[5] Prison

[Bardock]

Everything started out simple enough. No sooner had he spoken the name of his son, then had another approached him.

?You know my dad??

Bardock turned, the words enough to abate his own inner rage. His sharp eyes quickly scanned the face of the youth that had addressed him. Instantly, a name was associated to the visage: Goten, youngest son of Kakarotto. The elder saiyan had seen him before, so long ago, yet the younger did not recognize him. Didn?t even know who he was, more like it. Goten had grown since the last the fighter had seen him. He had Kakarotto?s face?his face. The hair was a bit different; it more resembled the boy?s predecessors? in his days as a child. Bardock turned to face him squarely and approached, placing a firm hand on the boy?s strong shoulder.

?Kakarotto is my son,? he answered simply. ?My name is Bardock. You?re smart enough to know what that makes me to you.?

Goten seemed at a loss for words. He?d never before met his grandpa.

?Your father?he?s already been eliminated by Brim. I?ve sworn to avenge his fall,? Bardock continued, unable to keep the ice from his voice.

This piece of news startled the son of Goku. He bowed his head, visibly upset. ?Dad??

Then the entire world descended into madness. Upon the girl?s howl of fury, everyone went bonkers. It all happened so fast. Raditzu, whom materialized out of nowhere, quickly confronted the girl, whose name was apparently Bra. Within moments, their conversation swiftly escalated to violence. Raditzu?s normally impassive nature was replaced by an all-consuming anger, and he mercilessly berated the young girl for her foolish antics. The mohawked fighter and Yamu had to restrain her from making an ultimately stupid mistake of engaging Bardock?s eldest son in a fight. She was too blinded by grief to do anything rational. Not long after, she burst into tears altogether. It was difficult for the saiyan to have pity on anyone, but he did indeed feel sorry for her.

Ironically, in all the rush, everyone had forgotten about little Burter Junior, who deserved condolences more than anyone. He melted into the background, the look on his face betraying his resentment towards others. Just as Bardock felt the impulse to go to him, the wrinkled old namek from Burter Senior?s group swooped in to comfort the little reptilian. Another opportunity, lost.

No sooner had the ebony-haired fighter taken his eyes away from Raditzu?s short-lived brawl then had Prince Vegeta come storming in. Few words were exchanged, and none too pleasant ones at that, then had another skirmish erupted. His prince was attacking his son. Raditzu could take care of himself, far better than anyone else Bardock knew, but there was still a sense of frustration at seeing someone else, prince or not, strike his child. Bardock quickly surmised that Bra was Vegeta?s daughter. The royal-blooded saiyan surely felt the same as he. So far, the little fight was no more than a pissing match. Bardock lost interest very quickly as his attention was diverted elsewhere. The prince had no chance of beating Raditzu, and only would Bar be compelled to step in if something happened to his kin.

Bra was being consoled by friends.

Burter Junior was now playfully teasing with Bebi.

Even that freak is closer than I am, he thought almost wistfully. Bardock sighed as he turned back towards Goten, whom he had rudely been ignoring the past few minutes. Perhaps his concentration was best asserted to his own flesh and blood.

Just as he was about to resume conversation with his grandson, two televisions became alive, their screens portraying Brim?s ugly visage. Burter had certainly given the bastard a good beating before he went down. Good man.

?Hello,? the executive greeted grimly. ?As I?m sure you?ve all heard, I have challenged your reptilian friend to a duel to the death, and I won.?

Everyone was grudgingly forced to admit it, even if only inside their minds, and even if only Brim had had to resort to underhanded tactics.

?The battle has taken its toll on me, as you can see,? he continued, a small smile suddenly spreading across his lips after the words were said. ?I programmed Burter?s collar to disallow him to exist when I killed him. I am sure you will be happy to hear this: I didn?t kill him.?

The room was awash with gasps. Hope, what was once denied, now breathed deeply amongst those who had thought their dear friend lost forever.

?Burter killed himself at the last moment. He is still alive, somewhere out there. He did not go back to Arlia; but he is somewhere. I assure you, your lizard friend is still in this universe. Now, I know many of you want to battle me. I?m aware?but whether you like it or not, this is still my show, and this is still my game. You will play, simple as that.?

?We?ll see about that?? someone amongst the crowd murmured threateningly. Bardock couldn?t recognize the voice.

?Things are being prepared for the game to continue. Until then, I will grant you this: if you have some frustration to let out, you can! Any fights will be taken into the gladiator dome, part of this building, where you can duel. Be warned: death can and probably will occur there.?

Upon utterance of those final words, the glow of the television immediately shut off. Raditzu and Vegeta vanished, their figures blurring until their appearance was no more. Bardock felt a tug as his own body was being pulled elsewhere. Once he was able to regain his bearings, he realized the room he was in was still the one that had been his prison before, except the laser bars that surrounded the cell were all that was holding them. Still, Bar guessed they were impenetrable. The view was better: the fighters could occupy themselves with the entertainment of those locked in arena combat. Bardock turned to Goten.

?I?ll be back. I need to take care of some things first. In case that damned Brim does something before I get back, if ever you should need me, contact me on this,? Bardock said, tapping the scouter that sat comfortably on his left ear. ?I?ll find you, I promise.? He grinned, and tightened his grip on the young boy?s shoulder, shaking him heartily. ?It was good seeing you again, kid. Don?t get killed. Do our family proud, eh??

Before Goten could get a word in edgewise, Bardock was gone. The reunion (or meeting, in the case of Goku?s boy) was a pitiful one, but hopefully there would be more time for that later. He?d be back for him in a moment.

The saiyan quickly weaved through familiar faces until he came to Burter Junior. The young lizard was elated to hear that his father was indeed alive, and that he?d get to see him again. Bebi stood to one side. Bardock knelt on one knee and placed his hands on the kid?s shoulders, holding him firmly still.

?See kid? Your old man?s all right. Everything will be fine,? the saiyan said.

?I?m still gonna be like him,? BJ insisted, his face split with a huge smile.

?Yeah. You be like him. No better guy, I suspect,? Bardock nodded, remembering all those who had mourned his falsified death. ?Listen, kid. You got a lotta friends. They?re prolly gonna help you find your dad. They?re prolly gonna take care of you until then. But I want you to know, that I?ll take care of ya too. If you need me??

Bardock took a hand away to tap on the scouter, just as he had done for Goten.

??you call me. I?ll come running. I?d stay with you now, but your friends don?t really know me. I?d prolly just get in their way.?

He stood to his full height then, releasing his gentle hold. Bardock placed a calloused hand atop the azure alien?s head, shaking the child?s head around playfully as he flashed the same grin he gave before. ?You?re never alone, hear me??

BJ nodded, his piercing red eyes meeting the older man?s gaze.

?Give ?em hell, kid.?

BJ nodded again, this time full of fierce pride. ?They?re going to wish they never messed with my daddy!?

Bardock returned a nod before whirling around to make his way back to Goten.

Suddenly, a faintly reminiscent voice rang in his ears.

?Let me out??

The saiyan?s eyes followed the noise, resting upon the figure of someone from memories gone by. She sat alone, huddled away from the throng. Bardock was close enough to hear the words, the words that seemed to be a mindless chant. Android 18 had taken no notice as to their new?though identical?surroundings. Her eyes burned red, tears of misery flowing freely down her flushed cheeks. He could see by the way she held her hands that they suffered energy burns. She?d tried to escape. Bardock pushed his way through the crowd, shoving roughly past those rooted deeply in their own silly conversations. He came to a stop just before her, lowering himself on his knees.

She was distressed, and obviously in need of some consoling. Unfortunately, consolation was something that Bardock was horribly inept at.

?Hey,? he said as softly as his rough voice would allow, making his presence known. Eighteen didn?t look up. The saiyan?s mind raced for something better to say. ?You still owe me a rematch,? he fumbled.

Nothing.

?Well shit. I?m no good at this, so would you at least help me out by saying something??


OOC: Number two. Sorry for leaving you in the lurch, Goten. You can come find me if you want. Truth be told, I have no idea how to roleplay your character. ^_^;;

[Hellfighter 17]

?What?? the android said towards the monitors with narrowing eyes. His hands spread out in front of his chest with palms facing up and the only movement he could perform was to shake his head. Many of the fellow captives had the same reaction; maybe toned down, or upwards, they still felt the same compulsion. The sinister emergency ward patient quirked a smile as a barely audible buzz signaled that the television screens were to turn off. Seventeen was still maintaining his look, but decided to turn towards the more perplexing circumstance?the green one who had started a street-style joust with him in the cramped quarters. As his head started to turn to backwards, the humanoid was overcome by a feeling of sickness in his stomach.

This nausea was a familiar one to the humanoid; he had suffered from it before on this wretched planet. The executive was decomposing his body, only to reapply it somewhere unbeknownst to him. ?Ugh,? Seventeen moaned, rolling his eyes as they disintegrated from the rest of the body. Within moments?though no time passed for the android as he had been in a loop of non-time?the robotic warrior appeared within a vast circular arena, laced with high, seemingly infinitely high, walls that were dotted with handholds; the vastness only caused the queasiness to become worse for Seventeen as he looked on in astonishment. To the robot?s far right was seemingly small patch in the wall which was red for the most part, but at a better glance one could tell that there were warriors held within.

After the cybernetic eyes had the chance to gain a synopsis of the area, as well as the electronic body the time to recover from the feeling of sickness, Seventeen?s mind began to think back to what the captivator and said earlier. The android did not remember the wording all too well, as his mind was racing at the time and he was taking a breather from his battle at the time, but he believed that Brim had told them that Burter had died. The humanoid was not aware of this at all, nobody had taken the time to tell him. When the hell did this happen?! The hell fighter was very confused about just how this happened, and he slightly blamed himself for not following the reptile at the production building. Stupid, stupid, stu? The humanoid?s mind was forced to quit the slander against himself as his side began to tingle with a sensation of burning synthetic flesh.

The robot looked around hastily after wincing for a moment at the unexpected pain and his gaze soon fell back to the namekian who had attacked him ravenously earlier. The humanoid was forced to shift into battle mode as he saw yet another orb of dark energy racing for him. After dropping his knees and loosening his hands into open palms, Seventeen raised one of his forearms so that the oncoming blast would simply deflect off of his awry flesh, though skewing it even more than it would be in its twisted state.

As the complicated laws of physics for the ki realm had predicted, the blast made contact with the arm and exploded on contact, causing a puff of smoke to rise up. The miniscule clouds that had arisen did not mask the hell fighter, for he had leapt off the ground for the green bean. Piccolo estimated the time it would take the android to reach him, but since the warrior had not seen the humanoid let loose in such a wide and unrestricted area, he could not estimate what he average speed would be, therefore his calculations had gone amiss. This factor led to a bleeding nose for the namek-sei-jin, with red life source starting to drip down towards the ground after an elbow had interrupted his ?surprise attack.? Soon after the plan failed, Seventeen followed up with a swift kick to the tall man?s side, launching him to the side, towards the trip-beams. The gushing blood caused Piccolo to react slower to the onslaught, along with his mind surprised at the speed, but he still managed to stop before hitting ki-charged barriers, though he was left at a disadvantage.

The hell fighter had swooped in to continue his attack, not allowing his aggressor to gain an upperhand at any time, and started to throw a punch into his attack. The namek was able to see this in time and had reacted by throwing in his own fist after being forced back a bit. A blur of fists could be seen as the two parried the other?s attacks, grunting with each effort they had to use to guard against the opponent?s attack.

After blocking an attack from both hands of Seventeen, the super namekian thrust both palms forward and fingers outstretched as he let out an audible ?Ahh!? to personify the sudden energy he exerted into the blast. A bright ball of energy moved forth, immediately making contact with the android?s chest, propelling him backwards. Piccolo seized this open opportunity and started to gather some energy within himself. The robot was able to stop on the heat of his heals in mid-air and began charging his foe once again, allowing the green bean not all too much time to continue with the attack. Seeing that there was not enough time to perform it correctly, Piccolo decided to unleash it in hopes of doing at least some damage. Seventeen could see that the green warrior decided to put forth the attack after all, since he had sensed that there was not much energy in it he had continued head-on, but after sensing this, it would be best to avoid.

?Masenkoa-ha!? said the crazed fighter as a bead of sweat rolled down his brow. After instinctively following his senses, Seventeen was caught by the attack even though he intended not to be. It tore at his side, throwing him back somewhat and tattering his cloths to reveal scorch marks and drawings of blood. Piccolo?s breathing became more strenuous as panted slightly, but managed to keep his eyes focused on the now-bleeding android. After a few moments, both competitors were now ready for battle once again.

?Why exactly are you doing this?? asked Seventeen, spiking an eyebrow. Before answering his question, the namek, surprisingly, rushed behind his foe, holding tightly onto his arms and locking his hands over the raven-coloured hair.

??Cause!? hollered Piccolo, showing his fangs with ferocity, ?You need to feel the pain.? The humanoid?s face contorted at the last remark, but it soon changed once again with narrowed eyes and gritting teeth. The super namekian had been caught up in his rage yet again and began to let his power spike, but this gave the hell fighter a chance to escape the hold. Using much of the strength in his neck?s muscles, the android forced his head forward and let it bob back; striking the namek-sei-jin in the jaw, a few inches below the dried blood that covered the green upper lip. ?Ahh,? relinquished Piccolo, grasping ahold of his chin, which had driven into the cranium of Seventeen, tearing at his scalp slightly.

With the new-found opening, the android ignored the bloody discharge atop his head and turned swiftly towards the namek, with one hand extended. Within that outstretched hand energy began to spark before it fell to the ground, and after a few little jolts a staff appeared, approximately two metres in length and had the strength of the mightiest ki source. The green bean did not have enough time to react to this as he had chose to concentrate on his disfiguring face, and thus the rod was able to complete its objective of piercing the pointy-eared fighter, tearing skin off of the abdomen. Seventeen did not want to waste the cylinder on simply piercing the gut, and so decided to continue with it and took it out of the foe?s belly after it had only gone in minorly, and so there was not much to attend to as Seventeen turned around quickly ready to go in for another.

OOC: FYI, Piccolo?s blood is actually red as I RPed, even though his battle with Raditzu in DBZ (American version) would say otherwise. =O

[Bra]

It was a restless sleep, but at the very least, the lack of consciousness allowed her an escape from the very painful reality which she had left behind, if not only for a moment. Her slumber wasn?t a comforting one. Her mind created a reality of darkness for her to inhabit, one which placed her even further on edge than she already was from the day?s events. Shadows from twisted, shrouded objects stretched menacingly across the poorly lit corridor she was apparently in. Two objects seemed to dimly burn in the distance, beckoning the devastated young girl toward them, like a moth to a flame. The halfling silently complied, cautiously stepping toward it, her footfalls echoing repeatedly all around her, as if being reflected in all directions, again and again. The otherwise absolute silence was painfully unnerving, and threatened to drive the girl into a panic. Her pace quickened, she had to see what those two crimson dots were, before anything horrible might happen. She neared them, watching as a silhouette began to outline itself on her approach-

She awoke with a gasp, the sounds of a mighty battle thundered throughout the chamber. Two incredulously powerful signatures seemed to overwhelm her sixth sense, but worse yet, an overwhelming sense of dread flooded her mind as she instantly recognized both fighters.

?You would dare to take me lightly?? rasped a most familiar voice, ?Don?t delude yourself into thinking you?re the only one capable of such power.?

Bra shot into a sitting position, her mouth agape as she witnessed her father - her real father - ascending into the second level of super saiyan. Blasts of raw energy burned at the very air, vaporizing their molecules and vanishing, leaving behind the stink of ozone as a reminder of their existence. Raditzu and Vegeta appeared to be at a stand-off, each one of them reaching far beyond the limits of any ordinary super saiyan. Finally, the girl had the sense to activate her LENS unit, which only confirmed what her ki sense implied; the prince was absurdly powerful.

?Come on.? Bra?s father challenged, waving his arm with a wide smirk. The long haired fighter vanished immediately, materializing behind the noble saiyan, eliciting another gasp from the cyan haired girl, who watched intently from her bench, unsure of how to act in the situation, ?Ugh... fast.? Vegeta scowled.

?Very fast.?

Raditzu, you bastard.

The young princess watched her father whirl about, managing to barely intercept a brutal elbow. The colliding energy seared throughout the air while Raditzu lunged forward, connecting with a vicious head-butt. The golden haired royal catapulted forth, propelling a mighty ki blast at his opponent. The long haired fighter was launched backward, painfully crashing into the ground.

