull wasted no time, moving in tandem. Johnny darted low, aiming a sweeping kick at Seraphina’s legs, while Bull came in high, fists clenched for a heavy punch. Seraphina glanced at them, her smirk widening.

Seraphina: Time out.

The air around her shimmered, and suddenly, Johnny and Bull froze mid-attack. Seraphina strolled between them, the world moving at her pace, her voice echoing like she was underwater.

Seraphina: You boys are predictable.

She grabbed Johnny by the collar, shoving him back, then spun to kick Bull square in the chest. Time resumed as Bull slammed into the wall, and Johnny hit the floor, gasping for air.

Shotzi: What the hell was that?

Seraphina: Something you can’t keep up with.

Shotzi picked herself up, blood dripping from her lip.

Shotzi: We’ll see about that.

...

On the other side of the room, Super and Jay faced off against Frieza.

Frieza: Two monkeys for the price of one. This will be fun.

Frieza laughed, a cold, shrill sound, before darting forward at inhuman speed. Super reacted first, meeting him with a punch, but Frieza caught his fist, twisting it with enough force to crack bones.

Frieza: Still so weak.

Super gritted his teeth, planting a kick into Frieza’s stomach. The alien stumbled back, giving Jay an opening. Jay leaped, delivering a spinning kick to Frieza’s head, but it barely phased him.

Frieza: Is that all?

He countered, slamming his tail into Jay’s side and sending him crashing into the wall. Super lunged, grabbing Frieza by the shoulders and throwing him into the floor.

Super: You’re not as tough as you think.

Frieza grinned, even as he lay in the rubble.

Frieza: Neither are you.

With a flick of his wrist, a purple energy blast erupted from his hand, catching Super off guard and throwing him back into the bar.

...

Seraphina continued her onslaught. Johnny and Bull charged her again, trying to flank her this time. Johnny feinted left, throwing punches aimed at her face, while Bull swung at her midsection. She caught Johnny’s fist effortlessly and ducked under Bull’s swing.

Seraphina: You two are persistent.

She twisted Johnny’s arm, pulling him into Bull’s path, forcing the big man to stop his attack. Using the momentum, she hurled Johnny across the room. He crashed into the dartboard, the impact knocking it off the wall.

Bull roared, grabbing a barstool and swinging it at her like a club. It splintered on impact, but Seraphina didn’t flinch. Instead, she drove a punch into Bull’s gut, forcing the air out of his lungs and dropping him to his knees.

Shotzi leaped onto Seraphina’s back, wrapping an arm around her neck and stabbing at her with a jagged piece of metal.

Shotzi: Let’s see you heal from this!

The blade sank in, but Seraphina barely reacted, her wound sealing almost instantly. She grabbed Shotzi by the arm and threw her over her shoulder. Shotzi landed hard, coughing, but rolled to her feet.

Shotzi: Alright, plan B.

She pressed a button on her wrist gadget. A small sphere detached and rolled toward Seraphina before exploding into a burst of electricity. The shockwave sent Seraphina stumbling, her movements faltering for the first time.

Bull: Nice one.

He charged again, slamming into Seraphina with a shoulder tackle that sent both of them crashing through the bar.

...

Jay wiped blood from his mouth, glaring at Frieza.

Jay: Round two.

He sprinted forward, feinting a left hook before spinning into a big kick. The strike connected, sending Frieza staggering. Super followed up with a shoulder tackle, slamming Frieza into the wall.

Frieza: Clever little monkeys.

Super: You're gonna stop calling us that, you racist little bitch.

Frieza roared, releasing a shockwave of energy that forced Jay and Super back. He flew into the air, charging a sphere of energy in his hand.

Frieza: Say goodbye.

Jay: I don't really wanna.

He grabbed one of Shotzi’s discarded gadgets and hurled it at Frieza. It exploded on contact, disrupting the energy ball and throwing Frieza off balance. Super leaped, grabbing Frieza mid-air and flinging him into the ground with a thunderous crash.

Super: Stay down.

He lunged at Super, but Jay intercepted, catching Frieza with a flying kick to the head.

Jay: You should listen to the guy.  *whispering* He's kinda scary when you don't.

...

Seraphina pushed Bull off her, her eyes glowing with anger.

Seraphina: Enough of this.

She activated her time-stopping ability again, moving through the frozen room. She grabbed Shotzi’s wrist, twisting it to disarm her, then kicked Johnny in the stomach, sending him flying once more.

When time resumed, Bull was mid-swing but hit nothing but air.

Bull: Argh!

Shotzi: She’s messing with time again! Damn it!

Johnny stumbled back to his feet, glaring.

Johnny: We need to hit her faster than she can react.

The three of them moved in unison this time, coordinating their attacks. Bull tackled her from the side, pinning her to the ground. Johnny grabbed her legs while Shotzi used another gadget, this one creating a gravity field that held Seraphina in place.