The rest of the fight was viewed in a haze as the cyan haired girl was forced to watch her own father - whom she had met for the first time in an age - receive brutal blow after blow from the self-absorbed monster that Raditzu apparently was. She wouldn?t stand for it. She couldn?t! Bra got to her feet, resolving to assist her father in any way possible, but found herself unable to take any steps toward Vegeta?s fearsome opponent.

?Not bad.? the prince admitted, using a wall to maintain his balance for a moment. Quickly he returned to a battle stance.

?Tch... I haven?t even gotten started.? the egotistical fucker replied, his eyes freakishly devoid of pupils of any kind. He wore a broad grin, one of insanity. Of indiscriminate lust for blood and carnage.

*EVENT*

He is still alive...

The rest of Brim?s speech was unimportant. The vile executive gave her the gift of hope, wether knowingly or not, and Bra?s heart instantly felt as light as air. Another stream of tears fell from her soft, blue eyes, but this time were not accompanied by crying. These were not tears of sadness, but rather, tears of joy. She smiled widely, unable to prevent it. Her eyes fell upon Burter Junior, and she offered him the same warm smile, with a reassuring nod. The two hadn?t gotten to know one another nearly as much as she would have liked, but she swore to make time for it soon.

Suddenly, Vegeta and Raditzu, as well as a few others, vanished. A moment passed, and the ones who remained were transported as well, to yet another cell, this one with a wide viewing area, blocked by the same energy beams as before. Beyond the beams, her father continued his battle with Raditzu. Both warriors radiated horrifying levels of energy, their titanic strength clashing again and again. Bra felt that they were fighting about equally for the time being, but even so, Vegeta was in grave danger. The girl felt with all her heart that if there was anyone who could defeat Raditzu, it was her father, but at the same time, she knew that if there was anyone who could defeat her father, it was Raditzu. The two were far more powerful than Bra ever had been, they fought on a scale the princess could not even comprehend, which only intensified her sense of dread.

?Trunks!! We have to go help dad!? the cyan haired girl exclaimed, her voice rife with emotion. Her elder brother looked from her to the fight, and then back to her again before making his reply.

?Sis... you know how dad is. This is his fight now. ?Sides, didn?t you see you strong he is? He?ll be fine.? the lavender haired warrior replied, still holding his gladius over his shoulder. He offered her another thumbs up.

?...Are you sure, Trunks?? Bra?s pleading eyes looked into his own, ?...I can?t handle losing someone else.?

?I?m sure.? his reply was simple. He turned his back, heading away, perhaps he needed time to think. The younger hybrid decided against pursuing him, returning his attention to the battle before her. Both saiyans fought valiantly, each one burned with a kind of determination that could only come from surmounting adversity... or from hate.

Her father was a proud man, of this the heiress was sure. It wouldn?t have been overly unlikely for him to have held a grudge against the long haired warrior. Likewise, Raditzu was easily as stubborn as Vegeta himself. Neither one would ever think of backing down to one another. Never. Bra, on the other hand, had shied away from Raditzu?s self-appointed authority on more than one occasion. It was deplorable. As a princess over the race, it was her duty to uphold the virtues of the royal family, be it pride, will, or courage. And she had failed. Countless times.

A thunderous boom shook her from her reflection. The half-blood whimpered in shock as she watched her father careen into a wall under the force of an exploding column of energy. Hardly a moment passed before the prince lunged forward, planting a series of savage punches into the long haired one?s chest and stomach, before finishing by grasping Raditzu?s head with both hands, pulling down while thrusting his knee upward, driving it as hard as he could into his adversary?s face.

?Maybe Trunks is right...? the young demi saiyan murmured, gazing upon the two golden haired fighters as their battle raged on. With such legendary power, the fight threatened to continue on forever, as neither one achieved a clear advantage, no matter how devastating the attacks they launched upon one another.

The girl?s eyes swept from the arena into the cell as she spun about on her heel, catching view of the blond woman whom Raditzu usually traveled with. Android 18. She was speaking with another saiyan, but the cyan haired girl?s predicament was too pressing to avoid interruption. She rushed over to the striking humanoid, pushing past the others whom she didn?t know in order to get within a distance which they could converse in.

?Eighteen!? she demanded, apologizing for her interruption to the ebony haired warrior before focusing on the androidess, ?You have to stop him! They?re both in trouble!!?

She knew what the child was talking about. She could sense it. Her Raditzu was doing battle with the saiyan prince, and both one fought on a plateau far above that of almost any warrior in the cell. 18 almost smirked, knowing she fought on that plateau as well.

?Hm?? she offered, unsure of how to respond just yet.

?Raditzu! He?s... he?s fighting my dad, Eighteen. I haven?t seen him... I haven?t seen him in so long. Both of them could die, you know!? Bra declared, her eyes coating with a watery film.

?What do you expect me to do about it?? Eighteen responded. Maybe she was feigning apathy, maybe she really didn?t care. The princess was unable to figure out which.

?I... don?t know. Is there any way you can talk to him?? she pleaded, unsure even why she approached this woman. They had otherwise ignored one another before, but there was no way for that to continue now.

OOC: I kind of interrupted 18 and Bardock, sorry. ^_^;
However, I think I did give you an easy opening to use some liquid time and still get your conversation in before Bra actually comes to talk with 18.

[Sammah]

?Not bad.? Vegeta held himself up on the back wall of the cell. He could literally feel the blood sliding down his face, almost as if it was existing everywhere. The spit that flung out from his mouth and onto the ground held the same red oozing color to it.

?Tch? I haven?t even gotten started.? Raditzu?s pupils had yet to return to their original mainframe, and his lips curled in such a fashion to show just how much enjoyment he was getting out of the battle.

The televisions in the two back corners suddenly turned on. The fighting between the two Saiya-jin warriors had taken a pause as they both heard the static coming from the box shaped screen. Everyone was watching the duals, but then looked up to see what happened. Even the fighters stopped in their tracks and turned to examine the situation.

"Hello," said the figure in the set. It was Brim, and he was apparently in bad shape. Bandages covered up his entire torso and face and his skin seemed to be deeply bruised. He wasn't smiling at all, and had good reason not to. "As I'm sure you all have heard, I have challenged your reptilian friend to a dual to the death, and I won. The battle has taken it's toll on me, as you can see." He let a gentle grin float about from his lips and continued, "I programmed Burter's collar to disallow him to exist when I killed him. I am sure you will be happy to hear this: I didn't kill him."

There was that name again. Burter was the one that his daughter was crying about, there?s no doubt about it. Never had he laid eyes upon this fighter, but apparently he meant a lot to not only her, but others as well.

"Burter killed himself at the last moment. He is still alive, somewhere out there. He did not go back to Arlia; but he is somewhere. I assure you, your lizard friend is still in this universe."

Was this Brim character telling the truth? How could one be certain that he wasn?t just playing another of his games on them? Was Burter still alive somewhere? A few sighs could be heard from around the bloodied Saiya-jin, and he couldn?t figure out for the life of him why this Burter guy was worried about so much.

"Now, I know many of you want to battle me. I'm aware...but whether you like it or not, this is still my show, and this is still my game. You will play, simple as that."

"We'll see about that..." someone obviously couldn?t resist themselves and spoke out the same thing just about everyone in the cell was thinking.

"Things are being prepared for the game to continue. Until then, I will grant you this. If you have some frustration to let out, you can! Any fights will be taken into the gladiator dome, part of this building, where you can dual. Be warned: death can and probably will occur there." Vegeta?s eyes widened a bit at Brim?s remarks, and before he could really make anything out from it, he had been teleported.

The dome was like any other sandy pitted battlefield, but there was no audience to watch. Just the dome, and prison cell, and no way out.

?Perfect.? Vegeta?s eyes darted around the empty arena. Now there was enough space to completely unleash his power without worrying about injuring some one he cared about. There were two others in the arena with them, but he paid no attention to them. His focus was on the Saiya-jin warrior in front of him; Raditzu. Vegeta?s leg slid back and his arms came up across his body, his posture transformed into something of unusualness, but soon subsided into his casual fighting stance.

?Happy now?? Raditzu popped the question with a sort of mocking tone. The Saiya-jin prince just stared back into his eyes. The two glared back and forth, as if they were debating with each other using just their eyes.

?Not until I see your rotting corpse.? Vegeta?s aura suddenly erupted even larger around his silhouette, and his hair became just a bit longer. Its golden flare peaked higher then before, and the sparks reappeared around his body. It danced around him like a ballet dancer performing for an audience of many, knowing that she was about to receive the greatest of applauses. Raditzu wasn?t about to let Vegeta put on a show without him, and he began to increase his power as well. The two fighters gathered their energy, ki, thoughts, and realized that there was no question to the fact that these two fighters were the strongest in the universe. The second level of Super Saiya-jin surged throughout their veins, and empowered them with an ability like none other, it was magnificent.

?Not happening.? Raditzu and Vegeta launched forward, both aiming to do the same kind of damage, the fatal kind. The prince made the first attack, sling shooting his arm forward, aiming to land a punch, but Raditzu easily dodged it with his incredible speed, countering with a swift knee into his gut. Vegeta keeled forward, and made ready for the next attack, a left jab from Rad. It was caught in the palm of Vegeta?s right, gripping it tightly and pulling him inward. He followed through with his own knee attack, thrusting it deep into his side. It wasn?t the first time Vegeta landed an attack onto his ribs, but the advanced armor that the Saiya-jins were wearing protecting them from what could have been bone crushing blows.

Raditzu spun around to the side, still feeling the tingling sensation in his side, and pressed both of his open palms up against Vegeta?s chest. With a loud and bright expression, an explosion erupted at point blank range, sending the prince hurling through the air and colliding hard into the cement wall that surrounded the arena. It cracked in the shape of a body, but was soon left to be alone as the prince retaliated forward, vanishing with great speed and appearing in front of his opponent. A barrage of fists were thrown into Raditzu?s face and chest, temporarily rendering him unfocused and open. Vegeta?s hands found their way onto the son of Bardock?s cranium, wrapping his fingers tightly onto the back of it and forcing both of his arms downward. Simultaneously, he lifted his knee up and made contact on the Saiya-jins face, the force was strong enough to send the fighter?s blood sprawling everywhere.

Vegeta?s opponent stumbled back ward, shaking his head a bit as too release the suddenly spell from his eyes. He didn?t waste any time in launching forward again, placing a good hold on inward contact, his elbow found it?s way hard into Vegeta?s chest, knocking him backward and rolling onto the ground. His hands gripped the deck, and he flipped back onto his feet, almost slipping on the sand but finally finding his footing. As he regained vision on his enemy, Raditzu was already in his face, and throwing a rally of punches and kicks onto the double ascended Super Saiya-jin. It was hard keeping up with his movements, making it clear on who was the faster of the two. Vegeta?s face burned as a fist connected onto his cheek. It must have been a thousand times greater than what Bra had experienced from the simple slap she received in order to make the prince of Saiya-jins stumble to the side. His legs were kicked out from under him, and his body fell hard onto the ground. The air felt as if it was literally ripped out from inside of him, and he gasped to recapture it before it was too late.

His vision was blurred, but he knew he couldn?t stop there, he saw a figure suddenly fade into picture above him, and he felt the sudden touch of death place a hand on his shoulder. But he refused to go with him, quickly rolling to the side and watching as a large eruption of sand exploded into the air. That was all from one punch, equal to the force of a hand grenade strong enough to shatter buildings. Vegeta?s eyes finally came to, and he was lucky enough to witness something quite unusual, definitely a first for the Saiya-jin prince. Raditzu?s entire right arm seemed to be coated with a type of metal. A metal which appeared to weigh nothing, possibly the infusing of his ki enabled quick movement and stability without losing his regularity.

It was unbelievable, but this appeared to be related to the same technique which Vegeta had seen on planet Namek when he had entered Crumble Incorporated. The boy which barred him down was using a sort of metal manipulating technique. Apparently Raditzu had learned the same feature, and was using it against him in this worth while match. There were vents along his fore arm, and they occasionally hissed open, releasing a burst of ki which increased the swing of the punch, rendering it almost impossible for Vegeta to dodge the next few blows. His body ached and torn apart at the seams as the metal fist dug deep into his meat. The veins and blood vessels could almost be felt exploding inside of his very being. He screamed out in pain as he felt one final blow collide into his gut, causing him to spew up a tremendous amount of blood and spit, spilling it all amongst the ground and onto his opponent?s armor.

Vegeta felt like he just had his stomach pumped, it caved inward and caused his legs to shake with the intensity of an earthquake. Raditzu leapt up into the air and spun around, releasing a tremendous blow to the skull with the heel of his foot, sending Vegeta sprawling along the sand. He grunted, just laying there for a few moments, taking the recent happenings in and analyzing them. There was no way to win like this, his body was wrecked, and his muscles ached from the sudden use of Super Saiya-jin 2. It was only the second time that he had transformed into this state, but the dragonball he possessed enabled him to control it like a pro.

But he couldn?t give up, not now, not against a low class Saiya-jin. It was as if thinking he was a low class would enable him the power to defeat his opponent with ease, but alas it would not. Raditzu had obtained a great source of power, and he used it like it was a part of his soul. A true Saiya-jin warrior who has become one with what he was; an elite fighter with the ability to kill all who stood in his path. The power was legendary, and Vegeta continued to think that he was not too far away from it.

His hands gripped tightly onto the sand beneath him and his knees began to slide underneath his frame, propping the bottom half of his body up off the ground. He couldn?t describe the incredible pain he was in, but it was something he hadn?t felt in the longest of ages. Not since he was ripped apart by the fusion of Kamikorro Daimoun. Raditzu apparently took this time to enjoy a breather, watching his Saiya-jin prince grunt and attempt to push himself up even onto his hands, enough to just look around at his surroundings. His arms were hanging their calmly by his waist, and the metal he had used to wrap his arm in had vanished, leaving nothing but fragile skin and blood tissue.

?Ugh?bastard.? Vegeta cursed under his breath, legs shaking as he slowly rose up onto his feet. His golden hair remained on top of his head, but the aura that danced lively around him was gone. The energy he had used was thrown out the window with Raditzu?s attack, but there had to be another way. Every fighter has weaknesses, just what exactly was Rad?s?

?You ready to continue? Or do you need another breather?? Raditzu?s hands rose up into his guard mode, again ready to pursue his opponent.

?I?m fine.? Vegeta?s voice became stiff and unharmed. His body began to increase in mass as he inhaled, holding it in for a few seconds and releasing it back out into the wild. His exhale was like a refreshing anecdote, but now it was time to continue. His lips parted and a low growl began to ensue from his lungs, and the aura once again reappeared around his body. It was hard for the Saiya-jin prince, but he once again attained the tremendous power of the second level, and he shifted into his fighting position. His posture, the way he held himself, seemed like he wasn?t even hurt, but deep down inside, he knew the pain that thrashed around inside of his body. No way in hell though would he ever show it. Almost a Saiya-jin trademark.

Vegeta?s arms suddenly shot out to his sides, erected at the utmost intense form, and his open palms began to pulsate with fire and power. A large ball of ki began to form at the ends of his hands, and grow with the sudden change of time. ?Big Bang Attack!? His trademark move was brought together in front of his chest, both palms joining together and the spheres of ki became one, releasing a large pillar of power screaming towards his opponent. Round 2 was about to being.

[Banned Dana]

With the new-found opening, the android ignored the bloody discharge atop his head and turned swiftly towards the namek, with one hand extended. Within that outstretched hand energy began to spark before it fell to the ground, and after a few little jolts a staff appeared, approximately two meters in length and had the strength of the mightiest ki source. The green bean did not have enough time to react to this as he had chose to concentrate on his disfiguring face, and thus the rod was able to complete its objective of piercing the pointy-eared fighter, tearing skin off of the abdomen. Seventeen did not want to waste the cylinder on simply piercing the gut, and so decided to continue with it and took it out of the foe?s belly after it had only gone in minorly, and so there was not much to attend to as Seventeen turned around quickly ready to go in for another.

Swinging the staff and smacking the Namekian as hard as he could in the head, the Namekian suddenly found himself outside a large building. Quite startled as to why he was here, he seemed to be moving as if he knew where he was going. Approaching a building with a massive sign, Piccolo took a deep breath and slowly he began to stride into the impressive looking building, sweating nervously as he did so. The massive building seemed to dwarf the jade warrior as he entered, his boots sliding mindlessly around on the polished floor.

"Nice to see you finally showed Mr. Piccolo, now go get changed with the others."