Seraphina: Clever. But not clever enough.

She screamed, a burst of energy shattering the field and throwing all three of them back.

...

Frieza was on his last legs, breathing heavily as he glared at Jay and Super.

Frieza: You think you’ve won?

Jay: No. We know we’ve won.

Super grabbed Frieza, hoisting him into the air.

Super: Last chance. Stay down.

Frieza grinned through bloodied teeth.

Frieza: Never.

Super and Jay knocked Frieza unconscious with synched punches.

...

Seraphina stood amidst the wreckage, battered but still standing.

Seraphina: You’re tougher than I expected.

Shotzi: Yeah, and you’re annoying.

Bull tackled her again, this time slamming her into the ground with all his weight. Johnny followed up with a barrage of punches, while Shotzi used one last gadget to electrify her.

Finally, Seraphina collapsed, the fight draining out of her.

...

The Crew regrouped, breathing heavily.

Jay: That was alot.

Super: And it’s only the beginning.

Shotzi: You think they’ll stay down this time?

Super: Doubt it. But we’ll be ready.

Jay: Let’s just hope that Jordi Dynamite dude isn’t as much of a headache.

Johnny: Knowing our luck, he’ll be worse.

Jay: Then we’ll take him down too. Together.

...

The dust settled, leaving the Crew standing among the wreckage of the hideout. Jay knelt by Frieza’s unconscious body, wiping blood from his knuckles. His eyes caught a glimmer of something metallic in Frieza’s tattered armor.

Jay: What the hell is this?

He pulled out a small, circular device with a green, pulsating screen. The screen displayed what looked like coordinates, flashing intermittently.

Shotzi: A bomb?

Jay: Don’t think so.

Super leaned over, peering at the device.

Super: Looks like some kind of tracker.

Johnny: What’s it tracking?

Bull: Whatever it is, it can’t be good.

Jay flipped the device over, searching for markings or hints.

Jay: No idea, but it might lead us to something—or someone.

Shotzi: You think it’s connected to Jordi Dynamite?

Jay: Maybe. Maybe not. But it’s worth checking out.

Jay stood, pocketing the device.

Jay: I’ll handle this.

Shotzi: Alone? That’s a bad idea.

Jay: I’ll be fine. Someone’s gotta figure out what this thing is.

Super: And what about the rest of us?

Jay: You stay here.

Super: And who’s in charge?

Jay: Shotzi.

Super: Shotzi?

Shotzi: You got a problem with that?

Super: Yeah, I do. I should be in charge.

Shotzi: Please. You couldn’t lead your way out of a paper bag.

Super: And yet I’m still the most qualified.

Jay: Alright, settle this however you want. I’m leaving.

Super: Rock-Paper-Scissors. (Another call-back. I'm on fire!)

Shotzi raised an eyebrow.

Shotzi: Are you serious?

Super: Dead serious.

Shotzi: Fine.

They faced off, hands ready.

Super: Best two out of three.

Shotzi: Whatever helps you sleep at night.

Jay sighed, heading for the door.

Jay: Don’t burn the place down while I’m gone.

The first round was quick—Shotzi threw scissors while Super threw rock.

Super: One down.

Shotzi: Beginner’s luck.

The second round was a tie, both throwing paper.

Super: Tense, isn’t it?

Shotzi: Shut up.

In the final round, Super threw scissors while Shotzi hesitated, throwing paper.

Super: Boom! Told you.

Shotzi groaned.

Shotzi: Fine, you’re in charge. Try not to screw it up.

Super: Don’t worry, I got this.

Johnny: This is going to be a disaster.

Jay waved them off, heading into the night with the device in hand.

Jay: Just keep things together until I’m back.

Super: You can count on me.

Shotzi muttered under her breath.

Shotzi: That’s what I’m afraid of...

...

We fade into a quiet forest clearing, moonlight filtering through the trees...

Jay trudges through the underbrush, clutching the strange device. Its green screen blinks rhythmically, guiding him forward.

Jay: Ten minutes in, and I still don’t know where this thing’s taking me. This better be worth it.

The device suddenly beeps louder, the green light intensifying. Jay stops, looking around.

Jay: Alright, show me something good, or I’m—

A rustling sound interrupts him. Jay spins around, fists clenched. From the bushes, a small figure emerges—a kid, no taller than four feet, with scruffy blonde hair, a towel cape, and mismatched sneakers.

Jay: Who the hell are you?

The kid plants his hands on his hips, puffing out his chest.

Bam-Bam: I’m Bam-Bam Bashford, duh. Who’re you?

Jay blinks, completely thrown off.

Jay: I’m Jay. What are you doing out here? It’s the middle of the night.

Bam-Bam: Saving the world. What’s your excuse?

Jay: …Right. Look, kid, do you know what this thing is?