"Others?" Piccolo asked in a puzzled way, more to himself than anything else, but thought nothing of it. He just assumed that there were experienced fighters of sorts here for their weekly practice, or something along those lines. Shrugging, he wandered into the changing rooms, not even bothering to look up as he went and set his bags down on a bench.

"Piccolo!" a voice shouted in disbelief, coming from the Namekian?s left. The jade warrior turned round, and was stricken with amazement as Raditzu stood in front of him, wearing tight spandex, blushing thoroughly, his face as red as a tomato.

"Heh, very nice Raddy!" Piccolo mocked chirpily as his hand pinched the tight material of the long haired Sayajin?s garments, pulling it back before letting it go.

"OW! Don't snap my outfit!" The Super Sayajin?s red cheeks seemed to swell.

Raditzu Smirked as he pointed towards a rack.. "Jokes on you green man, you?re late so you get the left over outfits"

Piccolo followed the direction at which Raditzu's finger was pointing towards, and looked with horror. Hanging on a hook was a pink tutu, with a frilly skirt-like fluffy material around the center. Shaking his head in horror, Piccolo tried to speak, but no words came out, much to Rad's amusement.

"No way..." Piccolo said, "There's no way I'm wearing that!"

Fifteen minutes later...

Piccolo stepped out into a hall which was quite a majestic, awe-inspiring scene, its vastness purely amazing. Inside the hall were three odd figures, all wearing strange attire. One was a small plump human wearing tight trousers, and a having a head band mounted round his head. He was tap-dancing gallantly and expertly, his hands behind his back and his face fixed in a professional way.

?Android 17, look! We?re not the only ones here!? Yajirobe shouted, pointing to the Sayajin and his friend.

?Piccolo!? Hellfighter 17 exclaimed, before trying to hide his face. After having a good laugh at each the Namekian everyone settled down, sinking into a deep silence as the instructor walked in.

?No way?? everyone said together, in disbelief at who it was.

The silence was finally broken as the instructor spoke, his voice slicing through the noiseless air like a knife.

"Greetings" he said, a polite smile upon his lips. "Shall we get started?"

?Vegeta?!" everyone yelled in unison, in disbelief at the apparent sight in front of them.

"Now people, as they say. Let's bust a groove..." The Sayajin struck a pose.

"You?re the dance instructor?" Piccolo mumbled. ?Worthless and I thought you had pride.?

The Sayajin slumped over sobbing. "M...M...Mother said I should have been a shoe maker...Father pushed me into being evil...but all I wanted to do was dance!" the Sayajin dabbed at his tears with a tissue.

"Look...? Raditzu touched Vegeta's shoulder. "He didn't mean that... I?m sure you?re a good dancer...Super Sayajin and shoe maker"

Vegeta grinned turning back to the class. "Thank you." he whispered. "The first round is on me."

Then everyone began to laugh.

Piccolo suddenly snapped out of the nightmarish dream. Hellfighter 17 was standing over the Namekian, his hand crashing down on his green flesh, lifting him to his feet. Flipping backwards, Piccolo was sent flying against the walls once again. Unsure as to what that dream meant, other than the fact Piccolo was nuts, the Namekian shook it off, trying to concentrate on the fight, but the picture of Raditzu in a tutu was still fresh in his mind and this caused the jade warrior to laugh.

Seventeen used this to his advantage. With blood still rolling down his chin, the Namekian could do nothing except watch as the machine closed in and landed three open palm strikes to his stomach. Spinning again, Seventeen landed an expert kick to the jade warriors chest, sending him careening through the air. Trying to yell for them to move, it was too late. Piccolo was sent directly into Vegeta?s back, knocking them both to the ground. The Sayajin was to his feet with lightning quick reflexes, glaring at the Namekian. Lifting the green being from the ground, Vegeta began to pound on the jade figure. This just wasn?t Piccolo?s day, however, this gave Raditzu an opportunity to attack the Sayajin Prince. Flying down with amazing speed, the long haired Sayajin saw Hellfighter 17 closing in quickly, a change of pace and Raditzu swooped past Piccolo and Vegeta and landed a massive kick to the machine-hybrids face, sending him backwards, at a speed he couldn?t control.

Crashing through a rock, Hellfighter finally found the strength to stop, only to find Piccolo flying directly at him. The Namekian crashed on top of the artificial being and managed to make three connections to his face, however, it was just minimal damage, flipping the Namekian over, Hellfighter Seventeen had Piccolo pinned to the ground. Kicking up, the jade warrior found himself with just enough time to see the boot covered foot coming up for a kick. It connected sending the Jade warrior high into the air, smacking against the ceiling. Amidst his free falling back to the ground, Piccolo noticed Android 17 and Yajirobe fighting and Raditzu and Vegeta had resumed their fight.

Hanging freely in the air, Piccolo watched as Hellfighter 17 moved in for another attack.

OOC: The beginning was a day dream, Piccolo got knocked silly!
Post number: 2

[Android-18]

Her head leaned against the wall; parts of her hair covered her cheek and eyes. This angle gave her a view of the fighting below them, even though there were more of those nasty bars encaging them. She had calmed down, but her hands still hurt from the pervious action she had pulled. A light sigh issued from her lips and, her eyes shifted to see who was doing what. Raditzu was now down below fighting Vegeta, somehow she had seen something like this coming. Everyone had gone about their own business, talking to their own comrades, thinking their own things. Most had just seen her failing attempt to escape as foolish, she hadn?t been thinking about the glowing bars or what could happen. She just wanted out. She stared down at her partly open hands. Burn marks caressed the once pale skin, she had been stupid. It hadn?t registered in her mind that someone was trying to talk to her. She looked up and almost thought it could have been him, Raditzu, but that couldn?t be so. It was his father, Bardock. Did he care? Was he trying to comfort her, unlike anyone else?

?I?m sorry I was just thinking?? She said at his comment. She wasn?t ignoring him; she hadn?t even noticed him until then. ?You?re?Bardock?? She looked into his face, her large blue eyes more open, more lively. She had figured the only one who could care about her was Raditzu, but?he hadn?t even said anything to her. Then again, after her little stunt, he and the Saiya-Jin prince had been transported to more suitable place to battle. Her heart throbbed, he could lose, and if he did?he would be gone, and she would be here alone. Emotions welled up inside her gut, and bubbled to the surface. Fresh tears sprouted from her eyes and dribbled down her cheeks. ?I don?t want him to lose, I don?t want him to leave, even though?even though, he hadn?t talked to me, and I don?t want to be alone here.? She looked up at the elder Saiya-Jin with distress in her wide eyes. She moved forward in one motion and buried her tear covered face into the warrior?s chest, it didn?t matter who he was, and even if it had been someone else she?d have done it. ?I think I love him and?the ROSAT and?? She made no sense, but sobbed for reasons that probably eluded the Saiya-Jin. ?I?m sorry?? The android pushed away ands resumed her position against the wall. She drew her knees up and stared darkly toward the fighting below them. She took a hand ad dashed away the tears.

?Eighteen!? A feminine voice rang out, but the blonde continued to stare toward Raditzu and Vegeta. ?You have to stop them! They?re in trouble!? It was then that she glanced up. It was that girl, the one he had argued with. She glanced back downward, sensing the two warrior?s powers. Knowing that they could kill each other. Knowing Raditzu could be gone?She looked back up and forced a smirk to form upon her lips. She let out a sound of recognition, but couldn?t think of any words to consol the girls tension. ?Raditzu! He?s... he?s fighting my dad, Eighteen. I haven?t seen him... I haven?t seen him in so long. Both of them could die, you know!? The android felt like hitting her, for some reason. Her eyes were beginning to cloud over with tears, as if she knew anything?She continued to give the android that look, it was likely that she wouldn?t give up.

? What do you expect me to do about it.? She said finally and looked away again. There was nothing they could do here, behind these bars. They wanted to fight, and that was that. There was no stopping the blood lust that filled the Saiya-Jin price toward Raditzu. Even if they could stop this fight, some day they would fight again?they?d been like this since she had known her long haired companion?

? I... don?t know. Is there any way you can talk to him?? 18 leaned her head back against the wall and stared upward. Bardock was still next to them, keeping silent. She wanted to stop it, yes, but there was no use.

?I can?t do anymore than you can, they are men, they are Saiya-Jin. Your father has wanted to spill the blood of Raditzu for longer than even I have known him.? The girl stayed silent, it looked as if tears would spill at any moment. ?I don?t want Raditzu to lose to Vegeta, just like you probably want the opposite of that.? The cyan haired girl looked away. ?I love him, I know that now, I?ve known for a while?just like maybe you love your father, although he hardly seems like a father. I don?t know your motives or reasons, but you do care. You are a Saiya-Jin, no matter how much or how little, you should know what they are thinking, doing, and feeling.? She did not look down at the fight again; she stared toward the other girl with a determined look. They could not stop that fight; only the two warriors could stop it. They had no right to try and stop it. She sighed. ?Raditzu?? She could only hope that he did not face the same fate as Burter did...to lose Raditzu would be something 18 did not want to go through.

[Yamu]

Yamu?s vein distorted arms stood rigid at his sides, the man looked carved out of tan stone which was the complete opposite of the turmoil boiling under his skull. The past few moments kept flashing, Burter charging Brim, Big Blue disappearing, the complete rationalization that he was gone forever, and now the chance, the possibility his friend was alive. His time here was wasted?there was nothing he could do here?but Burter might need him.

He could be badly injured before he had killed himself, he might be captured, who knows where he had gone? No, the azure reptile had done so much for Yamu in the past he refused to leave his friend to the wicked devices of the universe with no one trying to help. Without even realizing it his mind was made up. Some stuff had to be taken care of though?

With the faintest touch of hand to shoulder Yamu got Uub?s attention and drew him a couple paces away to talk without be over heard. ?I?m going to be leaving now I think?? Yamu said slightly embarrassed. He did not know why he had brought the fellow Earthling over?something in their bond through Burter he guessed. Maybe his subconscious demanded someone feel for his ?sacrifice? maybe it was a genuine concern that Big Blue?s other friends knew someone was doing something for him and who they could contact.

?Leaving what do you?oh?? The mohawk adorned fighter realized what his bald counter part was insinuating. ?Why??

?Burter.? The veiny one of the pair said simply adding a small shrug. ?Big Blue might need someone. Who knows where he is or what has been done to him. I?m going to start searching for him?? The shiny headed human raised his hands to stop the protest he knew was coming, ?I know the chances are practically non-existent. I have to try?he never gave up on me?even when I died.?

Uub sighed, he wished he could go as well, but Bra needed someone here, and with Yamu gone so would BJ. With Burter gone it would seem Uub had to become the protector, the organizer, and well?the leader. In a single smooth motion Uub pulled a capsule from his pocket and flicked it through the air where Yamu caught it in his left hand with a questioning look on his face. ?Take this, my friend. You are going to need it if you even want that practically non-existent chance.? Yamu slipped the Uub?s ship capsule into his sash pocket without asking what it was. He figured he would find out what the selfless gift had been when he found his way back to Arlia.

The two reached forward and grasped forearms, Uub gave him an even look ?Keep me informed of your search.?

?I will. I?ll leave information with those I trust?which isn?t many but you will know how to find them.?

?When are you?going?? Uub asked slowly as their hand embrace was broken, still uncomfortable with what his fellow Earth-Jin had hinted at.

?Now?after one more thing?? Uub followed Yamu?s gaze towards Burter Jr. and gave a nod of acknowledgement and walked away hoping that somehow Yamu succeeded in his mad hatter quest.

Yamu pulled BJ off to a corner and dropped to one knee to look his friend?s son directly in the eyes. ?Little Blue?I?m going away now. I?m going to search for your father??

?Let me come with you Yamu! We can go togeth?? The tiny reptile burst forth in an outburst of exuberance that was cut short by the human?s upraised hand.

?No. I?m going alone??

?But Yam??

?Little Blue, NO! There is nothing for me here, you? the human placed a finger on BJ?s armored chest, ?you have a job to do.?

?What job, Yamu? If my dad is out there?I should go to him!?

?No. This might be your only chance to get at the man who tried to kill him off for good. Brim is your responsibility?no one else?s. YOUR kill to make.?

?Come with me Yamu?help me??

?No. You are going to fight this one with honor. You can succeed where you father failed?out mutual enemy does not know your true strength. Use it to your advantage. What did I teach you that first day on the roof??

?Never underestimate your opponent?? The sapphire scaled child said as his eyes dropped to the ground.

?Little Blue, I would not tell you to do this if I did not know you could. Make your father proud.? After a short pause, ?Make me proud.?

?I don?t want you to leave me Yamu?? Burter Jr. said softly.

?Only for a short while, then me and your dad will be back and the good times will roll. Just look to the stars and know I am around one of them thinking about you. Train hard, fight hard. I?ll be back before you know it.? The moment stretched awkwardly, then Yamu leaned forward and hugged Burter Jr. It was stiff and unpracticed but the emotion was still there. ?Now turn around and go back to Uub and Bra?I would prefer you not see this.?

BJ slowly walked a way saying over his shoulder, ?I WILL make you both proud??

?Never thought for a moment you wouldn?t Little Blue??

Yamu backed up a couple steps. His left hand formed the shape of a gun with his thumb and forefinger extended. His right hand slowly enveloped it and he brought it up to his mouth. It really was a beautiful attack?perfect for distraction of wide area hits at a distance and devastatingly effective at close range do to the force of the ki balls as the erupted from his finger tip. This was actually in a way very appropriate. He had used this attack to kill and main so many others?yet he had never actually FELT what he inflicted.

His finger hovered an inch from his open mouth and with just a whisper to activate the attack did Yamu say the ?magic word?: ?Shotgun.?

The sound of the attack and of a body slamming against the wall and crumpling in a bloody headless heap on the cell floor caused all the non-gladiators to turn to see what the racket was?all but Uub and BJ. As the miniature azure lizard-boy walked back to the viewing area he said to himself almost as if it were a promise, ?I?ll miss you??

OOC: Thank you to Uub for helping me with a lot of the character interaction. Thanks man.

[Burter Jr]

17. Yamu - DEAD

[Android 17]

Seventeen calmly kicked off the sandy floor of the dome and levitated in the air. His flustered opponent was screaming like a child who had his favorite toy taken away. The samurai?s frustration had manifested in the form of a crimson aura. Flames born from his hatred for Android Seventeen rippled over his battered body. Yajirobe relaxed his clenched fists and exploded into the sky towards his target. Still totally calm, the machine-hybrid dropped from his airborne position, his enraged adversary passing overhead. With a final, swift burst of speed, the android shot back up towards his foe. Unaware of his cybernetic opponent?s maneuver, Yajirobe was helpless to prevent what happened next. Android Seventeen?s boot struck the samurai in the stomach, forcing the earthling to spit up a mixture of blood and saliva.

Dropping back to the sandy floor of the arena, the machine-hybrid was joined seconds later by the short human. Yajirobe was clutching his stomach, fighting back the urge to cry out. The android, however, was quickly remembering how much he enjoyed the thrill of combat. Too long had Seventeen sat on the sidelines and let lethargy and madness take their toll on him. His inability to coherently function would have to be remedied if the machine-hybrid intended to see Brim?s competition to its conclusion. The samurai was back on his feet, still struggling to control his vehement anger. Android Seventeen smirked; something had changed in the cybernetic warrior?s mind over the last few hours. Yajirobe beckoned his opponent to attack, but surprisingly, the android just stood where had been for the last few minutes.

?Come on!? the human screamed, his eyes burning with rage. The phrase triggered an event to play back on the android?s internal display. Piccolo Daimaou was there, leaping from the dust and slicing his son?s cheek open. Seventeen smiled at what happened next?a single, defiant blast of energy was all that was needed to quell the elder namekian. The machine-hybrid watched as the ki attack split Daimaou?s skull wide open, emptying the contents throughout the air. His smirk widened as the lifeless body came to rest on the ground, and the event faded from his field of vision. Yajirobe was fed up with these unnecessary pauses in combat. Seventeen let out a deep sigh; it seemed his opponent did not have quite as much a love for the drama of fighting as he did. Then again, since when did the android love drama? Android Seventeen shrugged his shoulders, directing the motion at no one but himself, but the earthling took it as some form of insult.

Screaming in the same primal fury as always, Yajirobe attacked, but the rage he felt, the same rage that tinted his field of vision crimson, was seriously handicapping his ability. His cybernetic opponent, whose experience and skill already exceeded his, easily managed to avoid the samurai?s assault. Clutching the human?s extended, artificial fist, Seventeen flipped over Yajirobe. The android carried the samurai?s fist with him, wrenching his entire arm backwards as he flipped over the human. With a smirk, the machine-hybrid released the steel fist and threw his hands forward. Android Seventeen?s fists punished both of Yajirobe?s shoulder blades and sent the samurai tumbling across the sand once again.

Android Seventeen sighed for seemingly no reason. For some reason, this fight did not feel like it was going down the way it should be. The machine-hybrid knew that he should not be taking such long pauses, but for some reason he still did. Had he bleed out the bloodthirsty part of who he was, or maybe he had been struck on the head a few times too many. Seventeen started walking over to his opponent, but the enraged samurai only lunged off the ground and attacked. The cybernetic warrior flipped backwards to avoid the initial strike, but Yajirobe?s second attack knocked the android clean on his back. The short, human warrior darted onward, closing his metal fingers around his adversary?s neck.

Panic was a sensation long lost to the android. All he could do as the air slowly left his lungs was contemplate how to escape. His CPU started supplying possible methods and outcomes, but more importantly, the machine-hybrid realized what was so wrong with him lately. His cybernetic half was apparently becoming more dominant then his organic self. The last time his CPU had offered as much assistance was during the CIA attack. Looking back, Android Seventeen realized that compared to Friend or Foe II, the armies of the Cold Dynasty were nothing but a group of mad toddlers. As the thoughts ran through the android?s mind, he felt his synthetic hand slowly move. Shrugging and enjoying the ride, Seventeen watched his metal hand shoot through the air and obliterate Yajirobe?s cheek bone. The samurai?s surprised gasp was muffled by the impact of unyielding steel against flesh. It would take another powerful jab before the cold grip relaxed enough for Android Seventeen to win a deep breath of air.

With his lungs now satisfied, the machine-hybrid sat up and grabbed his stunned opponent by the shoulders. Tilting his head back, the android smiled, and then brought it forward like a weapon, punishing Yajirobe?s skull in the process. Even though he was slightly concussed as well, Android Seventeen stood up quickly and smiled down at the samurai. The earth warrior was rolling on the ground, clutching his head and screaming; however, the android couldn?t tell if they were cries of pain or anger. The latter made more sense, since Yajirobe seemed to be a fireball of hate. Seventeen jumped into the air, twirled a single time for effect, and landed square on the center of the earthling?s chest. Blood escaped the injured fighter?s mouth like a fountain, but the samurai was far from quitting.

Yajirobe threw his hands up and unleashed a massive blast of energy. His cybernetic opponent was thrown into the air by the wave?s fury, and then dropped to the sand seconds later. Android Seventeen landed facedown in the sand?a very distasteful experience. Turning his head to spit out the sand he had accidentally swallowed, the machine-hybrid was greeting by his opponent?s boot. Grunting loudly, Seventeen skidded across the arena?s surface and came to rest against the laser bars that comprised the makeshift walls of the battleground. The cybernetic warrior coughed up some more sand and became the victim of a series of punches. With each punch, the human took a deep, rapid breath, and still, his foe soon escaped his onslaught using a blast of ki of his own. The brilliant flash of blue energy hurled Yajirobe to the other side of the arena. Hitting the lasers with a loud grunt, the human slowly slid to the ground.

?Doesn?t this make you wonder,? Android Seventeen started as began towards his opponent, ?don?t you feel weird knowing that we are doing this solely for the amusement of a television audience, Yajirobe? Wow?we?re like those chickens that people raise for the sole purpose of killing another person?s chicken for an audience?s enjoyment,? the sarcasm feel on unreceptive ears. The human was passed lackluster sarcasm. Yajirobe was goaled towards just one thing?vengeance. Seventeen was fighting, on the other hand, for survival, and somewhere, beneath the influence of his technological self, he urged to be reunited with Paige. That woman was one of the few people he could get along with, and Piccolo, probably the only other person, was fighting for his life on the other side of the arena. By the time Android Seventeen decided to turn his attention to the situation at hand, Yajirobe had already done some fancy hand movements. Energy was now surging and humming around the human?s palms, but the cybernetic warrior?s CPU already knew how to diminish the samurai?s offensive maneuver.

?Spirit Explosion ??

?Field open!? Yajirobe?s energy attack whipped up a tornado of sand as it shot across the sky towards its target, but with a simple, verbal command, Seventeen had activated his defenses. The beam of energy struck the barrier, and there was a short contest of power before both the shielding and ki attack fizzling into nothingness. Android Seventeen was left short of breath; however, Yajirobe?s failed attempt had obviously severely drained the samurai of strength. The short human was knelt down, sucking in giant gulps of air as sweat soaked his already tattered clothing.

?Care for a breather, Yajirobe?? Seventeen asked between taking a few breaths. For a weird reason, the android didn?t mean the comment to come out as condescending as it sounded, but the human took it that way.

?Screw you,? was the only thing said before Yajirobe shot of the ground and charged his foe. Now with an even greater advantage, Android Seventeen simply sidestepped the samurai and delivered a single elbow to his neck. Yajirobe screamed out and hit the sand with an audible thud, but the machine-hybrid flipped the warrior over with his boot. Seventeen leveled his palm with his target?s face and unleashed a stream of small ki projectiles. Each threw up a small cloud of sand and forced out a yell from the samurai. After a few minutes of constant torment; however, Yajirobe managed to escape from the barrage and stumble away from his attacker. The cybernetic warrior walked slowly over to his adversary and started to laugh under his breath.

?If you need a break, please just ask,? Seventeen said, his tone void of any real emotion. The voice that came out was as robotic as possible?an illustration of what happened when the machine-hybrid?s synthetic self acquired nearly-complete control. Yajirobe?s head turned weakly to reveal eyes hazed over with seething, crimson rage. The human was quickly becoming a vessel of hate and anger, much to the amusement of Android Seventeen. Punching blindly, the samurai left himself exposed to attack once again. Yajirobe, tired yet furious, was thrown back against the bars by the force of the android?s kick to his chin. Android Seventeen, his body still leaned back from avoiding the samurai?s strike, slowly lowered his extended leg. Chuckling robotically, the machine-hybrid created a small saber of ki in his organic hand. It was ironic; Yajirobe would be the victim of an attack he had indirectly influenced his opponent to develop.
Realizing he did not want to end their fight this soon, Seventeen simply swung across the human?s chest. The blade still cleaved easily and painfully through the samurai?s skin but left Yajirobe with no fatal wounds. Shrieking in fury, the short human tore his shredded, sleeveless shirt off and threw it in the face of his attacker. Android Seventeen stumbled back, his hands swatting at the sweaty, bloody piece of cloth draped over his face. Yajirobe rushed forward, slamming his battered, beaten shoulder into the chest of his cybernetic opponent. Seventeen was staggered by the impact, and then he was knocked completely off balance by the human?s next kick.

As he fell back, the android discarded the remnant of his foes shirt and stopped his backwards flight with his synthetic hand. With the power of momentum working with him, Seventeen flipping back up to a vertical position and grinned at his opponent. Yajirobe was bleeding, sweating, and panting, but he was prepared to fight to the last; however, so was his bizarre adversary.

OOC: 3rd post, so it's all you Yajirobe.

[Raditzu]

?Big Bang Attack!?

?Fuck??

Vegeta had executed the attack with speed that surprised even Raditzu. The long-haired saiya-jin leapt backwards, turning his back on the attack as he did, and shot across the sand. His legs pumped wildly as they distanced him from the heat of the incoming energy. Vegeta, however, was not simply going to let his prey run from him. With a burst of energy, the beam picked up speed. Even without his sixth sense, Rad could feel the power of Vegeta?s ki crackling behind him. It made his hair stand on end. With the beam growing closer, Rad would have to think of something more than simply running. Taking a small hop, the saiya-jin twisted his body in mid-air and his the ground sideways. Skidding as he did gave the attack time to catch up, and it was only by a hair?s breadth that he managed to get away. In effect, Raditzu had turned a ninety degree angle and escaped the immediate path of the deadly energy. Vegeta, however, was not one easily outdone.

?Think you can escape me so easily? Fool!?

Twisting his hand, Vegeta snapped his arm in the direction Raditzu had turned. Obediently, the column of energy arched backwards and picked up Raditzu?s trail once again. Running was proving to be rather disadvantageous to the long-haired wonder, though that thought was have trouble processing through his emotion riddled brain. Somewhere behind the veil of anger and contempt, he knew it would take much more than feral rage and brute strength to beat a warrior of Vegeta?s caliber. He needed to retake control. He needed to focus. But, above all else, he had to get that damned Big Bang Attack off his back.

As he ran, Raditzu summoned forth a massive aura of flaming ki. The energy streaked through the air as Raditzu continued fleeing. Shortly, however, it began whipping into a frenzied column. Raditzu came to a screeching halt and, without being distorted by his movements, the aura of ki appeared to be like a golden whirlwind, with the super saiyan at its center. Sand was whipped into the air as the vortex of ki expanded. Grinning with delight, Vegeta forced another surge of power through his attack and took aim. The beam streaked towards Raditzu, entering the vortex as it did. To Vegeta?s surprise, Raditzu was not simply putting on a show. The beam of energy was caught up in the whirlwind, and begun spinning about uncontrollably. Luck, however, was not on Raditzu?s side. The Big Bang Attack was flung from the vortex at the ground directly behind the long-haired warrior.

The arena shook as a powerful explosion rang out. Saved from a direct hit, Rad was flung haphazardly through the air, bouncing across the ground several times before slowly skidding to a stop. Under the force of the blast, his body felt like little more than a ragdoll. Satisfied with the result of his attack, Vegeta moved towards his opponent. Or tried to. His body shuddered and he was almost forced to one knee. His chest heaved with slow, deep breaths as he tried to steady himself. Maintaining and controlling an attack of that magnitude for an extended period of time had certainly taken its toll. His fatigue, however, was nothing compared to the raw pain that Raditzu was feeling.

His vision blurred, Raditzu was painfully slow in getting back to his feet. Once he did, however, he found his footing unstable and his legs wobbling. He tried to shake it off, but the movement simply produced more pain. He took a mental inventory of his damages. Most prominently, he was becoming light-headed: a product of the blood loss he had suffered. This, however, was an almost welcome feeling; one he had lived with for more years than he could remember. Moreover, he was certain Vegeta was feeling similar effects by now. Both of them were showing several lacerations. That aside, both of Raditzu?s legs seemed to be ok, which was about as fortunate as the saiyan got. He could feel at least two broken rib as he probed his armor. In general, he just ached all over. His breath was coming short, though it was steadying quickly. The most grievous injury he had suffered was his left arm. The left shoulder pad had been completely torn from his armor. The skin along his left shoulder had suffered a similar fate. Half of his back was completely exposed. His armor had been half destroyed and his cloak was little more than threads clinging to the back of his neckline. He was confident in his ability to repair the armor ? he had already had to do so several times ? but the cloak was never something he had tackled before. Not that any of that mattered right now.

?Maybe I should ask if you need a breather, hmmm?? Vegeta smirked at Raditzu.

?Tch?don?t worry about me.?

?I never do.?

Rad simply rolled his eyes and brought himself back into a full standing position. He inhaled deeply, despite the pain it caused in his chest, and steadied himself. His emerald eyes had returned to their rightful place and he looked infinitely more composed than he had previously. The damage he had suffered had been depressingly sobering. Whatever raw emotions he had been under the control of had been swept aside in that blast. A grin spread across his face? he almost wanted to thank Vegeta. Grasping the bottom of his armor, Raditzu pulled what was left of it off of his torso and dropped it to the ground. The sleeveless muscle shirt he had been wearing served no purpose, and was torn away with no effort. From the armor on the ground, the katchin metal slinked along Raditzu?s body, settling on his right arm, once again creating his metallic limb. While that was going on, Raditzu had seared the wounds on his left shoulder shut with the heat of his ki. While incredibly painful, it would be better than to let even more blood flow freely from his body.

?Oh? What do you think you?re doing?? Vegeta cocked an eyebrow at the discarded armor. ?Trying to insult me??

?Heh? don?t flatter yourself, prince. You?re not worth the effort. That,? he nodded to the armor, ?was just slowing me down.?

Vegeta slipped into a fighting stance, and prepared for another attack. He had already let Raditzu recover more than he would have liked, but he had needed the time himself. The long-haired warrior opposite him was now going through a stretching routine. The sight was enough to make Vegeta?s blood boil. The nerve of the long-haired saiya-jin. Just as that thought passed through his mind, however, Raditzu vanished. Vegeta shifted his weight backwards and scanned his surroundings. He had been completely unable to follow his opponent?s movements: an unwelcome realization. In the meantime, Raditzu was streaking towards Vegeta from straight above. His body was wracked with pain: using his zero stance while in the shape he was in had not been the best idea. Even more so since it the attack hadn?t paid off. Moments before striking, Vegeta?s scouter flashed and the prince lunged to one side. Twice now Vegeta had barely managed to avoid that strike. Dust, dirt, rock, and sand were flung in every direction as he turned towards the source of the disruption. A bolt of ki sailed through the cloud of debris, catching Vegeta square in the chest and flinging him backwards. The blow hadn?t been powerful, but it had been potent.

?Hmmm?? Raditzu was looking down at this Strong Arm. The vents along his forearm were slowly closing. ?Still not enough.?

Vegeta took in his opponent as the smoke around him cleared. Though Rad?s attacks had retained their brutal ferocity, his mannerisms had changed drastically. He was no longer facing off against a brutal madman, he was now fighting against the seasoned, powerful warrior that he had accepted as a worthy rival. The situation, for both saiyans, had become significantly more dangerous as the realization dawned on Vegeta that lethal forces was going to become morbidly common in this fight.

The prince?s thoughts were interrupted as Raditzu began summoning forth energy. Vegeta could only stare at, somewhat dumbfounded, at the saiya-jin. Did he himself possess such capacity? It wouldn?t surprise the prince one bit. Raditzu had had a significantly longer time to unlock the secrets of his second transformation than Vegeta had. The prince went over his options: he could either strike now, while his opponent was in a prone state, or use the time to regain his own strength. He chose the former. He shot forward, preparing a ball of ki in his open hand. He was about to strike when he noticed it: Rad?s right arm no longer bore the katchin metal he had previously been wielding. Too late, the prince abandoned his assault. The katchin burst from the ground in thin strips, wrapping themselves around Vegeta?s royal limbs and immobilizing him. At the same time, Raditzu burst forward.

?Burn Knuckle!?

With a fiery fist extended, Raditzu landed his attack squarely in the middle of Vegeta?s chest. As he struck, the katchin tendrils released their captive, allowing him to be flung through the air from the force of the blow. The wisps of metal returned to their place along the long-haired wonder?s right arm. Though it had been a clean blow, it didn?t keep the prince down for long. His recuperative and defensive abilities were the one thing that actually struck Raditzu as a threat. He would simply have to find a way to hit hard, and hit fast. Extending his arms to either side, Rad unleashed a trademark grin along with a wave of monochrome energy.

?Quicksilver... Grand Dome!? The saiyan revealed the name of his technique.

Reacting quickly, Vegeta brought his arms across his face in hopes of defending this oncoming wave of energy. No defense was required, however. He looked about, quite surprised at the effects Raditzu?s move had had on their surroundings. Everything had been reduced to pale shades of grey. Even the viewing area that housed the other members of Friend of Foe had been overtaken by the technique. The prince had to admit: ?grand dome? was an appropriate title. He turned his eyes back his opponent and braced himself for whatever was coming up next. As he did, he almost laughed. Raditzu had coated himself in some kind of energy, turning himself into some kind of glowing, silver avatar. How typical of the saiyan race. Always making themselves the center of attention.

Wisecracking, however, was not something Vegeta had time to do. Raditzu vanished once again, this time leaving only the slightest of blur as he did. This glowing aura actually served to hinder his technique, as it made it easier to follow his movements. Not that Raditzu cared. He was far too XTREME to worry about such things. Vegeta shifted his weight backwards and held his arms in a defensive position: one hovering in front of his neck, the other over his stomach. His muscles tensed and his eyes were sharp. Something flashed in front of him and he reacted instantly. He tried to block the attack, but Rad?s katchin fist shot between his arms and into his chest; moreover, it shot into the same place his Burn Knuckle had hit. With a loud ?oomph? Vegeta was propelled backwards. Before he could recover, though, Raditzu followed up. A katchin elbow cracked against the back of Vegeta?s skull, throwing the prince face-first into a vertical position. From there, the shining form of Raditzu blinked out of existence, reappearing to drive a knee into his opponent?s face. The force of the blow propelled Vegeta head-over-heels into the air? or would have had it not been for the finale to one of Rad?s favorite combos. Reaching out, Rad caught a hold of Vegeta?s ankle and threw their bodies into a frenzied spin. Quickly becoming nothing more than a shining grey blur, Raditzu built up momentum. Vegeta tried to free himself, but the series of blows, along with the ridiculous speed at which he was spinning was unbelievably disorienting. He didn?t have to worry about that for too long, though, as he was released from the spin, only to be sent streaking into the ground.