He holds up the device. Bam-Bam’s eyes light up.

Bam-Bam: Oh, that’s easy! It’s a Dragon Ball tracker. Duh.

Jay: A what?

Bam-Bam: Dragon Ball tracker. You use it to find the Dragon Balls. They’re, like, super magic and grant wishes and stuff. Everybody knows that.

Jay stares at Bam-Bam, trying to process the flood of information.

Jay: Magic? Wishes? You’re telling me this thing is some kind of genie radar?

Bam-Bam nods enthusiastically.

Bam-Bam: Yep! But you gotta find all seven. Otherwise, no wishing for candy, or superpowers, or—

Jay: Hold on. Why does Frieza have this?

Bam-Bam’s face scrunches in thought.

Bam-Bam: Probably wants to wish for something dumb. Like being taller.

Jay smirks.

Jay: Makes sense.

Bam-Bam suddenly gasps, his face lighting up again.

Bam-Bam: Wait! Are you gonna find the Dragon Balls? Can I come?

Jay: No offense, kid, but I don’t think this is your kind of thing.

Bam-Bam: What? Of course it is! I’m the best Dragon Ball hunter ever!

Jay: Somehow, I doubt that.

Bam-Bam stomps his foot, pouting.

Bam-Bam: You’ll see. Bam-Bam smash bad guys and find Dragon Balls better than anyone!

Jay sighs, running a hand through his hair.

Jay: Look, Bam-Bam, I’ve got my hands full as it is. You should head back home before someone mistakes you for an actual threat.

Bam-Bam: Mistakes me? I’m unstoppable! I’m—

Before Bam-Bam can finish, the device beeps louder, drawing both their attention.

Jay: Guess it’s working again.

Bam-Bam: See? It likes me.

Jay shakes his head, turning back toward the path ahead.

Jay: Whatever. Stay out of trouble, kid.

Bam-Bam grins, skipping alongside him.

Bam-Bam: Trouble’s my middle name!

Jay: …Of course it is.

Out of nowhere, a blur rushes past them. The device is snatched clean from Jay’s hand. He blinks in confusion as he sees a figure sprinting away, the green light of the tracker growing faint.

Jay bolts after the thief, leaving Bam-Bam behind. The boy looks on, his hands on his hips.

Bam-Bam: Guess someone’s in trouble. Not me this time.

Up ahead, Jay catches up to the thief—a tall, muscular man in dark, jagged armor with a smug grin plastered across his face. Jay doesn’t hesitate, grabbing the guy by the shoulder and yanking him back.

Jay: You’ve got something of mine.

The man turns, glaring at Jay. His voice is deep, menacing.

Thief: You want it? Come and take it.

Jay smirks, rolling his shoulders.

Jay: Don't mind if I do.

Jay lunges forward, throwing a punch, but the thief catches it effortlessly. Before Jay can react, the man drives a fist into his stomach. Jay's breath leaves him as the force sends him staggering back.

Thief: Is that all?

Jay charges again, determined, but the thief moves faster than Jay can see. The next punch slams into Jay's jaw, another into his ribs, and then three more in rapid succession. The final blow sends Jay rocketing backward, crashing through tree after tree-fifteen in total-before skidding to a stop in the dirt.

Bam-Bam watches from afar, his jaw dropping.

Bam-Bam: Jay! You okay?

The thief laughs, holding the tracker up triumphantly.

Thief: Pathetic. You'd think someone so protective of this toy would at least know how to fight.

Bam-Bam stomps up to the thief, glaring.

Bam-Bam: Hey, mean guy! You made my friend fly through trees, and that's not nice!

The thief looks down at Bam-Bam, chuckling.

Thief: And what's a little brat like you gonna do about it?

Bam-Bam narrows his eyes, his lips curling into a pout.

Bam-Bam: This!

Before the thief can react, Bam-Bam flicks him on the forehead. The impact is so intense that a cartoonish ding! echoes through the air. The thief rockets skyward, disappearing into the clouds with a fading scream.

Bam-Bam stands triumphantly, crossing his arms.

Bam-Bam: That's what you get for being a big meanie!

Jay groans, dragging himself out of the pile of broken trees.

Jay: What... just happened?

Bam-Bam skips over to him, grinning.

Bam-Bam: I saved the day! You're welcome.

Jay stares at the kid, completely dumbfounded.

Jay: Remind me to never, ever underestimate you again.

Bam-Bam: Duh. Everyone knows I'm awesome!

Jay shakes his head, still trying to process, as Bam-Bam picks up the tracker from where it fell and hands it back to him.

Bam-Bam: Now let's go find those Dragon Ball thingies!

Jay: Right... because this couldn't possibly get any weirder.

Bam-Bam: Oh, it will. It always does!

Jay sighs, already regretting every choice that led him to this moment, as the two continue deeper into the forest.