?Woah? maybe that was a bit much.? Raditzu felt himself tumbling through the air. Though he tried to stop himself, he was having trouble summoning the strength at that point in time.

Even with his outstanding stamina, Raditzu was feeling the effects of the damage he had taken. He could feel that Vegeta had yet to move from his spot at the bottom of the crater, and that was fine with him. The long-haired warrior lay on the ground, taking deep breathes and steadying his body. What he had planned next was not going to be fun. In fact, as amazing as he was, Raditzu was inclined to think that it was going to hurt like the proverbial bitch.

Much to his surprise, Raditzu was the first one to his feet. By the time he had regained his standing position, he could see Vegeta crawling from the crater. Rad waiting patiently for his opponent to return to his feet and catch his breath. Simply from standing, it looked as though Vegeta was about to stagger. His face, however, did not betray his stoic pride. Rad knew not to try and read into the prince?s condition. Never before had he met someone so adept at hiding any pain they were feeling. It used to unnerve the long-haired warrior? now, it was merely an inconvenience. Not that it would matter much longer. Rad looked down at his metallic arm for a moment before grinned at Vegeta. Without his armor, it was easy to see the metal on Raditzu?s arm flow over his shoulder and expand to create another set of vents. The vents open and shut a few times, releasing minor amounts of ki as they did.

The long-haired warrior opened his mouth to say something. Some witty one-liner, or nonchalant remark, but nothing came. It wasn?t needed. Vegeta knew what was coming, he could see it in his opponent?s eyes. All he could do was brace himself and wait. Luckily, ever the gentleman, Raditzu didn?t keep Vegeta waiting long. His body blurred forward. All Vegeta could see was the glowing aura that continued to surround Raditzu. It was growing brighter at an alarming rate. The prince steeled himself for the impact of the blows, knowing that he would never be able to escape Raditzu?s attack. The long-haired warrior?s voice echoed throughout the arena.

?Burst Knuckle!?

A dull impact resounded through the air and blood spilled along the sand. The two saiya-jin stood, eyes locked. Raditzu was the first to move. His knee buckled and he felt himself falling against the saiyan prince. Though he had remained standing, Vegeta was unable to fathom how or why. He looked down at Raditzu with a grimace, then turned his attention to the saiyan?s outstretched arm. His eyes widened when he realized what, exactly had happened. In the rush of the attack, he had missed it. There was the only thing keeping Raditzu standing: his arm was lodged through Vegeta?s shoulder. Rad?s fist extended through Vegeta?s armor, skin, muscle, bone, and protruded out the other side. The katchin spikes that had rent the prince?s flesh and bone were slowly melting off of Raditzu?s fist. The air around the warrior?s shimmered and everything returned to its normal hue.

Rad had felt his leg fail him. He idly wondered why. He could feel pain? well? a lot of pain. His eyes traveled along his left side. Ah, there it was. Vegeta?s hand. It was almost waist deep into Rad?s side. Raditzu had seen it happen, but there was nothing he could do at that point. The prince had thrust a knife-hand forward as Raditzu approached. The bastard. Summoning what strength he could muster, Raditzu ripped his arm free of Vegeta?s shoulder and stumbled backwards. Vegeta let his arm drop free once Raditzu had dislodged it, but didn?t move past that. It was obvious that both saiya-jin were fighting just to stay standing.

Almost simultaneously, the warrior felt their hair change and their forms revert. Neither were capable of maintaining their transformations any long. It wasn?t until then that Raditzu really took in his surroundings. It was actually a pretty nice arena. Well? it had been. The various battles that had taken place had clearly taken their toll. That was when Raditzu caught sight of the holding cell. He could make out 18 watching him, her form obscured by the glowing green field of energy between them. Even from the distance they were at, Raditzu could see it. Fear. Her eyes were wide and her hands trembling. Rad smiled and tried to wave. Tried to let her know he was ok, but once again his knee buckled. He caught himself on a large piece of rock before he fell. Seeing that, the android lunged forward, grabbing at the energy that imprisoned them. The beam crackled and hiss in protest, easily repelling the android. An image flashed before Rad.

?Let me out!!? White hands reached out, the end was in sight, and the sounds were nonexistent to her ears. She grabbed the glowing bars that held them in. Her fragile hands gripped them with such power, but only a fool would bother to touch the damn things. Her scream pierced through the cell, the room, the halls, the building. It tore through her like some captured prey, some sorrowful beast. The pain shook through her, pulsed through her hands and flowed through her arms. The bars were meant to keep them in, indefinitely. Why? Why? Why!? She let go as her body shook uncontrollably. Tears flowed without stopping down her cheeks. Her hands burned, twitched, hung limply at her sides. ?Let me out?? A pitiful sob sounded from her parted lips. She felt eyes on her back, heard whispered from behind. Who cares? She knew this would happen. She fell to the floor and huddled against the wall near the horrid bars that held them captive. ?Let me out??

Why hadn?t Raditzu been there for her? What had he done? Done a picked a fight with a little girl. Real smooth. Instead of looking to help someone he loved, he then went and picked a fight with this arrogant jerk in front of him. Not that he had much room to talk? being a well-documented arrogant jerk himself. That?s when Rad caught sight of the aforementioned little girl. She was standing next to 18, a similar look of fear on her face. Raditzu turned to Vegeta. The prince had fallen to one knee, gripping his shoulder. Raditzu stumbled over to him, trying to think of what to say as he did. Upon his approach, Vegeta tried to rise to his feet, but was unable.

?I?m? done, Vegeta.? Rad?s voice was quite and labored.

?Coward,? was all Vegeta could muster in response.

?Yeah, I am? but not ?cause I don?t? wanna? fight you.? He extended an arm towards the holding area. ?You?re daughter?s over there. You know she?s watching us.?

?Good? she?ll? see me kill? you.? With shaking legs, Vegeta rose slowly.

?We?re supposed to be there for them.? Raditzu was now including 18, though he didn?t mention it to his prince. ?We?re supposed to be the strong ones. We?re supposed to be the ones they can rely on? not the ones who run off every time we?re needed.?

That?s when it really sunk in for Raditzu. How many times had he done that? How many times had he simply abandoned 18 to go do his own thing? How could she stand him!? It was completely unfathomable to the long-haired warrior. His actions had completely escaped him.

?? coward,? Vegeta repeated. He was starting to sag? once again on the verge of losing his footing. ?I?ll prove? once and for all??

?? that you?re stronger than me,? Raditzu finished. ?With that borrowed power??

?What?? Vegeta?s eyes widened in surprise.

?Whatever? I don?t care.? Raditzu stepped backwards, putting a small distance between the two injured warriors. ?We can either stand here and play this little game, or go back to the people that matter and find a way to get them out of this.? Rad shook his head. ?You don?t like being manipulated anymore than I do, Vegeta. Do you even know what your own children have gone through? Did you even realize that I probably know more about them than you do!? And you?re going to stand there make them suffer even more than they already have??

?Silence!? Vegeta?s voice was surprisingly forceful for the condition he was in. Nothing less could be expected from the prince of all saiyans. ?Enough of your preaching.?

?Fine,? Rad shrugged, then immediately regretted it. He felt the action tearing the wound in side open even further. ?Whatever. Your choice. Strike me down if it means that much to you, but I?m not fighting anymore.?

[Drake]

Trunks wandered aimlessly around the cage, still disorientated by the onslaught of memories that?d forced their way to the surface. This game of Brim?s had become something that the hybrid didn?t want to have any part of, he didn?t know why these memories were beginning to stir, but before he came to the asteroid they weren?t a problem.

?Ugh? I need to focus on something else.? Muttered Trunks as another piece of his history started to rouse from its deep sleep. Luckily for the Halfling, his father and Raditsu had engaged in a friendly game of ?Who can kick who?s ass first? which would serve as a welcome distraction from his unpleasant, and restless past.

One thing Trunks had to give credit to; was that his dad sure put up a pretty good fight even when he was essentially outclassed. Not that it took away from Raditsu however, he?d seen that saiyajin fight many times before since they began to hang out, but never had he seen the pure blood take it up to such a high level as he was when fighting Vegeta. It was true what they said, rivals really did bring the best out of each other, even if it had to be done like pulling teeth. If either warrior weren?t careful, the end result could easily be one of them dying; though, you had to wonder if maybe that wasn?t something they were both looking forward to.

?Trunks!! We have to help dad!? Yelled a familiar voice. The hybrid?s attention from the fight was broken and he focused on the warrior called Bra, who was also his supposed sister. For a moment he forgot their terrible memory she had previously caused to surface and looked down at her, but the fear of another bit of history welling up inside caused the lavender haired boy to turn his attention back to the fight before him. Strangely enough nothing happened and so he thought himself safe to confront his sister again.

?Sis... you know how dad is. This is his fight now. ?Sides, didn?t you see you strong he is? He?ll be fine.? Trunks replied, unknowingly giving support to the girl as well as subconsciously referring to her as his sister.

??Are you sure, Trunks?? His sister pleaded, looking deeply into his eyes to find some glimpse of assurance that their father would be okay. ??I can?t handle losing someone else.?

The feeling of d?j? vu swept over Trunks and caused his eyes to glaze over as his mind held firmly to the words ??losing someone?? Before reality completely slipped from his grasp, and the saiyajin prince was pulled into the vortex of lost memories, he simply replied, ?I?m sure?? After that Trunks turned away from Bra and walked off, muttering something to himself that was drowned out by the fight and commentary from the warriors present.

This feeling had become quite familiar by now, one of disembodiment and a hazy state of mind where it was hard to think or understand exactly what was going on. Instead of being caged up with a bunch of insanely powerful fighters, Trunks found himself standing in the middle of a vast empty field of long wild grass under a fairly clear blue sky.

?He was strong?? A voice said suddenly. Its origin came from behind the hybrid, and upon spinning around to see who it was he found two faceless people sitting atop a boulder.

The one was in his early twenties and had short black hair and carried a great many scars over the visible parts of his body. When looking at the man, Trunks felt an overwhelming sense of admiration for the person regardless of not knowing who he was- it just seemed ingrained. Beside him sat the boy who he?d recognised as the child from the previous two memories, except it wasn?t him, Trunks couldn?t explain what it was that separated the two but there was something unmistakably different.

?Your father that is.? Added the faceless man, giving the boy a hearty pat on the back. ?He was a remarkable warrior, prideful, but loyal and very determined.? His voice was full of reverence for the boy?s father as he seemed to look back on bygone days.

?Lies?? hissed an voice into Trunks ear.

Something that had never before transpired in the memories took place instantaneously after those words were uttered into the hybrids ear. A sensation similar to being turned inside out fell over the lavender haired fighter while the world around him transformed into some bizarre photo negative. And what followed it was a feeling of terrible disappointment and shame.

?My father wasn?t strong?? The boy replied, tilting his head to look at the man sitting beside him. ?He was weak, pitiful, and died a meaningless death.?

?Y-you don?t mean that?? stuttered the man sitting beside him.
?If he was strong he would still be here, in the end he died like a dog and left use alone just like everyone else?? The child turned his head towards where Trunks was standing, and for a brief terrifying moment it seemed as though he could see the lavender haired fighter. ?The weak can?t protect anyone, and will always be alone??

The dream like memory exploded into a thousand shards of tiny light and sent Trunks reeling back as if pushed forcefully by an unseen force. However, he didn?t seem to return to the reality that was Brim?s little bird cage, instead, Trunks was left to float in some dark void until whatever time his mind deemed to let him out.

But it still had a bit more to show him before giving him the luxury of freedom.

The endless purgatory he?d been stored in, while his subconscious worked on whatever demented plot it had in store, was ripped away in a much similar fashion as having a veil taken from one?s eyes to reveal a new scene in his story.

The clich? ?It was a dark and stormy night?? was the best way of describing what Trunks was currently witnessing, except there was no dark mansion or other such nonsense. Rather, the area was littered with the ruins of giant buildings that had been toppled over and upturned roads as if some cataclysmic earthquake had happened there. A nagging feeling led the hybrid to think otherwise though, something about all of it seemed artificial and not the work of Mother Nature. As he explored the modern ruins, the pouring rain passing through him as if he weren?t there and lightning brightening up the dark corners, Trunks found the tell-tale signs of what had transpired. Scorched holes, crushed up vehicles, and bodily imprints in concrete told of a large-scale fight between a few immensely powerful fighters.

Trunks followed the trail of damage to its focal point impressed and terrified at the damage that had been done, until he stumbled across the final battle ground.

At its center was a large pool of water that was the resting place for the warrior who?d fallen, laid to rest in what was likely a crater that had long since filled with rain water. Once Trunks got close to the mass of water, he found the familiar purple haired boy again, but this time the child?s centre of attention was directed at the half floating body at the center of the water. For some unknown reason, looking at the body of whoever it was, caused a great sadness to swell up inside of Trunks as if something of great importance had been suddenly ripped away from him to leave a large void within him; even the child seemed to feel this, for despite the fact that Trunks could not see his face, he could still see the tears of sorrow streaming down it?s cheeks from essentially nowhere.

?Weak? a familiar voice growled.

Everything just abruptly stopped, even the raindrops hung suspended in the air like a thousand tiny gems. For a brief moment Trunks was unaware of what was happening, nevertheless that would soon be remedied the recognizable disturbing feeling he?d been exposed to in the previous memory. And just like before, the world twisted and distorted until it was turned inside out, once again he was in that nightmarish ?negative? world- even the rain had changed, falling up instead of down.

?You bastard!? cried the angry boy. ?You were weak, just like my father!?

That feeling of something being lost and great sadness were replaced by devastating anger and resentment. So great were these new feelings that Trunks inadvertently clenched his teeth and balled his fist as if wanting to lash out violently.

In the midst of all the negative emotions, the lavender haired child stepped out onto the small lake where the body of the man from his memories float lifelessly and made his way to the center. Once there, the boy raised his foot and began ruthless stomp on the bobbing corpse to seemingly take pleasure in each hit as if gaining some sense of revenge with each hit.

?What good are you if you don?t even have the strength to protect what you care about?? The boy asked, staring vacantly in Trunks general direction.

[Banned Dana]

Crashing through a rock, Hellfighter finally found the strength to stop, only to find Piccolo flying directly at him. The Namekian crashed on top of the artificial being and managed to make three connections to his face, however, it was just minimal damage, flipping the Namekian over, Hellfighter Seventeen had Piccolo pinned to the ground. Kicking up, the jade warrior found himself with just enough time to see the boot covered foot coming up for a kick. It connected sending the Jade warrior high into the air, smacking against the ceiling. Amidst his free falling back to the ground, Piccolo noticed Android 17 and Yajirobe fighting and Raditzu and Vegeta had resumed their fight.

Hanging freely in the air, Piccolo watched as Hellfighter 17 moved in for another attack.

Unable to counter his attack, the Jade warrior was left wide open. The immense strength pulsating throughout the artificial being came pour out upon the Namekian. Green flesh began turning grey with bruises. His green blood started to seep from his cuts at a rapid rate. And his eyes began to roll into the back of hit head. Hellfighter 17 was unleashing a brutal barrage of punches upon the jade warriors body, damaging him at a very rapid rate. Never before had the Namekian been beaten so harshly, he felt as if he were a mere child receiving a spanking for his wrong doings. Perhaps that wasn?t far from the truth, he had killed Piccolo Diamoun, a fellow Namekian, his father. The same, the hatred, the guilt, and the anger all dwelled endlessly on Piccolo?s broken mind. Not only had he killed Piccolo Diamoun, he also brought his best friend, Android 17, to a new state of consciousness, one he wish he could reverse.

Another vicious punch to the Namekian?s face and he was sent flailing to the domes unforgiving surface. Bouncing three times, the Namekian finally slowed to a stop after tearing up a long trench with his back. Looking directly up into the sky, Piccolo found the top of the dome to be a swirl of colors instead or one dark color like he had previously spotted. He was in a bad way and he knew it. Digging for strength, Piccolo soon found that he couldn?t sit up, something was holding him back, but what? Looking over to the left, Piccolo spotted Android 17 locked in hand to hand combat with Yajirobe, who seemed to have slimmed down a bit. The Samurai seemed to have a difficult time defending against the machine-hybrid.

Glancing over to the right, the two Sayajins were locked in a death grip, there hands clenched together, obviously a battle of pride, but who would win this fight? Deep in his mind he knew Raditzu could win easily with his Super Sayajin 2 fully awoken, but at this rate it seemed pretty even. A sharp pain suddenly erupted in the jade warriors stomach causing him to spit up a clot of blood. Looking forward, Piccolo saw that Hellfighter 17 had landed knee first into his stomach, the obvious cause of pain. Lifting himself off the Namekian, Hellfighter knew that he had the upper hand. His power easily masked that of the Namekian?s. Lifting the jade being from his apparent grave, Hellfighter was caught off guard as the Namekian thrust a ki ball into his white face. Dropping the Namekian it was Piccolo?s turn to attack, for Hellfighter 17 was completely off guard, however, as the light began to return to the mechanical beings eyes, the Namekian?s energy had vanished and so had he!

In a completely confused state, Hellfighter 17 glanced around in all directions, however, the Namekian had left no signs dying and no signs of escaping, so he was obviously still around. Hellfighter 17 found that he was growing slightly impatient, the lack of Namekian was slightly unnerving. He was there mere seconds ago and now, he was gone. Suddenly, Hellfighter heard a nose behind him, turning around, the Namekian?s foot made a strict connecting with the mech?s face, sending him carousing through the air. Following up his attack, his Super Namekian abilities flourishing completely, Piccolo landed a second kick, sending him crashing down hard against the floor of the dome. Swooping down, firing an endless barrage of ki blasts, Hellfighter felt Piccolo?s energy suddenly disappear and then once again, he was gone. The ki blasts stopped and he was finally able to stand, this time, the android was definitely shaken up. Sure he was more powerful than the Namekian, but if we constantly caught off guard, then the Namekian had the upper hand.

Suddenly, a Destructo Disk came swooping down at in from his right. Firing a ki blast in it?s direction, the machine-hybrid barely dodged disk as he watched his ki blast strike the ceiling of the dome and nothing else. Frustration beginning to get the best of him, Hellfighter 17 fell victim to another sneak attack by the Namekian. Running up behind the Android, his ki signature completely cloaked, Piccolo landed an full force kick to the androids back, sending him crashing face first into the wall of the dome. A loud thud was heard as Seventeen?s metallic head smacked smartly against the metallic wall. A small drip of blood began to fall from the machine?s head as he pushed himself off the ground, looking around for the Namekian, who had once again vanished.

?How.? Thought Hellfighter 17. ?These are child?s games and still, I am losing!?

Walking a few steps forward, Hellfighter heard a noise behind him. Turning on a dime, the android unleashed a massive blast, that hit the wall and nothing else. The massive wind gust from the attack sent a whirl of dust about the mechanical being, a small amount of debris hit him in they eye, distracting him as he tried to whip his eye clean. This was Piccolo?s only chance. Appearing in front of Hellfighter, the machine was too distracted by the dust in his eye to notice the Namekian. Landing a punch in the androids gut, Hellfighter?s wind was knocked out, rolling over his body, Piccolo took a firm grasp of the mech?s collar, the one planted by Brim. Slamming him into the wall so he couldn?t grab onto the collar, Piccolo started pulling on the device as hard as he could and it began slipping free of Hellfighter. Finally pulling one hand free, Seventeen grabbed onto his collar, tugging it back, trying his fiercest to keep it on him. Fear was enveloping the machines mind now, he had left his guard down and now the Namekian was threatening to kill him. Both fighters knew what would happen if the Namekian got that collar free, Seventeen would die. Pushing his power deeper and deeper, Piccolo?s Super Namekian abilities were maxed out. He was at the pinnacle of his power and Hellfighter?s fear was keeping him from reaching his max.

Only one thing was one Piccolo?s mind, get the collar and win.

OOC: Tugging on Hellfighter 17's collar, trying to kill him!

Total Post Number 3/Fight Post Number 2! I?m done!

[Drake]

Tossed into the endless black of limbo again, Trunks found himself a little worse for wear from his last bout of memories. He felt cold, empty, and as if everything was more real and ?gritty?. The carefree feeling he?d usually felt was being slowly sapped from his being with every piece of history that was revealed, and needless to say, Trunks didn?t like it.

?Okay?? his voice was shaky and full of doubt. ?That?s enough, I want out, no more- alright?? Trunks pleads went unanswered and he was left to float through the emptiness to wonder if he?d ever get out, or if he?d be subjected to more emotionally torturing memories.

His answer would be slow in coming, but eventually it arrived and once more he was catapulted into a lost bit of his past- hoping it would be his last.

Unlike his previous experience, this was bit strange- as if the entire experience wasn?t fantastic to begin with ?the black nothingness had been replace with a complete with the exact opposite, an endless white and a reflection of himself.

?Is that it?? He asked even knowing that tempting fate was always a bad idea.

However, no one answered so Trunks was left to amuse himself by posing in front of his reflection. It was mildly amusing to do so and got was a nice distraction from the rather un-enjoyable ordeal he?d been going through thus far.

?Are you quite done??

?Huh?? The lavender haired fight spun around, trying to find out where the voice had come from even though it was shockingly familiar. ?Who said that??

?I did.?

The hybrid swallowed and slowly turned around to look at his reflection, but as he did, he found that it had begun to move independently of the saiyajin himself. The mirror image had even started to pace back and forth while giving the boy a suspicious look, and rubbing its chin as if deep in thought. It?d also changed slightly from what Trunks originally remembered himself appearing as; the doppelganger had dark swollen bags beneath each eye, pallor about it, and was much thinner.

?W-wh-what are you?? he stuttered, obviously shocked at what was transpiring before him.

The mirror Trunks raised and eyebrow and sighed disdainfully, as if disappointed with the question. ?I thought you would have figured that out by now you idiot.? Mirror Trunks replied sharply, narrowing his eyes upon the boy. ?I?m you, or rather; I am what you stored away.?

?Huh?? Trunks stared blankly at himself, completely unaware of what his copy was going on about.

?Ignorance is bliss,? he muttered softly. ?I guess the opposite is true.?

It didn?t take a genius to notice that the Mirror Trunks was talking down to Regular Trunks, so it?s no surprise that the he would catch onto this and get annoyed by- himself. ?Listen here! I don?t know who you think you are Mister high-n-might, but I didn?t ask to come to this shitty place or see this shitty flip show of yours- so don?t even start!?

?First off, I didn?t bring you here,? he started. ?You brought yourself here, even though you weren?t supposed to.? Trunks? doppelganger shook his head in disappointment.

?What are you talking about?? asked Trunks who was still oblivious to what was going on.

The mirror version of Trunks stared at himself appraisingly, trying to gauge whether or not it would be a good idea to attempt explaining what had happened. ?Well,? the doppelganger took a deep breath to ready himself for clearing up the whole mess. ?We? you? us? decided it would be best to forget about the past and go on. There wasn?t anything for us there anymore; if you knew what we?d lost you would agree that this is the most correct solution.? Even though he was saying this, Trunks didn?t think his twin actually believed in what it was saying.

?I don?t believe you? He replied defiantly, even though the hybrid been through the ringer with the memories he?d witnessed- they couldn?t all be bad.

A dark smirk parted his twins? lips, giving the Mirror Trunks a disturbing appearance. ?You?d think that, but you haven?t even gotten to Jun?ai.? Suddenly the mirror image was holding a small child wrapped in a lavender coloured blanket, cooing softly.

Without any warning, a piercing pain began to stab at his chest, powerful enough to cause the hybrid to clutch his chest and cry out in pain. But even that pain wasn?t enough to make him literally cry; yet, he couldn?t stop the tears that were now streaming down the sides of his face like an ever flowing fountain. What was it about the name ?Jun?ai? that cause such a reaction, why was it so important, and what did it have to do with the small infant his reflection was holding.

?Just a taste of real pain and you can barely stand it,? the baby vanished from Mirror Trunks? hands and with it so did the ache and tears that had come with it. ?Stop meddling already and forget about all of this, go back to our blissful existence of fun and games- trust me it?s better than this.?

Before Trunks would be given a chance to reply to his other self, he was thrust back into the harsh reality of Brim?s games. It wasn?t a memory, but something had definitely changed. The once vibrant colors he?d seen had become washed out and dark, everything was louder and sharper, and a strange chill had crept up to wrap itself around the lavender haired boy. Whatever the hybrid had experienced in the depths of his mind, changed the way he perceived everything and robbed him of the confidence and light-hearted existence he?d been living.

Unsure of himself, Trunks walked into the crowd of warriors to watch the fight between his father and Raditsu all the while trying to ignore the sense of dread that now stuck to him like a foul smell.

[Zarbon]

?Amazing?? Zarbon gazed at the sheer ability the men fighting contained. He was mostly impressed with the two saiyans. They had power beyond the transformer?s imagination. He would kill for that power any day: except today. His mind was still tormented by his feelings about Brim and this tournament. The thoughts overwhelmed him so much that he couldn?t take any action about it, just stand there and watch as the strongest fought each other. The mutant had a whole new definition of death, pain, and sorrow, and he didn?t like it as much as the last one, where he was the one doing it.

His brain continued to dig deeper. Had he been so cruel? Had his ambition been too high? Did he want everyone around him to become like this? If he ever achieved his goal, there would just be more moments like this: a bunch of people, crying in a dark room, expressing their sadness by murmuring the names of those they lost, just waiting for their turn to die. Perhaps his dream would crush others. Zarbon?s frown sank deeper then it ever had before. The transformer stood as still as a log there, just thinking about it: if he could be the next Brim. He gritted his teeth slightly. He was now, playing as a pawn when he wanted to be a king.

?Maybe its better to play white other then black?? Zarbon closed his eyes and looked up at the ceiling, letting all liquid drain out of his eyes. He had had them open for sometime. While he was doing this, the transformer felt someone grasp his shoulder slightly, trying to get his attention. The transformer?s lids flickered open and he turned to see Gero standing there, still seeming as sad as ever. His face appeared to be older and more worn. He spoke low and cheerless to Zarbon:

?I agree.? 20 had tears streaming from his eyes endlessly. ?This place is a living hell, but we aren?t getting out. We are finishing this to the end, and we are going to end this tournament or die trying.? The android?s eyes had been as fierce as a flame. With his friend gone, he was consumed by hatred. Then again, Zarbon had too: all for Brim, the host who dragged them into this. The transformer nodded back and turned back to where the fighting was. Gero came and stood beside him.

?I wonder how long this will take.? Zarbon said as his eyes followed the fight. ?We will never get back into the tournament at this rate.?

?And as long as we are not in the tournament, we can?t avenge Krillin?? 20 responded in sadness.

?Soon enough my friend, soon enough.? The transformer stood upright and solid, and kept on gazing at the strength of those battling in the arena. ?The time will come.? As the mutant looked at the men fighting, he made a small plan in his head. ?And maybe we can get some people to help us. I bet they have a bone to pick with Brim as well. After this ?Burter? died, a lot of people were upset, I?m sure they got something against the host now. Maybe we can give this whoreson what he deserves.? Zarbon shook his fist and smirked at his plan.

?Right.? The android answered, still sounding depressed. ?We just need to find the right people. Though we need to wait??

?Why don?t you just ask now?? Zarbon raised an eyebrow slightly.

?Brim is watching us. I know it. This is a television show after all. He will be pissed if he sees someone planning to go after him. In fact, we should keep quiet now too, or he will have our asses.? The android looked around, searching for cameras or anything that the host could use to keep tabs on them.

?I suppose your right.?

?For now, we will just watch the fight, Zarbon. Wait until we get out, and then we will get to business.?

?Agreed.? Zarbon turned his concentration back to the fight at hand. It would keep him busy for long enough at least. The transformer knew it would take alot of work to pull off what 20 and him were talking about. Taking down a whole competition and a man with no mercy. At least he would end this madness...

As soon as they were out.

OOC: I found this one a bit tough to write...

[Raz]

Words exchanged between them being little more than verbal currency, yet the youth had fallen into dept as he couldn't gather enough change to form a dollar. More had added onto the reasoning now that his father's demise was certainly a true matter, unfortunately the feelings for loss fell on deft emotions. After all that he had seen, after all that he had been through there had developed a place in the pit of his being that concealed such things... sadness and anger suppressed down into its simplest form, placed away into a void unto which they should remain.

"I'll be back. I need to take care of some things first. In case that damned Brim does something before I get back, if ever you should need me, contact me on this," Bardock tapped a finger against the scouter that sat upon his left ear, indicating it for communicational uses. "I'll find you, I promise."

Managing only a nod of his head, that is what the halfling did. It was funny, Goten remember the same promise being made to him by his father just before setting out on his own during the DA tournament. He took it as a suggestion, not a promise though. Bardock's facial expression switched over to a grin as his grip upon his grandson's shoulder tightened with a friendly little shake.

"It was good seeing you again, kid. Don?t get killed. Do our family proud, eh?" And with that, he left. Not having time enough for any words to escape his curious mind all the hybrid could do was nod and smile.

"Yeah, I'll be trying." Spoken more to himself then anyone, it was easier that way. He didn't have to keep a promise to anyone but himself.

...

"Not until I see your rotting corpse." Flames of golden color whipped about the prince's body as a shot of energy flung his raven hair into a stricken blonde color, electricity began bounding off the now tensed muscles of the Saiya-jin warrior. Raditzu followed along almost by procedures for now the two resided in the state beyond that of what legends of Saiyan past had predicted... they both presented their ascended abilities.

"Not happening." Shooting forward as if a bullet launch from its chamber, the super powers began their assault upon each other. Each swing seemingly possessing the strength to knock entire civilizations to their knees, each rush of renewing power surging in gusts about the stadium. Probably the reason why Brim positioned the cage so near to where the battles would be raging, hopefully a stray blast would pick off one of the captives being held.

Though the surges of wind he stood, watching the two behemoth powers battle like there was no future for either of them. It was amazing in a sense. Definitely admirable, but just amazing to think someone could achieve such strength. His eyes broke from the battles outside, turning to look at the group trifles inside the prison...

"You've still got your collar, you're a captive." Goten became aware of the circular device about his neck once again, his hand came up about it by slipping two fingers in between his skin and the ring itself. The metallic that made up his cuff were warm, as they had been when it was first placed upon him, more so was the presence of small glass pieces around the insides of it. That was probably the way his was designed... the rest of the participants were most likely different to insure that if a way of destroying one style was found, the others would be unable to disarm themselves in the same fashion. But it was just a guess. "Can you feel it? You're not getting out."

"..." Pitted against some of the most devastating warriors in the galaxy, some of the most determined fighters he had ever come across was him. The Saiya-jin had retreated into himself near the corner of the prison near the back, held up from being a social butterfly to be a more secluded lone wolf. Arms still crossed above the youth's chest, one leg propped up against the wall with his back. "I will." An inaudible mumble filtered past his lips in response to this deeper voice alike to his current one, contradicting as best as possible with definition in his speech.

"Not as long as you hold that innocence?s of a child about you," that was right, he had been keeping that part of him alive for the longest time... one of the reasons he had been so laidback and carefree about things. "you'll never be strong enough."

"The hell?" There was just him, just Goten, just a boy who had grown up through the course of childhood to a teenager alone and by himself. He had realized long ago that there was no need for anyone else, he was an island. Restraints on his abilities... the collar about his neck had a sudden shrinking feeling on him, making it seem as though was being choked by something or someone as there were several coughs the hybrid let out.

"Your world is closing in on you, I know you can taste the emotions you've been trying to hide."

There was little the hybrid liked to talk about, even more so with himself, though there was no doubt there was a feeling of enjoyment when he had taken that initial rush against Cell... an accelerated pleasure that filled him during those first few moments that brought him into the light of being the hunter. Looking down upon the green colored prey with eyes of a hawk flying over the cloud rippled sky, spotting the significant rabbit far below trying to escape.

"That's not me," Goten rejected, throughout his entire lifetime he had never had a lust for killing, never once wanted to take a life out of sheer thrill of a kill. Though now it was as though his new self was trying to take over... invading the space of reasonable logic, casting aside a part of the youth that knew it was wrong to do such things. The teen was torn between the playful life of a child he once was and the older hardened warrior he was to become. Goku, Gohan, Rad, Bardock, all of them were fighters of their own make... all of them excelling in the skills of battle and yet here the boy was in an argument with himself. Twisting about his visions of the world to make it look as though he were the victim, antagonizing him to realize this mistake in his design.

"... Recognize it, hate it, know it, you are it."

"Shut the hell up!" He broke. Falling forward out of his relaxed stance to take up the ground in front of him, turning to plow a fist square into the hard metallic wall nearby to let it ring upon contact. Standing there, not caring if anyone was looking, eyes burning with a distinct passion now as another swing came around to slam itself into the point where his last attack had landed. Another, and another, and another till his random display of anger had diminished into a dull soreness in his knuckles. Upon the wall an indention had been made, in the middle a few splotches where the boy's blood had started to collect from the torn skin about his fists.

This was all too revealing to the teen, everything coming so quickly that he was turning to the most comforting of ways. Though it might not have been the best, it was the easiest, and you didn't see as many truths through the dark...

[Reijin]

?I suppose, let?s roll, I came from the mountains, breaking away from my initial group, I think I saw a crimson tower to the east of the range about fifty miles.? Uub was still talking to them about where they should be headed. He touched his Scouter for a moment, and then nodded to assure them of the distance. ?Yeah, fifty miles, though I wonder why it?s unmarked on the map??

Vejita pointed at the map. ?Actually, it is right here.? His map was shredded from previous battles, but it was still usable. The location of the tower was indeed marked, although it was very small on the map and not really that noticeable until you knew where to look in detail.

?Maybe for a reason, this is some shady shit...this could be a trap.? Reijin spoke, allowing a faint trickle of energy to envelope him. ?But it?s the first chance for some real excitement.? To demonstrate his enthusiasm, he hovered a thin slice of air from the ground.. ?What?s your call my Prince?? Reijin?s eyes glinted a bit with bloodlust, as the only thing he could think of what dealing with Brim and his little ?game?.

Vejita stared at the map for a few moments, in conflict with himself mentally. Finally, he cleared his throat and spoke. ?We follow Uub?s lead, maybe it is the Tower the Angel mentioned.? He seemed sure that the tower on the map was the same tower that the Angel had stressed for them to go to.

?Like strings on a marionette we are controlled, and when the string be pulled we dance into action,? Uub replied, giving a slight and almost sarcastic bow. Vejita shot him a glare. Uub looked at him, and rather than explain what he meant, he simply turned towards the distant mountains. ?Alright then, follow me.?

Vejita looked around them and saw Reijin. Behind Reijin he saw nothing more than overturned market stands and fallen accessories. ?Must?ve taken off without us.? Reijin wasn?t quite sure as to what he was referring, but he simply shrugged in agreement. He may have been speaking of the blond human, but Reijin really had no care one way or the other. Finally, Vejita pulled out a small communication device. ?Olibu, where in the hell did you go? We?re on our way towards the tower, slow down and meet up with us if you want to check this shit out.? He ceased transmission, and then looked everyone in the eyes as he awaited a response.

Finally Reijin had to let out a sigh of aggravation. ?So who exactly are we supposed to follow here? We?ve got a nerdy little werewolf on one side, and then some glowing angel on the other side. They both are probably working for Brim.?

Uub simply shrugged. ?Either way, we have no choice but to play this game until we can find a better opportunity for ourselves.?

Reijin ground his teeth slowly together. Finally, he sighed. ?You?re right??


Uub?s eyes widened slightly at this. He was a little surprised that the ruthless Saiyan had actually not argued with him and acted on impulse. Perhaps this Saiyan was not as impulsive as others of his race.

A slight static dampened voice began to transmit over Vejita?s communicator. ?? mountains not too far? blood? I see? from the openings? will wait for you.?

Vejita gave the others a look. ?Well, I guess that this couldn?t have been easy.?

Reijin shrugged. ?Guess not.? With that, he allowed the caressing feel of his aura to surround him, and he flew straight up into the air. Mere seconds after he flew, the others followed him. ?I wonder what we?ll find when we reach Olibu??

The tan skinned human?s words were fairly grave. ?Hopefully whatever blood he was talking about isn?t about to be ours.?

Chuckling, Reijin gave a doubting response. ?Aren?t you a fair bit bored of this lack of action so far??

Uub shot Reijin a smirk. ?I for one, never have a problem getting ?action? as you refer to it.?

The Saiyan had no idea what Uub was talking about. So he just turned and looked off into the distance. The trees seemed to have begun to acquire a crimson hue, showing that the colder times were indeed upon them. At least, from what Reijin could see, it was still going to be daylight for a good bit of time. Catching up with Olibu proved to be no real task in itself. It all started when Uub made a point of catching up to Reijin, and then began to fly exactly one foot ahead of him. Then Reijin increased his speed a slight bit until he was exactly one foot ahead of Uub. The human then burst into full speed, flying as fast as he could pre-transformation. Within a moment, Reijin was ahead of him. Uub?s silver emblazoned aura flared around him, and he was once again ahead of Reijin.

Reijin, like a golden demon, ignited his Super Saiyan ability and streaked once more past the human. He turned, laughing at the human, when they both were silenced by what seemed to be a flaming meteor hurtling past them. The two of them stopped in midair and looked off into the distance to see the form of a phoenix facing them. Uub finally let out an exclamation. ?What the hell??

Reijin peered off in the distance a bit, and then finally spoke. ?That son of a? It?s Vejita.?

Vejita suddenly appeared before them, laughing incredulously. His Super Saiyan 2 aura was streamlining around his tightly muscled structure. ?You both suck,? was all he could manage through the laughing fits.

Uub and Reijin spit on him at the exact same time. Then they turned and looked at each other and laughed a bit at the rather unplanned team-up. Vejita?s jaw dropped a bit, and he wiped his hand around his mouth. Then he gave them each a cold stare. ?I?m going to fucking kill you.?

Before his speed enhanced hand could reach them, Reijin grabbed Uub?s shoulder and tapped his forehead. Vejita struck thin air.

Moment?s later, Vejita reappeared next to Reijin, Uub, and Olibu in-flight using the same Teleportation technique that Reijin had used. Olibu interrupted the two laughing fighters as soon as the leader showed up. ?So what kept you two??

Vejita glared at the Herculean warrior. ?The unplanned death of two of your teammate?s,? was his answer.

Olibu gave him a grave look and motioned to the ground. ?I found some form of caves going into this mountain.?

?Wait? I thought we were going to head to the tower?? Uub looked curiously off in the distance.

Nodding, Olibu replied. ?Yeah, me too. Unfortunately, I didn?t see a tower. Anywhere.?

Uub snorted. ?I could show you exactly where it is.?

Olibu shook his head. ?No, you can show me exactly where it was. I found ruins. That was it.?

Silence overtook the other human until Reijin interrupted. ?Ok? So the angel?s plan isn?t going to work. So about those caves??

Olibu nodded once more. He jabbed a finger over his shoulder at a clearing in the mountainside. ?Look at the ground.? Everyone followed his lead, and saw a large amount of corpses lying around the opening. ?Does everyone remember the last time we saw these things??

Uub looked at the group, not sure if he should give his opinion, when Vejita interrupted. ?Yeah. They fucking got up.?

?So what are we waiting for?? the younger Saiyan replied. With that, Reijin descended quickly, touching the ground and immediately lifting back off. Moments later, he waved at everyone. ?No ambushes yet.?

Almost immediately, they all landed, and looked around them. "I don't see a watchtower, but here are the mountains," Olibu spoke. They all cautiously watched the corpses.

Vejita voiced his annoyance openly. ?I hate this shit.?

Reijin simply stepped towards the cave, calling back over his shoulder. "Well," Reijin began, "Let's go in."

----------------------------------------

Post 1

[Hellfighter 17]

A low, yet audible, moan was erupting throughout the arena; over the dust brushing against the walls, or even the flurry of fists being thrown at an opponent, but only one person heard it. Their green ears picking up on the waves in the air, but the brain did not pay any attention; it was focusing on the circular, metallic object. The namekian?s eyes were glistening and his heart was beating, all accompanied by the palms of his hand sweating. Grasping tightly onto the hole of death, Piccolo moved his feet, causing dust to surface from the ground and dirty his clothes.

Seventeen?s body was pressed up against the wall with his forehead leaking onto the seemingly-impenetrable surface. ?Agh,? he moaned, trying to twist his head into a vantage point whilst his lips formed into a grimace. The android?s mind would not allow the body to reach it maximum in this state of pain and bewilderment. The humanoid?s eyelids started to come down every few seconds, their weight beginning to increase. Using energy to keep himself conscious, Seventeen could not find the mental process to free himself of the green bean and place the collar back to a safe position.

Suddenly, the robot?s eyes widened as he could feel his mind being overcome by another force. He could not grasp just what it was at first. Soon, though, he could hear breathing on the other end, but no words were uttered as of yet. ?I. . .? His eyes perked up as the voice on the other end was recognizable with only one letter being said. ?I. . .still love you, Seventeen.? The android?s face picked up from its former state of paleness and colour flushed to his cheeks. ?I always will.? With those last words, the hell fighter could feel his mind becoming his under his complete control again. She was gone, for now.

Piccolo?s eyes widened as he pushed more energy to his hands. His brow furrowed and his ?eyebrows? formed an obtuse ?V.? His body surged forwards and the robot?s head went smashing into the metallic wall, opening another hole for which his crimson blood to flow from. ?N?? The humanoid?s eyes began to become clouded by tears. Seventeen?s voice starting to fragment with rasp sounds rupturing every now and then.
?N. . .o.? The robot?s hair began to lift off of his scalp as his power surged, with strands clotted together by dried blood. A wind draped in burgundy erupted around Piccolo, distorting his view. The namek?s hands clenched tighter onto the ?droid as his body was pushed back by the power. ?I can?t?? Seventeen stopped himself mid-sentence, choking on blood that had spurted into his throat. After forcing it down, the humanoid continued: ?I can?t fail her.?

Piccolo?s left eye twitched as he was thrown back and to the left slightly by the power, but he still tugged on the hole of death. ?I must live!? the robot shouted, forcing himself off of the wall. His body pushed the namekian?s back, causing him to fly through the air. Seventeen?s face contorted as his brow seemed to be thickened and his hair was floating wildly above his head, advocated by the power rushing through him. His arms leapt back, searching for his collar; the appendages appeared to be dislocated by how far they reached and at what angle. ?I won?t!? shouted the synthetic human, grasping onto the namek?s arms. As their bodies flew in mid-air, with only the propulsion from the ?bot?s surge of power keeping them up there, Seventeen allowed his emotions to run freely as he had when he began pummeling Cell at the hospital. The humanoid?s fingernails began to puncture the green skin on the forearms. With blood seeping underneath his nails, the robot continued to push forth his power, not allowing Piccolo to let go of his hole of death. The namekian screamed out, with his fangs being barred, and his eyes widening.

The robot, after attaining a suitable hold, pulled the arms towards him, then, before they hit the ground, forced himself into the air, propelling the two of them. Piccolo?s body now swung before Seventeen, slamming against the cybernetic legs. The hell fighter finally allowed the body of his aggressor to slip down towards the ground. He watched, with heavy breathes, as the bludgeoned green bean fell for the ground.

After Seventeen?s breathing calmed down to a healthy rate, he held his hands up. His palms and the undersides of his fingers were the first in his view, but he slowly curled the fingers inwards, showing his nails. Seventeen looked with awe, he looked at them like he had never looked at anything before; there was blood underneath his fingernails.

The humanoid?s head shook violently, amazed at the sight before him, it was such a common trait in battle to have red on your hands, but he had never seen anything like this in such a way.

A pain engulfed Seventeen?s mind as the clasped hands of Piccolo enveloped around the synthetic neck. The humanoid?s eyes widened and his mouth was left ajar. The cybernetic body began to propel towards the ground at an amazing rate, with the namek diving after. Just before the robot would hit the ground, the green bean used his emerald hammer to knock his opponent in a direction again, this time towards one of the walls, though. Allowing his fellow combatant to reach his destination this time, Piccolo allowed himself a short breather to recover from the previous inflictions.

The humanoid looked up from his position on the ground, seeing the super namekian raging towards his location. After his breath left his body in shakes, the robot, jumped up, reaching over his opponent. With eyes shaking and face without focus, Seventeen leapt down towards his aggressor again, landing behind green bean. The robot grabbed ahold of one of the emerald arms and pushed it behind Piccolo?s back and forced him towards the wall.

The humanoid looked down towards the hand he had taken grasp of, with eyes misty and face lacking focus for anything. The pupils glanced towards the green fingers and the extended fingernails; there was blood underneath his fingernails.

OOC: Done. Shocking revelations for HF. Yea-yuh. BTW, those speech parts in italics is telepathy from Selipa. I've had permission to do that for a while now. So, yea.

[Reijin]

No sooner had the Saiyan spoken then everyone was suddenly enveloped with a flash of light. None of them had time to even throw up the slightest defense before it overtook them. All Reijin could think was ?Great. So there WAS a trap.?

It took him a few minutes before his eyes finally began adjusting to the darkness around himself. He hadn?t had a chance to gain his bearings yet, and he could only see dark forms moving about around him. Reijin decided that he?d simply listen to voices until his eyes could fully acquaint themselves with the lack of light. Off to the side, he heard a few voices that he couldn?t recognize. He tried to act unconscious, not knowing if these were fighters of Brim?s pay or what.

Suddenly he saw a spark of light. His eyes finally adjusted as he saw Raditzu standing next to Bojack, both of them smoking cigars. He was caught a bit off guard. Was Bojack turning on them and joining with Ragnarok? ?How about you come with me? Maybe we?ll save the world or something.? Those words flowed with Rad?s voice in them.

?Really??

?No. But we do have a winter cottage.? The flowing mane of the Saiyan seemed to shake furiously as he laughed a bit. Finally, he inhaled deeply on the cigar as Bojack smiled.

?I always was a sucker for romantic excursions.?

Reijin couldn?t believe what he was hearing. Bojack was leaving them for Ragnarok. He turned to his side and found Vejita next to him. He attempted to speak, but then Vejita began to run his head. ?You?ve got to be kidding me,? he mumbled. ?Let me guess, they teleported us again??

?More than likely. It appears that all the fighters from the beginning are here, minus a few hands full.? Reijin could only reply with what he knew. He finally just decided that Bojack could do whatever pleased him the most. He cared not. Next time, Reijin would not be healing him. Next time, if it came to it, he?s simply finish what he had started on Dante.

Another voice attracted his attention nearby. "Where I go I do not know. The road that lies ahead of me is dark and full of vengance. You are both my friends and my trusted alliance companions. Whom I would entrust with my life. To whom I shall always answer your call and stand true. Stand as one of you. Forever allied to you here and forever more. Know now if I fail, to where ever I head to. I just wanted you to know that.? Reijin saw Bebi walking up to them, babbling like a madman. The Saiyan was never quite sure on the mental state of the creature that they had found themselves allied with, but before he could speak a word about how Bebi was sticking by them while the Ader wasn?t, Bebi simply turned and walked away.

Reijin and Vejita shared a look. ?What was that about?? Reijin could do nothing but shrug in response to Vejita?s question.

Suddenly, Reijin clasped his ears as an unholy screech from hell filled the chambers, attracting the attention of everyone within. ?I?ll KILL him!? Reijin looked over and saw a very angry young girl. He had seen her once before on Dante, while he was inside of a healing chamber, but had never truly spoken with her. She was very beautiful, for a halfbreed Saiyan. He could see silky aqua hair hanging around her shoulders, and her very presence emanated both a beauty and sleek power that could not be denied. Reijin smirked a bit. She was acting just as she had been when he had seen her on Dante, except this time her eyes were soaked with tears. Tears of rage.

?Are you stupid?? Raditzu had walked up to her threateningly, throwing his arms in the air in frustration. Reijin was curious as to what they were talking about, and slowly began to walk towards them.

?This is none of your business, you cocky prick!? Truer words had never been spoken in Reijin?s presence and he found it rather hilarious.

?You really think you can succeed where Burter failed?!? Reijin wasn?t sure what Raditzu was talking about now, as he had no idea who Burter was. ?He was an experienced, powerful, battle-hardened warrior and you?re just a pissed off little the girlt.?

Reijin looked to Vejita, ready to say something light about the situation, when he noticed his Prince was deep in thought, a very somber look adorning his face. Reijin decided better to not say a word.

?What was that?? The younger woman stepped toward Rad, seemingly indifferent to massive power difference between them.

?You heard me. How many times did that stupid reptile have to come to your rescue? Or get you out of a tight spot?? Rad closed the distance with her a bit more threateningly. ?You fucked things up when he was around! What do you think you?ll be able to do now that he?s gone??

Vejita made a sound of anger from nearby. ?You know he?s lost his fucking mind.? Reijin gave him a glance, now as curious about Vejita?s stance on this as he was regarding the argument. The entire prison cell had grown quite, save for another smaller argument off to the side.

?He?s not gone! He?s died before and we?ve brought him back!? she screamed in denial.

?Are you stupid or something!? Look around. Where is he? Sense him anywhere? Need a scouter?? Raditzu removed his own scouter and thrust it into her face with great exaggeration, laughing at her loss. She slapped his hand away, sending the scouter rolling.

?Watch it.? Two words sent chills to most of the room.

?Or what? You?ll get mad? Do you really think I?m afraid of a little girl like you?? Reijin noticed Vejita begin to slowly walk forward at this.

?You stupid, arrogant piece of sh??

?Shut up!? Raditzu yelled, interrupted the girl.

Vejita began to step forward again, but Reijin grabbed him by the shoulder. Apparently he knew more of this girl than Reijin did. Vejita yelled at them, but his yell was drowned out by more furious quarreling.

The girl simply crossed her arm, and gave a very Saiyan-like smirk, very similar to the type that Reijin and Vejita employed regularly. ?Or else what? Hmm??

The sharp sound was something that penetrated even the deepest of warrior?s to the very center of their being. Raditzu withdrew his hand, as she hit the floor hard, and then returned her smirk. ?Or I?ll shut you up!? Reijin slightly widened his eyes. Rad had slapped the girl.

Nearly before hitting the ground, the girl was upon him, fists swinging furiously in uncontained anger. Before any true damage could be done, Reijin saw Uub grab her from behind, hoisting her up and pulling her away. He received assistance from another, and then he stepped in between the two, shooting Raditzu a look. ?That?s enough, Rad. You didn?t have to be so harsh.?

?Tch? when the truth really sinks in, that?ll feel like nothing.? Rad pointed at a smaller reptilian creature, and then said some things that Reijin could not hear from his present location. Finally, Rad peered around Uub?s shoulder at the girl, and prodded her once more. ?You think Brim would hesitate to wipe you out of existence? Or any of us? You think Burter would be happy if you got yourself eradicated? Is that what he died for?? Rad made a point of speaking loudly enough to attract the attention of all in the room. ?You guys can sit around all you want. I?m going to try and find a way out of here.?

Reijin saw Vejita close in the distance between he and Rad very quickly. ?I think you made a mistake.?

Raditzu spoke slowly and dangerously. ?Excuse me??

Vejita refused to back down. ?I meant about Bra. You must have made a mistake. Obviously you?ve lost your mind and thought she was me or something. Allow me to jog it back into place for you.? Mirroring the earlier slap, Vejita?s fist collided with the titan?s jaw.

Rad took one step back, and then gave him a look of blood. ?God damnit! What the hell is wrong with you??

The Prince of all Saiyans took a prideful stance. ?Still don?t get it?? Vejita was instantly sent reeling from the blow Rad sent his way.

?I get it just fine. You?re too worried about your own personal vendetta to think twice about you? tch? forget it.? Raditzu?s aura enveloped him and he tightened his fists coldly. ?It would just be a waste of breath.?

A sharp nod from Vejita showed this to be fact. ?At least we agree on that much.? He motioned toward his apparent rival. Reijin was curious, as he didn?t know that Vejita and Raditzu had even known each other, much less had some form of rivalry going. ?Warm up??

Raditzu spat openly and then gave him a look. ?You sure you wanna be embarrassed in front of your kids like this??

A great fiery glow lit the prison cell as Vejita?s aura surrounded him. ?Silence, you peon!?

?Oh, would you quit with the ?peon? bullshit?? Both of their golden streaked bodies began to crackle with energy, their hair rising in unison in an attempt to touch the sky. ?You?re just pissed because you can?t measure up to someone like me.?

The two began to fight in earnest, exchanging blows and words frequently. Reijin kept his ears open for any form of information that he could gather from them, but he decided to stay out of the fight. It seemed that Vejita could handle him on his own. After what felt like hours, though it was only a couple of minutes into the fight, two dual displays turned on behind them in the prison walls.

Reijin noticed that two other fighters that he had not seen before were also going at it in the other corner, but all stopped when the monitors came on. "Hello," the figure that all had come to recognize as Brim greeted them. Reijin could see bandages covering him, and a few swollen bruises. His face was as serious as it could get. "As I'm sure you all have heard, I have challenged your reptilian friend to a dual to the death, and I won. The battle has taken it's toll on me, as you can see." He gave a small smile. "I programmed Burter's collar to disallow him to exist when I killed him. I am sure you will be happy to hear this: I didn't kill him."

A few members of the prison cell began to talk amongst themselves while others simply made angry noises. Reijin simply waited for the punchline. He wasn?t sure who Burter was, but from what he gathered, the guy was well liked. "Burter killed himself at the last moment. He is still alive, somewhere out there. He did not go back to Arlia; but he is somewhere. I assure you, your lizard friend is still in this universe. Now, I know many of you want to battle me. I'm aware...but whether you like it or not, this is still my show, and this is still my game. You will play, simple as that."

Bebi was nearby once more, and could be heard audibly as he exclaimed ?We'll see about that..."

Then Brim gave a disarming smile. The kind of smile that was usually something Reijin did not want to see. "Things are being prepared for the game to continue. Until then, I will grant you this. If you have some frustration to let out, you can! Any fights will be taken into the gladiator dome, part of this building, where you can dual. Be warned: death can and probably will occur there." These words were spoken as the screens once again went dark, and everyone began to stir once more.

Reijin turned back towards Vejita, but suddenly Vejita and Raditzu vanished. A few cries erupted on the other side of the room as well. Then they were all teleported as well, being transported from cell to cell as an open display of power. Reijin found it a bit disorienting. He shook his head, but walked forward to see that they were once again in a cell, but this time instead of darkness in the distance, through the bars he could see an open arena. Down below he saw the earlier fighters, already preparing themselves for battle. Suddenly two other forms that Reijin did not recognize were hurtled towards the arena.

Reijin leaned against the left wall and slid down to a seated position as he looked down towards the fights. He could really do nothing more than watch. Everyone below seemed to have some form of history together, and Reijin was intending on asking about it later. He could see the aqua haired girl nearby, still in the prison cell. His eyes narrowly looked towards a form that was standing near her? He was familiar, but Reijin wasn?t quite sure as to? Trunks. The memory sparked in his mind and he snapped his fingers with a smile. The kid that seemed to think that everything was personal. It was truly a terrible thing to have to go through life constantly under the impression that everyone hated and despised you for personal reasons. Apparently Bra was this guy?s sister, from the similarities that Reijin now saw between them.

He turned and looked out through the bars. ?That means that they are both Vejita?s children?? he muttered to himself. What a tangled web they had woven indeed. Trunks had apparently not noticed him yet, and Reijin preferred to simply watch the fight. He had a feeling that if Trunks walked over, that they would end up below in a battle as well, and Reijin would then learn nothing from observing.

A loud sound erupted from inside of the chambers. Reijin turned suddenly, groaning a bit. How many of these people hated each other? Then he saw the fading form of Yamu lying on the ground, apparently dead. The youth was caught a bit off guard, as he knew how capable of a fighter Yamu was. The reptilian creature was standing over him, apparently saddened by this event.

Post 2

[Bardock]

Bardock kneeled uncomfortably in the silence. She seemed lost in her own world. Finally, without warning, she glanced up until her watery blue eyes were level with his. She stared at his face, a curious look upon hers. The android wasn't seeing him--she was looking at someone else. Raditzu's face resembled Bardock's, though not as closely as Kakarotto's, but there was more than enough to establish blood ties. The focus in Eighteen's eyes drifted back to reality, and she no longer saw Raditzu, but finally recognized who she was truly looking at.

"I'm sorry, I was thinking," she answered. "You're...Bardock?"

He nodded, a gesture only barely perceptible. The woman gazed at him anew, fully taking in his features. A clarity was visible in her eyes, thoughts passing through her mind that were unknown to him. His presence seemed to have some affect on her mood, which was kind of the point. Without warning, tears sprang anew, trickling down her soft cheeks.

"I don't want him to lose, I don't want him to leave, even though...even though, he hadn't talked to me, and I don't want to be alone here."

Bardock didn't completely understand what she was saying, but what little empathy that existed in his being could feel the emotions that were radiating from her. In a single motion that suprised the saiyan, she burst forward, burying her face in his broad chest, her hands clutched together against his shoulders. Needless to say, he was startled, and was completely lost as to what to do or say. His arms fumbled about as he wondered whether or not he should hug her. Comfort seemed to be what she wanted.

"I think I love him and...the RoSaT and..." she continued, weeping.

This was beyond his ability to comprehend. The passion that the android and his son shared was unmistakable, but it seemed like there was something between them, and she was just lost. That still didn't help Bardock figure out what to do about it. Before he had any further chance to deliberate the assistance he was to give, she pushed away, once again taking her desolate position against the wall. "I'm sorry..."

She drew her knees up, glaring darkly at the arena where the fight was taking place. A scorched hand rubbed away the stains of salty tear tracks. Bardock was at a loss for words. This was slightly awkward for him. He searched her face for inspiration.

"Eighteen!" a familiar voice called.

She didn't take heed, but Bardock turned, only to see the haggard face of Bra.

He kept silent, mind going almost blank with observation, as the young girl pleaded with the femme fatale to talk Raditzu out of fighting her father. The fighter was used to being constantly ignored and passed over. It only served to remind him how well he knew that no one but him cared of his existence. Bardock was regarded as a tool by most, nothing more.

He listened to their conversation, absorbing the words and their meanings. Although it was unintentioned, Android 18's words of fatherhood stung him as much as they were meant for Vegeta. But within those words came the revelation of a long cultivated feud between his son and his prince. Bardock felt obligated to say something to Bra on Vegeta's behalf, not for the prince, but for himself, but he was not insightful when it came to relationships, and certainly not articulate enough to say anything compelling. He opened his mouth to speak, and no sound came out. It wasn't even any of his business anyway.

This damned game had changed him so much, and it seemed irrevocable.

"Things have a way of...complicating themselves..." Bardock finally conceded, not sure if either of them were even listening to him or not. The words were...forced, although not insincere or unkind. "It's hard to be selfish and to care for others at the same time. You just want so bad for things to be how you think they should be. But when it comes to wanting...no two people's wants are ever the same. You can't make someone have the same wants as you. You can't ever make them truly understand how you feel, because they're not you. That's why I--"

He stopped, catching himself before uttering the rest. That was enough. That was all he could do. His monologue probably fell far short of consolation. He switched tack.

"It's important to have strength in yourself. In the end, if all else fails, then you know you can at least rely on that. But to have people who truly care about you--whether you see it or not--is a rare thing. Raditzu feels for you, Eighteen. I've seen it. I know that there isn't anything alive or dead that can bring him down without losing as much, or more, in return. And Prince Vegeta...he wants to be a father...he wants to be the best father in the world...but...it's...hard."

Bra finally looked at him, as if to say, What do you know? I don't even know you.

Bardock turned away, clenching his teeth. It was so much easier when he didn't have to care. But he couldn't help it now. A floodgate that he'd kept closed for so long was opening. And he hated it. So much. Things were simpler when he communicated with his fists, showed the world how he felt by fighting. Not everyone functioned that way...not everyone could see the world through their fists. Within him was a need to just be needed, whether he could deny it or not. He almost wanted to laugh. How ironic that he desired to be a pillar of strength for others, but could not give help when it was needed. How funny that he was failing so miserably. How funny that maybe for once he wanted to shed the skin of a monster and show people he could be something else. And how funny that no one had ever wanted to return the favor.

"Fuck you Brim. Fuck you for doing this to me," the saiyan cursed under his breath, so low that neither of them could hear. He turned back to Bra, who had returned her gaze to her father. Raditzu seemed to be looking at them, beaten and worn from his fight with Vegeta. Bardock forced any sign of weakness back within, once more putting up his coating of iron. They would only get to see what they wanted to see, and nothing more.

Except he couldn't hide the sudden sadness in his eyes.

He didn't even notice the sound that rang out, nor the one that followed, the one of the headless body of Yamu slumping to the ground, lifeless.


OOC: Too much? Numero tres.

[Burter Jr]

END OF ROUND

Piccolo struggled up against the wall, his torso sliding against it as the android behind him kept him pinned down. The namekian could feel his body tensing, a pain seering through his back. The android was going to end it.

Knowing that it would all come down to one final move, Piccolo shoved himself backwards, leaping up and backflipped over his oppenent. Hellfighter, fueled by his own RAGE, spun around, hands out, one shot to end it all. Piccolo looked down in mid-air, hands out...

Piccolo fired. Hellfighter fired.

One fell.

The electricity went out when the body crumpled to the floor. The lasers that confined the other players were gone.

The victor fell to the ground, breathing deep. He looked up as more and more figured began to invade the dome...hostile, dead looking creatures.

Hellfighter 17 gulped.

-----

"What do you mean we lost power?!" Brim was screaming, running with his son towards the exit. "I thought we could control them!"

"Something happened, Sir!" Said one of the goons behind him. "They went crazy! There were too many."

"I don't care about this building," Brim turned around and shoved the goon back as they hit the exit. "But get my power! We have to film this! We HAVE to!"

With that, the two hosts ran off to protect themselves.

-----

With the power out, it was difficult to see. Still, things were visible inside the dome.

Zombies were flooding the dome left and right. The surviving nineteen fighters had no choice but to fight. Fight or run.

Raditzu stayed on the ground, faking death, watching as the battle began around him. Vegeta backed away, choosing to let his rival live: for now. His words had sunk in, but the saiyan prince needed more time to process it all. He had seen the horned bloody figure that had fled their battle earlier in the game, but that wasn't what stirred his pot.

Bra. The dead being known as Satan had punched her twice, then kicked her away like a rag doll. Vegeta had never felt his rage build up so much in such a short period of time. He was off his feet and flying towards the demonic being once again before he even processed what happened. The young Bra, filled with rage, couldn't do anything in her normal state.

"Time for Round 2, you ugly ogre!" Vegeta, filled with the passion to protect his daughter, tackled the bloody lord of the dead. "Nobody fucks with my family!" The saiyan prince brought his fist down, cracking it against the deformed face.

The ugly horned beast just looked up, as if unaffected. "Done?" He then kicked the super saiyan back, so hard that Vegeta fell upon landing.

"I am sick of this GAME!" A femine voice shrilled up, her anger, rage, confusion and simply immaturialy getting the best of the young Bra. His hair rose and immuninated in a churray of gold, while her aura sparkled to match her father's. She brought her fists upon the seeminlgy invincible dead man's chest, only to have him shove her backwards into her father.

There was a third figure watching, the last missing peice of the Vegeta-Sei's royal family. Trunks was watching as his father once again charged Satan. He was slowly stepping forward, relectantly, not wanting to bother with it. His father could handle it...but then, maybe he couldn't. But all these zombies were right there for the killing. Trunks ducked one of the mindless droned and batted it away, going back to watching his two reletives lose.

Satan punched Vegeta, crunching his jaw. Trunks flinched, a small hint of anger raising up in his chest. Vegeta tried again, only to be blocked and then jabbed again. Trunks twitched this time...the feeling got stronger. He fought it...he couldn't go back to how it was...but seeing his sister and father there, helpless, triggered something inside him. Something he hated...but needed.

Trunks turned around, taking his mind off of things by kicking an already beaten corpse across the battlefield of a dome.

"Bra!" Vegeta had called behind him. He stopped, this time just listening. He could hear a grunt from his sister, then a thump that signified Satan falling and getting back up. Even though he couldn't see it, his heart became heavy again. His father was protecting his sister. Why wasn't he?

"Why...arn't I?"

A new facial expression emerged on Trunks' face. His power began to rise, his aura starting to slowly emerge. It had been so long since this feeling rose into his heart, since he could hear the magnificent crackles of his super saiyan aura. His hair glowed a brillliant gold, and his eyes a light blue. He slowly turned, looking to see the unlucky monster who chose the wrong family to mess with.

Things didn't stop there. Trunks was still growing in power and rage. This was it. This was his body. His life. His time. His family. Nobody fucked with them; and if they did, may they rest in the fiery debts of Hell.

Trunks shot forward, a saiyan reborn.

4. Piccolo - DEAD
7. Yajirobe - Wins Telepathy
12. Trunks - Wins Super Saiyan 2